DIY PAINTED LETTER CUPCAKE TOPPERS

How do you make cool letter cupcake toppers? You could use the limited selection they sell at the craft store, paint them and pop 'em on a stick. Or you could use a Silhouette and make them out of any old font you like! Well, you know how I hate having limited options, especially when it comes to fonts. I used the new chipboard sheets and whipped up my own set of cool cupcake toppers. The chipboard is great because it is thin enough for the machine to cut, but thick enough to be painted and stand on it's own as a letter.  Since the Silhouette Portrait can use any font that is loaded on your computer, I chose one of my favorites, AmarilloUSAF (a freebie from dafont.com), a great modern font with cool notched corners. Love it!

Click to read more ...

HOW TO MAKE PARTY TOPIARIES

What is a party topiary? Just a fun take on traditional hanging decorations. Pop a few honeycomb balls on a stick and call it awesome. These couldn't be easier to make and just bring a ball of fun to the party. Think of all the different combinations you could make. Don't forget that you have a variety of sizes to choose from and can even make shapes - a geometric topiary would be so fun!! Pop on over to Minted's blog Julep and check out the full tutorial HERE.

A little hint, unless you have these sticks stuck in the ground for your perfect garden party, you are going to need a base. Check out the quick and easy DIY to put the dowels in a base and make these cuties over on Minted's blog Julep HERE.

EASY DIY FRINGE RUNNER FOR CINCO DE MAYO

Do you want to know how to make a super easy fringe runner for your Cinco de Mayo fiesta? I love tissue fringe and I was looking for a way to add it to my table. I wanted something full and fluffy and to achieve this look, I decided I needed MORE tissue paper. That's where it could have been tricky and super messy if I used glue. Layers upon layers glued together? Too much trouble. I always want it cute and quick. So, get ready to break out that sewing machine and don't be scared, it is super simple. I will let you in on a little secret, I only know how to sew straight lines. Seriously. There's a few things here or there but 99% of the time, I just break out the sewing machine to get stuff to stick together with no dry time.  I am always sewing in a straight line. Fringed tissue in bright colors is an easy way to bring the celebration to your next party so let's make this!

You will need:

50 sheets (20" x 30") of tissue paper (I like to use the flat reams from Paper Mart)

cutting mat, ruler & rotary cutter (save your sanity from fringing)

sewing machine

You can mix and match your layers to your desired colors. To cover the length of my table, I need two sections. Measure your table and determine how many sections you will need.

Stack 10 sheets for each layer before cutting.

Bottom: Leave 10 sheets uncut.

Middle: Cut 10 sheets 14" wide.

Top: Cut 10 sheets 8" wide. You can get tops for 2 sections out of 10 sheets.

Once you have all your layers cut, arrange them in order for each section. Take a section to the sewing machine. 

Start sewing through all the layers, down the center. I used a contrasting thread for pop, but feel free to use once that matches the top layer. I also used a zig zag stitch, this is a simple setting on your machine, check your manual. A straight, your default stitch, will work just fine too.

Stop about 5 inches from the end and add your next section. Be sure to alternate the layers to hide the seam. Think: new/old, new/old, new/old. Keep sewing.

Note: for more than two sections at a time (I made a 20 foot length for the Windows' dinner) try a slightly different method.  Leave off the top layer for the first run. Sew together only the bottom and middle sections at a time. Sew about 3 sections together at a time. Then sew those sections together. Then add the top layer and sew it down over it. It makes it a bit easier to manage in pieces. Plus, since the top layer is sewn on last, you can be sure to have a pretty finishing seam, regardless of any mishaps.

Once you have sewn your sections together, trim off the excess ends. Cut with scissors if desired. To save time and guarantee even fringe, use a rotary cutter, a ruler and a cutting matt. Insert the mat underneath each layer and cut strips usine the rotary cutter moving right to left.

Fluff the fringe and voila.

Add this on top of a fun tablecloth- Viva la Fringe!

I first made these runners for the party I decorated for the Microsoft Windows dinner at Alt. I loved it so much that I have been meaning to share the DIY with you. Can I tell you how much it has been killing me to wait until Cinco de Mayo - what better holiday to have oodles of fringe on your tabletop, right?

PARTY FAVORITES: MAXWELL RYAN OF APARTMENT THERAPY

I got the chance to interview Maxwell of Apartment Therapy thanks to HP last week and got to ask him some great questions about taming the craft chao. Since I had him on the phone, you know I had to ask what was in his party toolbox. Party Favorites is a series here at H+H where we ask bloggers what do they always have on hand for entertaining? So, just what does the king of organization do when it comes to throwing a party? What are his must haves? Let's find out...1. Amaretti Cookies - during the Holiday season he stocks up on Amaretti cookies. Did you also know you can light the leftover cookie papers and they will float? Thanks, Maxwell!

2. Sparklers - he always has a box of sparklers. Everyone loves them, especially kids. Maxwell's daughter Ursula adores them.

3. Zoku Quick Pop Maker with Character Kit - A fun little addition to the Zoku family, you take the cutting tools and make shapes out of fruit to make character popsicles.

Oh, and did I mention he makes his own party crafts,  too? This guy never ceases to amaze me. He used his HP All-in-One Printer to scan and print his own one of a kind paper bunting. AWESOME.

A big THANK YOU again to Maxwell for sharing his party tricks! Thanks to HP for making this possible! Don't forget to check out his interview here.

SPRING ENTERTAINING BASICS: KATE SPADE SATURDAY

EEK! It is here! I saw bits and pieces of the Kate Spade Saturday line when they had a preview sale a few weeks back and I was kicking myself for not scoring any. Saturday has a great collection of clothing,  jewelry (pretty striped studs anyone?) and housewares (you know new dishes gets me crazy) and they are all remarkably priced! Spring tends to be all about pastels and it can feel a bit dated and ho-hum.  I have a brighter approach to Spring, adding a bright and bold pop of color with a little classic black and white. Adding black and white home decor is a great alternative for a neutral in your home! If plain white dishes seem a little too bland and you are in need of a little pop of style, might I recommend these graphic lovelies?

I am mildly obsessed with the housewares and might need to grab the entire line. An entire party based on these? Holy awesomeness! The grid line glasses are my favorite, or maybe the mugs? Either way, it's a simple as black and white - you need a little bit of awesome everyday, not just Saturday.