Merry Monday: Circus Birthday

Isn't it funny how it seems that you suddenly see many parties with the same theme?? That's how I felt last week. I think I saw about 4 or 5 circus-themed birthdays parties–even a circus themed wedding. But, this one was my favorite, mainly because all the amazing decor was made by mom and grandma of the little birthday boy! Mom is Ali Wood of Ali Wood Photography. The circus cake made with hat boxes and the cut-out animal figures on the mantel are great takeaway ideas from this party. (And yes–that's a real monkey!)

Feast your eyes on some of the unbelievable decor!

These are just a few photos taken by Ali. You'll need to see the rest at Katie Grace Design where I originally discovered this party.

St. Pat's Jewelry Craft with Free Printable

I'm hosting a St. Patrick's Day playdate on St. Patrick's Day. The main activity the kids will be doing is a hunt for gold (chocolate) coins. With the exception of one young boy, the kids will be all girls, so I thought this shamrock necklace and bracelet would be a fun little craft for them to do, too. It's easy and the supplies are inexpensive. I also made up a little sign to go with it. If you'd like to use this idea for your own playdate, I've provided the printable you see in the photo here. (This is my first attempt at personally providing a printable, so please let me know if you have any problems.)

Even if you're not hosting a St. Pat's playdate, this necklace and bracelet would be fun to wear to a St. Pat's Day parade or to school that day.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Multi-pack of foam shamrocks (I purchased mine at Michaels for $1.79 with my 40% off)
• Plastic straws (I used 2 straws for 1 necklace)
• Gems and glue dots (optional)
• Yarn
• Hole puncher
• Scissors (not shown)
• Scotch tape (not shown)
• "Make Your Own Luck" Printable (optional) Download here

**Money-Saving Tip: When coming up with activities, try to come up with ideas using items you already have. With the exception of the foam shamrocks, I already had all the items for this craft.**

HOW-TO:

• Estimate how much yarn you need by loosely wrapping it around the child's wrist or neckline. Cut the yarn. To avoid the ends from unraveling, wrap each end with a small piece of clear scotch tape.
• Cut the straws in 2" pieces. I used 2 straws for 1 necklace.
• Using the hole punch, punch two holes in each shamrock. (If you only use one hole, the shamrock will flop around.) Then, decide on a pattern, and thread the yarn through the straw pieces and shamrocks. Tie the ends when finished.
• Add a little bling using glue dots to affix the gems. Below you'll see the necklace with gems and without. Boys may want their necklaces without.

That's it! Get creative with your patterns!

Linking to:

Tatertots and Jello Weekend Wrapup Party

Be Different Act Normal Show & Tell Saturday

I Heart Naptime Sundae Scoop

Under the Table and Dreaming Sunday Showcase

The Girl Creative: Just Something I Whipped Up

Keeping It Simple: Motivate Me Monday #60

C.R.A.F.T. Making Monday Marvelous

Craftomaniac Monday

Skip to My Lou Made By You Monday

Mad in Crafts Mad Skills Party

Embellishing Life Craft Catwalk

Night Owl Crafting

Mini Cupcake Pop Mold

If you've attempted to make cake pops you know that it can be a bit frustrating at first. Here is a great–NO BAKE–alternative... a mini cupcake pop mold! Designed by My Little Cupcake, the "cake" is made with crushed Oreos and cream cheese. Their website offers a video tutorial, step-by-step photos and FAQs to help you perfect your pops! This can definitely make party prepping much easier!

Two Different Ways to "Bunt"

I love finding ways to use a party theme in different ways. Mini bunting (or mini pennants) have been the rave for a while now. It's most commonly used on cakes. But, I love how Cathe of Just Something I Made came up with two different ways to use mini bunting.

PENNANT STAMP

Use her DIY pennant stamp to set the tone for your party as soon as your guest sees the envelope. Use the words "CELEBRATE" or "JOIN US" to decorate the invitation envelopes. Such a clever DIY stamping tutorial.

PENNANT CARD

Then let guests unravel their invite! You can have the bunting wrapped around the invite. This one is made with fabric, but you can easily make it with scrapbook paper glued to ribbon. Jump over to the pennant bunting greeting card tutorial.

Free Printables for Dr. Seuss' Birthday

Tomorrow, March 2nd, is Dr. Seuss' birthday. We're actually going to a playdate that will be celebrating his birthday by reading and watching Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! Here are a couple of cute printables you can download for free to use on an after-school snack for your kids tomorrow, or for a playdate of your own to encourage reading one of children's most beloved authors.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2018: Unfortunately it looks like Michaels no longer offers the free downloadable bookmarks showcased below. However, the circle tags from Frogs & Bees Under the Seas at the bottom are still available.
DR. SEUSS BOOKMARKS

In addition to bringing over some popcorn to munch on during the movie, I'm thinking of bringing these bookmarks the kids can color on their own and keep. Provided by Michaels, get your Dr. Seuss Bookmarks.

DR. SEUSS CIRCLE TAGS

Frogs & Bees Under the Seas provides these cute circle tags. Attach them to toothpicks and use them as cupcake toppers. Or use them to decorate special snacks for the kids. I might put these on popcorn bags, or on sandwich bags holding Dr. Seuss colored jelly beans, red and blue. Print your Dr. Seuss Circle Tags.