DIY MUSHROOM COTTAGES OR TOAD STOOLS

Woodland parties are a really popular theme for girls birthday parties. The decor is completely enchanting and sets a special setting for a party. Here is a great DIY project from Penny Wise for the essential mushroom cottage or toad stool just for that theme.  She was really smart in using upside down bowls to create the tops. And would you believe she used pool noodles for the bottoms?!  Find the full tutorial here. While you're there, check out the cake and marshmallow mushrooms she also made!

UNIQUE BACK TO SCHOOL STYLE WITH DUCK TAPE®

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart. All opinions are 100% mine.

My girls go back to school before the end of the month, so we are in full back to school shopping mode! Their school gives us a list of very specific supplies to buy: brand, color, quantity, size.  The supplies go into a box that will be shared by all the kids.  So, unfortunately cute Hello Kitty folders are not a consideration.  But, when either Renee or Siena do get a notebook, pencil, folder or pencil box from the classroom stash, we know we can always jazz them up with a little Duck Tape! Look at the great patterns Duck Tape® offers:

ADD DUCK TAPE® TO YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL LIST: Duck Tape® is an easy and inexpensive way to create, embellish and decorate book covers, name plates, notebooks, pens and more!  Here are just some of the fun ideas I found around the 'net that we'll be using:

• These lanyards from Crafty Soccer Mom are a great idea to hang from kids' backpacks
• The Duck Tape® belt from Dukes and Duchessess is an easy way to upgrade a worn-out belt for an outfit.
• Stylish back to school accessories from Cheryl Style

Buy Duck Tape at Walmart: Duck Tape® is conveniently available at Walmart stores. Check here to find a Walmart near you.

 

DIY CHALKBOARD CAKE

Today is back to school for us! It's still hard for me to mentally adjust to school starting here before Labor Day, but we're ready!  I thought I'd celebrate by posting this fun and creative chalkboard cake from A Subtle Revelry.  Perfect for any school themed event: teacher's birthday, appreciation, retirement.  The outside of the cake is made with chocolate fondant and the "chalk" is made with candy melts.  Find the full tutorial here.  And look for our annual "first day photos" on Facebook! :)

GIRLY FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY

Glitter, pink, crowns and cupcakes... that's what little girls' parties are made of. And this one's no exception! Mom and Dad hosted a family-loving outdoor party for their daughter, Arianna. My favorite element is the chalkboard centerpiece showcasing all of Arianna's favorite things at one.  Thanks to Itsi Bitsi Photography in California for taking and submitting the photos.

BACKPACK GIFT BOXES

I found this little gem via Party Frosting.  I thought it was so cute, I wanted to share it with you here! They're made with scrapbook paper over Crystal Light boxes.  The gift box is perfect to fill with a treat and tuck into your kid's backpack as a first day of school surprise, or for a back to school party.  They would even make cute favor boxes for a camping party.  Find the full tutorial at Basic Grey.