Taking a Break...

Hi everyone,
Wanted to quickly jump on to let you know I will be taking a bit of a break from blogging.  I probably won't be back until after the New Year.  I wish I could say it's to enjoy the holidays but our family just suffered a tragic loss and we'll be heading out of town.

Please be safe and cherish your loved ones over this holiday season.

Thank you for your continued support and for tuning into Home Confetti.  I will be back with more in 2013!

Christmas Balloons

I wanted to make something inexpensive for the kids Holiday parties.  Just something to spruce up the room a bit, which is a challenge because we really can't hang anything from the ceilings.  So, using some fab FREE printables I found online, I made this cute balloon trio (one for each table station):

I know Santa is a little sad looking... not sure what to do about those eyes.  They're first graders, they won't mind!

I found the Rudolph and Santa printables at Sweetie Pie Bakery here.
And the top hat for the snowman came from Oh Happy Day here.

I used glue dots to stick the printables onto each balloon.  The sticks are dowels purchased from Michaels and then covered with patterned duct tape.

Since I didn't use helium, the main challenge I had with these was getting the floppy balloon to sit still on the stick.  After several attempts I just ended up sticking a few glue dots to the top of the stick, and just sticking the balloon to it.  So far it's lasted!

Then, I stuck the balloon sticks into these weights I found at The Dollar Tree.

For a first grade class party, I think they'll do the trick!

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Festive Holiday Drinks

During the holidays, the drinks are just as fun to make as the treats! Here are some festive options to make for your younger and older guests. Click on the names to get to the recipes.  Cheers!

Top Row:
Vodka Slushies from Food Network
Peppermint Eggnog Punch from BHG
Reindeer Cocktail from HGTV

Bottom Row:
Grinch Spritzer from Mimosas in the Morning
Cranberry Mojito
Candy Cane Punch from Taste of Home

Weekend Crafts: Cherishing the Moments

Like everyone else around the country, I spent a great deal of time watching the news updates on the horrific tragedy that occured in Newtown, CT, shedding tears and trying to understand how something like this could happen. I felt guilty going on with holiday celebrations with my children over the weekend while there are many parents grieving for the huge loss of their own...

The girls and I enjoyed some downtime at home this weekend just working on some random crafts.  And I can tell you that while they carefully worked on these crafts I just watched them with tears in my eyes... cherishing that time together–more so now than I probably would have before Friday.  No matter how big or small the project or event, cherish the moments with your children.

Here are the projects we enjoyed putting together this weekend:

I shared this on Facebook, but we did a test-run of the pinecone tree craft we're planning for the holiday party this week.  I think it's super cute!

The Reindeer juices will be making another appearance this year at the Holiday party! (I bought a case of Tropicana apple juice bottles at Sam's Club)

The annual gingerbread house, along with a foam Christmas tree.  Each was an activity in the girls' Advent Calendar.

And remember the easy holiday magnets I shared with you here? Well, Renee and Siena wanted to make their own for their teachers; they didn't want to give their teachers store-bought magnets.  (I guess I taught them well!)  So, we made these DIY magnets below using clear marbles purchased from the Dollar Tree's floral section.  We Mod Podged their drawings onto the flat side of the marble and then hot-glued magnets to the back.  Their teachers will be getting these along with a small gift card.

Easy Holiday Classroom Favor

I hope you're all getting through the holiday season in a somewhat sane manner. Don't hate me, but I'm actually done with my Christmas shopping! :0  I try to get it done early so I have the time to wrap all the gifts, concentrate on holiday traditions with the kids and getting little things like this done.

I'm slowly getting things organized for the girls' holiday parties. I'm using this little idea as a game prize. This is also great if you need a party favor or just want to give something to classmates before the winter break.  It's cheap and easy.

I found these multi-colored bouncey balls at Walmart for only 97 cents per package.  And the 50-pack cellophane treat bags for $2.50--also at Walmart.

I used a FREE reindeer bag topper printable from The Cooke Family you can find here. I just changed the wording to fit my prize:  Have a BALL over the Holidays!  The message also works since the party is the last day before break.  And then put it all together.  This is also a great solution if your school discourages sweets like our's does.

Have a great weekend!

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Tutorial: North Pole Game

Last week I gave you a glimpse of the North Pole ring toss game I made when I recapped the activities we planned for my daughter's holiday party here.  Now, as promised, here is the tutorial on how to make your own holiday themed game! Here is what you need:

1 Dowel 1" x 36" (I purchased mine at Michaels)

3"doll heads" (that's how they were labeled at Michaels-they were perfect because they have a flat bottom)

3 wood bases (I had the 2 round ones and couldn't find a third so had to buy the square)

Plus:

- Red craft paint

- White craft paint

- Glue (I used my hot glue gun)

- Holiday patterned duct tape (purchased mine at Home Depot)

- 3 frisbee discs (purchased at Dollar Tree)
- Red crepe paper

Start by painting the bases and "doll heads."  I painted the bases red and doll heads white.  

While those are drying, cut your dowel into 3 equal (12") pieces.

Wrap them with your duct tape.  I wrapped them lengthwise.  I did have to cut a small strip to cover it all the way around.

Glue each one to a base. I used playing cards (yes, Princess cards is what we have here!) to add some weight to the top to help them stay and stick in place while drying.

Then, adhere the balls (doll heads)-flat bottom down-to the top of each dowel. (For some reason I don't have a photo of this step!) 

For the rings, I used these frisbee rings (purchased at Dollar Tree).

 I just wrapped red crepe paper around each one.  They make perfect rings! 

And here is the whole game! 

Both my girls have already been playing with it!  Hope it adds a lot of fun to your holiday party!

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Mini Tree Using Wooden Ice Cream Spoons

I was planning on posting something different today, but when I saw this adorable mod Christmas tree I just wanted to share it!  What a great idea to use wooden ice cream spoons!  Besides making it for Christmas, this little tree would be ideal for a woodland party theme, or any Fall entertaining.  Created by fabric paper glue, find the full tutorial here.

My Neighbor Holiday Gifts: Past and Present

With all the fab ideas on Pinterest and around Blogland, it's so easy to come up with fun handmade gifts for friends, neighbors and teachers.  Here's a recap of some of the gifts I've made–maybe you'll want to try one of them!

One year (before I even had a blog) I made these PEPPERMINT STRIPED SOAPS from Martha Stewart.  You can find the directions here.  These are a bit time-consuming, but well worth the effort.  If you attempt to make these, make more than you need, because some of the stripes in the bars did fall apart.

Another year, I made a FELT ORNAMENT.  This was also inspired by one I saw on Martha Stewart. I followed this basic tutorial here, but then added my own embellishments.

Last year was my favorite project: a HAND-BEADED PIE SERVER with a pie. :)  You can find the full post on that here.

And this year, I'm making CANDY CANE PEPPERMINT SUGAR SCRUB.  It's easy and it can be done in big batches.

There are loads of sugar scrub recipes around.  I used the one I posted here.  I made two batches; added a drop of red food coloring to one batch to get the pink stripe.  Some people use raspberry juice to get the red color, but I didn't want anything to interfere with the peppermint scent.  And I used FREE tags from The Scrap Shoppe Blog here to make the label on top and the gift tag.

What are your DIY gifts for the holidays?  I'd love for you to share!

Christmas Treasure Boxes

Aren't these boxes a lovely way to "wrap" small gifts?  Not only will they totally beautify your package, but they also make beautiful decor on their own!  From Decor to Adore, find the full tutorial here.

No-Sew Plush Snowman

Isn't he adorable? Cute and smushy! This irresistible snowman from Ode to Inspiration would make a lovely handmade gift for someone young or old(er). Or just make one to add to your holiday decor! Find out how it was done without sewing a stitch here.

Holiday Classroom Party Ideas

I'm helping to organize each of my girls' classroom holiday parties.  It's always a challenge coming up with activities that are easy enough for their little hands to do, while also taking up the allotted 12 minutes at each station.  My girls are in 1st grade and this is what we've come up with.  Thought I'd share just in case any of you are in the midst of planning. Of course these make fun activities to just do at home, too!

GAME STATION (2 GAMES):
We're having two games.  Just in case kids quickly get bored with one, they have another one to go to.

CANDY CANE FISHING:
Line small candy canes around the edge of a table.  Try to have the candy cane's "hooks" come off the table a bit.  Then with a "fishing reel" that has a candy cane at the end, try to "hook" and grab the small candy canes.  Having the candy cane's "hooks" off the table should make it easier to hook them in.

"NORTH POLE" RING TOSS:
I actually made this, and will be giving you the tutorial next week! :)

SNACK STATION: SNOWMAN DONUTS
Having the kids "build" their snack helps take time and encourages creativity.  We're also going to have holiday-themed riddles on hand that kids can read to one another and hopefully get a chuckle!

CRAFT 1: SNOWMAN ORNAMENT
Here's one project.  To give the kids a head-start we're going to pre-paint the craft sticks.

Photo Source: Serving Pink Lemonade

CRAFT TWO: PINECONE CHRISTMAS TREE
Ian't this cute?! I'm thinking of getting those small terra cotta pots to put the pine cones in, but I'll need to see what kind of pine cones we get first.  I think they would look really cute as potted little trees!

Photo Source: The Givers Log

I also need to come up with some decorations.  So, more on that to come!

If you need more ideas and inspiration, visit last year's ideas here and my Pinterest board dedicated to Holiday Classroom Ideas here. 

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Get Your Craft On

DIY Holly and Berry Balloon Garland

I think about balloons for birthday parties, New Year's... but I have to admit I don't think about balloons when it comes to Christmas.  But now I will!  How adorable is this berry and holly garland made with balloons featured on Hello Bee?!  Love! You can find the full tutorial here.

Holiday Front Door Decor

When I decorated our front door for Halloween my girls complained that it wasn't fun... it was the same old thing, because I used last year's pumpkin decor.  So, when it came time to decorate the front door for Christmas, I wanted to do something different, something that wasn't our usual wreath.  So, I "wrapped" it!  And it has been approved by my two 6 year olds!  I really like it because the red wrapping paper really stands out from the street. And now all the solicitors can't peer inside my side windows! ha

How are you decorating your front door this year?

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Cloud 9 Baby Shower

What a great way to start the week with a "heavenly" baby shower! Event planners, Events in the City, created a lush atmosphere with textured table coverings and a soft purple color palette to complement the mom-to-be's "Cloud 9" theme.  They gave the foods cute names and guests were treated to a self-serve bar for mani and pedi favors.  Submitted and photographed by Leslie Maron Photography in Virginia, enjoy all the lovely details of the special day.

 

 

DIY Holiday Bottles

I'm a member of CafeMom: an online community where moms can share mutual interests, advice, personal stories, etc.  Of course, the "Craft Cafe" is one of the communities I belong to on there, and I spotted these lovely holiday bottles posted by Roxane.  I thought they were so pretty and Roxane was kind enough to let me share them.  They would make such a pretty centerpiece as they are, or with some poinsettias or white flowers in them.  She used Krylon glitter blast paint to make them.
Thanks Roxane for sharing!

Party Wear: Jeweled Bobbies

Looking to add a little sparkle to your outfit for the holidays?  These cute Anthropologie-inspired bobby pins might do the trick.  I think they're also a cute DIY gift for any little girl or woman.  Made with jeweled earrings, find the full tutorial at petit elefant.

Today's Takeaway: Ombre Balloon Backdrop

The ombre trend still seems to be going strong.  (Ombre is when you use graduated shades of a color.)  Ombre backgrounds are easy to do with streamers, but I think this balloon backdrop is so fun.  I'm thinking it would be perfect for an upcoming New Year's Eve party???  I imagine it must be done with helium balloons using different string lengths anchored down with balloon weights.  See the full pink ombre themed baby shower here.

My Super Easy Advent Calendar

Last year we made a cute Advent Calendar using whimsical holiday socks and the year before we made this tree cone one inspired by Eighteen25.  I do like to change it up every year, so I don't like to spend a lot just to put an Advent Calendar together.  So, when I was shopping around in Walmart and saw these Dixie cups, along with these glitter chenille stems, I knew what I was going to do for this year's calendar.

This couldn't be any easier because the cups are already in a fun pattern.  To make the cups look more like buckets, I cut the top strip of stripes off.  (Use a scissor instead of an exacto knife to get a straighter edge.)  Then, I cut the glitter sticks in half and used glue dots to adhere them onto the inside of the cups.  Since they're styrofoam cups, you don't want to use a hot glue gun.  So, they look like this:

They would make cute treat pails just the way they are too!  Since I don't have the best handwriting, and I didn't want to cover the polka dots, I didn't include numbers.  So, using a ribbon and some holiday clothes pins I already had, I hung them across the mantle.  I think they look so fun!  The girls will love counting down the "12 Days of Christmas!"

If you need more ideas, check out my Pinterest board dedicated to Advent Calendars here.

Airline Birthday Party

This little boy, who turned one, is sure to take flight in life!  His DIY mom thought of every detail to put her son in the pilot's seat and make guests feel like they were aboard a wonderful trip for the day!  A "flight status chart" gave guests their agendas; they could take fun photos in a painted jet seat photo prop; and they were encouraged to fill up on "jet fuel" along with other creative goodies.

Submitted and photographed by Orange Blossom Photography in California–fasten your seatbelts for all the amazing details!