{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