Style Lush

Spinning Card DIY

by Leah

When it comes to Hallmark holidays, we're more of a handmade card + special activity family than a buy-a-gift one. For Father's Day this year, my baby daddy's getting a spinning photo card, courtesy of Martha Stewart. 

Instructions are here. (Dear Martha: It's not really a three-step process if Step 1 has seven parts.)

Two things to add:

1. The directions are kind of confusing, so I recommend making a dummy version out of scrap paper first, so you can figure out what you're doing before you add the fancy paper and photos into the mix.

2. If you want the photo to actually spin on its own when Dad opens the card, make sure you wind up the photo first and then hold the photo in place so the string doesn't untwist as you're putting the card in the envelope. Then, when he opens it: TWIRL!

Cute cute.

{Photo credit: marthastewart.com}

Petting Zoo Party

by Christina

When reader Sam asked for our help to make her son's birthday "cute" I had to jump. Theo is one of those boys who you want to put in your pocket so helping with his party is an absolute pleasure. The party is at a petting zoo so the theme is set. Here's what I've found to dress up a little barn and ensure a little 4 year-old style fun. First up, this great custom set to set the theme and colors in a sweet vintage vibe.

Next up, a little barn decor that screams "party." I'd make a balloon strand in the same three colors, yellow, red and navy and string it up, over a set of windows or if possible, near the table with the cupcakes.I'd also get a helium balloon for each of the kids chairs in the same colors. To add a little color in the air and then each child can take their balloon home.

And with this age you have to have fun and silly things.These animal hands are my favorite part of this party!

And how about one of these? Inflatable beach balls to send home with each kid.

And a box of animal crackers. And everyone goes home happy!

I hope this fits the bill and makes Theo's day.

(images via etsy, pinterest and amazon)

DIY Calligraphy

By Janet

I have an ever-growing list of things I want to learn--how to bid call, all about the trees in my neighborhood, morse code. Now I'm thinking: wouldn't it be fun to learn calligraphy? And, especially, wouldn't it be awesome to learn from Diva Pyari, who has the most whimsical and delighful writing style? As it turns out, she put together a little starter kit for wannabe calligraphers like me (and you?).

Kit includes: a lettering chart with Diva Pyari's signature calligraphy, a wooden dip pen, vintage nib, a bottle of traditional ink, and instructions with "tips and tricks" to start practicing! Comes in a screen-printed muslin bag.

What do you think? Wouldn't it be fun to make your letters more stylish?

Holiday party invites are out!

By A'Dell

I host a holiday party every year and I'll definitely be having my annual Cookie Day on December 23, as usual. One of my favorite holiday chores is shopping for party invitations for this event. You guys, I was a leeeetle too excited when I saw that Tiny Prints has already released their holiday designs. I've ordered from Tiny Prints for years and have always been pretty pleased with the offerings and final products.

Here are some of my favorites:

Source: tinyprints.com via A'Dell on Pinterest

Source: tinyprints.com via A'Dell on Pinterest

Source: tinyprints.com via A'Dell on Pinterest

Source: tinyprints.com via A'Dell on Pinterest

Source: tinyprints.com via A'Dell on Pinterest

Source: tinyprints.com via A'Dell on Pinterest

 

Where else are we ordering party invitations these days? I like these but I'm not sure there's a clear winner in here. Nothing says COOKIE DAY! to me in quite the right tones. I think I need to keep looking.

 

Birth Announcements: A must?

By Elisabeth

I don't know about you, but I love getting birth announcements in the mail. There is something about those cute, squishy babies that makes me all warm inside.

Sadly to say, I didn't do a birth annoucement with my first. (I know, he's quite devastated over the whole thing. NOT.) But, I am sad. I didn't think it was a big deal at the time. Actually, it's not a big deal, but I do wish I had done it. Heck, I have all the photos still. Can you image getting a birth announcement six years late?

HA.

Luckily, I had two more kids and got the chance to document my very own squishy babies for all the world to see (or to my top 50 family and friends. They don't grow on trees, you know?)

This last effort, I believe, is my favorite. I had had a couple of designs already put together and was dragging my feet to pick a favorite. (Actually, I am going to blame my husband on this one. Trying to get his "OK" on what I had put together, or actually his adoration for all my time spent on this project was all I was really looking for, took TIME, YO.)

Then, I noticed at the top of the birth announcements page on Tinyprints.com they were running a special. I could  get an additional $20 off, plus free shipping if I ordered THAT DAY. Well, hell, I had to make a decision, STAT. A nod from the husband or not, the purchase button was hit.

And this is what I came up with.

Cool, huh?

(On the back of the card I was able to include a note.)

 

Do you have a take on birth announcements? Waste of time, nice to have, or A MUST?

{photo credit: me and tinyprints.com}

Custom Return Address Stamps

By Sara 

A post about custom return address stamps may have been more appropriate during the holiday season when you're addressing a hundred cards and cramping up your hand but I have baby announcements on the brain. I do remember the first time around when it was all I could do to get those cards out within a month of our precious child's arrival. Between the 3 am party every night and the milk factory operating at all hours, we're shocked that it actually happened. Consider yourself lucky if you received one.

This time around I have come prepared to take a little of the pain away. Enter the custom return address stamp:

Custom stamp by PSA Essentials and available at Fine Stationery.

Sending cards for holidays and anniversaries of special occasions is kind of my thing so anything that makes the process a little easier is so welcome. I've wanted one of these stamps for ages and fiinally bit the bullet. At around $40-$45 a piece, these are small investments in your correspondence aresenal but should make a world of difference in getting those cards out on time. I will be happily stamping my way through this fall and winter. 

Paperless Post

By Janet

I so wish I would have known about Paperless Post last September when we moved into our new place. I fully intended to send change of address cards, something fancier than a simple email, but time quickly elapsed. Before I knew it, December arrived and, despite my best intentions, I hadn't sent a single change of address. I quickly designed a simple card noting the change and popped it in with our holiday greetings.

If only I had known about the fun and classy selection of card at Paperless Post! This would have been an efficient but lovely way to let our friends and family know of our whereabouts.

 
 
 
 

The site also includes tastefully designed invitations, save-the-dates, thank you notes, holiday cards, and birthday greetings. I recently used Paperless Post to send invitations to a wine and cheese party and was delighted at how neatly the site took care of tracking the RSVPs.

Each lovely card is sent using a virtual "stamp." When you sign up for an account, the first 25 stamps are free and you can easily earn additional stamps by inviting friends or following Paperless Post on Facebook. For larger mailings, you can purchase additional stamps for just a few cents each.

Certainly, there are still times when only a snail mail greeting will do, but Paperless Post is a lovely option when you are corresponding via technology.

{Image credits: Paperless Post}

They're here! Cute and festive holiday party invitations

By A'Dell

Tiny Prints released their 2010 holiday party invitation designs last week, along with many other online stationers. And YES, I admit that I've already ordered invitations for my annual cookie decorating party.

What? Too early to be thinking about Christmas? No, no, no. It might be too early to put the tree up (I'm saving that for at LEAST the week before Thanksgiving) but it's not too early to cross things off your to-do list and enjoy a small victory. 

This year isn't getting any simpler, so why not just go ahead and cross an easy (and cute) to-do off while you can?
  
1. Uncorked Cheer. Yes, I would love to come to a party with booze. SIGN ME UP. Bonus points for the language lesson.

2. Rustic Wreath: I just think this one is really pretty and sweet.

3. Ornament Tree. Darling for an ornament exchange, which is something I'm dying to attend this year since I've decided we are short in the ornament department.

4. Elephant Swap. Such a cute invite for such a tacky evening. I suppose you class it up where you can when it's White Elephant.

4. Fine Frost. Super classy, love these.  If I was hosting a big dinner I'd send these out.

5. Holiday Cupcake. Perfect for a cookie exchange or dessert/hot cocoa open house.

(A word of warning on these: watch out for square invitations and the 22-cent postage surchage they come with.  Cute ain't cheap.)

7.  Playful Poem: I know lots of people who host casual, everyone's-welcome December 24th parties with tamales or chili for dinner, and this would be such a cute pick for those.

8. Peppermint Hearts: Candy canes as hearts are just enough cutesy-cute without making me want to barf.

9. House Party: A gingerbread house party! How tasty! Someone throw one and invite me.  I will bring the gumdrops if you provide the frosting and graham crackers (or, if you're fancy, actual gingerbread).

Everything you need for the perfect mimosa brunch

By Jennie

I'm hoping to co-host a mimosa brunch later this year and while any party that serves mimosas doesn't need much else to be perfect, there are a few extra touches I'm hoping to make.

If this sounds like your kind of party, you have two options: 1) move to Texas so you can come to my party or 2) throw your own (with some tips below).

First up, invitations. While I love a good, witty evite more than the average party thrower (what price is better than free?), paper invitations aren't something to scoff at. Who doesn't love getting mail? And mail that's inviting you to a party? I'm sorry, that's just downright fun right there.

For only $15, you can buy a customizable and printable invitation like this Garden Party Invitation from Em Papers Etsy Shop. Customize it, print on the paper of your choice and voila! Not too expensive, not too difficult.

 

{Photo from Em Papers}

Also, if you opt for paper invitations, spruce up your envelopes with this fantastic return address stamp ($38) from Letter Girl's Etsy shop. I've been wanting one for ages.

Next up, the decor. Keep it simple! Put some daises in thin white vases around the house (how gorgeous are these white milk glass vases?), use clean, crisp white linens, and make the table pop with some bright, colorful ruffle chargers ($4.95 at Crate and Barrel).

 

{Photo from Sugar Push Vintage}

 

{Photo from Crate & Barrel}

Now, let's not forget the star of the table. The champagne flute. While you could certainly pick out something funky for each of your guests or even keep it easy (and less breakable) with a plastic flute, I like this classic flute that's reasonably priced from Crate & Barrel.

 

{Photo from Crate & Barrel}

You'll also need champagne for those mimosas, so check out our champagne round-up for some great tips.

Now, the menu. Keep this simple too. Muffins, (sweet or savory) scones, an easy breakfast casserole. For my party, I've definitely bookmarked these blueberry crumb bars from The Sweets Life, as well. Hey, why not also have a little chocolate and make these mimosa brownies from Cakespy? (They fit the theme!)

{Photo from The Sweets Life}

Yum.

If you're into giving favors, check out this perfect gift idea from Make & Takes: mason jar cupcakes.

{Photo from Make & Takes}

Or, pick up one, really nice gift and have a drawing at the party. I love this novelty apron from Paper Source.

Most of all, enjoy yourself. Have fun, sip a mimosa and talk tv, books, hair, and husbands with your favorite friends. That's what parties are really all about. The stuff is fun, the company is better.

Enjoy!

Invitations I Love: Summer Soirées

by Kerri Anne

Maybe it's because I've had so many awesome friends visiting recently, or maybe it's because I'm eagerly anticipating another month and a half filled with awesome friend-related activities, but lately I've noticed I want to be occupying a sunny patio whenever possible, drinking ice-cold adult beverages with friends old and new.

Summer is definitely one of those seasons that lends itself to seemingly endless opportunities for social gatherings, and the best start to a great and memorable party? Lovely, creative, summertime-inspired invitations, of course!

Here are some of my current favorites:

Garden Party Invite {15 USD} by e.m. papers

 

While originally created as a wedding invite, these could easily be redesigned into an invitation to a whimsical summer garden party.

Boastful Boat Invite {30 USD} by And Bear

 

Ice-Cream Party Invite {15 USD} by Sunday Girl Designs

Swing Invitation {20 USD} by Itsy Bitsy Store

 

BBQ Party Invite {16 USD} by Roxter Designs

 

Pool Party Invite {10 USD} by Hannah Cloud

 

And the invitation guaranteed to garner a (toothless?) grin:

Hangover Invitation {12 USD} by Designs Made Easy

 

Though clearly originally intended as a bachelor party invite, this one (like all the rest) can be tailored to fit your specific party needs.

I personally think it would make an awesome baby shower invite. 

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What about you? I'd love to hear about any favorite invitations you've received, seen, or sent recently!