Drum roll please...

As you may have noticed I have been MIA for a while. My internet access was SO SLOW that I just could not post to my blog or anyone else's! But now I've hooked up with another provider and am working at lightening speed! So hold onto your seats because I'll be taking you on the most creative journey in 2011 - starting with the launch of my website! (*squeal*) Can't wait? Well head on over to papercandy.com.au and follow the prompts to sign up for our newsletter and special offers all via candy mail! Sweet!

{C.I.Y} Craft It Yourself printables by Paper Candy

I haven't blogged for a while and this is the reason why... I have been busily designing my new Christmas gift tag {C.I.Y} Craft It Yourself Santa's Helpers printables!

All tags are supplied as a printable PDF file and personalised to make Christmas gift wrapping a whole lot sweeter!

Not doing on the whole ribbon and tag thing this year? Just print out the tags on sticky labels, cut them out and voila! You have just created your own (gorgeous) stick on tag - quick, simple and mess free!

View my Facebook page for more details and offers or email me at papercandy@live.com for more information. Happy crafting!

All Artwork is the property of Paper Candy. Printables are for personal use only.

Roll up, roll up!

Paper Candy presents: A Birthday Carnivale!

I held a Circus themed party for my son's third birthday earlier this year and it was so much fun! I turned my house into a circus tent, set up carnival activities and served as many circus inspired treats as I could make.

Activities: I set up my own mini Side Show Alley featuring childhood favourites like in the nose on the clown, Lolly Jar guessing game, Tattoos and a Photo booth equiped with dress-ups and, of course, red noses!

Food: Popcorn, Fairy Floss, Clown Face Cupcakes, Cream Pies, Hot Dogs, Clown topped Brownies, Big Top Jelly, and all washed down with Old Fashioned Lemonade.

Special thanks goes to Naomi from Sheer Image Photography for capturing those special moments that I missed! (Note to self: spend less time in the kitchen and more time mingling - and taking photos!)

p.s Stay tuned for a 'Shop the look' post and my vendor guide.

Nice Slice

Ditch the idea of wrapping leftover cake in napkins to give to guests as they leave the party and make way for the Donna Hay Cake Slice. It's such a cute (and mess free!) alternative and keeps each slice perfectly in tact!

Cake that!

My daughter is obsessed with Junior Masterchef and the CBeebies I Can Cook series, so needless to say she has already decided that she wants a baking party for her birthday celebrations next year. That's right... NEXT YEAR! Her birthday isn't until July so she has a long wait but in the meantime I'm collecting inspiration for this much anticipated event and was overwhelmed with the efforts of Brittany and Sara from One Charming Party. I love the whole vintage vibe and colour combinations but the piece de resistance for me are the custom chef hats - I'm def. stealing that idea and you can too as I've included the DIY tutorial below...

Oh those chef hats... I want one!

The chocolate dipped strawberry station

Delicious goodies for decorating cupcakes

The cake topper! Photography by Nicole Hill Gerlulat

Tutorial by One Charming Party via Amy Atlas Events

The Party had different activity stations: decorating the chef hats, dipping strawberries, making chocolate candies, mini apple pies, berry tarts, strawberry jam and of course, decorating cupcakes.

Mmm... I wonder who did all the cleaning up?

Follow the yellow brick road

Oh-My!
Two talented party gals have collaborated to come up with the most ah-mazing party theming event I have seen for a while. Kate from Kate Landers Events, LLC and Kim from The TomKat Studio have done such an awesome job in the details and styling of this birthday party that I just HAD to share!

Images from Kate Landers Events, LLC and The TomKat Studio. Photography by Open Shade Studios.

p.s The Dorothy Printable Party Collection will be available for purchase at The TomKatStudio v.soon so you too can pull off your own Oz-themed event!

p.p.s I just adore the mini hay bales and the baskets... and the custom aprons, frilly party hats and table runner... and the pettiskirts, ruby slippers, all the cookies... need I go on? I love it all! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

Shake yer Pom Pom!

I'm always on the lookout for different party styling ideas and let out a girly shriek of excitement when I found these... Pom Pom Cupcake Toppers from Ah-Tissue (cute name huh?).

And the fun does not stop there - move over fairy wands, because the next big thing on every girl's wish list this Christmas is going to be the Pom Pom Stick.

Dear Santa... are you reading this????

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

I have spent a number of years working on wedding magazines both in the UK and Australia and during this time there has been a steady increase in the number of brides that have opted for a non-traditional bouquet. I've seen feathers, paper, beads, vegetables (think asparagus and banana leaves!) and now this... brooches!

Nothing says vintage charm more than a bouquet filled with fab (sparkly) finds from op shops, your grandmother's jewellery box or craft stores. And best of all, it'll last long after your wedding day has passed! Check out these bling beauties for inspiration...

And not to be outdone by his bride - some bling for him...

Bouquets: 1. Hair Bows Wonderworld Etsy Store 2. Offbeat Bride 3. Hair Bows Wonderworld 4. The White Aisle 5. The Knotty Bride 6. The Ritzy Rose Etsy Store 7. Project Wedding 8. 1 Amanda Etsy Store 9. White Aisle Weddings 10. Grey Likes Weddings 11. The White Aisle

Boutonnieres: 1. Offbeat Bride 2. Hair Bows Wonderworld 3. Green Wedding Shoes

Here comes the {Cosmo} Bride

Calling all brides-to-be! Head to the news stands today to grab the latest issue of Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine and be sure to flick to Ann & Jason's beachside wedding... nestled amongst all the sea inspired decor is the Paper Candy starfish invitation! A big thanks to the girls at Cosmo for including one of my best sellers in their gorgeous mag. Here's a sneak peek...

If you're interested in purchasing this invitation or would like to discuss a custom design please email me at papercandy@live.com

Fab Find Friday {Part 2}

I know I've already done my Fab Find for today but now I have just come across this sweet little cupcake box from Traylor Papers and just HAD to share! It's shaped like an old fashioned store with detailed illustrations and moveable shutters.

You eat the cupcakes... I'm keeping the box!

Original source from The TomKat Studio

Fab Find Friday {Something Blue}

I love a DIY bloom and this one is no exception. The Something Blue Ring Pillow is lovingly hand cut and stitched by EmersonMade and finished off with ribbon printed with the words 'Say Yes'. Oh, and such a perfect size for tiny ring bearer hands — CUTE!

Movember madness!

The month of November (affectionately known as Movember) is now synonymous for the sprouting of moustaches on men around the world. They become walking billboards for the charity event which raises awareness and money for The Prostate Cancer Foundation, Beyondblue - the national depression initiative and the Movember Foundation.

How do you take part? Register online at movember.com and start the month clean shaven, before growing a 'mo'. And for us Mo Sistas? Celebrate at the end of the 30 days with a 'TASHE BASH! Gather all your Mo Bros to congratulate them on their fundraising efforts and have a light-hearted giggle at the final hairy results!

Need some mo inspiration? I have put together a mo board filled with ideas for party favours, mo decor and of course — a custom invitation!

1. Moustache Mug from Lazybone. 2. Men's all over mustache socks from Fred Flare. 3. Fingerstache: Finger Moustache Tattoos from Rawspace. 4. Mustache Jumbo Magnet from Accoutrements. 5. Limited Edition Moustache Necklaces from New York Couture Etsy Store. 6. San Churro Instant Grow Chocolate from Movember Australia. 7. Moustache Wine Glass Charms from Lily Jean Etsy Store. 8. Mustache Bandages from Incredible Things. 9. Mustache Napkin Rings from Modern Dose. 10. Stache A Day Button Magnet Set from How Nice Etsy Store. 11. Custom 'Tashe Bash' invitation from Paper Candy. 12. The Miniature Tiny Mustache Pick from The Small Object Etsy Store. 13. Moustache Cookies from Hello Naomi

Happy Halloween!

Summer Saylor Etsy Store

To market, to market...

This weekend, Sydney and Adelaide will each host Mathilda's Market - a haven full of creative handpicked artisans and designers showcasing their gorgeous hand crafted, original wares.

Sydney kicks off the event on Saturday 30th October at Paddington Town Hall between 9am and 1pm and Sunday sees a special debut at Norwood Concert Hall between 9am and 1pm for Adelaide's last market for 2010 so make sure you don't miss out!

Want a sneak peek to see what's on offer before you get there? Head on over to the Mathilda's Market website for a complete listing (and gorgeously styled pics!).

Prefer a pre-loved fab find? Then the Baby & Kids Market is the place to go! Mums sell their gently used baby and kids goods at very reasonable prices and it's a sure way to grab some amazing bargains! For our shoppers in Queensland, the Baby & Kids Market will be heading to St Joseph Nudgee College (2199 Sandgate Rd, Boondall) between 9am and 1pm with over 70 stalls to browse through. And for the kids? Face painting of course!

If you're in Sydney, head to Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview (Tambourine Bay Road) from 9am to 12 noon. Come prepared with lots of shopping bags and most importantly, cash, as there are no eftpos facilities at the venue.

Have some of your own things to sell? Head to the Baby & Kids Market website to grab a stallholders information pack.

Happy shopping!

Say CHEESE!

I was flicking through a bridal magazine the other day and came across the most amazing (and delicious!) wedding cake idea EVER - a three tiered cheese tower! Why didn't I think of that when I got married? I love cheese... I love it more than chocolate. I'll eat it sliced, grated, melted, shaved, crumbled and now, as a chunk of wedding 'cheese' cake!

For those of you that are as obsessed with pasteurised delights as I am, I've put together an inspiration board and have even included some cute ideas that would add some 'cheesy love' to a savoury buffet at a wedding. Bon Appetit!

1. Cheese buffet table by Sunday Suppers (photography by Karen Mordechai). 2. Celebration Cheese Cake available for order at Waitrose. 3. Love Bird Cheese Markers from Style Hive. 4. Clean Slate Risers from From This Next 5. Rustic Cheese Wedding Cake available for order at Fromage To You (12 Mill Hill Road, Bondi Junction NSW). 6. Stainless Steel LOVE Cheese Knife from Elegant Weddings Plus. 7. LOVE Pottery Plate from Hideminy Etsy Store. 8. Riedel Black Tie Bliss Wine Decanter from Tasting Tools. 9. Cheese Wheel Wedding Cake Tower available for order at Fromage To You (12 Mill Hill Road, Bondi Junction NSW). 10. Five Tiered Cheese Tower available for order at Formaggi Ocello. 11. Valley Lahvosh: Heart-Shaped Crackers from The Nibble. 12. Cheese & Herb Centrepiece (instructions for DIY available at Southern Living). 13. Heart-Shaped Cheese Board with matching Heart-Shaped Cheddar from Godminster Vintage Organic Cheddar.

Fab find!

They say the grass is always greener on the other side and in this case it actually is! This garden-esque place setting from Sharnel Dollar Designs is a must-have for your next enchanted outdoor themed event. And guess what? The flowers come with it too! Way too cute...

And in keeping with the theme, Paper Candy designed this custom communion invitation earlier this year... and it works perfectly with Sharnel's alfresco table top decor! Orders for this design or a custom design can be emailed to me at papercandy@live.com 

Oh boy!

Check out the launch issue of Cosmopolitan Pregnancy: The Ultimate Baby Checklist and head to page 50 to find the latest birth announcement design (top left - No.1) from Paper Candy (formerly Maria Centorino Boutique Stationery).

This birth announcement is double sided and can be customised to suit both genders and multiples! If you are interested in purchasing this card or would like to discuss a one off design please email me at papercandy@live.com

Prepare to scare!

With only seven days until Halloween, it's time to get the party preps started. I've put together an inspiration board to get your spooky juices flowing...

1. Halloween adhesive wall decals from www.modernwallgraphics.com (image courtesy of seedymartini@sbcglobal.net 2. Cake pops from Bakerella 3. Bloody Mocktail (recipe at www.parenting.com) 4. Vintage inspired Belle & Boo cupcake wrappers from lark 5. Halloween bunting from The Cotton Bunting Company 6. Halloween invitation from Paper Candy 7. Assorted spooky latex balloons from www.partiesonline.com.au 8. Trick or Treat inspired back packs from Monster Couture 9. Spider web wallpaper from Imprintables 10. Broomstick lolly bags (DIY instructions from The Celebration Shoppe) 11. Severed finger halloween invitation (DIY instructions from www.marthastewart.com) 12. Caution tape from www.costumebox.com.au 13. Ghost cookies from Just Cookies

So sweet!

How cute! Designed by Livework Studio in Seoul and available at uponafold.com.au these retro cards are a perfect way to send your sweet thoughts to someone special. Oh, and it comes with an equally cute transparent envelope - this is def. PAPER CANDY at it's best... yum!

Freaky Friday {Halloween Sneak Peek}

I'm in the middle of making up an inspiration board for Halloween but could not help myself and just HAD to share these amazingly ghastly Dead Man's Finger Sandwiches that I found on parenting.com They look so realistic! I have included the recipe below:

YOU WILL NEED:
• sliced white bread (crusts removed)
• margarine
• cream cheese
• almonds*
• strawberry jam
Gently flatten the slices of bread with a rolling pin. Spread with a little margarine and cream cheese. Roll up the slice of bread and make three indentations with a blunt knife to form the finger joints. Trim or shape the ends of the fingers to form a 'V' shape and stick an almond* on to each tip using a cream cheese to form the nails. Add a dollop of strawberry jam over the end of the finger for the blood!

* Please be mindful of guests that may have nut allergies. Sultanas can be substituted to give the same effect.

Here I am {finally!}

I've been working as a graphic designer for over 15 years and after much encouragement from my family and friends, I have decided to channel my skills and passion into my own business. Welcome to PAPER CANDY, a vision I've had for quite a while and would now like to share...