Sparkling Events & Designs

The Sparkle Spot Has Moved

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sparkling Events & Designs has launched a new website and integrated blog!

Please join the celebration at www.mysparklingevent.com!

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{2011} BOOKS ARE CLOSED!

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's official, SED's books are closed for stationery and events in 2011! We are approaching our last few events this year and want to take a little break. I (Ebony) also would like to spend some much needed quality time with my family over the holidays, so not taking anymore clients is what I have to do. If you are already in progress for your order, you are in the books, so don't worry!

We've got some great things planned for 2012 and the 3rd year of Sparkling Events & Designs, LLC. Taking this time off will allow us to prepare for our growth and expansion. We are currently already booking dates for 2012, so if you are already planning your 2012 events, contact us now because we are going to be busy busy busy next year!

We hope you are going to be around for the ride!!! Buckle Up!!!!

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{Lavish Invitations} Snowflake Holiday Gala Invitations

2011-10-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

It’s been a long while since we have shared some of our invitation work. We are finally recuperated from the Designer’s Challenge and ready to showcase some of our work. The Links, Incorporated contacted SED to create some beautiful and unique holiday gala invitations. We were absolutely THRILLED to be contacted by such a prestigious and extraordinary organization.

If the invitation says anything about the event, it is going to be an AMAZING gala. So glad that we could be a small part of it. The invitations were printed on shimmer paper and Swarovski crystals were added to the snowflakes by hand to 400 invitations. We wrapped them in beautiful satin ribbon and affixed a beautiful Swarovski crystal brooch.

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Designer's Challenge - Results Are In!

2011-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

First, I’d like to again thank all of the participants for accepting this challenge and completely ROCKING it. You are ALL winners!

So without further adieu, here are the much anticipated results! The judges broke it down into 7 categories all based on the guidelines given to participants!

Results:

Activity Originality – Hostess with the Mostess

Unique Favor Idea – Hostess with the Mostess

Food Presentation – Bird’s Party

Best Interpretation of Theme – Eye Candy Event Details

Most Innovation Décor Idea – Piggy Bank Parties

Best Use of Budget - Four Way Tie!

Frog Prince Paperie

Hostess with the Mostess

Eye Candy Event Details

Piggy Bank Parties

Overall Winner - Eye Candy Event Details

Fan Favorite – Eye Candy Event Details

So there you have it! Please remember that I speak for ALL of the judges, Carolyn from CHS Creative Productions, Tanya from Save the Date for Cupcakes and Jillian from Catch My Party when I say this voting was very difficult and honestly, every single party amazed us. There was something that we loved about EACH of your parties. Thank you so much for your inspiration! Until the next challenge...

As a mechanism to bring you all of this wonderful party on a budget inspiration in ONE place, I’m introducing “The Benjamin Project”. An online electronic publication that will consolidate all of the challenge entries, vendors, judges and even giveaway contributors! I thought that this would be a wonderful way to take this little challenge to the next level and put these ideas at your fingertips. Readers will be able to download the publication and reference it as needed! I asked Kristy from The Purple Pug if she would partner with me in doing this publication and luckily she said Yes! Not only is she amazing at what she does, she is also quite the clever word-smither (is that a word). So please stay tuned for the first issue of “The Benjamin Project” in the coming months!

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{Designer's Challenge} Voting TIME!

2011-10-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Just a quick refresher for those of you who may not know about the intent of the Designer's Challenge. When SED was launched one of my missions was to be able to show people how they could have a fabulous event on a modest budget. This challenge has been in my heart since day UNO! I've enlisted some of my FABULOUS party gals to help me with this. These are women that I truly look up to, whose work I admire and serve as an inspiration to us all everyday.
The Challenge - Plan a party on a budget of $100! Must include tablescape design, favor ideas and of course desserts!
The Theme - Go Green

It's time to VOTE for your Fan Favorite!

All you have to do is click on the vote button underneath the challenger that you want to vote for and that's it!

One vote per IP address a day, voting ends Monday, October 17th at 6:00 PM

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{Designer's Challenge} Piggy Bank Parties - Jack and the Beanstalk

2011-10-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Challenger - Piggy Bank Parties

Jack and the Beanstalk

Designer: DoDriver of Piggy Bank Parties

Theme: Jackand the Beanstalk

Objective: Tocreate an enchanted adventure from the earth up to the sky for the birthday boy,Jack, and three of his friends.

Time: 2:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (The afternoon "sweet" spot when you don't need toprovide a meal.)

Guests: 4

Ages: 4-8

ACTIVITIES:

The activities table iscovered with kraft paper from a dollar store and secured with double-sticktape. Since we have a small house and the lil' guests will be diggin' in dirt,we chose to place the table in the kitchen which has an easy-to-clean tilefloor. A quick backdrop was created by attaching ruffled streamers andbeanstalk leaves from the Jackand the Beanstalk Collection with double-stick tape.

The Story:

After the party guests havearrived, the story of "Jack and the Beanstalk" will be read. Theguests will be encouraged to remember the people, animals and treasures thatJack encounters throughout the story. The storybook also serves as a guestbook. The lil' guests are asked to sign the inside of the front cover and afterthe party it will be added to the BirthdayLibrary as a memento.

Planting Magic Beans:

After the story, our lil'guests will head to the activity table where they'll plant their magic beans.Each guest receives a packet of bean seeds, a pot filled with dirt and a spoonto dig a hole for the seeds. After the seeds are planted, the guests then placethe pot in a sandwich bag and add a little bit of water to help their beanstalkgrow. Pots are placed in lunch sacks ready to take home and be planted.

String a Harp:

Once the magic beanstalks areready to go home, each guest receives a pre-cut and pre-punched cardstock harpfrom the Jack and the BeanstalkCollection. Our lil' guests are given string to create their own singingharp.

Magic Bean Toss:

Our bean bag toss was recycledfrom my Fifties Drive-in Birthday Party. We created hamburger bean bags for myparty by sewing together two pieces of felt and filling them with beans. Thegame board was made out of thick foam core. Instead of making new bean bags, Ichose the bottom bun, hamburger and lettuce to represent dirt and the leaves ofa beanstalk. The lil' guests will have fun playing this until their parentsarrive to pick them up.

TABLE SETTING:

I wanted to created anenchanted setting for the lil' guests. A green tablecloth served as thefoundation for the dining table and green chairs from our patio set were theperfect choice for seating. The centerpiece and focal point of the party—thebeanstalk—was created using a cardboard box, crumpled newsprint, a brown pieceof material, four green pool noodles, raffia and leaves from our Jack and the Beanstalk Collection.I placed the box in the center of the table, covered it with the tablecloth andthen added the newspaper to give it an organic feel. The pool noodles were tiedtogether at one end with raffia then weaved together like a braid. They weretied again just below the middle. Next I weaved the noodles through thechandelier and tied each noodle to one of the chandelier arms. The beanstalkleaves were curled by rolling the paper in different directions and attachedwith double-stick tape. To give the illusion that the beanstalk was growingunder the table, each table leg with wrapped with ruffled streamers.

Giant beanstalk leaves wereused as placemats. A clear plate topped each leaf and held Jack's cottage andmagic beans. The cottages are favor boxes filled with Green Apple and Watermelonjelly beans. A reclosable sandwich bag was used to hold the beans and tied witha leaf ribbon. Dimension was added to the roof by printing 1.25 extra roofs percottage on text weight paper. Cut the extra roofs into strips, make little cutsalong one edge of each strip and attach them to the roof with double-sidedtape. Then ruffle the fringe to make it look like a straw roof.

The leaf ribbon was used againto tie the brown cloth napkins which mimic the beanstalk growing near Jack's cottage.Green silverware from our picnic set was tucked into the napkin ring. The finaltouch to the table setting were the drinking glass jars wrapped with leafribbon and filled with cow's milk and green straws.

TREATS-n-TOYS:

The magic and mischief of “Jackand the Beanstalk” takes place high in the clouds at the top of the beanstalk.A magical Treats-n-Toys table was created using our infamous paper platebackdrop. This can be easily recreated directly on a wall for approximately$5.00. Ruffled cloud-colored streamers topped the backdrop while whitecardstock clouds floated in front. The clouds were cut out free-hand from whitecardstock, scrap pieces of foamcore added dimension and then they were suspended with fishing line to theceiling.

The puffy cloud table wascreated with reclosable bags filled with packing peanuts and topped with awhite tablecloth. The giant's castle was a bargain find at $2.99. The pictureon the front of the package stated it was made for ages 6+. Let's just say, itcontained 152 tiny pieces of balsa wood, no written directions and took twocollege grads--one with a masters in civil engineering--over 8 hours to puttogether. {Be warned!} The castle floated on top of three upside down popcornbuckets. To make them sit a little higher, I added crumpled newsprint andplastic bags in between the buckets until they reached the perfect height. "Fe,Fi, Fo, Fum" flags were attached to toothpicks then added to the castlewith poster putty. The serving pieces were all white except for the golden coinpurse to keep the table light and airy. The coin purse was made with a lunchsack and a piece of braided suede ribbon and the Silly Putty eggs were wrappedin florist's foil. The beanstalk would definitely poke through the clouds soleaf ribbon was added to the serving pieces with double-stick tape.

The menu of Treats-n-Toysincludes licorice beanstalks, cow's milk, golden chocolate coins, golden Silly Putty eggs, magic jellybeans, bean poles, meringue clouds, glowing bean bracelets and a cloud cake.Before the lil' guests eat, they are asked a few questions about the story as a"verbal" Scavenger Hunt. "What did Jack's mom ask him tosell?" They answer, "A cow!" and then they are asked to find themilk and it's served to them. "What did Jack get instead of money for thecow?" Answer, "Magic Beans!" and once they find the magic beans the lil' guests add themto their plate. The questions continue until they have filled their plates witheach of the Treats-n-Toys. After the Scavenger Hunt, it's time to sing,"Happy Birthday!" to Jack followed by the cutting of the cloud cake.

FAVORS:

Each lil' guest will taketheir own soon-to-be-a-beanstalk, golden Silly Putty egg, glowing bean braceletand a cottage full of magic beans.

BUDGET:

Treats-n-Toys:

Cake $6.82

Bean Poles $1.06

Licorice Beanstalks $2.26

Gold Coins $2.17

Silly Putty Eggs $4.00

Egg Foil $4.79

Magic Beans $4.76

Bean Bracelets $.98

Milk $1.14

$27.98

Servingware: $0

Invitations & Printing:

Cardstock $4.16

Envelopes $.42

Printing $3.45

$8.03

Décor:

Printables $30.00

Ribbon $4.56

Streamers $3.90

Castle $2.99

Pool Noodles $8.12

$49.57

Activities:

Book/Guest Book $7.61

Kraft Paper $1.10

Bean Seeds $1.08

Pots $.91

Potting Soil $1.28

$11.98

Favors: $0 (see Treats-n-Toys)

GRAND TOTAL: $97.56(Under budget: $2.44)

Vendor Credits:

Party Design, Styling,Printables & Photography: PiggyBank Parties

Castle and Florist’s Foil: Michaels

Ribbon: May Arts

Paper Plates: Party City

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{Designer's Challenge} Frog Prince Paperie - Plant a Seed

2011-10-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

Challenger - Frog Prince Paperie

Plant a Seed

"Plant a Seed” party

I really enjoyed working on this $100 design challengeproject – scaling back the budget meant the creativity had to get kicked up! Inthis party design meant to “go green,” I decided to use an earth-friendly“plant a seed” theme for a child’s birthday where most of the materials were foundaround the house, recycled, or reusable. And to put me on a level playing fieldwith all the moms out there that might want to try this at home, I did thisparty at grandma’s house – well away from my overflowing prop closet. I pulled off this party for four for awhopping $58!! You could add more kids to this concept for well under $100.

The design work I did for this party was done in such a waythat anyone could do it; I used a free font from the internet and kept it totext and a piece single leaf art. All the signs, etc. could be created insomething as simple as a Word document.

Grandpa’s garden was the perfect backdrop for this party.Mid-summer (and 97 degrees!) meant for nice lush green surroundings. We set apatio table in the hosta alcove under the Japanese maple trees to create asense of intimacy. Little orange garlands hung from the trees for a pop ofcolor. The table was set with a plain white tablecloth (free), and to add alittle more interest, I made runners from brown craft paper (from the dollarstore) and finished the edges with pinking shears.

Sheets of scrapbook paper served as placemats (29 cents asheet). To give them some style, I used an exacto knife to cut leaf shapes fromthe paper and then layered a contrasting green underneath. I used plain whiteplates that were on hand – I prefer to use porcelain to paper whenever I canfor less waste, and decent plates can be had at the dollar store if you needlots that can be used again and again.

One of my favorite touches was the napkins on the placesettings. I bought plain white napkins (dollar store) and using a few greenones from an old party that were on hand, made ruffles and sewed them to thewhite napkins for instant drama. This was an extremely inexpensive way to get avery designer look.

The children loved the little terra cotta pots at eachsetting. I picked these up on sale at Micheals and handmade the paper flowersthat went in each, using corn cob skewers as the stems and Styrofoam from andelectronics purchase as the base. Silverware (“gardening tools”) sat on top ofeach pot tied with jute and a name tag.

The birthday cake made for a perfect centerpiece, andsurprisingly, there were no little finger prints in it until it was time to cutthe cake! I used a box cake and canned frosting. The decoration were leavestaped to skewers and artfully arranged. The cake stand was my mother’s.

The cups tied with twine for lemonade were set to the sidewith a new watering can ($3) as the pitcher. I used old jam jars that were inmy mother’s cupboard. The frog prince paid a visit there as well.

In the name of all things recycled, we used an old armyfield table to display the food for the kids’ party. PB&J (crustless)wrapped in parchment, skewered grapes, recipe red strawberries, paper coneswith Pirate Booty, and “dirt” pots fill of worms were served. All the containers were either on handor picked up at the local thrift store. A tiny sewn bunting stretched acrossthe front of the table and big paper flowers in orange and leaf green set inrecycled tin cans adorned the table as décor.

For favors, I took several marigolds from dad’s garden thathad gone to seed and dried and separated them. I sewed the edges of ¼ pageprints that I made to form a seed envelope. The children took these, theirplace setting pots, and party activity home as a treat from the party.

To keep the kids occupied, we planted marigold seeds inrecycled yogurt cups. My father, a master gardener, showed the kids how toplant that particular kind of seed. Afterwards, he treated them to tractorrides around the neighborhood. (I think this was the favorite part of the day!)

The kids had a really great time, and I think the bestcompliment I received was from Gracie who said she wanted a “plant a seed” birthdaywhen hers came around!

This was so much fun, and I must thank grandma, grandpa, thekids and all the others that helped with the staging of this party. And thankyou to Ebony for inviting me to be part of your challenge!


Food
PB&J	Bread	$2.00
	Jelly	$-
	Peanut Butter	$1.00
Strawberries		$2.00
grapes		$1.69
Pirate Booty		$2.00
Cake Mix		$2.50
Cake frosting		$1.30
Pudding		$1.00
Milk		$2.00
Gummy Worms		$2.00
Oreos		$2.50
			$19.99

Tractor gas		$0.50
Potting soil		$4.00


Décor
terra cotta pots		$5.68
pitcher		$2.19
skewers		$0.99
corn skewers		$1.00
cardstock		$3.90
napkins		$1.00
jute		$2.50
garned gloves		$1.60
shovels		$1.60
brown paper		$1.00
berry basket (thrift)		$0.50
basket for pots (thrift)		$1.00
Striped/dot paper		$0.80
craft paper		$1.00
paper shred		$1.00	$25.76

White plates		$4.00
Double stick tape		$0.75
regular tape		$1.00
thread		$2.00	$7.75
			$58.00

Items we had:
cake stand
silverware
white tablecloth
mason jars
army field table
patio set
misc. trays
parchment paper
riding lawnmower & cart
Recycled tin cans
Recycled plastic cups
Other baskets
Foam from electronics purchase
Marigold seeds from garden

Grand Total $58!

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{Designer's Challenge} Love-The-Day "Eat Your Greens"

2011-10-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Challenger - Love-The-Day

"Eat Your Greens"

A little background, this topic is actually REALLY near and dear to my heart. My husband and I are HUGE advocates of healthy, clean eating and think it is SO, SO important to teach this next generation to eat "more greens." I can't even tell you how much this table represents me and how I feel about entertaining and eating in general. So in an effort to propagate healthy eating, my "Go Green" tablescape is called "Eat Your Greens."

Party Theme: "Eat Your Greens" Salad Bar
Favor Idea:
Activity Idea: Make Your Own Salad

Tables: FREE! Made from Wood Palates found on the side of the road (don't judge).
Tablecloth: Pulled out of my linen closet from a previous party
Place-mats: Already owned, but purchased at Target for $15.00
White Plates: My personal tableware (from Ikea)
Glass Ice Cream Bowls: $.50 each (on clearance booyah!!) so $2.00
White Centerpiece Jars: Found at a thrift store for $12.00 for the set (lids were cracked, but who needs lids??)
Glassware: Mason jars already owned, but purchased at Goodwill
Jute Twine: Already owned, but can purchase for $2.00 with a Michaels coupon
Coffee Filters: Found a HUGE pack (like 700) on sale for $3.00
White Iron Basket: $5.00 at a thrift store (Unique)
Wooden Baskets: $6.00 at a thrift store (Unique)
Green Basket: Pulled from my kitchen shelves. Can I use this for my "cakestand?"
White Serving Tray: $2.00 at Goodwill! Best find ever! I use it ALL THE TIME!
Babies Breath/Greenery: $12.00
Ivy: Cut from my back yard
Food/Herbs: $35

Grand Total: $94

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{Designer's Challenge} Hostess with the Mostess - Petals & Popcorn

2011-10-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

Challenger - Hostess with the Mostess

"Petals & Popcorn"

PETALS & POPCORN Bridal Shower
by Jennifer Sbranti / HWTM

Theme & Inspiration
I had so much fun putting this theme together! When I heard about the $100 budget element, I immediately knew that it was going to require "borrowing" a few accessories that I already owned from around the house and stretching the things that I did buy as far as they could possibly go (which in the case of the 2 silk hydrangea stems I purchased was pretty darn far!). I also immediately knew what the first thing I wanted to "borrow" was… the bold graphic floral duvet cover from our extra bedroom. I'd secretly been wanting to find an excuse to repurpose it as a tablecloth since the day I first bought it at Target (only $24.99 for the full-sized duvet + 2 shams!)… and it ended up serving as the main source of inspiration for the entire "Petals & Popcorn" theme.

The "Petals" portion of the theme coordinated well with the floral design of the duvet, and I introduced the "Popcorn" element for a few reasons:
1) I needed a SUPER cheap filler for the centerpiece - and a lot of it!; 2) to add a bit of whimsy & playfulness, and 3) it gave me a great excuse to incorporate one of my favorite treats – buttery English Toffee Popcorn– into the party favors and then eat all the leftovers. =)

Going Green
You might have noticed that my color palette for this party doesn't exactly fall within the green-hued family. I took a different approach to the "Go Green" theme by focusing on being more "eco-aware" with the decor and recycling, repurposing, and reusing wherever possible… which are all things you can do in any color palette! Almost all of the decorative elements seen here can be used over & over again for future celebrations. Less obvious details were also taken into consideration too… for example: utilizing Eco-Fi Felt (made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles), swapping out my usual fast & convenient spray paint method with less toxic (but much more time consuming) bottle-and-brush paint, repurposing empty Frappucino bottles and edible gift packaging as favor containers and dessert stands, and being extra-mindful about the amount of paper elements I printed (which is typically a lot more than what you see here!).

Tablescape
As I mentioned earlier the "tablecloth" is actually a duvet cover that was originally purchased at Target (along with 2 pillow shams) for only $24.99. Inexpensive acrylic silver chargers coordinated well with up the gray accents in the "tablecloth" and the DIY napkin rings.
I purchased quarter-yard swatches of 4 different styles of fabric for $1.99 each and created "napkins" from half of each swatch (1/8 yard) - which left me with two 1/8 yard pieces of patterned fabric to use elsewhere in the party since there were only 6 place settings. The napkins were embellished with a wide band of lace and DIY flower accent made from silk hydrangea petals + rhinestones.
"Flower Pot Placecards" were created from tiny terra cotta pots that I painted white with "patio paint" + a DIY fabric & felt flower. I stuffed a little square of floral foam into the bottom of each pot to insert the flower into and covered the foam with popcorn. The names of the guests were displayed on the flower's paper "leaves", which also featured a very subtle lacy pattern similar to the one on the centerpiece's label.
Mason jars (which were purchased long ago and have been utilized in a gazillion different parties!) were repurposed as the water/drinking glasses and embellished with white felt and lace. (Side note – you'll need to provide a straw for guest to sip these with, since the lacy embellishment hits the rim of the jars… something like these adorable purple & white stripey straws <http://shopsweetlulu.com/item/Striped-Paper-Straws-Purple/272/c1> would be perfect!) DIY drink stirrers made from bamboo skewers and double-sided paper drink flags added another touch of whimsy to the place settings.

Centerpiece
The idea for the table centerpiece started with the wooden girl cut-out, which was purchased at Michaels for $1.29. I traced her silhouette onto fabric to figure out the shape of the dress, then "dolled her up" with a ruffled lace overlay and some rhinestone "jewelry". For the finishing fashionista touch, an "oversize" felt flower was placed on the shoulder of the dress (Carrie Bradshaw style!). Small wooden dowels were hot glued to the back of her legs so that she could be inserted into floral foam that lined the inside of the wood box and was covered with popcorn. DIY flowers made from silk petals, fabric, and rhinestones were hot glued to bamboo skewers and inserted into the foam as well, all around the girl. The rectangular wooden container is repurposed packaging that I saved from an edible gift shipped to me a while back. I dressed up the box with rick rack ribbon and a custom label. (You can find a similar wooden container at JamaliGarden.com <http://www.jamaligarden.com/productdetail/22296/50/natural-pots/wood-boxes.php> for about $7.)

Petal Chandelier & Chair Garlands
Directly above the table hung a DIY "petal chandelier", made by threading silk petals onto fishing wire then hot gluing them in place. I used transparent tape to hang 6 strands of them from the ceiling in a random cluster above the centerpiece and trimmed the ends to different lengths. This was one of my favorite details of all because it's SO pretty and striking in person (it was really hard to capture the full effect on camera though) AND was sooo budget-friendly when you compare the decorative impact vs. the cost. I only used a small amount of the boxed silk petals to create 6 strands, so you could really make enough to cover the entire ceiling if you wanted too! How pretty would that be?!

Shorter "petal and popcorn garlands" were used to add a pop of color and playful vibe to the back of each dining room chair.

Homemade Desserts
Since the budget was tight, there wasn't any money for specialty desserts. I searched for the least expensive box of cake mix & frosting I could possibly find - $1.27 for the mix and $1.57 for the frosting! At $3.99 for a pack of 12, the Pink Ruffled Baking Cups by Wilton <http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=8F4DCE86-1E0B-C910-EAD200BA6A3841F9> (purchased in-store at Mic

Decor & Embellishments
– 1/4 Yard Fabric - $1.99 x 4 styles = $7.96
– Gray Lace - $2.79
– Pink Lace - $1.99
– White Rick Rack - $1.99
– Pink Rick Rack - $1.99
– Silk Hydrangea (purple) - $3.99
– Silk Hydrangea (white) - $3.49
– Precious Petals in Eggplant (Box of 300) - $3.59
– Precious Petals in Fuschia (Box of 300) - $3.59
– Rhinestones by Recollections - $1.24 x 3 packs = $3.72
– Diamond Diamante Pins (pack of 100) - $2.99
– Mini Terra Cotta Pots - .41 ea x 6 = $2.46
– Patio Paint for Terra Cotta pots - $1.25
– Small Grey Felt Flowers (set of 2) - $1.99
– Eco-Fi Felt: 8 Sheets x .20 = $1.60
– Unfinished Wood Guy & Girl Cutouts - $1.29 each
– Unfinished 5" Square Wood Boxes: $5 each x 2 = $10
– 3 Floral Foam Bricks - $3.69
– Tolsby IKEA Frames - $1 each x 5 = $5
– Fedex Office Printing (6 sheets): $7.42
– Bare Metal Hair Clips - $2.33 / pack of 6 (on clearance at Target)
$71.53
Dessert/Food Items
– Butter Toffee Popcorn - $3.99
– Boxed Cake Mix - $1.27
– Pillsbury Frosting: $1.52 x 2 tubs = $3.04
– Wilton Ruffle Baking Cups - $3.99
– Bamboo Skewers (pack of 100) - $2
– Microwave Popcorn: $1.84
$13.13

TOTAL = $84.66

If you include the value of the Acrylic Silver Chargers that I already owned - those are $12.60 for 6 - so it would bring the total to $97.26. I've owned these for years but am not sure if they count as one of the "free" items or not.

Previously Owned / Recycled / Reused Items:
– "Tablecloth" = Extra Bedroom Duvet Cover (Originally purchased in early 2011 at Target / $24.99 total for a Full-sized Duvet + 2 Shams)
– Everyday white plates, repurposed mason jar "glasses", champagne flutes, silverware, acrylic chargers
– Favor Containers - Recycled Starbucks Frappuccino Bottles (saved & repurposed)
– Unfinished Rectangle Wood Boxes - repurposed shipping packaging that I saved from past gifts (You can a similar size/style at Jamali Garden $7 each)
– Throw Pillows and Pink & White background vases with faux leaves – regular home accessories "borrowed" from around our house– Small White Cake Stand
For the party details:

The bottom of the champagne flutes were given a "pressed petal" look by embellishing them with a felt circle and silk hydrangea petal. The petal was glued to the felt first, then a pop-up glue dot was used to secure the flower/felt combo to the glass. (Putting the glue dot directly under the stem portion of the base helps to hide the adhesive.)

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{Designer's Challenge} Party Starters - "Little Sprout" Baby Gender Reveal

2011-10-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

Challenger - Pamela Smerker Designs

"Little Sprout" Baby Gender Reveal

When I first heard the contest theme was Go Green it made me not only think of the color green (which is my favorite), recycling as well as the outdoors and plants. Therefore I combined all of these elements and created a "Little Sprout" Baby Gender Reveal party.

The activity for guests is to write advice or tips for the new parents on a supplied "Tips & Tricks" note card. Guests also had the opportunity to customize the fragrance of their party favors, which were recycled baby food jars (lids were painted white and topped with custom party circle) filled with plain homemade sugar scrub.

Strawberry lemonade, fresh fruit salsa with cinnamon chips, chocolate cupcakes adorned with "little sprout" fondant toppers and custom decorated sugar cookies were on the menu. A sweet treat for an afternoon celebration. Cupcakes could be filled with a pink or blue center to let guests know the gender of the new baby.

Seasonal flowers in recycled planters and toys from around the house decorated the scene nicely and the price was next to nothing. Other items used, such as the placesettings, cake plate and picture frame were items I already had on hand as I am sure most people do.

Vendors included:

Party Starters <http://www.partystartme.blogspot.com> : Petal Favor boxes
Lynlee's Petite Cakes <http://www.lynleespetitecakes.com> : "Little Sprout" fondant cupcake toppers
Cookies Are My Canvas <http://cookieartbychristina.blogspot.com/> : Custom decorated mini sugar cookies
Fancy That <http://www.shop-fancythat.com/> : Washi tape (decorated baby food jars) and lime green and white striped paper straws

"PS Harvey" ( www.psharveydesigns.etsy.com ) - "Little Sprout" printable collection"

Party Starters Go Green Spread Sheet

Food Cost

Cupcakes 1.50

Fruit salsa and cinnamon chips $8.00

Cookies $ 12.00

fondant toppers $12.00

Lemonade $2.88

Straws $1.26

subtotal $37.64

Decorations

Printable Collection (includes"Activity") $11.50

Flowers $3.12

Washi tape $1.00

subtotal $ 18.12

FREEBIE

ITEMS

Glasses,

plates,

placemats,

cake

plate

Toys

from

around

the

house

Picture

frame

from

family

photo

Favors

Baby food jars free recycled

Favor boxes $15.00

Spray Paint $2.00

SugarScrub $6.00

subtotal$ 23.00

Grand Total 76.26

"Little Sprout"

Notes

Got a Bloogimg cake bake kit on clearance at World Market for $10.48and had a $10 birthday coupon!! Whoot!

Grocery

Cookies Are My Canvas

Lynlee's Petite Cakes

Grocery

4.95 package of 24 from Party Starters Invitation $5, 5x7 sign

$5, Thank you circles $4 "Tips and Tricks" activity cardswill be a free download. Plants from Home Depot .99 each. Pots free recycled fromfriend 3.95 for roll from Fancy That

Recycled from a friend who has a baby Favorboxes and tags from Partystarters $2.50 each Leftover from another project.

1cup, 1/2cup grapeseed oil, 2 bottles flavoredextract

Shippingfrom vendors totaled $17.98

(not included in budget)

.................................................

{Designer's Challenge} The Purple Pug - the colorful chameleon

2011-10-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Challenger - The Purple Pug

the colorful chameleon

colorful chameleon

{green grassgala}

My chimps adore the beautiful book A Colorof His Own by the brilliant Leo Lionni. The story is about a little greenchameleon that gets sad because he changes color all the time and does not havea unique color of his own like other animals do. He meets an older, wiser greenchameleon who suggests if they stick together, they will always be the samecolor as each other. Happy endingJ

My challenge design was based off of thischarming little book. A sweet, little green chameleon that changes colorswherever he winds up. I adore handmade touches and creative + inexpensive DIY ideas.

The kraft table runner was designed to bekid friendly and to doodle on for serious entertainment. The centerpiece wasthe simplest idea and quite adorable and impactful. The potato sacks on thechairs add to the earthy + whimsical vibe and I thought the were a funnytouch;) The oversized paint chipswatches were perfection for kid-friendly + fun coasters. The place settingswere simply colored paper plates with a coordinating chameleon to represent thechameleon changing colors. I twisted pipe cleaners into initials for a cutefinishing touch at each place setting. The green in the grass + chameleon centerpieceand sparkling water added the green neutral for the table.

The dessert and favor table was sweet +simple. The chameleon blowouts were the easiest craft. Ever. You blow them outand it looks like the chameleons tongue. The Beanie Baby chameleons were aridiculously lucky find. I made the little “Chameleon Cages” to take theBeanies homeJ Themarshmallow pops were coordinated with the cutest little chameleons and aperfect portion for a kid. The fondant toppers were brilliant, beautiful andglittered-HOLLA! They added the sparkling, polished finishing touch to storebought cupcakes.

The chameleon stencil tote is an easy andinexpensive craft. It is an Earth friendly way to tote around important stufflike army men, Fun Dip and McDonalds Smurf figurinesJ

I hope you laugh and find a little inspiration in my wickedcrazy “Green” interpretation. We adore the charm of A Color of His Own and I amhonored to have been asked to be a part of such an amazing challenge +experiment.

Special thanks and glittery smooches to:

My fondant chick: ToniAnn {BrooklynTreat Shoppe}

My marshmallow chick: Elizabeth {Stix N Pops}

LoneBenjamin Budget Breakdown + Deets:

DiningTable:

Table, folding chairs, table cloth, forks,paper plates-personal collection: FREE

Roll of kraft paper: 4.00 (Michaels)

Three faux grass pieces: 7.50 (Michaels)

Two packages pipe cleaners: 2.00 (DollarTree)

Googly eyes for chameleons: from my craftsupplies: FREE

Chair covers-old potato sacks I have hadfor about 10 yrsJ: FREE

Misc ribbon + twine oncenterpiece/chairs/table-my own supplies: FREE

Two packages of mini colored pencils: 2.00(Michaels)

Coordinating paint chip coasters: FREE(Wal-Mart)

Pipe Cleaner initials for each placesetting: included with cost above

San Pellegrino sparkling water: 4.00 (ShopRite)

DessertTable:

Two tiered dessert stand, whitewareplatters-personal collection: FREE

Party hats: 5.00 (Party City)

{embellished with Sweetheart Art my chimpsdrew and decorated with ribbon scraps: FREE}

Chameleon party blowouts: 1.00 (Wal-Mart)

{embellished with glittered foam: 2.00 (Wal-Mart) and scraps ofcardstock/sequins from my own supply: FREE}

Chameleon marshmallow pops: 6.00 (Stix NPops)

Fondant chameleon cupcake toppers: 6.00(Brooklyn Treat Shoppe)

Cupcakes: 6.00 (Wal-Mart)

Beanie Baby Chameleons: 12.00 (AC Moore)

Chameleon Cages Boxes: 2.00 (my littlechimps drew the artwork, I fashioned them into Sweetheart Art Chameleon cages)

Backdrop created with 2 pieces foam board:2.00

Kraft paper for backer: Included in rollprice above

Chameleon garland: Cost included abovewith pipe cleaners, googly eyes, twine

CraftTable:

Reusable + recyclable tote bags: 3.00 (ACMoore)

Paints: 4.00 (AC Moore)

Dabbers: 2.00

Invitation:

My own design and supplies

TOTALSPENT: $70.50

*If this were a real party, I wouldestimate I would have spent an additional $20 on food.

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{Designer's Challenge} Paper & Pigtails - Grow Green

2011-10-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Challenger - Paper & Pigtails

"Grow Green"

For my Green Theme, I decided on setting up a luncheon that would be green in color, green as in "greenery" of plants, and living green by growing healthy organic treats for the kitchen! The idea was to have a nice luncheon for four friends to help us each start a kitchen garden that would be pretty to look at and provide healthy organic herbs for our homes. My main goal was to have a luncheon that was organic feeling, warm, and homey combined with a crisp clean elements. Here are the details -

INVITATIONI believe an invitation sets the tone and gets everyone excited for an event! I designed the invitation with custom mod patterns along the sides and custom illustrated plant designs to combine the warm and organic style with the crisp mod design.

DESSERT TABLE & TREATSSeeing as the party budget was to stay under $100, I knew one of the easiest ways to keep in line was to provide homemade treats in a really cute way! To keep a clean look, I decided to use white frosting, and to give the treats a "custom" feeling, I went straight to Two Sugar Babies for inexpensive fondant treats to decorate the cake and cupcakes. I also used printable cupcake toppers that matched the invitation to tie in the designs! I think these two items can take an ordinary dessert and make it truly special! The last dessert I added was a box of wonderful little pecan pie bites to which I added small flags made with coordinating pattern paper.

The desserts were set on a little chest of drawers to bring a little of the "homey" feeling to the outdoor patio where the luncheon was set up. Like most parties I went around the house looking for ways to decorate without spending money. I used my daughter's picnic set basket to place the cake plate on, and added 3 mini topiaries to balance height on the opposite side and add in more greenery. Above the chest of drawers I hung a banner made from the same patterned printable paper.

DINING TABLE
To keep the table with a clean and mod feeling, I went with white tablecloths....This was also the most obvious choice to save money, as most people have either a white tablecloth or a large white sheet which will do in a pinch. I have a burlap table runner that I use every fall on the dining table (although any brown runner would work) which I brought outside, along with four of my formal dining chairs. I felt like the ornate dining chairs brought more of rich and organic feel to the table, as well as a relaxing comfortable place guests could stay and talk for hours. One of my favorite finds for this table were the moss mats that had been woven with copper which were used as placements and under the tables centerpiece. They were found in the local Hardware stores "home designs" section and I can see so many ways they can be used in the future!

I wanted the centerpiece was tall to make sure you could see the person seated across the table. To tie it in with the theme, I stacked small plant pots (use hot glue to secure them) and filled the top with clipping from plants around the patio. On either side was another pot turned over and a small vase atop also filled with clippings. I wanted to keep all of the colors greens and yellows, so I chose not to add any floral cuttings to the vases.

Each place setting had a simple white plate, silverware wrapped in a napkin tied with a ribbon and herb clippings, an amber colored glass, and an herb plant in a pot I painted and decorated before the event to be taken home as a favor! The plant pots had small plant stakes covered in the matching pattern paper to write the herbs name.

ACTIVITIESThis is one of my favorite parts!!! I knew my guests wouldn't want to play in dirt right before lunch, so instead of planting new plants, I gave each a planted herb to take home as a favor, and had drawers in the chest full of random craft supplies I had around, as well as plant pots for the guests to decorate! I had fabric, modge podge, spray paint, fabric rosettes, hot glue, glitter and more so each guest could design a pot for their second plant! Around the craft drawers, I placed a chair, pillows, and a quilt so guests could sit to work on their designs!

The breakdown of the $100 was as follows -
12 small plant pots @ .89 a piece - $10.68
4 medium pots @ .99 a piece - $3.96
4 medium coasters @ .50 a piece - $2
5 moss squares @ $2 a piece - $10
Printable Invite - $15
Printable Party Circles - $10
Printable Pattern Paper - included on request
Plant Markers - $1 for a pack of 5
12 fondant leaves - $16
1 box pecan pie bites - $2.99
1 box cake mix - $2.58
1 container icing - $1.89
4 herb plants @ $1.88 each - $7.52
new green cake plate - $8

Not Shown Lunch Option
Chicken Salad Sandwiches -
Deli Chicken Salad for 4 - $6
Pack of 8 sandwich buns - $2 Grand Total - $99.62
.................................................

{Designer's Challenge} Knock Knock Factory - It Ain't Easy Being Green

2011-10-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

Challenger - The Knock Knock Factory (aka Little Shindigs)

It Ain't Easy Being Green

Thank you Ebony for such a fab idea for a challenge!I have often...okay , I have always had bigger dreams for parties then my actual budget should handle. This was an amazing experiment and I am truly thankful to have been chosen to take part in this challenge:amonst amazing company.

That said, I would also like to dedicate my little partyscape to my kid sister Evelyn, who is by all means the BIGGEST Muppets fan in our family. I cannot tell you how many times I have watched The Muppets Take Manhattan. Seriously. Okay, enough of the cheese.

It ain’t easy being green

The party was designed and inspired by ONLY the most interesting Frog in the world. The invite-easy peazy, total dollar store craft. I picked up some smarty glasses in black cases, took a sharpie to the front of the lense and went crazy with whiteout on the inside of the glasses.Cannot get any easier than that. Cute. clever. done.

To welcome guests I added a custom green blow-out. Just in case anyone forgot where the Kermit party was. I wont tell you how I made it because then I’d have to kill you. However , all the materials are accounted for in the “declining budget”.

The party table..aka my kitchen table is covered in a blue (old) table cloth and I added craft paper and green wrapping paper to add some needed color. Along with a Kermit felt accent to the borders. I drew little theatres with the kids names for place settings and added color WASHABLE markers to the table. Only place I would ever want my kid to make a scene:) I used my own standard white dishes but invested a whole dollar on color paper cups. I used old small vases and the cute cello bags I found to make balloon weights. Picked up a dozen GREEN balloons at two for a dollar and changed the string to nicer ribbons. Went crazy with crepe paper in the background, hung with the exhisting curtain rod.

I also made an EDIBLE party banner. I don’t have a fancy, schmancy cutting machine. Go ahead...feel sorry for me. So ….I imprevised. I stuffed the same cello bags with pop corn and candy. Cute right?! I think so!!! Watch this is going to be huge someday. And THEN you can say..hey that poor girl without a cutting machine did that a while back. You watch.

Party Games- Miss Piggy’s charm school. Yes, I said it.

I wrapped some old books. Through in my own titles.

If Pigs Could Fly-A Motivational Story

Hi-Yah-Karate for Dummies

This Little Piggy-The Auto-Bio

included some costume Pearls (I borrowed from my Mom) and you got relay races like no other

Also-Make and take (optional)

ANIMALS drum sticks

dollar store craft: wooden dowels, red paint, crepe paper, styro balls and chenille stems. Oh..who are we kidding? Pipe cleaners!

I just made mine to go with the party favor but could be made by kids with minimal supervision and a lot of patience.

The Cake. Sorry no dessert table here. I hope that’s okay. I instead ,took a small book case from my kids and constructed a little theatre and stage filled with pretty clouds for the cake.

The Menu:

Pigs in a Blanket. Cinnamon and Sugar Sticks. Pink Lemonade. Pop corn. Cake, Cookies

If that wont make you green in the face...not sure what will.

(note to reader) Food is not my forte. All of the above was frozen..pre-packaged. Probobly blew my budget but lets be REAL. It is what it is folks.

Party Horns were decorated with Kermit and friends stickers. Quick makeover. Threw them in an old vase with some leftover sprinkle thingy majigs and all is good in the world again.

Party favor- Little drum tin with an ANIMAL sticker and pretty ribbon, drum sticks, ANIMAL crackers and a few left over lolly pops.

Now the DECLINING BUDGET::::::(tan.tan.tannnn)

Old

blue table cloth

my tables and chairs

4 old flower vases

white plates

silverware

drink Jar

sprinkles

white-out

sharpies

paper scraps

New

glasses $400

Cake $12.99

pigs in a blanket-$3.99

pipe cleaners $1.00

cookies $3.99

gumballs $1.00

1 large lolly pop $1.00

Churros $2.99

Ribbons $5.00

Felt $1.00

wrapping papers/craft paper $4.00

1 dozen balloons $6.00

paper cups-$1.00

paper napkins-$1.00

wooden dowels-$1.00

styro balls-$2.00

adhesives-$8.00

confetti-$1.00

cello bags-$1.99

crepe paper-$4.00

Stickers-$6.00

red class borders-$1.00

acrylic paint-$1.00

lemonade-$.99

markers-$2.00

animal crackers-$1.00

orange cupcake wrappers-$1.00

tin canisters-$12.00

horns-$1.00

Borrowed

small bookcase

books

pearls

Kermit

GREEN

ribbon scraps

up cycled ribbon and gift wrap

up cycled red schred

thrift store funky scarfs $2.00

TOTAL SPENT- $93.99

Natalie Robles

The Knock-Knock Factory

Designers $100 Challenge Entry

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{Designer's Challenge} - Eye Candy Event Detail - Green Swap Party

2011-10-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

Challenger - Eye Candy Event Details

Green Swap Green Party

Theme: when I heard the theme I knew right away I wanted to design everything in green, do something girly & have all the food be green. I also wanted to literally take "green" to the max & that also included something with recycling. It took me a while to come up with a theme but it eventually came together & a "G.R.E.E.N." Swap was born! I wanted to have the word "green" stand for something, so I came up with Girls Recycling & Exchanging Everything N'More! This was a great idea to create a party around because it provides a fun girls night out (the girly part), a chance to "recycle" old clothing, accessories, handbags & more & design it all in the color green! I also decided on the "N'More" part because that way any type of party could use the décor & printables from this collection - from just a clothing swap party to recycling nail polish & handbags to just an accessory swap.
Doing it all on a $100 budget was a challenge but planning in advance on what you want to buy & buying it on sale is KEY!

Food: consisted of Granny Smith apples hollowed out with a caramel/ whip cream dip inside. Lime jell-o & whip cream in mini glasses garnished with a slice of lime. Mint Oreo pops to coordinate with the Oreo whoopie pies (bought pre-made) & then rolled in green sugar to match. Cupcakes with a mint chocolate cookie accent on top. I also came up with mini handbags to match the theme by using marshmallows & using a green fruit roll up for the handles & accenting with green gel icing to create mini marshmallow handbags for the dessert table. All candy was green that was bought for the spread including the green candy in the party favor jars. Mini martini glasses were filled with lemon-lime Jelly Belly jelly beans & garnished with an "olive" resembling a green fuzzy pom.

Jewelry bar: Instead of having all the dessert on a "display", I decided to create a "jewelry counter" display that would be where the guests could swap out jewelry that they brought for something new. Everything from necklaces to rings were displayed & shopping baskets provided so the guest could shop for their new jewels then sit down & have a snack at the dessert table afterwards.

Nail bar: Why not? I am constantly telling my friends how tired I get of a new nail color only after a couple uses, so I decided to add that on the list of things we could recycle amongst ourselves & get some great 'new' colors at the same time.

Additional displays: I set up a handbag rack for people to display their handbags that they wanted to swap. Also set up a clothing rack for the guests to hang any clothing that they may want to recycle. Large white shopping bags were provided for the guests to be able to carry all their new 'recycled' loot home with them.

Printables/ styling / décor/ food - eye candy event details

Here is the breakdown of my budget:

- flower pom backdrop + any flower poms on tables - napkins {from IKEA} - $4.98

- 4 pk light green bowls used on jewelry counter & nail bar- {IKEA} - $1

- table runner fabric on jewelry counter & table {hobby lobby} - $5.32

- green wrapping paper to wrap box on nail bar {target} - $1

- green sheer fabric used for nail bar background {IKEA} - $1

- 3 pk. green narrow baskets - used for jewelry shopping baskets on jewelry counter {dollar tree} x 2 - $2

- 3 pk. square votive candle holders on table {IKEA} x 2 - $2

- package green square candles on table {IKEA} - $2

- 4 pk. mini spice jars - used for THANK YOU party favors on table {IKEA} x 1.5 - $5

- 3 blk candleholders used to make DIY green cake stands on table {IKEA} - $4.99

- 3 dot plates used to make DIY green cake stands on table {big lots} - $1.60

- green crepe paper used for ruffles on box on nail bar, party favors & glasses {dollar tree} - $1

- green ribbon used to hand banner, on party favors, tags, etc. {hobby lobby} $1 x 3 - $3

- 2 pk dk green chargers used on jewelry counter {target} - $2.50

- green spearmint leave candy in party favor jars {walgreens} - $1

- lemon-lime Jelly Belly jelly beans used in mini martinis & filler in Oreo Pops container {kroger}- $3

- 6 green Granny Smith apples {kroger} - dessert table - $4.67

- 2 limes used on mini jello dishes {kroger} - $1

- whoopie pies on dessert tables {kroger} - $2.47

- cake mix for cupcakes {kroger} - $1

- frosting for cupcakes {kroger} - $1

- jell-o mix {kroger} - $.70

- whip cream for jell-o & caramel mixture in apples {kroger} - $1

- caramel for mixture in apples {kroger} - $1

- mint oreo cookies {kroger brand} $1

- Keebler mint cookies - used on cupcakes {kroger} $.75

- marshmallows - $.75

- mints on nail bar - {kroger} $1

- 6 glasses {IKEA} - $4.80

- mini martini glasses {IKEA} - $5

- bag of light green foam balls used under apples {hobby lobby} - $.75

- greenery hanging from dining room light fixture {Pier 1} - $1.23

- green Tootsie Rolls on nail bar {Esther Price candies} - $2

- green hard candy with jell-o display {Esther Price candies} - $1.26

- printables {eye candy event details} $20

- 6 large white shopping bags {flower factory} - $3

- green lanterns on nail bar {target} - $1

- necklace stand - $3 (already owned- bought used)

Grand total = $99.77

.................................................

{Designer's Challenge} The Party Muse - Bayou Princess

2011-10-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

Challenger - The Party Muse

The Bayou Princess

When I heard the theme for this challenge was “Go Green” I instantly thought of how I would tie that into an event for tweens. I love that age for little girls, when every party is a slumber party and it’s all about nail polish and hair accessories J I decided to do a take on the princess theme but more grown up, and sans all the characters. This one is styled using the colors from The Princess and the Frog. Since that takes place in New Orleans, I thought the name Bayou Princess was fitting. I styled it like a dinner party however, it’s all desserts. In my mind of course it’s a slumber party and the girls have already eaten dinner (I found a recipe for Poor Man’s Gumbo that would be perfect!) and now they’re sitting down for a formal dessert….set’s the mood for a night of fun J

Final Tally

$92

.................................................

No Bayou party is complete without a little swamp water beverage! This one is just melon powerade with gummy worms J

The table:

Glitter gift wrap table runner, $4.99 at Michaels.

Green plastic chargers, $.50 each on Clearance from Crate & Barrel Outlet.

Tiara: $5 from party store.

Purple votive holders: $1.59 each Michaels.

Lilly pad paper coasters: cut from 2 sheets of “Lime Crush” card stock, $.69 each

Purple paper placemats: Purple cardstock size 12x12, $.59 each

Purple Crackers made from toilet paper rolls ($0), ribbon ($1.50), and napkins ($1.59). Filled with Swedish Fish ($2.69)

Glasses, plates, plastic flatware, centerpiece vase, and white table cloth: Mine

Table Design approximately $29

The Dessert table I thought should have something special for the birthday girl so I contacted Dulce of Fun Favors to create some cupcake toppers for me. They were my one splurge item for this event. Everything else was DIY!

The fondant cupcake toppers created by Fun Favors are a show stopper! They were $2 each and worth every penny because they tie the theme together so nicely. For my Bayou Princess theme she created crowns, the age of the birthday girl, flowers like mine, and masquerade masks….PERFECT! The cupcake cakes were just boxed cake I made and put inside of some outer cupcake papers I got at AC Moore for $3.99

The beautiful “swamp dipped marshmallow pops” were also made by Fun Favors for $2 each. I just got 6 of those. I made the popcorn cones from cardstock and cut some lilly pads from paper for labels.

I had some green chocolate and golden Oreos in the house already so I decided to just put them together and make “Moss Covered Cookies” for a final treat.

The Dessert table:

Paper flowers: 16 sheets of cardstock at $.49 each = $8

Cupcakes: $30

Marshmallow pops: $12

Mini Marshmallows: $2

Popcorn cones: $2

Backdrop: $7

Popcorn: $2

Cost approximately $63

The total for my event was $92

{Designer's Challenge} A to Zebra Celebrations - Coffee Birthday Brunch

2011-10-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Challenger - A to Zebra Celebrations
Coffee Birthday Brunch

Theme: Coffee Birthday Brunch

I have been super excited to participate in this Designer’sChallenge for $100 budget. Thereare 11 other super talented party stylists participating. I couldn’t be more honored to sharesome of my affordable party ideas! Thank you for including me!

About the theme: I know we allhave a girlfriend who is addicted to coffee right?! I know I have several. Starbucks seems to be the favorite spot for my girlfriends and I to hangout, drink some coffee and catch up on our lives! It seems there’s always coffee served at get togethers withour girlfriends whether is a jewelry party, candle party, bunco, etc. I really wanted to stick with the colorgreen so, as I was driving one day by a Starbucks, my light bulb went on andtold myself “That’s it!”....This will be the theme for the $100 partychallenge. I was very inspired and the ideas started rolling in my head.

Set up: I own lots of tables, butI used to borrow from my friends when I didn’t have any. Since I throw lots of parties now, Ihave invested in tables. I thinkit’s great to have those handy and you only have to buy them once. I did borrowthe black chairs for the card table from one of my friends.

I have tons of white dishes. These are super easy to find. I shop at thrift stores and garage sales frequently. I have found the best bargains outthere. White dishes are alsoavailable at Target and Walmart for affordable prices. I know your neighbor or friends will letyou borrow some too.

I went to Starbucks and they were happy to give me freecups. Most of my frames are fromgarage sales, but some are from Target and the Dollar Tree. The blacktablecloth is from Target. The tablecloth for the square table is from Goodwillfor $2 bucks! The white teapot with little cups was a find last weekend at agarage sale for $4 bucks and it’s from Pier 1 Imports. It was brand-new stillin the box with tags....love it! The black and white “Coffee” mugs were a find at Ross for $5.99.

Decor: I kept the decor supersimple. I used one of the plants Ihad in my house for the right of the table. I have green storage boxes that I used as well. I made the coffee garland hanging onthe front of the table. I hang itwith twine. I made the pot warmer under the teapot with lids from recycledStarbucks frappuccino jars. I punched out the scalloped doilies from a cerealbox. I added some green scrapbook paper with mod podge. I placed them under the coffee mugs onthe black table with chairs. Ialso put a plant from my house on the middle of the table.

Printables: The invitation,signs, tags and poster were designed by my friend Summerlyn fromMemoriesToo.com. She opened anetsy shop recently, but we worked together back in 2008 when my youngest turned1. She is an awesome designer! Shetook my vision and created the most perfect designs for this party. Her link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemoriesToo

Food/Desserts: I chose to keepthe food and desserts simple and affordable. I decided to bake the zucchini bread only because we love itin our house and I have the BEST recipe ever! The rest of the sweets included- donettes, mini cinnamonrolls, coffee cakes, and some grapes.

***Other suggestions/ideas for food NOT on this table: muffins,cinnamon sugar toast, bagels and cream cheese, green apples, bananas, poundcake, and more!

Drinks: Regular cofffee, decaf,Starbucks frappuccino mocha, hot chocolate and green hot tea for the non-coffeedrinkers :) I purchased 3 creamerchoices: Caramel Machiatto, Hazelnut and French Vanilla along with splend andequal sugar.

Thank you favors were a littlebox of green tic tacs with a label saying “Thanks a latte, my friend!”

*Food and drinks: $41.25 (I used several grocery coupons)

*Printing labels at local UPS store: $10

*Black and white coffee mugs from Ross $5.99

*White teapot with cups $4

*Square black tablecloth from Goodwill $2

*Scrapbook paper for garland and doilies $2

*Black tablecloth from Target $15.99 (I didn’t buy this though.I’ve had it for a while) I’m just adding this in case you have to buy one toadd to the budget.

Total I spent for this party $65.24

If you had to add a black tablecloth from Target at $15.99 youwould spend $81.23

I didn’t spend anything on professional pictures. I took all the pictures with my pointand shoot Kodak EasyShare :)

I hope you feel inspired to have a sweet birthday brunch for oneof your girlfriends! It could also be an excuse to just get together, playgames, host a jewelry or candle party for one of your friends!

Final Tally

$65.24

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{Designer's Challenge} - Bird's Party - Green Girls Garden Party

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's time for the reveal! Over the next 15 minutes each challenge entry will be revealed! First up (in no order) is

Challenger - Bird's Party's

Green Girls Garden Party!

Party Concept: A Green, Grown-up Girl's Garden Party

I wanted to create a very relaxed, outdoors cocktail party around a "green grocers" concept where guests could "pick their own",

for a fun and chilled out get together between girlfriends (the four judges perhaps?) ;)

Party Costs:

Food and Desserts: $23

I bought: Kiwis, artichokes, avocado, cucumber, baguette, olives, cupcakes,

eggs, cream cheese, spring onions, crackers

Purchasing my main food ingredients and drinks from supermarkets and fresh veg market

meant I could keep costs down significantly, without compromising on quality and taste!

* Starter - Green cucumber and avocado salad + green tapenade crostinis

salad: dice avocado and cucumber and toss in a bit of olive oil and lime, season to taste and garnish with chopped greens from spring onions)

tapenade crostinis: Blitz a can of olives with garlic, olive oil, pepper and salt until all resssembles a paste. toast slices of baguette and top with olive mixture

* Main - Savory cheese cake: line bottom of pan with crackers mixed with melted butter and top with a mixtures of cream cheese and eggs. bake until golden and

decorate with cream cheese and chopped spring onions. serve lukewarm or cold)

* Desserts: "Pick Your Own" lime cupcakes frosted with lime and cream cheese frosting, fresh fruit displayed as a centerpiece

Great party food as it involves minimal cooking and can be done in advance.

I displayed the salad in individual mini glass jars decorated with a party tag from the printable collection that read "dig in"

DIY Drinks Bar: $16

I bought: Limes, Cachaça, Soda Water, Mint Cordial and candle

I found a great bargain cachaça for $10 from Aldi (local supermarket)

DIY cocktail bar is an activity in itself - Filled with ingredients and recipe card to help guests blend their own drinks.
From alcoholic Caipirinhas to lemonade and funky mocktails too!

* Tropical lemonade: blend lime wedges with skins on, sugar, ice and water.
Sieve and top with more water if necessary and sugar taste, and serve cold.

For the "bar", I used a dresser from my daughter's bedroom to set it all up. Empty, green bear bottles and clear cups

I already had at home made for cute and recycled (or green) drinks receptacles!

The drinks bottles were wrapped and decorated with the papers from the printable collection.

The word "green" was cut out from the scrapbook paper from collection and inserted into the ground in front of the dresser, using wooden skewers.
I love the green boot candle, and had to have it! It would make sense to light some candles as the sun goes down to create a cosy and magical atmosphere!

The favor were also displayed in metal baskets (from my kitchen vegetable rack!) by the cocktail bar on the floor.

Party Printables: $20

Includes: Round food tags, rectangular drinks and buffet cards, place cards, sign, green letters,

drinks menu, favor tags, bird templates, scrapbook paper and seed envelope

Used throughout the tables and to decorate favors.

But you can do this party for less since you can download the printable for FREE on Bird's Party Blog! ;)

Party Decor and Props: $23

I bought: Ribbon, glass containers for salad (x4), metal pails for cupcakes (x4), recycled

disposable cutlery, fake turf

I used my kid's garden gazebo frame and hung pieces of ribbon, printable paper birds from the collection for a romantic and girly look.

You could make a similar gazebo using PVC pipes or simply hand the ribbon from trees or plant pot!

I also hung the metal pails containing the cupcakes inside! The idea was so that guests could "pick their own" desserts.

This decor looked very whimsical "dancing" above the the table.

In-keeping with the "pick your own" theme, I filled a mini wooden wheel barrow I had at home with green

fruits and vegetables, but you could also use a painted vegetable box from the market as a container.

Vegetables are lot more affordable than fresh flowers and look just as striking. The white flowers
were picked from my garden, but you could also get wild blooms if you wanted flowers in there.

The table itself was assembled from my dining room table top (that comes off), which I placed onto an empty (but sturdy) box filled with books.
I covered it with burlap fabric I already had, and purchased a piece of fake turf from local fabric store, then cut them as place mats.

No chairs required here as I used cushions on the floor. This makes it fun and more affordable than hiring special furniture.
Doing this was actually necessary because the gazebo above was a child's gazebo and quite low in height. I think after a few cocktails, it make more sense to sit on the floor anyhow! ;D

To dress the table I used white china I had, empty jam jars as cups wrapped with a green leaf (for the "green" or recycled element) and some recycled, disposable wood cutlery (again keeping to the "green" theme).
each place was marked with the guests names (Jillian, Ebony, Tanya and Carolyn) using the place-cards from the printable collection :)

Party Favors: $10

I bought: Mint seeds for favors, ceramic pots (x4), mini glass bottles (x4), green sweets

Gusts got to take home a mini flower pot with mint seeds in so they could grow their own as a reminder of the evening +

a small recipe card with cocktail recipes and some green minty sweets in cute little bottles.

All wrapped in the scrapbook paper and favor tags from the printable collection.

Mini ceramic pots from garden centers make for really cute favor containers and are more affordable (and last longer) than

fancy favor boxes or packaging. Plus, it's totally in-keeping with the "green" garden theme of the evening!

FINAL TALLY

$92

Party Credits:

Styling, printables and photography: Bird's Party

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{Designer's Challenge} Ultimate Mega Party Giveaway!

2011-10-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

The entries are IN! The buzz is buzzing...the competition is FIERCE! We are so excitedto bring you the Designer's Challenge Giveaway. This is an ultimate partypackage that will give ONE lucky winner everything that they need to throw aFABULOUS party and then some! Thank you so much to the contributors of this fantasticgiveaway. We have over $800 worthin prizes! Let's get this started!

In order to win this youMUST be a FAN of Sparkling Events & Designs on Facebook, this does notcount as an entry, it is a requirement.

Here are the prizes and howyou can enter for each contributor!

You MUST like ALL participants inorder to win!
You MUST enter a comment for each entry!
Valid to US Only participants!

Winner will be selected viaRandom.org on October 9^th, 11:00 PM EST! So don’t delay!

#1 - Allyson Jane Designer Desserts, Gift Certificate for onedozen couture cookies, including shipping costs, $75 Value

Please like AllysonJane Designer Desserts on Facebook, comment below that you did or are afan.

#2 – The Pastry PedastalTM – The Pastry Pedestal Starter Kit -$35 Value

Please like The Pastry Pedestal on Facebook,comment below that you did or already are a fan

#3 – CakesandKids - Mini PartyPackage of Your Choice, $19.95 Value

Please like CakesandKids onFacebook, comment below that you did or already are a fan

#4 – SuperchickStudios – One dozen Kandy or Kouture Kones, $30 Value

Please like Celebrate Today..TheSuperchick Way on Facebook, comment below that you did or arealready a fan.

#5 - Modern Frills, $30Store Credit

- Please follow Modern Frillsblog via (Google Friend Connect), comment below that you did orare already following!

#6 - A To ZebraCelebrations , HappyBirthday Banner, $25 Value

Please Like A To ZebraCelebrations on Facebook,comment below that you did or are already a fan!

#7 – KnockKnock Factory, Custom made giant party blow out or wreath, $55 Value

Please Like Knock Knock Factory on Facebook, comment below that you did or arealready a fan.

#8 –Dough-A-Deer, $15 Store Credit

Please Like Dough-A-Deer on Facebook,comment below that you did or are already a fan.

#9 - Paper &Pigtails , Choice of anyone design from the shop - Printable Party package including invites, $45 Value

Please Like Paper & Pigtails on Facebook, comment below that you did or are already afan.

#10 - Party BoxDesign, Choice of one set of invitations, $25 Value.

Please Like Party Box Design on Facebook, comment below that you did or are alreadya fan.

#11 – TheMarshmallow Studio, Choose a dozen fromany of our Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas designs, $48 Value

Please like TheMarshmallow Studio on Facebook, comment below that you did or arealready a fan.

#12 – CupKate EventDesigns, $25 Shop Credit

Please like CupKateEvent Designs on Facebook, comment below that you or arealready a fan.

#13 - Savoir Faire Media,Social Media Mania (Facebook splash page & Profile Picture, Twitter and YouTube page) , $350 Value

- Please like Savior FaireMedia on Facebook,comment below that you did or are already a fan.

#14 - Sweet Mady's {Paper + Gifts}, Custom Party Plan, $24 Value

Please like Sweet Mady's {Paper + Gifts} on Facebook, comment below that you did or already are a fan.

#15 - Party Poms, Party Pack of 5 Pom Poms, $23 value

Please like Party Poms on Facebook, comment below that you did or that you are already a fan!

READY

SET

GO!!!!

Entries closed October 9th at 10:00 PM EST... any entries after this point will be void, so DON'T delay!

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Designer's Challenge - Meet Eye Candy Event Details

2011-09-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Meetthe Challenger

Happy Friday!

We are in the thick of numerous jobs and our own little sweetheart's 2nd birthday party tomorrow. September turned out to be MUCH more busy than I could have ever imagined. That's a wonderful thing but blogging has taken a back seat but we will be back soon enough! Now, onto the more important post of the day... its time to meet a new challenger, Laura of Eye Candy Event Details. She has an amazing eye for design and she loves damask (of course I love anyone who loves damask). Her design shoppe boast unique and creative designs that will definitely catch your eye.... let's Meet Eye Candy Event Details.

1. What is your favorite color? hello! that would be PINK . . HOT PINK & red too! Sorrythat's two but I can't pick just one! And I love black & whiteEVERYTHING paired with a splash of color!

2. What is the best bargain youever got? it is TOP SECRET as I got it for around$.55 shopping for this challenge & I can't go spoiling all the funright? But it is a piece of décor & it is pretty sa-weeeeeet!

3. Are you a beach or poolperson? I LOVE sitting & drinking acocktail ON the beach but prefer a pool if I plan on getting wet - thesand is waaaaaay too messy!

4. Do you still ride rollercoasters? YES! I am a bit of an adrenaline-junkie so Ihave not met a roller coaster I was afraid of! LOVE them!

5. What is your favoritevacation spot? Maui is my most FAVORITE places thatI have actually been too. It was great - got to surf there with one of mybrothers . . .good times!

6. What is your mostembarrassing moment? ok - well believe it or not, I donot embarrass easy if, ever at all so I can tell you a funny storythough. My husband cracks up at the fact that I can fall asleep anywhere!{maybe it's embarrassing for him! - lol} For example, I was up late onenight working on some party décor & he was helping, we were sittingat our dining room table & I had a pom hanging from the chandelier& was 'fluffing' it & he said I totally fell asleep STANDING UPbut still 'fluffing' the pom pom. Yes it's true! I can't help it, when Iam tired my eyes shut but my 'drive' keeps going! lol

7. What is your favorite sound?my sweet little girl laughing . . . somethingabout your child's laugh that is just so contagious!

8. What would you describe asyour design style? ever-changing . . .like me! Dependson my mood - I like to do the classy & make it hip or edgy but then Ilike to do chic & make it whimsical & sometimes I like simple,modern & sometimes complex. Maybe we should ask the audience . . .

9. Who is your biggestinspiration? my daughter - she has inspired me tostart a whole new {2nd} business that will be unveiling soon! Andalthough she is only 8, I ask her opinion on a lot of the things I designas she is a pretty smart cookie!

10. If you could have a theme song, what would it be? hmmm . . .I have been known to be a little adventurousso we'll go with "Wild Side" by Motley Crue. I will tell you this. . I can NOT function without listening to music. Want to see me go insane?. . .take away my music! So depending on the day & my 'mood',it will vary from day to day. I listen to everything from Red Hot ChiliPeppers to Metallica & Alice in Chains to Coldplay & Black EyePeas to 50 Cent & Beastie Boys. {See! . . told ya - I am all over theplace!- lol}

11. If you could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, whowould it be? not a clue!

12. What's a motto you live by? "Life is notmeasured by the number of breathes you take, but by the moments that takeyour breathe away.!" . . . {I really want to look back over mylife & say I LIVED which is why I have this hanging in my house! =)} AlsoI know it's corn-eeee but the "Live, Laugh, Love" - I know, Iknow totally overused BUT so simplistic - a simple reminder to LIVE eachday to the fullest, make people LAUGH every day & LAUGH at yourself& most importantly LOVE on people every chance you get! (you neverknow wht they have going on in their lives)

Let's take a look at Laura's favorite event of her own!

Visit Eye Candy Event Details for even more photos!

Follow Eye Candy Event Details Here!

Blog/Website

Facebook

Etsy

Thank you Laura for agreeing to participate in this challenge, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

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{Real Soiree} An Enchanted Wonderland Fairytale Baby Shower

2011-09-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

In August, SED had the wonderful pleasure of designing and planning this beautiful "Alice in Wonderland" inspired baby shower. We showcased the invitations a few months back and today we are excited to share pictures of the event. The hostess of the shower told us that the mommy-to-be loved the tea party, rabbit and of course Alice’s blue dress. We used this as inspiration in designing and planning this beautiful baby shower for her. The dessert table is very simple and stunning. It sits on top of a blue dresser!

{Welcome Station} Let's begin with the welcome table. Here we made this over sized K with crepe paper rosettes. We framed the beautiful invitation and also placed one of our thrift store finds, a baby carriage ($4), that a little spray paint spruced up on the table. It was the perfect prop for our favors! Let's take a closer look.

The favors were these delicious cupcakes made by Carpe Cupcake, with fondant toppers from Cakes and Kids. We made the cupcake wrappers and package them with a pink doily and Alice silhouette.

{The Decor} Even though this shower was tea party inspired, we wanted to create an environment for relaxed conversation and openness. We stayed away from the formal traditional placesetting that you typically find at a tea party and created little vignettes throughout the room. We stacked tea cups and plates that I found in a vintage store for .25 a piece! What a steal.... ;)

{The Desserts} When coming up with the design for this shower, instantly the idea of a blue dresser covered with lace came to mind. We love using props in our events and the concept of a blue dresser had been on the list (check), so we were thrilled when we were finally able to execute it. The antique dresser was found at a local thrift store for $15 dollars! It was pretty banged up but for another $20 dollars, we gave it new life! It is amazing what you can do when you with a little TLC. So we refinished it and painted it an aqua blue color. I placed some beautiful Chantilly lace fabric over top to give a vintage feel. The desserts topped the dresser included a topsy-turvy cake, strawberry whoppie pies served on mirrors, chocolate dipped pretzels all placed in front of a beautiful wall of paper pom poms. We wanted to keep it simple and stunning. It turned out amazing.

One happy mommy to be!

{Sparkling Vendors:}
Invitations, Planning, Design & Photography - Sparkling Events & Designs, LLC.
Cupcake Toppers – Cakes and Kids
Cupcakes – Carpe Cupcake

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SED is Growing! Open Marketing Coordinator/Intern Position

2011-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

SED is growing by leaps & bounds and with that growth it’s time to start looking for help! We are looking to bring an Marketing Coordinator/Intern into our fold to help us with our social media activities and back office activities. We are in the process of bringing you all many new things and we need someone to help us with laying the foundation for this growth and expansion.

Coordinating & posting giveaways

Blogging/featuring parties

Designers Challenge coordination

Keeping shared calendar updated

Graphic design (very little)

Coordinating advertising

If you are interested and would like to apply or want more information, please send resumes to info{at}mysparklingevent{dot)com

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{Lavish Invitations} Golden Pass to Savannah

2011-09-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

We hope and trust that you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Today, we'd like to showcase one of our new invitation additions to our Lavish Invitations portfolio. This Save The Date boarding pass was designed with simple golden scrolls and placed in an luxurious golden sleeve wrapped with gold metallic raffia. These are our new favorite invitation suite!
Enjoy!

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{Designer's Challenge} Meet the Challenger - The Purple Pug

2011-09-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

It’sSeptember and our 1^st Designer’s Challenge reveal is rapidlyapproaching! We can’t wait for thereveal. After a brief vacation weare back with our Designer’s Challenge series “Meet the Challenger”. Next up, The Purple Pug aka GlitteryGoddess! Kristy, the genius behind The Purple Pug that has taken handmade couture stationery to the next level. The unbelievable detail andskill in her creations are astonishing. Kristy and her creations are loved byall and she SIMPLY.AMAZES.ME.DAILY.

Meet The Purple Pug

1. What is your favorite color?

PANTONE17-3810~ Purple Ash

2. What is the best bargain you evergot?

Myamazing deck. Should have been $25,000, paid $13,000. HOLLA!

3. Are you a beach or pool person?

Ilove an ocean view. Jellyfish and seaweed-not so much.

4. Do you still ride roller coasters?

Yes,but I think my riding days are numbered.

5. What is your favorite vacationspot?

DisneyWorld-Orlando, not the tiny, crappy one in Cali.

6. What is your most embarrassingmoment?

Ihave moments every day. Seriously.

7. What is your favorite sound?

Thesound of my boys belly laughing.

8. What would you describe as yourdesign style?

Original,way outside the box, eccentric and authentic.

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?

Mychimps.

10. If you could have a theme song,what would it be?

Burdenin my Hand~Soundgarden, Head Like a Hole~NIN, Don’t Stop Believing~Journey,

11. Ifyou could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, who would it be?

LOL.

12. What's a motto you live by?

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.Dalai Lama

Kristy couldn’t pick her favorite “rave” because she adores themall, so I picked my favorite…which is the epic Mario Cart Mustache Mania forher son. The theme was so cleverand she took something gave it new life.

Head on over to The Purple Pug for more photos!

Find The Purple Pug!

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

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{We're Back - Real Party} Christie Rock's 40th Celebration

2011-08-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

We're back this week with a new real celebration. Christie contacted SED back in April to get some preliminary information about her upcoming special celebration and then we she contacted us again at the beginning of August, we were thrilled! We were able to find the perfect location, perfect vendors for this "39 & Still Holding Event" within a week!

The Starwood aLoft Hotel in Ashburn, Virginia was absolutely perfect! The modern and trendy decor fit right in with our theme of "Christie Rocks 40!"

A big big BIG thank you to our new Creative Director, Robin who led this event on her own. Robin has been "behind the scenes" part of SED since our inception and we are thrilled that she has agreed to join us "officially" as our Creative Director. Thanks Robin!

Here are a few photos from the celebration!

A fun time was held by all! Thanks Mimi for taking photos for us!

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{Designer's Challenge} Meet the Challenger - A to Zebra Celebrations

2011-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

My how time flies when you are having fun. It's the middle of August already! We are only 7 weeks away from the reveal of the challengers entries! The pressure is brewing. Today, we are meeting the lovely Nancy from A to Zebra Celebrations! Nancy has an AMAZING Etsy shop where she sells everything from table runners to banners to ribbons skirts. She has the perfect accessory for your event! Without further adieu, let's Meet Nancy!

1. What is your favorite color?

It's between pink and red

2. What is the best bargain you ever got?

mason jars at Goodwill for $.35 cents

3. Are you a beach or pool person?

Pool

4. Do you still ride roller coasters?

yes! in fact, I went on one last week while I was at Knotts Berry Farm!

5. What is your favorite vacation spot?

Maui, HI where I got married

6. What is your most embarrassing moment?

When my thong fell out of my pant leg at Hobby Lobby...yup! apparently I don't know how to fold laundry or put it away...lol

7. What is your favorite sound?

my little girls' laughter

8. What would you describe as your design style? Trendy, Modern, Classy & Fun

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?

If we are talking about parties- Jen from HWTM and Amy Atlas

10. If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

"Get the party started" by PINK

11. If you could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, who would it be?

Not sure...sorry

12. What's a motto you live by?

Ohhh there are so many, but here's a couple that I love: "Don't compare yourself to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about." "She believed she could, so she did". "You can do anything, but not everything".

Here are a few pictures from Nancy's favorite party of her own. This is what she had to say about it. "My favorite party event has to be my daughter's zebra party because it all started from there. It's not necessarily "my best" styling I think, but I am just emotionally attached to this party....lol It's just special to me :)"
I just love this!!! Oftentimes an event may not be what "we" would consider our best work but is still just as special none the less! Great work Nancy!

How cute is Miss Ashley!

See more photos from this fantastic party here!

Find A to Z Celebrations!

Website

Facebook

Etsy

Twitter

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{Designer's Challenge} Meet the Challenger - Little Shindigs

2011-08-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

We are back with our little 12 question interview from our next challenger, Natalie of Little Shindigs. I'm so happy that Natalie said "Yes" and I can't wait to see what she has in store for this challenge. Her lovely vintage style is something that I have admired for sometime now. {sidenote} Natalie is also the creative goddess behind the new shop called The Knock-Knock Factory. Make sure you check them all out!

Let's Meet Natalie!

1. What is your favorite color?

Robbins nest egg blue

2. What is the best bargain you ever got?

Ummm....I sorta, kinda...only do bargains, lol!

A better question would be- what have I splurged on the most!

3. Are you a beach or pool person?

If I don't have to get in the water..def beach. I get bored at the pool...and I think sand castles are cool!

4. Do you still ride roller coasters?

Heck to the NO!!!

Hated them when I was young. Only tolerated it to be cool. Kind of like Twitter!

I still think amusement parks are fun though. I just rather go on the little train rides and eat funnel cakes.

5. What is your favorite vacation spot?

Anyplace where I can "drink" the water.

6. What is your most embarrassing moment?

Shopping with my then 2 year old daughter and saying a bad word in front of her bc I dropped something by accident. She thought the word was funny and decided to repeat it over and over and again. Loudly.

7. What is your favorite sound?

Mommy...I'm sleepy.

8. What would you describe as your design style?

Kitschy

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My kids. I know that might sound sappy but its true. They are only 4 and 6 but know A LOT about parties.

They will tell me is something isn't cool enough and they also think I happen to be THE BEST PARTY PLANNER they know! They don't read blogs yet.

10. If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

Def the Copa Cabana. Yes, I said it. Berry is a lyrical genius:)

Most people want to laugh or dance when they hear that song. I will take either in a heartbeat.

11. If you could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, who would it be?

Wow...that is a tough one!

Mama Elsa? I have a thing for the stars.

12. What's a motto you live by?

Dance like nobody is watching:)

Here are a few photos from Natalie's own favorite celebration, Dr. Seuss! Visit her website for even more!

Find Little Shindigs

Blog

Facebook

ETSY

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{Surprise Giveaway} Fabulous Cupcake Tower & Matching Straws

2011-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

We have a Surprise Giveaway today!

Remember our $100 Budget Designer’s Challenger that is quickly approaching. Yes, we know you are ready for the reveals (so are we) but in the meantime, we've got a giveaway for you! The theme for our first challenge is “Go Green”. Well, today we have a treat for you. Green Party Goods has so graciously donated a fabulous Zebra Print Cupcake Tower and matching straws to 4 lucky winners!

Green Party Goods is your source for green party supplies, eco-friendly, non-toxic toys and gifts from recycled, biodegradable, organic, eco-friendly, forest friendly, or reusable items for any celebration. The non-toxic, green toys and games are eco-friendly reflecting your good taste, concern for the environment and global warming.

Green Party Goods is where eco-friendly entertaining is elegant and fun. They help your family embrace a new tradition of global awareness.

How to Win:

{Offer valid to U.S. addresses only}

You can enter up to 4 times!

1) “Like” Green Party Goods on Facebook and posted a comment below that you did or if you already are!

2) “Like Sparkling Events & Designs, LLC. on Facebook and post a comment below that you did of if you already are!

3) Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter and post below that you did along with the link!

Bonus Entry:

* Refer a new friend to Sparkling Events & Designs, LLC. on Facebook and tell them to let us know you sent them! Add a comment below for your bonus entry!

Contest ends on August 17th at 9:00 PM. The winner will be selected via random.org!

Thank you Green Party Goods for sponsoring this giveaway!

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{Designer's Challenge} Meet the Challenger - Piggy Bank Parties

2011-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today we are back with our latest “Meet the Challenger” contest, Do Driver of Piggy Bank Parties! I was so honored when Do accepted our request to be a contestant. I’m such a fan of her work and I love that she is a “frugalista” like me and offers creative ways to host a fabulous event on a budget. I love that!

1. What is your favorite color?

Red....but I also love piggy pink!

2. What is the best bargain you ever got?

My husband. I thought I was marrying a software engineer but I snagged an amazing artist and webmaster who works for food and one-liners!

3. Are you a beach or pool person?

Both. This lil' piggy is originally from Michigan which requires me to be within 15 miles of water at all times!

4. Do you still ride roller coasters?

Yes, but I now ask myself this question on the first big climb, "Why am I doing this again?"

5. What is your favorite vacation spot?

Disney World. We went there for our honeymoon!

6. What is your most embarrassing moment?

Recently? Turning the corner in the grocery store, slipping on spilled water and almost doing the splits. I caught myself before I went down all the way. Thought I had survived without anyone seeing until an extremely loud voice rang out, "Are you okay?!? You came inches from hitting your head on the floor! Hey, is there anyone who can clean up the floor?!?" Have you seen a red pig lately?

7. What is your favorite sound?

Water gently lapping against the shoreline.

8. What would you describe as your design style?

Fun, Whimsical and Quirky!

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My hubs and Piggy Bank Parties' illustrator, J. He took a leap of faith into the world of illustration in his late 30s having never drawn before (except when he was a little kid). There are times his creations actually take my breath away and render me speechless. His artwork inspires and challenges me to create invitations, partyware and parties worthy of his illustrations.

10. If you could have a theme song, what would it be?

“I am Piggy. Hear me Oink!” (To the tune of, “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy)

11. If you could pick any reality TV star that relates to you, who would it be?

Duff Goldman, "The Ace of Cakes." He creates very detailed designs with a little humor mixed in. Duff also surrounds himself with people who are not just co-workers but freakishly talented friends.

12.What's a motto you live by?

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Here are some photos from Do's All Time Favorite Party "Charlie Brown Inspired Birthday"

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{Real Invitations} Alice in Wonderland Inspired Baby Shower Invitations

2011-08-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday! We know we’ve been MIA these past few weeks and we are checking in to share with you these beautiful invitations just so you can get a sneak peek of one of the many activities we have the pleasure of planning right now. In June, we were brought on to plan an Alice in Wonderland Baby Shower Tea Party. While many people are a fan of the new Alice in Wonderland saga, this mom-to-be wants to stick to the traditional Alice in Wonderland movie. So the focus of this shower will be on the tea party, the flowers, and of course Alice’s blue dress! This shower will be a vintage modern tea party, with a touch of whimsy! Check out the beautiful invitations that set the tone for this event!

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