Valentines Candy Factory : DIY heart apron

 

Have you noticed all the heart adorned shirts and pillows in stores? I have too. And, I've got to say.. I really think they are adorable! So, how could I not incorporate a heart somewhere in my Valentines party? I had the idea to have an apron for each child, to help control the messiness and also act as a great party favor. Adding a heart to the aprons was an obvious thought once I started putting everything together.

plan white child's size apron - I picked mine up at Michaels

freezer paper

heart template download

scissors

acrylic paint - I really like the Martha Stewart line

clothes iron

Print the heart template. Cut out an 11x8.5 sheet of freezer paper. Stack the heart template on top of the freezer paper and use it as a guide to cut out your heart. Iron the freezer paper template (the outside of the heart cutout) to your apron, glossy side down. Paint in the heart. Peel off the freezer paper and allow the paint to completely dry.

Valetines Candy Factory : DIY Chocolates

Everyone deserves a box of chocolates on the 14th of February. Good thing there is a Valentine's candy factory party going on right here! You can help your little party guests make their own box of chocolate to keep, one to give away to their special someone, or one of each!

heart shaped silicon ice cube trays (I picked mine up at the Target dollar isle)

melting chocolates

chocolate fillings (recipes below)

7x5 inch boxes

mini cupcake liners

box label printable

First step - slowly melt your melting chocolates in separate bowls. I ended up buying dark chocolate, white chocolate, and red chocolate melts. I mixed the red and white together to get my pink. To melt the chocolates in the microwave, start out slowly. I almost never let it go to a full minute, and you must always stir in between microwaving! Check the bag for more detailed instruction on how best to melt the chocolate.

Depending on the age of your guests, you can decide if you want to prepare your molds ahead of time. I got a small spoon and gently pressed the melted chocolate up the sides of the mold and all across the bottom. Try to get the chocolate as thin as possible, but don't worry too much about it. It taste delicious anyway!

Next, let your party guests fill their candy hearts with the different filling options. Once all of their chocolate hearts are full, help them spoon some melted chocolate over each heart. Tap the molds gently on the counter to smooth out the bottoms of the heart. To let the chocolates set quickly, you can place the entire mold in the freezer. Make sure the chocolate has completely set before trying to take any hearts out.

Let your little guests write their names on the outside label for their box and label their chocolate hearts on the inside label. Secure the papers with a little fun washi tape!

CHOCOLATE FUDGE

12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips

3/4 c. sweetened condensed milk

2 tsp. vanilla

dash of salt

Mix your chocolate. Add milk, vanilla & salt. Cool before using.

Simple & sweet!

COCONUT FILLING

14 oz pkg. sweetened coconut

2 lbs. powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

2 sticks melted butter

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Mix all together. Chill overnight.

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

2 c. smooth peanut butter

1 c. butter

1 lb powdered sugar

Melt the peanut butter and butter in the microwave. Stir in the sugar. Let cool.

COOKIE DOUGH TRUFFLE recipe - find it here

Valentines Candy Factory : DIY factory sign

 

I have been loving all the signage and such I've been seeing around for different parties and gatherings. So, I thought a nice vintage-mimic sign for our Valentines candy factory was just the thing this party needed! It was a lot of fun to put together, and I am sure I am going to be keeping this gem for a while after the party is over. I just imagine myself pasting different papers over the front for every new occasion. Reuse and recycle, right? Anyways, if you want to make your own...

foamcore board

Confetti Sunshine valentines candy factory sign printable

tape or glue (I used tape)

poster board (for the trim)

rotary blade

cutting mat

ruler

Sorry for the lack of decent pictures. This sign was very thoughtfully made. Actually, so much thought went into the making of the sign, that very little thought went into taking pictures. Oops. But, I will try to paint a clear picture of how to make this work..

First, print all 6 pages of the printable. Trim 1/4 inch around all the edges. Line up the papers to create the sign and tape them together along the back. Tape or glue the paper sign to your piece of foamcore. Use a ruler to guide your rotary blade (and be extremely careful!) cut your sign out of the foamcore. Be sure to only cut on a cutting mat and always cut away from yourself (scouting 101). Don't worry about rough edges, they can be covered up.

Next, cut your poster board into stripes of 1 1/2 inches wide by the length of the posterboard. You can glue the poster board onto the edges of your factory sign, or you can cheat, like me, and just tape it in place along the back. Clear gift wrapping tape sticks wonderfully to foamcore and paper, so I just stuck with tape the whole time. Continue to tape or glue strips of poster board around your sign until you have completely surrounded it.

You are then ready to display your lovely sign either by hanging it or propping it against a tape! I hung mine by punching two holes at either end at the top and stringing some twine through. And, yes, it is still hanging above my work table. And, yes, it will stay there a few more days... at least...

I really loved this project! I hope you do too!

Valentine Candy Factory Party : color palette & free invitation

It's time for another party! Are you surprised? We are talking a Candy Factory Valentines day party all week on the blog. And, believe me, it's a good one! But, seriously, how could it get better? Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate....

To start with, you can see the gorgeous light and fresh color palette I picked out for this party. I always start with a color palette when planning a party. It helps me think more clearly and keeps thoughts organized when out shopping when you have certain colors in mind.

Also, a fun invitation is a must! Now how could I pass up the classic wrapped candy bar as an invitation to a candy making party? It was a quick and easy idea - and one that my daughter's friends are sure to love!

Download the 7x5 inch flat invitation here

Download the large candy wrapper invitation here

Do you know the problem with planning a party almost a month in advance? My daughter is having a really hard time waiting a few weeks to have her friends over to join in on the fun! Ha! Poor child...

Why I never have models...

Just in case anyone was wondering why my darling daughters hardly ever make an appearance on my blog.. we have hit the "awkward smile" phase in my older daughter's life. The baby is now very mobile and won't sit still for anyone, especially a camera. So, I am stuck without models until further notice. Does anyone know how long this awkward smile phase lasts? Ha! Hopefully it will be gone before too long.

Have a great weekend!

(And, enjoy this sneak peek of whats happening on the blog next week.)

Free Printable : Valentines Matchbox

 

Isn't this box adorable? I love the tiny polka dots contrasted with pattern hearts. 

This little matchbox would make a perfect little package shipped to loved ones who are not within visiting distance. It also would be fun to hide a little toy or gift for a fun surprise!

Anyone else getting excited for Valentines? Do you do anything fun for your family? We always have a fancy breakfast. But I am excited this year since my daughter is going to preschool, I finally get to make cute little classmate gifts! Now I just have to decide what to make...

Download the outside of the box here

Download the inside of the box here

Free Printable : Valentines milk carton

I'm back! And with another free printable no less! Now there is no excuse not to have some special treat for that close friend or loved one in your life. Candy and treats are even more adorable when packaged in a miniature milk carton - that is just a fact.

Valentines "Special Delivery" Milk Carton : download here

And, if you are still looking for that perfect little package to delivery your treats in, don't worry. I'll be back with another free little printable box tomorrow. (I'm here all week, folks!)

Free Printable : Valentines take out box

I cannot believe it is almost February! Where did January go? I can't believe it is already time to start planning Valentines day parties and such. Wasn't it just Christmas? 

Anyways, I am excited to be leaping into February and Valentines. I really do love this time of year. So here is a little free printable to help with your holiday planning scheme.

This cute little free printable Valentines take out box is a perfect way to send a little love to a friend or classmate this year! Simply print, cut, fold & glue.

And, for a little bonus, I am offering two different downloads - one with the "Be Mine Valentines 2013" on the front and one with a blank scalloped circle for your own personalizing.

"Be Mine" Valentines freebie take out box - download here

"Blank" Valentines freebie take out box - download here

Choo Choo.. A valentines for you!

We are having grand ol' time with this long weekend, and I hope you are too! If you are already into Valentines planning mode, be sure to hop on over to One Charming Party to download the Valentine's Express train printable.

And, don't forget to enter the Confetti Sunshine Birthday Party Giveaway!

It's a Party GIVEAWAY!

*UPDATED*

And the winner is...

Congrats to #81 Tiffany G. who tweeted about the giveaway!

It's our Birthday! So I decided to give to you!

Only Confetti Sunshine could be that awesome.

Enter to win:

12 Push Up Pops

12 Berry Baskets

A set of Turquoise, Yellow and Orange Cupcake Liners - big & small

6 Juice Bottles with Lids

4 Mini White Gable Boxes

A set of peach, yellow & mint Stripe Paper Straws

Yellow Party Fringe

Yellow & Mint Tissue Fan

36" Giant Round Orange Balloon

12 Wooden Forks, Spoons & Knives

12 Lollipop Sticks

plus... free shipping!

Over $65 of party goodness!

(All because I love you guys!)

HOW TO ENTER:

("Answer a Questions" is mandatory... please leave your email so I can contact the lucky one! All the other entries are just to increase your luck.)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway 

And don't forget to sign up for our NEW PARTYLETTER (aka. newsletter)

DIY : fringed photobooth backdrop for only $13

Oh no. I am back with the fringe. Not only that, but I am back with a whole lotta fringe. But, hey, fringe is good. Fringe is fun. Fringe is easy to make. And, if you make it from tissue paper, fringe is cheap.

I made this backdrop for $13, but you could make it for less. The gold mylar fringe was a big chunk of that change. Here's the breakdown of how the money was spent:

2 Roll of white paper from Dollar Tree - $2

3 packages of tissue paper (orange, yellow & teal) - $3

Gold mylar fringe - $8

Clear tape - already owned

So, here is how it works: Fringe a whole bunch of tissue paper. I didn't think that step needed a lot more instruction, but if you are looking for a little more photo detail go to this post. I fringed the backdrop just the same as the table runner.

Hang your white paper up on the wall. I would recommend building your backdrop where you are wanting to have it for the party, but you can move it afterwards. I did end up moving mine. It was a lot of work and some fringe was sacrificed  but it worked. I hung my white paper to the wall with a staple gun. You can use whatever you want to hang paper, just be careful.

Then, along with your little assistant's help, simply tape your fringed sheet of tissue paper and mylar fringe to your backdrop. I eyeballed the measurements and hung a new layer every 6-8 inches.

As soon as you've reached high enough to cover past the tallest person in your party you are all ready to go! Set up your lights and pull out your tripod. Photobooth are such a fun way to bring out the goofier side of people... (see proof above.)

DIY : Tissue fringed table runner

Who says fun fringe has to just be hung on a wall? I like it running across the table, personally. I love how pouf-y this runner is on the table. It also looks great mixing in different colors. It's everything you love from a tassel garland laying right on the table. How couldn't that look good?

It's made pretty much how you would expect...

Tissue paper

Rotary cutter or scissors

Cutting mat

Tape

Fold a sheet of tissue paper in half lengthwise (I was actually able to fringe a couple sheets of tissue paper at the same time, so you could try more at a time). Use a rotary cutter or scissors to fringe the tissue, leaving about an inch uncut at the top by the fold. Unfold your tissue paper and layer it on top of another piece of fringed tissue paper. I spaced my layers every 18 inches or so. Tape the tissue papers together. Continue layering until you have your runner as long as you would want.

DIY : confetti filled invitation

Not every party needs to have a theme or even a reason, for that matter. Sometimes it is just good to celebrate life. When something like that happens, an invitation filled will confetti is just the thing. 

Now, don't fret. I am not going to try to teach you how to feed slippery glassine bags through your temperamental printer in order to have fun and unique invitations. Believe me, my printer is pickier than yours. This invitation is easy and DIY friendly.

tissue paper confetti (cut with a 1 inch circle punch)

glassine bags

permanent fine point marker

"you are invited to a party" printable (at the end of the post)

Print and cut out the template printable. Put the print out into a glassine bag. Trace the lettering on to your bag with a permanent marker. Take out the template and stuff the bag with confetti. You can also write the rest of the invitation details at the bottom of the bag or on the back.

I love the details that a hand drawn invitation gives. You can also change out colors with each line of text for a colorful change! And... who wouldn't love getting a bag full of confetti?

Someone is having a Birthday...

I can't believe it's been an entire year! It's gone by fast, let me tell you. Be sure to be stopping by every day this week for fun DIYs, giveaways, and other fun stuff. (There might even be something fun coming later today)

But, to start my New Year resolutions for Confetti Sunshine, I am starting a newsletter. It's going to be monthly, jam packed with exclusive fun party ideas, free printables and coupons to Confetti Sunshine. Really, you don't want to miss out... so go subscribe now!

Subscribe to our newsletter here

Snow Day : Hot cocoa menu

 

Having a hot cocoa bar begs for fancy cocoa. And while you can pick up numerous different powdered cocoa to mix into your warm milk, I liked the thought of adding real ingredients to flavor a standard milk chocolate cocoa.

Some of the ingredients we had were:
60% cocoa chocolate chips
white chocolate chips
chopped up andie's mints
miniature marshmallows (of course)
fresh whipped cream
peppermints
caramels
chocolate sprinkles

My favorite combination was: Hot cocoa + marshmallows + whipped cream + crushed andie's mints + sprinkles = delicious!

DIY : Washi taping spoons

I love wooden utensils. They are the convenience of plastic-ware without the plastic taste, and they are incredibly easy and fun to dress up. I've painted them, stamped them, tied yarn around the ends.. etc. But, I have to say, sticking some fun patterned washi tape on the end of them has got to be the easiest ways to dress these little spoons up yet.

Washi Tape

Wooden Utensils from Confetti Sunshine

First, I like to start with a straight edge, so I cleaned up the end of my tape roll with scissors and cut a couple inch piece of tape. I then placed it on the wooden utensil. If you don't get it lined up perfect, you can gently peel it off and replace, or just yank it off and get a new piece of tape.

I then got my best small (hair cutting) scissors to trim around the edges. At first, I thought I could just bend down the tape around the spoon and not have to trim at all, but it doesn't stick very well to such a small surface space like the edge of a spoon. Trimming went quick and smooth. I easily made a dozen of these utensils in 5 minutes.

The best part about using washi tape? The colors, patterns, and styles are beyond endless. You can make a few for a small gathering or dozens for a large event! It's a perfect DIY project for any party.

DIY Monogrammed Mug

Have you seen the new Red Barn Blog? Such a fabulous combination of talented contributors. It's a brand new blog, but one to add to that google reader, for sure. Speaking of the fabulous contributors.. did I forget to mention that I am one of them? Ha, I'm really not conceded I promise. But I am very excited to be bringing you family fun and party ideas every 2nd Wednesday over at the Barn!

For this month, I put together this DIY Monogrammed Mug. Monograms are such a great way to personalize a party!  There are so many different things you can do with this mug. You can make the mugs with your kids on a snow day afternoon, make them for place settings at a wintery party, or even use them as favors filled with your favorite hot cocoa mix.

Be sure to head over to the Red Barn Blog to see all the details!