paper and cake

Out with the Old... and In with the NEW!

2011-08-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

We've Moved!!!

It's the end of an era as they say. Say goodbye to blogspot, there is a new URL in town! Please update your bookmarks to our new website and integrated blog at:

www.paperandcake.com

The new website offers all of our printable party PDFs as a DIRECT DOWNLOAD... no more waiting for an email with your files.

We are also offering sponsor ad space! Please email for rates.

Let's Travel Back in Time, Shall We?

2011-08-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking lately about where I started, and how far I've come with this whole "party" business. There has to be one or two of you out there who know that I had another blog, before this one, called "piece of cake parties"? It started out as a place for me to write about and share all of the events that I did for friends and family - and trust me, as a non-party planner, I did a TON! The very first post I did back in May of 2008 was all about my daughter's first birthday party. I was SO proud!

Please don't laugh?

So, without further ado...

"In getting ready for my 3 year old son's birthday party this weekend, I fondly remembered planning a 1st birthday party for my now 6 year old daughter.

Even back in 2003, I was adamant that I would not buy a prepackaged "kit" of birthday supplies. No Dora, no Thomas and NO princesses! Once I had announced this plan to my friends I couldn't then go back on my word, even after I figured out how difficult I was making it for myself. Oh, the pressures of your very first child's first birthday party!

Invitations

I decided on a "Jungle" theme - mostly because my daughter's favorite book was "Goodnight Gorilla" and she loved saying the word giraffe. I asked a friend to help with some illustrations of cute little jungle animals, very appropriate for a 1st birthday party, (although, cheap stock photo would have worked just as well) and just printed the invitations on my color printer.

Decorations
Next I had to decide on decorations. I just happened to have a ton of leftover green, brown and maroon construction paper, I found leaf and animal silhouette templates online and I went to town! Animals and leaves covered every horizontal surface, the ceiling and some windows too. I chose 3 shades of green streamers from Alin Party Supply and hung them from every chandelier and tent canopy.

Keeping with this Jungle theme, I found green striped cellophane party favor bags and tied them with animal print ribbon, made sugar cookies in animal shapes (although I could have just bought animal crackers) and make cupcakes with a little iced leaf on top. Our house was really small, so for comfortable seating I rented three round tables and covered them with forest green table cloths, and topped them with the paper animal and leaf cutouts. I also purchased plates, napkins and cups in 3 shades of green to match.

Activity

I knew there needed to be some kind of activity to entertain the children, and I had not yet heard of bounce houses or rent-a-character. I did not have any experience throwing a kids party before, so I just went with what I knew...crayons and paper. A child height table and chairs with a long piece of white butcher paper plus a few boxes of crayons and markers kept those multi-age kids busy for longer than you would expect.

Cake

And now for the pièce de résistance! The moment you have all been waiting for... the cake. While looking at my latest issue of Martha Stewart Baby, they had several options for children's birthday cakes. To my great surprise, there was a giraffe! Everything was right there in black and white - a template and everything. All I had to do was make a regular 9x12 sheet cake, the cut out between the legs became the neck, cut off a slope for the back and it becomes the head and tail pieces (see pattern details below). White frosting in a can (colored yellowish), frosting in a tube (in a contrasting color) to outline the legs, feet and face, plus some chocolate jimme sprinkles for the spots and you look like a STAR pastry chef!

Honestly, anyone can make this cake... here are a few tips:

use boxed cake - it always turns out right
use frosting in a can if you want to, it's easy and it tastes good
what are you going to put the cake on? cut a piece of cardboard and cover it with foil, or purchase a ready made cake board of plastic or cardboard
push 2 inch strips of paper towel or wax paper slightly under all the edges of the cake to keep the frosting off of the base board
if you plan on writing on the cake, leave enough space for it
remember to purchase candles!
make cupcakes too - the kids actually prefer them to a piece of cake (and you'll be sure to have enough dessert to go around)

sheet cake pattern

giraffe cake assembly

Shopping List

Michael's, Joann's or any online Craft Store

paper to print invites on - or just use whatever you have at home
envelopes
green, brown, maroon construction paper
animal print ribbon - to tie the party favor bags and for misc use on the food table
crayons and markers - unless you already have some at home? you certainly don't need to buy new especially because kids are really hard on them

Party Supply Store

paper streamers - multiple shades of green
plates - multiple shades of green
napkins - multiple shades of green
plastic cutlery - clear, leftovers can be used at your next party
plastic cups - clear, leftovers can be used at your next party
cellophane party favor bags - look for some with green stripes or an animal print
roll of butcher paper - can be brown kraft or white
something to put the cake on - cake board of cardboard or plastic
Party Rental Store
tables - do you need kid size as well as grown up?
chairs - do you need kid size as well as grown up?
green cloth table cloths

Grocery Store

cake mix - find some on sale and buy 4 boxes, you'll need enough for cupcakes too - remember, these have a long shelf life and buying extra will save you if/when you make a mistake (trust me) OPTION FOR A BIG PARTY: make the giraffe a double layer cake
3 cans of white frosting - (extra is always a good idea) for the giraffe and cupcakes
food coloring - yellow/orange for giraffe body
chocolate jimmies
frosting in a tube (brown and green) - to trace the features of the giraffe and for the leaf shapes on the cupcakes... you can also use a pastry bag with a tip or I've seen icing syringes or plastic kits right there in the baking aisle at the market
make sure you have eggs and oil for the cake
EASY OPTION FOR THE CAKE - buy a plain, no frosting, 9x12 sheet cake from the grocery bakery and while you are at it get a dozen cupcakes as well.

All in all, it was a very successful party, AND I didn't have to resort to any franchise characters. This first party set the stage for our family's birthday party plan... original themes, creative thinking, spend as little as possible and make it look homemade - even if it isn't!"

Wonderlandia Week ~ Wrap it up, would you?

2011-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last bit of pictures, I promise! It was just such a lovely evening, just a great opportunity to meet people I've been "talking" to online for years. Here are a couple of highlights...

the ultra fab Amy - love those earrings, don't you?

if you can even stand it, Sharon from Cupcakes and Cutlery, Amy of Living Locurto

and a super sweet rep from Glue Dots!

no, you are not seeing double, that is Amy - again - with my sister and

Amy's partner Angie of I Heart Faces

shortly before the party ended, I passed out the globe cake pops from A Twist of Cake...

People were going CRAZY for them...

Jenn looking SO beautiful!

me, and my table

and lastly, a fabulous swag bag courtesy of the Hostess herself! Thanks again Jenn!

Wonderlandia Week ~ Imagine a Party

2011-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well ladies (and Richard) here it is. My interpretation of Wonderlandia, or as I like to call it, "Imagine a Journey"...

With fanciful illustrations of a flying machine and a sailing vessel, this is the perfect party for a little birthday girl who dreams of a trip full of wonder. Bright colors were combined with more natural tones - in moss and kraft paper - to really pop off the table.

These custom "globe" fondant cupcake toppers were created by none

other than Brittany of Edible Details. Cute right?

This "antique" looking globe got the decoupage of its life!

My cute husband drilled holes in the ends of wooden

cutlery to make a napkin "ring" and place card all in one.

A personalized "Passport"is an activity book in disguise.

What could be more perfect than a party favor bag filled with cloud-like meringue cookies?

Starbucks coffee bottles make the perfect glasses for lemonade, pink lemonade.

Yummy and perfectly matching cake pops from Cathy of A Twist of Cake.

Is it a cake stand or a popcorn tree? Both I think...

Take 2 hatbox lids and 2 candle holders (and a lot of glue dots!)

It wouldn't be a party without favors for the guests. These are bamboo puzzles in clear boxes.

Add moss and some matching packaging - so cute!

The table turned out better than I could have ever thought - it all came together, wind and all! I have to acknowledge a ton of people, starting with Jenn herself because really without her we wouldn't be here staring at these fab photos. My sister Missy (photographer extraordinaire), Cathy and Brittany (creative confections), Amy (my sounding board), my husband Richard (a man with a lot of patience). Did I forget anyone?

Okay, now for the secret. Not probably at all a secret, but here it goes... I will be offering this collection in my shop - yay! I'm excited to finish it and have it ready for you all. It was such a fun set to work on, such a fanciful collection to look at... wouldn't your daughter just love it?

More photos tomorrow! Come on back for pics of the event itself, and you have got to check out the swag bag that HWTM gave everyone.

Wonderlandia Week ~ Glue Dots Everywhere

2011-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

On the day of the HWTM Wonderlandia event, my fabulous (and ultra patient) sister agreed to drive down with me, and help me set up my tablescape. She was also a bit of a nurse/babysitter/gopher/personal assistant because I was not feeling 100%, just having gotten over some flu thing. Even though we left the L.A. area in plenty of time to make it to San Diego for our scheduled set up time, I was freaking out because of TRAFFIC! Why is there always traffic in Southern California? It's like asking why does the sun always shine in Southern California, right?

Anyway, we were late.

We headed up to the hotel terrace with our boxes of supplies, and proceeded to attempt to set up in GALE FORCE WINDS. I am not kidding you - it was blowing. Also? There were hotel guests EVERYWHERE, sunbathing (I love that word). If you've met me, you'll know that not feeling well+late+wind+paper decorations= stress case. Luckily, I had my sister and my girl Amy to talk me out of my tree.

Shall I get to the photos? Okay, here is me schlepping my paper and decor, using an entire roll of Glue Dots to prevent my Wonderlandia from blowing off the roof deck.

Matching "Vintage" luggage stickers added to paper suitcases from Land of Nod

Superstar Amy in charge of Cake pop display details.

Cathy at A Twist of Cake not only made these adorable and matching cake pops, but

personally drove them to my house while I was sick in bed!

Stop by her facebook page and say "hi" won't you?

Checking cell phone photos of napkin treatments, how did I do that again?

Glue Dots!!!

Don't mess with a party girl with scissors in her hand!

Don't worry, I did finish in time - but, I had to give up a couple of my elements including some adorable garland that was to grace the lip of the table and a 3D hot air balloon on a stick that blew right out of my hands. booooooo! Come back again tomorrow? I'll share the final table photos, and tell you a little secret.

PS- my sister took all of these fab photos. Have you stopped by her page?

Wonderlanida Week ~ I am Exhausted

2011-08-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

It all started with an email from Hostess with the Mostess. It seems as though Jenn (founder and editor-in-chief) wanted little old me to design one of 5 featured themed tablescapes for her oh-so-fab launch party in San Diego this past weekend.

ME? um, yes please!

She gave me the task of designing the "Kids Birthday" table, and other than asking me to work in the "Spirit of Wonderlandia" and to use a general color palette, gave me free rein to go crazy. I'll be honest with you, I was feeling completely over my head. And why wouldn't I? The other designers doing the other 4 tables are really creative people - I mean, have you seen these ladies? The Special Day, Events by Heather Ham, Jesi Haack Design and A Subtle Revelry.

After getting over the initial shock of it all, I put my glasses on, opened up a new browser window, and emailed my friend Amy. It did take a couple of days to figure out exactly what my theme would be, I mean I couldn't just put some fairies on it and call it a day, could I?

So here is your sneak peak, at my table - the perfect birthday party for a little girl with a compass, a spyglass and a wild imagination...

"Imagine a Journey..." my expedition to Wonderlandia.

Don't worry, I will have all the scoop and a bunch of photos of the table and the event. It was super fun, stop by tomorrow for more!

Flashback - 80s Style

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday afternoon, we attended a Fundraiser Party for our friend Casie. She was recently accepted into the Orange County High School of the Arts (woo hoo!). It is just the perfect place for her, a girl who LOVES to perform. The only drawback - the price tag for a year of attending.

The solution? An all out 80s themed Fundraising party. Marcy (Casie's mom) rented out the local park facility, and together, she and I brainstormed for all things on the cheap or free or donated. To match the theme, I designed some photo props for a fun photo booth. We also incorporated the props into table centerpieces, which were white paper bags trimmed with black and white checker tape.

To stay on budget, she put together a dessert table with handmade yummies brought by friends, and included (what else) cake pops! A completely ridiculous over the top display of "Have a Nice Day" pops (recognize it from here?). She and her husband also put together a talent show and lots of "Minute to Win it" games for her guests to enjoy. The big ticket (pun intended) event? Lots of silent auction items to bid on, and raffle baskets to try and win.

I have to tell you how impressed I was at the decor, the organization and the turnout! There had to be 75 people there - at least. The fact that each of my kids won a raffle basket didn't hurt our experience either - they were elated to have won!

Casie's family - a bit on the goofy side if you ask me.

I can't wait to add the printable 80s photo booth props to the shop, but you may have to wait a week or two because they will only be on the NEW website -just moments away from launch.

Summer Mud

2011-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed I haven't been around here much? Or maybe you haven't noticed? Well, I'm sure you have better things to do than to check up on me.

With summer here, the kids are home all day. All day. Did I mention that the kids are home all day? Well, with summer here and the kids at home all day, there isn't much time for blogging. Not that I don't have a ton of super fun projects and stuff to share about. There just are not enough hours in the day to tell you about them.

Here is just one fun thing - Adventure Playground. I am a big proponent of age appropriate activities that help your child to gain self esteem and common sense. Letting your daughter play in the mud, build a fort and steer a raft across a pond can take care of all of those things in one fell swoop. Now, these are still carefully chaperoned activities, but, at least she is out of the padded playground.

my daughter and her best friend Jake

GIVEAWAY: Delightfully Lovely

2011-07-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

When I first found out about Danielle, I think my jaw may have dropped. Really. I mean just look at these creative and original cupcake trees and cake stands. They are made of wood! Not having met Danielle, I asked her to write a little something so that we could all get to know her a little better...

Hello Lovelies! Danielle here from Delightfully Lovely, I've have been at this little business for about a year now and it's a dream come true. I'm constantly thinking of new ideas and gaining inspiration from everyone and everything around me. One day I will have my own store front where I can promote other local artists but until then it's just me and my three puppies making pretty things in my shop all day long.

Danielle has been generous enough to offer one of her gorgeous cake stands, the "Jamie". Isn't it pretty? AND you can order it in the color of your choice. But of course, what is a cake stand without a party to go with it? A $50 shop credit to Paper & Cake is yours too - that is, if you win.

To win these prizes worth almost $100, leave your comment on this post telling me which of Danielle's items is your favorite!

You can also get up to two extra entries by:
1} Reposting our giveaway on your Facebook page (use @paperandcake to tag us). Leave a second comment letting us know you did so.

2} Tweet, Blog or share on a message board about our fab giveaway, and leave a 3rd comment letting us know.

You have until Friday, July 15h at 5pm (PST) when one lucky winner will be announced.

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please be sure to link your name, email or blog to your comment.

The winner will be determined by random.org.

UPDATE: Congrats to our Winner... Linda of Beautifully Embellished Cakes!

Why I Walk

2011-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are new around here, you haven't heard me go on and on about Multiple Sclerosis. You haven't heard me talk endlessly about a cure, and that they better find one - soon. For the past seven years, I have participated in the Southern California 50 Mile MS Challenge Walk. I walk for and with my oldest and dearest friend Rita - we met in 7th grade, and she is the reason I met my husband.

So this September 23, 24 and 25, 2011, I will walk 50 more miles in support of Multiple Sclerosis. I will also recognize the number ten.

Ten years ago, my dear friend Rita was diagnosed with MS. Ten years ago marks the inaugural 50 Mile MS Challenge Walk. Ten years ago, Rita and I decided to make a difference.

In signing up for the walk again this year, it was not only because Rita asked me to, it is in celebration of my friendship with her, her never ending energy, and her commitment to making a difference. It is not the first time Rita has asked me to join her in this Walk, and I am almost certain it will not be the last.

On this 10 year anniversary of the Walk, I know I will see that MS is not a limitation, it is not negativity, it cannot stifle enthusiasm, it does not diminish an adventurous spirit and it will provide me with some of the greatest memories of my life.

On September 23, 2011, I will join others in taking thousands of steps from Carlsbad to San Diego, each of us making a difference, each of us walking to support research efforts in ending Multiple Sclerosis.

This year in celebration of the anniversary of meeting up with my Walk friends, Paper & Cake will match your donations. That's right, if you feel so inclined to donate - I will write a check along with you.

Please give if you are moved to do so, and thank you for your generosity.

Post-Weekend Update

2011-07-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

My cute husband had the day off on Friday, so he took me ~~on a super ultra romantic day trip~~ to downtown Los Angeles. We are on a mission to find something ANYTHING to use to recover our family room couch. We have a family friend who works down near the textile district, and offered to guide us through in hopes of finding the perfect upholstery fabric.

Because Friday traffic around Southern California is always ridiculous, we decided to take the metro. The Blue Line is a direct link between Long Beach, and downtown - it goes straight through Compton and Watts, right past the Staples Center and ultimately meets up with our Red Line, the LA Subway (all 15 miles of it).

We met up with Audrey, of The Bella Bambino, at the COOLEST place I have been to in a very long time - work wise. It is a Co-working office called Indie Desk. I'm sure many of you have heard of this phenomenon - sharing a work space - but it sure was news to me, and if lived anywhere near it I would totally sign up! But I am not taking the metro. Not through Compton. And not to downtown. ick.

So there we were, total tourists looking up, with cameras. Making our way through the fashion district to where they sell - fabrics. Lots of fabrics.

Now, we didn't find everything we need, but I am HOOKED on this particular upholstery, and I'm thinking it will look super cute in our family room. I promise to take pictures of the final product - hopefully before the spills and grubby little fingerprints begin.

Summer Projects

2011-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

With summer well underway, and not a camp in sight, what's a mom to do but call in reinforcements? My reinforcement is named "Aunt Janet" - or shall I call her "Super Aunt Janet"?

This is my mom's younger sister, a woman who taught middle school art for 25 years. She taught me how to sew when I was in kindergarten - and has been teaching my daughter the same skills since she was four.

I seriously could go on and on - about the quilts that she helped me make for raffle at my annual 50 Mile MS Walk, about how she actually spends her free time traveling around the world, about what a supportive and involved aunt she has been to me - but it might be time to go back to school before I'm finished.

So when she emailed last week that she had purchased a cute little dress pattern, and that we should come over to swim and sew, we jumped at the chance.

My daughter was able to cut all the pieces, and begin the stitching before we had to swim and have ice cream - it was so hot out! I'll be sure to keep you updated on her progress. Thank goodness for Aunt Janet.

Post post-Weekend Update

2011-07-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am still exhausted from the big 4th of July weekend. Was it all the swimming and biking and barbequing and partying? Maybe. Was it making the cake pops? mmm, more than likely.

We had two parties to attend on Monday, a small gathering at our neighbor's house across the street, and then the big block party - I signed up to bring dessert to both.

Both centerpieces were made using 3 flavors of cake, chocolate, lemon and carrot, covered with regular old vanilla candy melts. The containers were from Ikea - the white one is a ceramic planter and the BIG one is 3 different sized galvanized plant pots. I stuffed them with green floral foam pieces and covered that up with rice. Just a little bit (completely) over the top, don't you think?

What did you bring?

Found: Mini Cupcake Stand

2011-07-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

You never know what you will find when you go into our favorite neighborhood gift shop, Aunt Fanny's. An eclectic mixture of hand made, vintage and reproduction, this tiny mom and pop shop is crammed with treasures. I was surprised when I found this little jewel yesterday, mostly because I was preventing my 6 year old from touching/knocking over the entire inventory of china teacups at the same time. Cute, right?

Perfect Pool Party

2011-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if it is the summer heat shimmering off of the pavement at the Joann parking lot, or the sight of my silly kids jumping over and over again from the diving board at our local pool, that makes me dream of a pool side party.

Simple yet eye catching decor, printed on shiny photo paper can go a long way poolside. Just add some fresh fruits and yummy treats - and maybe a floatie or two - and you can keep those kids entertained for hours.

In our printable Poolside Party collection,

Invitation (fits A7 envelope) +
Pennant Banner +
Straw Markers +
Cone Party Hats
Cupcake Wrappers +
Cupcake Picks
Pin Wheel Craft
Snack Box or Hamburger Sleeve +
Napkin Rings, Vase Wraps or Candle Wraps
Paper Lantern
Party Food Labels +
Placemats
Front Door Banner +
Full Sheet Patterned Paper

+ Customizable item: Those items with a + sign can be easily personalized using Acrobat Reader, a free download from Adobe.com.

Just print as much as you need, and voila! It's a party!

Get your Block Party on!

2011-06-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Is it the scent of a hundred barbeques filling the neighborhood air that lets you know it's time to celebrate the 4th of July? Then, get your Block Party on! Whether you are celebrating with 4 or 40, print as much as you need from our Red, White and Blue printable set. It's perfect for an entire neighborhood of guests!

Yummy red velvet cupcakes from Meringue Bake shop

Cute and delicious pies from Porch Pies

Coordinating table ware from Social Couture

Set up way finding signs, inviting guests to enjoy all the festivities

Those kids always enjoy a parade!

Mini popcorn boxes are easy to make, and easy to fill

Bottle labels in 2 sizes will cover just about anything you need.

Patriotic drink umbrellas can add a festive touch to any glass!

Kids table! Kid friendly foods, drinks and yummy snacks

In this printable set:

Invitation (fits A6 envelope) +
Cupcake Picks +
Mini-popcorn box
Paper Lanterns
Napkin Rings
Bottle Labels (2 sizes) +
Drink Parasols
Pinwheels
Party Food Labels +
Straw markers
Signage +
Pennant Banner +
+ Customizable item: Those items with a + sign can be easily personalized - by you - using Acrobat Reader, a free download from Adobe.com.

Pick up your collection today - and get to printing!

In Appreciation

2011-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

To say Thanks to the teachers at my kids school this year, the parents put together a little end of the year "Appreciation" pot luck for them. And since I do not cook, I only had one option.

Cake pops!

Ever since I tasted Terri's cake pops, I've been a little obsessed, to say the least, with all things cake pops. I even have a Bakerella book that I've studied within an inch of it's life, although it hasn't helped my technique.

terri's cakeballs served up on an Art Party palette

Anyway, to match the color scheme of the luncheon (using leftover crepe paper streamers from our last school event), I purchased supplies in yellow, orange and red. Two sand buckets from the .50 cent bin at Michaels and some green floral foam bricks were the base of my cake pop centerpiece. Just trim the bricks to fit using a regular kitchen knife, leave them a little bit big for the bucket and really push them in so they are nice and snug. Use rice to fill up the rest of the bucket and to cover up the foam.

I followed the directions in the cookbook from Bakerella, and used 3 different length lollipop sticks to vary the height in my centerpiece.

I also made the cake pops with out sticks in them (technically cakeballs) and put them on square paper plates. Add a little print/cut/party magic, and these super cute little flags and signs hit my "thank you" message home.

GIVEAWAY: Martha Stewart Party Crafts

2011-06-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't be excited to check their mailbox and find a giant envelope from Martha Stewart? I know it wasn't actually from Martha herself, but eh, close enough.

Anyway, inside? Super fabulous items from her Party Craft line!

Eyelet Cupcake Stand
Pink Pom-pom Garland
Tissue paper Pink Pom pom kit
Eyelet paper Lanterns

Over $50 worth of ultra party crafting cuteness!

And how about a couple of half off coupons for Joann? Just in case you needed some glitter or ribbon or stickers or beverage labels or cake and cupcake stencils?

and you know I wouldn't stop there because what is a party without some Paper & Cake printables? A $50 shop credit goes a very long way toward throwing the party of your dreams (handmade by you of course). Our Pink Polka dot printable party or the Printable Pink Pirate party or the Fairy Wonderland printable birthday party would all work perfectly with these Martha Stewart party craft items.

* * *

To win these prizes worth over $100, leave your comment on this post telling me which Martha Stewart Party Craft item is your favorite!

You can also get up to two extra entries by becoming a Facebook fan, Twitter fan or by bringing along a friend, who also leaves a comment. Your comment on this post will be your entry into the giveaway.

You have until Friday, June 24th at 5pm (PST) when one lucky winner will be announced.

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please be sure to link your name, email or blog to your comment. The winner will be determined by random.org.

UPDATE: Congrats to our Winner... Dana Beeman!

Until the Fall

2011-06-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, that's it. School is officially over for the year.
YAY SUMMER!!! I am NOT setting the alarm. I am NOT packing endless lunches that don't get eaten. I am NOT driving across town to school twice a day. I am NOT going to miss it for one second!

Until,

about a week from now when the two of them are driving me nuts and I want to need to have to drop them off somewhere anywhere for just a moment of sanity!

Oh, summer. How I love thee/despise thee.

To celebrate the end of the year, all the school kids participate in the "Spring Dance Festival", and I'm going to force you all to watch!

autumn is the blond with the black pants and purple plaid shirt

jack is the little cutie all the way on your left - taking it very seriously

Wilton, how I Love Thee...

2011-06-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

...Let me count ways. You stand behind me and my OCD with your unwavering support by inventing the ultra versatile Easy Pour Candy Funnel that I will use for everything but candy. Pancakes. Muffins. Cupcakes. Maybe for putting the finishing touch on some cake balls. No more scoop and pour. No more messy drips. Only. Perfect. Circles. Only. Perfect. 3/4 filled mini muffin cups.

Ah. Perfect.

Except cleaning up after the kids. If only Wilton made a bubble-of-no-mess-for-kids. An OCD girl can dream, right?

P&C Real Life Party: Start Your Engines!

2011-06-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Start those engines! This real life Race Car birthday party is so spectacular, you need a seatbelt just to look at it! Charlene (Brendan's ultra awesome mom) put this together recently, and here is what she had to say:

When I started planning my son's 4th Birthday party I was inspired by Paper & Cake's car party. My son LOVES playing with his hot wheels!

I loved the color palette of red, light blue and white. I also wanted to accent it with the black and white check. I was able to use the printable package and enhance those colors with all the decorating accents. I customized the printable a little to gear it for his 4th birthday by changing the red car number to read 4!

I enlarged the car images and printed and spray mounted to foam core to have added stand up decorations.

I decorated the cake table and dining table with hanging tissue honeycomb balls above from devra-party.com. I printed many of the 2" circles graphics with adding "Fuel Up" on to sticker paper and used them on cups and plastic juice containers.

I transformed the basement into his own mini race track where I made signs and set up stations for the car mechanic, pit stop for drinks and snacks, gas station, tattoos and also set up some hot wheel race car tracks all around the house!

I also had mini car cakes made from a car cake pan I had from William Sonoma the kids decorated them for an activity and for their own cake to eat!

I also loved using the car trays that was included in the package to use as there goodie-loot bag!! I also had to enhance a plain white paper bag from Michaels for all the extra things to bring home by printing the top part of the invitation and spray mounting them to the front and backs of the bags and adding there name onto the thank you tags tied with a ribbon to the bag!

The kids all had fun and most of all the birthday boy who said "Mommy, I love my car party- thank you!!! So makes it all worth it!

Oh- The Dessert table had Oreo truffle pops and chocolate dipped Oreos that I made, and I bought the chocolate covered square marshmallows from Costco (just added the blue chocolate drizzle). My friend Elizabeth Geiser made my cake. And assorted candy from gumballs, sixlets, licorice, gummies all from Party City and The Sweet Factory.

Wild Wild West!

2011-06-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

This just goes to prove, you can have a Photo Booth ANYWHERE for ANY event.

Seriously.

We have a super ultra urban Farm in an area of our fair city that is mostly, well, concrete. One third of an acre has been reclaimed to grow fruits and veggies, and eventually to raise chickens in addition to strengthening a community and teaching the school kids in the area. Last weekend, we all celebrated the Farm's 1st anniversary with a street festival extravaganza complete with food, crafts, local vendors, and different performing groups like Kalpulli Tlaltekuhtli, Capoeira CDO Long Beach and some beautiful Baile Folklórico!

Who else was there? Well, Paper & Cake of course! I wouldn't miss offering a super fun themed photo booth for all to make a memory of this fun event. I came up with the theme "Wild West" mostly because of a "horse" that was brought over by the event's organizer (how could I turn her down?) to use in the photographs. Add some printable "Wanted" posters, some Cowboy hats and of course over-sized mustaches, and there you have it!

The backdrop was created with old fruit crates stacked one atop the next with a bit of maroon felt behind that to block out the direct sunlight, and the occasional car (I did mention how urban this farm is, right?). Old and young alike lined up to hold up ridiculous props or to just sit on the horse for their portraits. The booth was nearly free to set up, and worked perfectly as a fundraiser for the Farm Anniversary event - just charge a fee per photo and either: print on the spot, email to your customers, or have them pick up their prints.

Having your own fundraiser event? Or maybe a Cowboy themed party? You can pick up your own set of Wild West photobooth props - just add your own bandanas, a camera and a little imagination.

Post-Weekend Update

2011-06-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? A week has flown by without a single blog post! Truth be told, I've been swamped. New collections, photoshoots and those kids of mine and all their year end school events. Migraines, event planning and eating bon bons on the couch. Cleaning house, paying bills and taking over the world one printable party at a time.

You know, the regular stuff.

And since what everyone wants is some beautiful photographs, rather than a buncha text, here is what I've been up to:

Singing his little heart out

Dance Party starring: Autumn

Trying for a new profile pic, for the new website

day off for kids = day trip to the Natural History Museum

Red, White and Blue Cake

2011-05-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

What with Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day right around the corner, even my dreams have been in Red, White and Blue!

Let me take just a moment of your time to share a little cake I threw together. All you need: box of cake mix (plus the egg and so forth), cake pan (small medium or large will do), a batch of butter cream (although can of frosting would work just as well), and some Patriotic Nonpareils.

First, bake your cake layers - as directed - and after a bit of cooling time, you will want to slice off the top bump to make flat on the top. I find a long serrated knife works best. For this cake, I used a 6 inch round and I baked up three of them (still only 1 box of mix) I also used a 6 inch cardboard round as a base.

Next, after whipping up your batch of butercream frosting, use a bit to fill between layers, then do a crumb coat. That is, completely cover your cake in a thin layer of frosting to keep all the crumbs in. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Buttercream Frosting
    •    8 oz. unsalted softened butter
    •    4/5 c. powdered sugar
    •    2 T milk
    •    2 t. vanilla extract
    •    2 t. fresh lemon juice
In a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, add 1/2 the powdered sugar plus all of the other ingredients. Beat until moistened. Add the rest of the powdered sugar. If the frosting is still too thick, you can add a tiny bit of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

I do find that this next part works best if you are using some kind of rotating cake stand. Coat the sides and top of the cake fairly thickly with your remaining frosting, then, get out your Dritz EZY-hem guide (I know, right?). Hold it parallel to the side of the cake, lightly pressing into it, turning the cake at the same time - drag that hem guide and smooth the frosting out. Cool huh. Wish it was my idea.

And now? the FUN part! I ended up taking the cake outside, because I knew clean up would be super fast using the hose. You could certainly do this inside, but, I'm not coming over to pick up a zillion tiny red white and blue balls off the floor.

Voila! You should totally make this. Add a printable party, or printable photo booth prop set to match and you will be the talk of the block.

Post-Weekend Update

2011-05-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for the most successful giveaway that Paper & Cake has ever seen! Hopefully Martha will send some more craft tools our way in the not too distant future - cross your fingers.

I'm not sure if you noticed, but Paper & Cake has a new logo! No, not here on the blog yet - but on Facebook, twitter, etsy and flickr to start. This is just a taste of what our new (and much improved) site will look like, I can hardly wait until it is ready to share with you! Want one for yourself? Visit our FABULOUS and ultra super talented graphic designer who created this for us.

In the meantime, I am still basking in the glow that is all things Rainbow of Bugs printable birthday party. It seems as though every time I turn around, there are more rainbows?

What's coming this week? Well, we need to talk Memorial Day - how will you celebrate? AND I will have a poll available on Facebook for you to pick what type of photo booth prop set you want next, "Graduation" or "On the Farm".

GIVEAWAY: Martha Stewart Craft Tools

2011-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am SO thrilled to be able to offer craft tools and supplies furnished by Martha Stewart herself! Last week I received a box from the MSLO offices in New York, and could hardly wait to offer it to all of you as this week's giveaway. What did she send? I'm glad you asked!

Martha Stewart Crafts

Glitter Set - 24 Jars
Punch Around the Page - eyelet lace
Punch all over the Page - butterfly
Circle Cutter
Paper Pad - 8x8" Brights

A package worth over $100!

But wait, there's more. Let's tack on a little $50 store credit from - yours truly - Paper & Cake! Use it to purchase our ADORABLE new Rainbow of Bugs printable party, or for the more adventurous Jacques Cousteau type, our Shark and SCUBA birthday party.

To win these two prizes worth over $150, leave your comment on this post telling me how Martha Stewart has influenced your life.

You can also get up to two extra entries by becoming a Facebook fan, Twitter fan or by bringing along a friend, who also leaves a comment. Your comment on this post will be your entry into the giveaway.

You have until Friday, May 20th at 5pm (PST) when one lucky winner will be announced.

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please be sure to link your name, email or blog to your comment. The winner will be determined by random.org.

UPDATE: Congrats to our Winner! Kristin of Meringue Bake shop!

P&C Real Life Party: Sharks and SCUBA divers (part 2)

2011-05-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I do love it when a plan comes together. I'm talking about all the little details that just happen because maybe the planets are aligned... or maybe because the force is with you? Notice the beach towels as tablecloth - I had no idea that I already had these towels in my linen closet - a perfect match!

A Smoothie Bar with custom made smoothies on the spot. It takes a special husband to find this kind of patience. He was pretty funny with the kids too - asking them, "would you like banana? would you like strawberries? would you like ketchup and mustard?"

And take a close look at the cake toppers from Edible Details, they not only match the party exactly, but fit oh so perfectly on the cake! Brittany can make these for you as well - and ship across the country with ease.

Lucky for me, my daughter has a shell collection - otherwise these centerpieces would have taken a bit more time and maybe even some money to put together.

Rounding out the food table, some healthy snacks, a pretzel bar, lemonade and ice tea. Yum!

Stop by the shop today for your Shark and SCUBA printable party collection. And don't forget that this party has a corresponding Party Planning How-To guide just chock full of party info, lists and recipes.

P&C Real Life Party: Sharks and SCUBA divers (part 1)

2011-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we celebrated my son Jack's 6th birthday - practically underwater (DISCLAIMER: no part of this party was actually underwater, nor was any guest attacked by a shark). Jack is learning all about all ocean life in school this year, and has been completely obsessed with sharks as of late. So, what's a mom to do but create a Shark themed party complete with SCUBA accessories.

Decor in the yard to welcome/warn party goers. Yes, that is a 6 ft great white cardboard shark. They are quite rare, and hard to catch.

Once inside, the guests were nearly frightened away by the shark above the fireplace, but alas, he was stuffed - with a meal of swimmer. The Dive flag was raised, warning all of the SCUBA divers below.

Jack and his buddies had a choice to dress in scuba attire or don a shark fin. Pretty much everyone wore both at some point, but almost all started with the scuba tanks. Because the tanks had a "regulator" that went in the mouth, I put out some home made stickers and name tags to differentiate their little germ factories.

I have not laughed this hard in a very long time... their little masks were fogging up, and yet, they were taking it all very seriously.

Now for an activity, I just took into consideration that a 6 year old boy, and his friends, would require some time to run. Just run. Flat out, RUN. This was an obstacle course with a twist. The kids lined up on two teams, and had to run with a tiny cup of water through the course and pour what water was left into a jar. So the team to fill their jar first, well, was the first team to fill their jar (we are a non-competitive family). Those boys were having some fun!

After the first couple of turns through the line, all the kids just wanted to do the course. So I passed out more little cups, and boys were running - on either side - just going for it! It was really cool to see it (and they burned lots of energy).

The Shark and SCUBA Birthday Party printables and coordinating Party Planning Guide are available now - get your party started today!

and stay tuned for part 2... we will cover the food and the CAKE!

Photos courtesy of Missy and Krista.

Sneak Peek: Printable SCUBA & Shark Birthday Party

2011-05-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Phew! Just threw this super fun birthday party for my cute son, Jack yesterday - and man am I tired! Be sure to check back by next week for the printable party set and a How-to party guide full of details and tips and tricks - including how to make SCUBA tanks and scary sharks.

SUPER special thanks to Brittany of Edible Details for the cake toppers - be sure to order yours soon to match your party! Also to my paparazzi, Missy of Missy Marie Photography, and Krista of Krista Lucas Photography for taking about 6 million fabulous photos.

I also want to give a shout out to my friend Julia for putting up with me the night before the party - always a life savor in the last minute printing and cutting. And I can't forget my patient husband, my knight in shining shark-shaped-cardboard-cutouts.

6 Years Ago

2011-05-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

My cute son Jack was born. He came 3 weeks early, and was a surprise - mostly because I was convinced I was having a girl - but also because of his shocking crazy neon hair.

And Jack now? Well still crazy, but the hair is no longer neon - just red. He loves Star Wars, his bear called Henry, playing baseball with his dad, singing, his sister and, I'm pretty sure, me.

Happy Birthday Jack!

Mini Desserts

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Mini desserts on a mini dessert buffet, cute right? I was really inspired by a new line of Tasting Party sets from Pier One, LOVE these mini dishes! I was planning on making a regular size strawberry trifle, but individuals were just way cuter. Paired with mini carrot cupcakes and mini peanut butter brownies, this mini dessert mini buffet was just the right size for our family Easter celebration.

Carrot Cupcake recipe is here

Peanut butter brownie recipe is from here

Strawberry Trifle recipe is here

Post-Weekend Update

2011-04-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

I. Am. Tired. Easter was such a nice day with the family. Hope you all had a fabulous day as well. I am seriously taking a nap today.

before

after

A little tip for the Easter Bunny

2011-04-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Easter Bunny,

If you would be so kind as to hide some of these yummy carrot mini-cupcakes on a stick instead of the traditional hard boiled eggs, I would be forever in your gratitude.

Sincerely,

mom to Autumn and Jack

But seriously, why not hide these too? Please be sure it's not a super hot day with the cupcakes in the sun for hours, cause yuck! Just bake and frost as usual, refrigerate until the frosting is set. Poke a small hole in the bottom, either with a skewer or knife, and insert a lollipop stick. Small 3 or 4 inch wide cellophane party favor bags work perfectly, tied with a bit of ribbon or string at the bottom.

Stick them directly in the soil, or add them to planter pots filled with rice, beans, styrofoam blocks or oasis florist foam. I used these small green and yellow pots from the dollar bin at Target, but any terracotta or galvanized pot will do.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes
adapted from Sweet Melissa’s Baking Book

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound carrots, grated medium fine

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
1. in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment, beat the eggs at high speed until light and frothy, about 1 minute. Decrease the speed to medium and add the oil, sugar, and salt, and mix until just combined. Decrease the speed to low and add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the carrots.
4. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.
5. Bake 15 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Paper Birdhouse... a free download

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you looked out the window lately? Or better yet, have you gotten out the gardening gloves and trowel? So inspired by what is going on in the garden these days, I wanted to give you all something to help celebrate and decorate the season.

Nothing says Spring better than a bright and cute Birdhouse. With two printable designs to choose from - pink with orange butterflies, and lavender with green butterflies - just print and cut and hang to your heart's content. Now, these won't be very weatherproof so you might want to bring them in at night.

You could also use these to decorate your Easter celebration next Sunday. Make our downloadable paper Birdhouses from sturdy card stock, and the Easter bunny could easily hide candy and treats inside. I would LOVE to see what you come up with - be sure to send pictures!

Post-Weekend Update

2011-04-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend was all about baseballs and antique malls. My friend Blair was appalled at the lack of furnishings in my front room, and forced me against my will (that last part was for my husband if he reads this) to the once a month antique market. We walked, and walked and walked and finally, at the last stall, found a super cute little black table. I'm hoping it will start me off towards grown-up-hood in furnishing my ultra echo-ey front room?

thats my table on the bottom left!

What was my husband doing with the kids to keep them busy while I was out? Well, he took them to their first official baseball game! The Long Beach Dirtbags were playing, and although they lost - badly - the kids had fun filling up on sunflower seeds and bubble gum.

I'm thinking to the week ahead, and there is SO much to do. I have a sneak peak to share with you all about my son's 6th Birthday party - Sharks and SCUBA divers! And Easter wouldn't be complete without a free download - stay tuned!

In Case You Missed It

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

My claim to fame.... the Today Show! I was beyond excited to be offered a little spot on yesterday's segment, all about how to throw a Royal Wedding watch party. Beyond excited!

You can watch it here, keep on the lookout for our printable Royal Wedding Photo Booth props!

GIVEAWAY: Edible Details

2011-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Start jumping for joy... Brittany of Edible Details is sponsoring our giveaway today!

A few months back, I was searching around on Etsy for some fondant cupcake toppers when I came across Brittany's shop. Her store, immediately stood out to me for all of the outstanding and creative work she had listed. I reached out to her to collaborate on our Train printable birthday party, and when I received the toppers that she made I was in awe! Very detailed, exactly what I was expecting and shipped across the US in no time at all.

So, to celebrate the launch of her brand new website, Brittany is offering a $25 Edible Details gift certificate. Thanks Brittany! And because I SO enjoyed working with her on our Train Party, I would like you to have a $25 gift certificate from Paper & Cake to go with it!

To win these two prizes worth $50, leave your comment on this post telling me what your favorite items are from Edible Details new website.

You can also get up to two extra entries by becoming an Edible Details Facebook fan, or by blogging tweeting or facebooking about this giveaway. Your comment on this post will be your entry into the giveaway.

You have until Friday, April 15th at 5pm (PST) when one lucky winner will be announced.

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please be sure to link your name, email or blog to your comment. The winner will be determined by random.org.

Brittany's custom cupcake toppers made to match our Train Birthday Party

***UPDATE***

We have a Winner! Congratulations to Gretchen of Not a Short Order Cook!

P&C Real Life Party: Italian Cooking Class

2011-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

A very good friend of mine has the stamina to teach cooking to children, I don't know how she does it! During the different school breaks, you will find her - and a bunch of under 10 year olds - making everything from "Grilled Beef Rolls with Scallion Soy Dipping Sauce" to PIZZA!

It was her Pizza day that inspired this, our Mangia Printable Party collection. Each child received a personalized place mat (that we laminated) to use as a work surface, and a cup with a personalized sleeve (so they could keep the same cup throughout the class). In addition they all got to take home a class cookbook filled with that week's recipes.

And YUM! The insane mess was all worth it! Good pizza, great friends, and a valuable cooking experience that could inspire a lifetime love of cooking.

Want to have a Pizza Party of your own? Whether it's a birthday, or a girls night - cooking pizza or ordering in, download and decorate till your hearts content!

Post-Weekend Update

2011-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

To help get my otherwise completely obsessed mind off of business-y things, we took a little afternoon trip to the park for some baseball.

They take their practice pretty seriously too. Lucky for them, they have a dad who has the patience to teach them - even when they cry (Autumn) or take the ball and run in the other direction (Jack) or bring a camera along and ask for poses during crucial batting practices (um, me).

I hope you will stay tuned this week for

a real life party,

a super fabulous GIVEAWAY,

and some big, HUGE news!!

Fit for Royalty

2011-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to make a custom printable photo booth prop set to commemorate the Royal Wedding, and now, I know more about the Royal Wedding than I care to admit!

If you are going to be celebrating Prince William and Kate Middleton's big day, you may want to consider these super cute printable photo booth props. Not only will you get to slip Kate's engagement ring on your finger, but you can wear a multi-million dollar royal tiarra before she does.

Some very fun things come in this Will & Kate Royal Wedding photo booth props set...

Photo Props
...Lips
...Mustaches
...Champagne Bottle
...Champagne Glasses
...Top Hat
...The Royal Engagement Ring
...Union Jack
...Royal Guard Hat
...Tiara
Pennant Banner +
Signage +

+ Customizable item: Those items with a + sign can be easily personalized using Acrobat Reader, a free download from Adobe.com.

You Say Doughnuts and I Say Donuts

2011-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have this brand new Wilton Mini-donut pan in my pantry, but even with the door closed I could hear it calling my name... louder and louder every day. Maybe that was my daughter, and not the pan? Anyway, the pan comes with a recipe, that I went ahead and whipped up while the kids were at school. After they got home we frosted and sprinkled them until we could frost and sprinkle no more!

Yum. But then I have a soft spot for donuts.. (remember this? Our Sweet Argyle donut party)

Post-Weekend Update

2011-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good Monday Morning! Hope you are up, drinking your second cup of coffee and getting things done-ish. This past weekend was a good one, with a great balance of jammies, sunshine, craft projects and family. With out too much laundry, arguing, chores or deadlines.

American Girl craft project... FINALLY finished!

first project from Autumn's brand new art class

new record player arrives from ebay seller - a replacement for my childhood player that just broke

Fourth of July Patriotic printable photo booth props - DONE!

sneak peek of our NEW Fourth of July printable Block Party set

and lastly, no weekend is complete without a little lightsaber battle!

P&C Real Life Party: Happy Un-Birthday Party

2011-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am just LOVING this party submitted recently by our customer Charlene. No detail was overlooked while creating this Wonderland Tea Party fit for Alice and the "Birthday" Cheshire Cat!

Dreaming of throwing an Alice in Wonderland party for your birthday child? Stop by our shop and download your Happy Un-Birthday printable set, today.

Spring Break!

2011-03-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yup, the kids were home from school last week. All week. The whole week. When school is out there is no work getting done, what with all of the juggling, playing, driving, arbitrating, mediating, refereeing, intervening, resolving, settling, wait I think I said that.

My husband also took the week off. All week. The whole week. He mostly worked on his garage. I should take some pictures and show you all, it's pretty.

Among other things, we did take one big family day trip, and had one extra special afternoon outing with friends. We had SUCH a good time! Yesterday the kids went back to school, the house was so ... quiet.

their first time mini-golfing!

Lemonade for Japan

2011-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I received an email late last week from Missy, of Sweet Funky Vintage Boutique, with the most amazing story. Using our Lemonade Stand printables, she and her girls put together a fundraiser, selling - what else - Lemonade. I was also touched when she mentioned that her husband is currently on the USS Ronald Reagan, off the coast of Japan, assisting with relief efforts. Sher wrote about her experience, here is what she had to say...

After the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I sat down with my girls and we watched a few minutes of the news coverage and talked about how sad it was. I was very proud of my girls for wanting to do something to help. They are always begging to hold lemonade stands and I try not to let them hustle our neighbors for money too often!;) I usually only let them if they can think of a charity or a good cause to donate the money too. The last lemonade stand they held, they donated the money to a neighbor who was saving to travel to the East Coast on her 8th grade trip (Washington DC and New York - woo hoo!). So, we discussed having a lemonade stand and donating all of the money to the American Red Cross for Japanese disaster relief. I asked a few neighbors is their children would like to participate, and everyone jumped at the chance to join in. I am sure we all feel a little bit helpless when faced with a tragedy so huge. I mean, with the economy the way it is, we all feel a little cash-strapped from time to time. But, in comparison to the HUGE need in Japan, we kind of feel like "what can I really do?". But, just imagine, if we all held a lemonade stand and donated the proceeds? We could really make a difference! (jumping off soapbox now...)

The girls and I baked TONS of chocolate chip cookies (2 big tubs of cookie dough from Costco. I heart Costco. But, that's another post). Our friends brought brownies and lemon cookies, and we, of course, served lemonade.

Wouldn't you know that it was cold and overcast. In San Diego. Where it is warm and sunny practically 365 days a year. Not the day of our lemonade stand. No sirree. But, the kids had enthusiasm to spare! No grey clouds were going to rain out their parade! Just look at the pictures!

I purchased the printable decoration set from a fabulous party supply designer, Paper and Cake, and made the banner, paper chain, signs, and straw circles that we used.

We held our lemonade stand for 2 hours and sold cups of lemonade for $.25, and 2 cookies for $.50. Our grand total was.... $181.37.

Thanks, Neighbors! Now, just think, if we all organized a car wash, bake sale, lemonade stand or something similar, we could really make a difference! What could you and your kids do to help?

***

Thanks for inspiring us Missy!

If you are interested in putting together your own printable Lemonade Stand fundraiser, our collection is now on sale for

50% off today through April 8th. Let's make a difference!

Cake Balls: Better left to the Professionals

2011-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days when it's spring break, the kids are home, it's raining outside and you have a overwhelming urge to bake? Well, this is the part where I should have just packed them up in the car and drove to the mall. Instead, we made cake balls.

Mistake number one: "Hey kids, want to help mommy in the kitchen?"

Okay okay, so it did get calmer and more fun as we went along. The kids were really excited to help out.

Now, you can find recipes for cake balls and cake pops almost anywhere online these days, but I had a Bakerella book that I received as a Christmas gift that was all shiny and new. So, I baked my cake and let the kids crumble it up in a giant bowl. Then they stirred in the frosting (really, you have to read the recipe) without too much of a mess.

Mistake number two: "Wouldn't it be fun if we used this pan of little cakelet molds that has been in the pantry for 3 years?"

There is probably a way to do it without all the cake sticking inside, but spraying it wasn't enough - let me know if you figure it out. Anyway, those helpful kids of mine jammed cake into all the little molds.

After freezing, and prying all the cakelets out one at a time with a knife, I got to dipping in melted chocolate. The kids had had enough at this time and were out in the garage with dad - I'm sure up to no good.

I would say it took a good hour of dipping time - mostly because I had to take a break, or two, and check my facebook - before I was finally finished. They are not the most beautiful things to look at, but boy they sure tasted good!

Want some advice? Leave the cake balls to the professionals, or at least try to follow their directions!

P&C Real Life Party: Art Birthday Party

2011-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

My sweet daughter turned 9 last month. Nine. Years. Old. It seems like just yesterday I was planning her first birthday party - my first real party planning adventure. But, that's another story for another day.

Anyway, Autumn has been an artist since birth - I'm pretty sure it's in the genes. My mother is the director of the American Museum of Ceramic Art, she began her artistic career as a ceramicist just after I was born. Her parents, both extremely creative. My mom's sister - Aunt Janet - also an artist. See? in the genes I tell you.

So this year, when my daughter asked for her birthday party theme to be "all-things-Art", I was excited! Fun to plan, perfectly age appropriate, and lots of ways to save money!

Luckily for me, Autumn chose to do away with a traditional cake in favor of ice cream sundaes. We had a wide variety of toppings and sauces to put on top of plain vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

We also had some yummy cakeballs on hand, supplied by Terri's Party Treasures, served in artists palettes to match our theme.

That's my mom... the director of AMOCA giving the kids a little abstract art lesson. They painted with anything and everything I could think of, including straws and feathers.

And if that wasn't enough, Autumn herself put together a Photo Booth area that she and her friends used to take pictures of each other. Is she my kid or what?

Happy Birthday to my baby, ahem, I mean big girl?

Is your Birthday Child dreaming of an Art Party? How about a Printable Art Party! This Spectacular paper printable set comes complete with everything you see in these photos, and more! It includes:

Invitation (fits A6 envelope) +
Address Labels +
Thank You Note
Birthday Gift Log
Jar Labels +
Candy Buffet Labels +
Mini Popcorn Boxes
2” and 3” party rounds +
Pennant Banner +
Table Tents +
Front Door Sign +
Straw Markers

All the items listed with a + sign can be easily personalized -by you- using nothing more than adobe acrobat reader (free from adobe.com).

Now here is the best part - we are now offering an Art Party Guide so that you can easily throw this party with all of our tips and tricks. With lists and schedules and plenty of instruction, the printable Art Party Guide will help ensure your success with an Art Party of your own.

One last thing.... and its a good one... included in the Art Party Guide package is the beautiful Art Supply Posters that you can upload to your favorite photo printing website and hang for added themed decoration.

So? What do you think? Stop by Paper & Cake to purchase the Art Party Printable collection and the printable Art Party Guide (a new website is under construction) your artist will thank you!

SPECIAL THANKS.... to my sister Missy of Missy Marie Photography for taking ALL of the photos at the party, to Terri of Terri's Party Treasures for the yummy rainbow cakeballs and lastly to Jenn at Hostess with the Mostess for featuring this party on her fabulous blog.

New Party! All Aboard the Printable Train Birthday Set

2011-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Does your little one eat, drink, breathe, dream and play with a certain blue Tank Engine? Throw a birthday party they will remember long after the train runs out of steam! In this Printable Train Birthday party set:

Printable Invitation (fits A7 envelope) +
Thank you note and Envelope
Front Door Sign +
Crayon Box +
Individual Train cut outs
Cup Sleeves
Snack Box / Hamburger Sleeve +
Cone Party Hats
Cupcake Picks +
Pennant Banner +
Birthday Engineer’s Hat +
Goodie Bag topper +
Train shaped serving tray
Gift Log
2 styles of coloring pages

+ Customizable item - Those items with a + sign can be easily personalized, by you, using Acrobat Reader - a free download from Adobe.com.

Customizable Train Invitation - you enter your information using Acrobat Reader

A simple and age appropriate tablescape can be beautiful AND healthy.

Train cut-outs

this pennant banner can be customized by you - spell any words you wish

Serve healthy snacks in fun containers - your tots will come back for seconds!

Train shaped serving tray filled with goodie bags

you can even write the guests name on their cup sleeve

these matching fondant cupcake toppers from Edible Details are custom made to match this Train Birthday...

order yours today!

Special thanks to Brittany of Edible Details for the spectacular MATCHING custom fondant cupcake toppers. These are the perfect addition to our Printable Train Birthday Party - order yours today!

Sneak Peek: Printable Train Birthday Party

2011-03-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Just HAD to share the (almost) finished product... Check back next week for the cutest little printable Train Birthday party!

AND check out these custom MATCHING fondant Train cupcake toppers from Edible Details!

Guest {Cousin} Krista: Dinosaur Party

2011-03-07T09:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Boy with his crown

As soon as I saw Paper & Cake's dinosaur party, I knew I had to have it for my son's 5th birthday party. I love the colors, and the dinosaurs are perfect!

The Invitation:

Here's the invitation (totally customizable so you don't even have to write in the information...just type it in once and you're set!) I found these envelopes with a set of stationary at - $10 for 100 flat cards and envelopes in assorted colors. I figured I would use the fun envelopes in the future, and I like to have flat cards around to use for other crafts, so I'm sure it will come in handy.

The Decorations:

Customizable banner

I added streamers for a little something extra (about $1 per roll at Party City). Then we added balloons in two shades of green.

Door Sign

The Activities:

As the kids were arriving, I put out paper lunch bags and a bucket each of markers and dinosaur foam stickers. Each child decorated their treat bag with their name and some dinos. I then stuffed these with a sheet of dinosaur stickers, a few dinosaur tattoos, and some fruit snacks. (I added a couple of plastic dinosaurs after we did our fossil activity as well.)

After they decorated their bags, I took photos in our little dinosaur photo booth! We had dinosaurs on sticks, hats, magnifying glasses, and mustaches. I also borrowed a large dinosaur toy from a friend and hung up a sandy colored backdrop.

Then the kids all sat at the table and we made fossils! A good friend of mine who teaches kindergarten gave me the idea and it was a huge hit!!

Materials: crayola model magic clay, a pail of plastic dinosaurs, a pail of rocks, some plastic shells/shell-shaped beads, a square of cardboard for each child, and some watered-down brown tempera paint and a brush.

Each child got a ball of clay that they flattened onto their cardboard. Then they press dinosaurs, shells, rocks, etc into the clay leaving an imprint. once they finish then they painted it with the brown wash to make it stand out a little bit. The kids loved it, and my mother-in-law (a former art teacher) did a great job telling them what fossils are and helping the kids while I made lunch.

The Food:
For lunch, I served dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets (from costco), apple slices for herbivores, and dinosaur bones (pretzels). I loved using the treat bag toppers as food labels! (I used them on the bags too, but forgot to take a picture, of course!)

The kids loved that their juice boxes had dinosaurs on them!

After lunch, we did a T. Rex excavation using plastic sand molds. I had originally planned to have the party outside, but rain prevented that. I traced the molds onto a piece of poster board, and ended up hiding the bones in my living room before the kids got there. I showed them the picture, told them that they were paleontologists looking for dinosaur bones, and they went hunting. They placed the bones on the board once they found them. They loved it!

The Game:

Finally, we played pin-the-horn on the triceratops. You can buy this game, but since my mother-in-law is so talented I asked her if she could paint a triceratops. I was in awe of what she created! I traced the horn onto some white cardstock for the kids' to play. They were so funny. And I'm hanging that triceratops in my son's room now!

The Wrap up:

Finally, it was cupcake time! Looks like they had fun!

There are so many game/activity options for a dinosaur-themed party for almost any age - I liked this one and this one. Have fun partying!

Discover more about Krista, at Krista Lucas Photography

GIVEAWAY: 3 Little Birds Boutique

2011-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ready for another Giveaway? It seems like just last week we all gathered here to enter to win a printable Art Party.

I am super excited to share with you, that Kristen, of 3 Little Birds Boutique, is offering over $55 in prizes today! Now, if you have not been by her shop, she creates custom hand stamped boutique quality jewelry. Her designs feature sterling silver, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and other top of the line materials. Gorgeous!

So, here is what you can win: a 3 Little Birds Boutique $35 gift certificate AND a pair of Swarovski Crystal drop earrings - a prize package worth over $55!

To win, just leave your comment on this post letting me know that you follow 3 Little Birds Boutique either on their Facebook page or their blog.

You can also get up to two extra entries by blogging, tweeting or posting on Facebook about this giveaway. Your comment on this post will be your entry into the giveaway.

You have until Friday, March 4th at 5pm (PST) when one lucky winner will be announced.

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please be sure to link your name, email or blog to your comment. The winner will be determined by random.org.

*** UPDATE***

We have a winner... Congratulations to Jenny of Crossing The Bugger-Dixon Line!

For the Love of Scrapbooking

2011-03-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi. My name is Abigail and I am a scrapbooker.

I can't help it, I LOVE it. Also, my husband told me, just after my daughter was born, that I should find a hobby. (He was trying to be helpful, I think) Scrapbooking really is the best of both worlds - spend time with your (2d) family, enjoying the memories, looking at them lovingly, WITHOUT having to make dinner for them.

YAY!

A few years ago, I began to spend one weekend out of the year at this cute Bed and Breakfast in Big Bear Lake called Apples. The first year I took my sister Missy. The next year I took my sister Sarah. This year the three of us went together. I have to tell you, we haven't taken a trip just the three of us since Missy had her bachelorette party in Palm Desert in 2002!

Anyway, I do love it at Apples. They feed you. A lot. And the coffee is endless. And the company is unsurpassed. We were joined by a small group of scrapbooking friends and our Creative Memories consultant-extraordinaire Cathy Bailey (also the preschool teacher to both of my kids).

PS. my sister took all these fab photos, you should stop by and visit her. If you leave a "Hi" on her facebook page she said she would buy me a coffee.

P&C Real Life Party: Space, the Final Frontier

2011-02-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

This is my son - Jack. He is a total space nut! I originally posted this story on my personal blog, but I thought it was about time I shared it over here... This is what I had to say:

* * *

Seeing as how I am the s-l-o-w-e-s-t blogger on the planet, it's looking like time I put up some information about the Space Party we had for my 5 year old a few weeks back.

Let me back up.... for Christmas this last year, "Santa" gave my son an astronaut suit, complete with helmet. He is a bit obsessed with "Star Wers, Dark Vader and Life Savors" (his words, not mine), so I thought we could broaden his horizons a bit and get him imagining space as a whole rather than just "Luke the Sky Walker".

What with the Paper & Cake printable partyware team being, well, ME, I made the executive decision to design a Space Printable Birthday Party collection. I figured if my son was into it, there was a good chance he was not alone.

Invitation

So, here is the invite - and the beauty of it is that it's available in our store, so all you have to do is type your own info into it using Acrobat Reader, a free download from adobe.com. Easy, right?

Decorations

I could not WAIT to share this part of the decorations with you all. Because it is budget central over here at the Barnes house (our family is on a mission to save save save wherever possible) I was really excited to have the opportunity to use a giant plastic bin full of Space related paraphernalia that my dad gave me from his days working at JPL. Pins, buttons, maps, photos, illustrations, you name it - the perfect bunch of stuff to choose from!

So, using two frames I had in the closet, I removed the glass and covered the cardboard filler with silver sparkly scrapbooking paper. The pins and buttons are just stuck in to the backing - no tape or glue needed. Two sets of 3M removable picture hangers did the trick to hang them above the table near the front door.

photo by Missy Marie Photography

Next, I put together photo collages using brightly colored photographs of Saturn, various moons, and mars, to hang above the fireplaces. These were held together with Fotoclips (tiny plastic fasteners), and secured to the wall using some blue painters tape.

photo by Krista Lucas Photography

For some added interest, I placed this "Mars" book (from the plastic bin) and several space themed library books on tables around the house.

photo by Krista Lucas Photography

In addition, you can bet that I used pennant banners, lawn dots and garlands GALORE from our Space Printable Birthday Party collection. They are SO easy - just print on cardstock on your home color printer, and cut. For the lawn dots, I added wooden skewers to the back to stick them into the lawn along the front walkway.

garland - use 1", 2" and 3" punches and hang with silver ribbon

lawn dots can be assembled using kitchen skewers and hot glue

Activity

Usually I offer a craft project or two at the kids parties, but this time - and knowing the guest list, I put up activity tables instead. I ordered some small astronaut action figures from amazon and paired them with home made play dough. Neon food coloring is the secret to this popular activity.

photo by Krista Lucas Photography

Another inexpensive project for the kids to work on is legos - especially when you use the ones you already own. Just set them out in buckets on a big table, and that's it.

We were also fortunate that my husband was able to finish building the play structure in the backyard (the morning of the party!) just in time! I Wrapped it with 7 dollars worth of silver organza, and attached a few "control panels" with buttons and knobs on loan from some friends at his office.

photo by Krista Lucas Photography

And now, for the piéce de résistance... the moment you have all been waiting for....

the hover craft!

I'm not kidding. One of my husband's friends made a hover craft. Well, it's kind of more like a hover board because only one person can ride at a time, but still. The kids went CRAZY for it. Well here, let me show you:

Jack and his friends enjoyed themselves so much, that even Jack's preschool teacher had to try it out!

Cake

One word for you.... Cupcakes. When you have this much party planning to do, why not make it easy on yourself, for once! Here is my secret, please don't tell anyone! Use box-of-cake-mix (any kind will do) but make your own frosting. A nice vanilla cream cheese buttercream will do nicely, and make the cupcakes taste as though they are from scratch as well.

Now, because I was feeling a little guilty for not making a whole cake (have you seen my cakes? they can be a tad bit on the labor intensive side), I planned a really cool cupcake stand instead. I took two kraft paper "hat" boxes ($3.25 ea from the Fabric Barn), and one round cake board, and covered them in the same matching gray sparkly scrapbooking paper I've been using for other party items. I also took a little bit of the ribbon from the hanging garlands, and wrapped that around and around.

Leaving the silver foil baking cups on the cupcake, I frosted, added a matching cupcake pick, and set them around the hat boxes. The cupcake picks from this Space Printable Birthday set could not be easier! Print on cardstock and use a 2" punch (or scissors) to cut out, then tape or glue to a toothpick - that's it!

Party Favors

photo by Krista Lucas Photography

Did I mention the budget? So, how do you give party favors to 20 kids without spending a fortune? With a Space themed CD of course! I burned several CDs (one per family) with these great songs:

Star Wars Theme

Swinging on a Star, Bing Crosby

Fly Me to the Moon, Ralph's World

I Don't Want to Live on the Moon, Ernie from Sesame Street

Roger's Intergalactic Tour, Seth Decker & the Missing Piece

Moon Moon Moon, Laurie Berkner

The Ballad of Davy Crockett (In Outer Space), They Might Be Giants

Let's Take a Rocketship to Space, Danny and the Jaytones

The Imperial March (Star Wars)

We're Going to Mars, the Backyardigans

Rocketship Run, Laurie Berkner

When you Wish upon a Star, Cliff Edwards

2001: A Space Odyssey Theme

Avery has a label you can run through your ink jet printer and stick right on the front of your CD. Of course the label is also available on the Space Printable Birthday Party, wink wink. Package it in a silver CD bubble wrapper from here, and there you have it for about $2 per favor.

Food

Food is not my favorite party item to plan/prepare/shop for, so I usually make a VERY simple spread. Stars and moon shaped sandwiches, giant platters of fruit, chips and salsa, Lemonade, Ice Tea and a super creative Cereal Bar.

photo by Krista Lucas Photography

ultra cool chip and dip belonged to my grandmother - so space age!

photo by Krista Lucas Photography

use any kind of cereal, and serve dry in a cup or paper cone

photo by Missy Marie Photography

Wrap Up

Okay, let me just say that the party was WAY easier and shorter for that matter than this blog post. I'll wrap up my 17 volume tome by saying, "I love a good party!". I really really love throwing a good party, especially one that is home made and on a budget.

Jack had a SPECTACULAR time at the party, in fact, we haven't even taken down the decorations yet (it's only been a month), and we listen to his space music EVERY day. Every. Day. Let me know if you have any questions, or if you have your own Space themed party to share.

photo by Krista Lucas Photography

photo by Missy Marie Photography

GIVEAWAY: Art Party Birthday

2011-02-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

For today's giveaway, and to celebrate the release of our newest party, we would like to give you something. Something great. Something fabulous. Something super deliciously yummy!

Wait. Let me back up. I'm getting ahead of myself.

Pull out the smocks and the plastic tarps, it's time for an Art Party! Whether you have finger painting toddlers, or tweenage muralists, this artful birthday party collection will inspire the Picasso in everyone.

In our printable Art Birthday Party, you will find:
Invitation (fits A6 envelope) +
2" round Address Labels +
Thank You Note
Birthday Gift Log
Jar Labels +
Candy Buffet Labels +
Mini Popcorn Boxes
2” and 3” party rounds +
Pennant Banner +
Table Tents +
Front Door Sign +
Straw Markers

This party has also inspired our first ever printable Party Guide. That's right! A 30 page PDF book, filled with beautiful pictures, step by step instructions, tutorials and lists to help you plan and throw this Art Party Birthday.

Now, you must be asking yourself, "What is the Giveaway?" How about

the Art Party Birthday printable collection

the Art Party Guide book

and

A set of 14 Rainbow Cakeballs with the perfect palettes to serve them on?

YES! Terri of Terri's Party Treasures will ship to you a set of her gorgeous and DELICIOUS vanilla cakeballs to complete this prize package worth over $75!

To win, just leave your comment on this post letting me know that you became a fan on Terri's Party Treasures facebook page. You can also get up to two extra entries by blogging about the giveaway, or by becoming a Paper & Cake fan on twitter, facebook and here on the blog. Your comment on this post will be your entry into the giveaway.

You have until Friday, February 25th at 5pm (PST) when one lucky winner will be announced.

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please be sure to link your name, email or blog to your comment. The winner will be determined by random.org.

*** UPDATE***

We have a winner... Congratulations to Paula B.!

Birthday-to-Go

2011-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

My daughter's best friend turned 9 this weekend, and celebrated by inviting his closest friends to the Aquarium of the Pacific. The weather forecast called for rain, rain and more rain all weekend long, with no facility inside the Aquarium to celebrate with cake. His mom was panicking with visions of birthday cake in the parking structure!

the party rounds are made with photos I took of Jacob's fish tank

The super fast solution? Birthday-to-go bags! A cellophane treat bag that could be transported anywhere on the grounds at a moments notice. The kids could even eat on the go, or save some for later. We decided on whoopee pies (like cake! only with the frosting on the inside), juice boxes, pencils and erasers and fish stickers, tied with a 2" party round.

Thankfully, the day of the party turned out to be yet another beautiful Southern California afternoon, and the kids had a fabulous time!

Happy birthday Jacob!

Seeing Green on St. Patrick's Day

2011-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

How adorable are these little red-headed cuties? You don't have to be Irish to enjoy this printable photo booth prop set this St. Patrick's Day. In fact, you don't have to be a kid either. Whether you are entertaining a class of 2nd graders, or enjoying a pint of green beer, our photo booth props will bring a little Leprechaun magic to any party!

In this St. Patrick's Day printable Photo Booth Prop set you get:
Photo Props
...Mustaches
...Lips
...Pot of Gold
...Rainbow
...Shamrocks
...Leprechaun Beard
...Leprechaun Hat
...Leprechaun Bow Tie
Pennant Banner +
Signage +

+ Customizable item: Those items with a + sign can be easily personalized using Acrobat Reader, a free download from Adobe.com.

Photos courtesy of missymariephotography.blogspot.com

The Big Four-Oh Giveaway

2011-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

You heard it here first, today is my birthday - the big Four-Oh. That's right, start singing! And in honor of my birthday, I am kicking off a new feature on the blog... GIVEAWAYS! All kinds of really neat stuff that I think you all might enjoy. So, to start it off right, I have a pretty super cool surprise for you all...

ready?

are you?

Okay...

One lucky reader will win a Photosmart Premium e-All-in-One Printer!!! YES! HP gave me a printer to give to one of you! Wasn't that nice?

It's so pretty. Wouldn't it look great in your home office?

But that isn't all... What good would a brand new color printer be without a $50 gift certificate for printable partyware from Paper & Cake?

And here is how you can enter:

To win this HP Photosmart Printer and a $50 gift certificate to Paper & Cake's store, Tweet, Facebook, Blog or post on a Forum this phrase: "@paperandcake is giving away an HP Photosmart Printer! Go enter to win! http://www.paperandcake.blogspot.com"

Once you've done that, come back and leave a comment with a link to your post. Leaving a comment is your entry into the contest - you can leave up to 4 comments (one for each social media site).

You have until Friday, February 18th at 5pm (PST) when one lucky winner will be announced.

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please be sure to link your name, email or blog to your comment. The winner will be determined by random.org

*** UPDATE***

We have a winner... Congratulations to Gina of Lizzy B Vintage!

Guest {Sister} Melia: Peace, Love & Oreos

2011-02-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

On Sunday (yes, the day before Valentine’s Day), Crystal and I set to work on creating her Valentine’s Day Cards. I had seen Oreo pops on several blogs and thought that looked really cute and easy to do.

Using Paper & Cake's printable Peace Party design, I cut out several of the 2" party rounds (yay! for the circle punch) and made my own treat bag toppers using the full sheet of "peace" patterned paper included in the set. I customized the rounds to say “Peace, Love & Oreos” along with a round for Crystal to write out her "to"s and "from"s.

It all worked out great, except the Oreo pops. They were difficult to dip in the chocolate and not fall off the stick. After about 12 attempts, I gave up and ended up dipping ½ of the Oreo into the chocolate. In the end it was a huge time saver and I think they came out really cute.

How Time Flies

2011-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well party people, I can't believe it's finally here. As often as I tell people I am only 32, this Wednesday I will be 40. Years. Old. Forty. Not that there is anything wrong with forty. Just, I've been in denial for so long it's going to be a little difficult to transition.

So, to kick off this fabulous new decade of my life (ew), I've decided to celebrate with a giveaway! Just a few of my favorite things. Now, you'll have to wait till Wednesday - that's the official date (it says so on my old and yellowing birth certificate) but I promise it will be worth it.

While you wait, I wanted to show you a photo, worth about a thousand words. That's my mom on the right, hosting a bridal shower for my Aunt (on the left). Note the awesome punch bowl, and just check out the cutting edge tablescape complete with footed compote dishes filled with mixed nuts. I believe it's proof really -- entertaining IS in my genes.

Valentine's Day... to Chocolate or not to Chocolate

2011-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

How is it that Valentine's Day is already upon us? Honestly, it still feels like January - or December for that matter. Anyway, I just wanted to show you the most fabulous Valentine's gift that I just received yesterday from my friend Terri. I am SO sorry to tell you, I can't share them because they are gone. We ate them. All.

I say we, but really it was mostly me.

German Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Toffee, Carrot Cake, Red Velvet, Lemon and Strawberry - way better than a box of chocolates EVERY day of the week. If you need some for Valentine's Day, well, it may be too late, but the good news is she makes cake pops and cake balls for every occasion for every season and they are all delish!

Stop by Terri's Party Treasures facebook page and say Hi, it will make her day.

Still looking for some super cute Valentine's Day printables? Stop by the shop for everything from kid friendly Luv Bugs, to Twilight inspired Dark Moon printable sets, and everything in between.

PS- Stop by next Monday for some big news and big giveaways!

Guest {Star} Genevieve: Print. Cut. Bedazzle!

2011-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Day lovelies! How stoked am I to be hijacking Abigail's blog today! (Touchdown Dance!!!)

I'm a HUGE stalker so this is an EPIC honor!!!

Here's to hoping my post inspires you to get crazy crafty with your printables!

Cheers!

Think BEYOND the booth!

If you think photo booth props are JUST for parties, think again superchicks!

Creative gift giving is a MUST in my word! And since my brain is always on "CREATE", I thought I'd fashion some of these sweet little Valentine's Day Printable Photo Props into the PERFECT GIFT!

My SuperSophie was thrilled beyond words when I shared this "special gift" with her!

Who says one must host a "real" party to enjoy these fun "toys"! I knew she'd enjoy what I had planed, but I never expected this "gift" would keep her entertained for HOURS!

I took my Valentine's photo props to a whole new level by glittering and beddazling them! What can I say?! I'm a superchick! Go big or go home! ;-)

My original plan was to play "silly tea party" by introducing Sophie's bears to their new "dress up accessories"! But my rockstar had a different plan! The second she spotted the lips and stashes she squealed with delight and grabbed her digital camera!

She spent HOURS playing "photographer"!

SMILE BEAR!

(You say STASH but Sophie says BANGS! LMAO)

Trust me when I tell you that this PDF download was da bomb! Best $$$ you'll ever spend!

PRINT. CUT. PLAY. as often as you want!

Be crafty, be creative and think BEYOND the timeless photo booth!

Oh oh... and I almost forgot!!! That same afternoon, we also used our "props" to bling out our cupcakes!!! (His for Bear and Hers for Dollie!)

What a perfect ending to a charming teddy bear playdate!

Abigail!!! You're such an inspiration and you're work is beyond stellar! Thanks again for inviting me to play with your FANTABULOUS printable photo booth props!!!

Kiss Kiss to you and your awesome readers!

Genevieve (AKA Superchick!)

Discover more about Genevieve at Celebrate Today the Superchick Way
Twitter • Facebook • Etsy

Who, Me?

2011-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

It has been the most amazing whirlwind of a ride this year (all 33 days of it)! An amazing trip to New York (I never go anywhere), breathing the same air as Martha Stewart (and I'll tell you, it does not stink), meeting amazing and talented women from the blogosphere (DID+Amy+Jenn), and tops off with a little thing called the Martha Stewart "Doer of the Week".

But, I couldn't have done any of this, with out the never-ending support from you -- my friends, family, readers, followers and faithful customers. Thanks for being there for me, I appreciate it!

And now, I'm off to bake a cake and wrap a gift, my cute little girl turned 9 today! Now THAT is an accomplishment!

Autumn at 3 weeks... a rare moment of quiet

NEW! Photo Props

2011-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you've noticed, but printable photo props have taken over the shop! It all started with a Carnival themed printable set, and just went CRAZY!

Valentine's Day Printable Photo Booth Props

Wedding Printable Photo Booth Props

Pirate Printable Photo Booth Props

(by the way, these match our Pirate Printable Birthday Party!)

What do you get in the printable photo booth props set? Well, the usual lips and mustaches, signage and pennant banner, plus items specific to the theme, like a Champagne bottle with a personalized label, just type in the bride and groom's names. These are SO easy to put together, scissors (or an xacto knife) wooden skewers or lollipop sticks and hot glue. Check out the Paper & Cake printable shop and download yours today!

PS... Were you missing that hint of green? Check back soon for a printable St. Patrick's Day set of photo props!

Operation Shower: Sunshine Farms

2011-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

a view of the Military Appreciation tent on the 14th green

I know I do go on and on about Operation Shower, but I just can't help myself. I have a total weak spot for anything "baby", and when you top it off with our service men and women? I do whatever I can to be supportive. So when Amy from Stem Parties/Operation Shower offered to buy me dinner and cut my meat if I would come and help set up their most most recent event, you better believe I jumped, high.

The venue for this shower was the Torrey Pines Golf Course in beautiful San Diego during their Farmer's Insurance Open PGA Tour. Did I mention how beautiful it was? It really struck me especially because I had just returned from a fabulous but cold and wet trip to New York.

Anyway, I'm going to stop talking, and just show pictures.

Top left: Amy with her hay

Top right: Jenn from HWTM schooling me in veggie centerpiece design

Bottom: Marie (and her oh so patient husband) from Sweets Indeed

Top left: volunteers making some last minute centerpieces

Top right: a volunteer having fun with our 2" punch

Bottom: napkin folding!

ADORABLE! Just add veggies

and the sun sets on our day of set-up

And now some photos from the day of the shower, courtesy of LeeAnn Widyn Photography...

Thirty six Military moms-to-be got the dream shower they deserved, but there are so many more! Please visit Operation Shower's website or facebook page and learn how you can get involved.

P&C Real Life Party: Pink Polka Dots

2011-01-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

My sister Melia is one of my biggest supporters... She has been printing, cutting and party-ing with Paper & Cake since day one. This newly pregnant (CONGRATULATIONS!) mom of 2 recently put together a spectacular party for her daughter's 7th birthday using our Pink Polka Dot printable party. Here is what she had to say...

~ ~ ~

Crystal’s 7th Birthday Party

For Crystal’s Birthday Party, she decided to have a Spa theme. I racked my brain for what this would entail. Then I hit the dollar section at Target and the party started coming together. In the dollar section, I picked up sleep masks with fun girly designs and a dual pack of nail polishes (so sad, I forgot to take pictures of the gift bags that we created with these).

The Decorations
So, I had the gift bags created...now it came down to what the party look would like. Thank goodness, I have the most creative sister who has a printable party business. I picked up her pink circle designs and went to town.

Here is a picture of my dining room table turned into party creation central.

I cut out a ton of circles, which turned into the cutest decorations.

The Activities
Make your own Bath Salts - (which I didn’t take pictures of) This ended up being a huge hit at the party. Each girl got a container (thanks Ziploc plastic containers with screw on lids) and put two scoops of Epsom salt and one scoop of course salt and a couple drops of scented oil (lavender). If you choose to do a craft like this....ONLY DO ONE SCENT....my house smelled like lavender for days. Thankfully I love lavender. After mixing up the salts and scent, each girl customized their bath salts with food coloring. I wrote each girl’s name on their container and they added them to their gift bags. It made a great take home present for each girl.

Nail Painting – Each girl got to pick her own color and/or pattern. Some kids stuck to one color, others went for a different color on each nail. It was quite fun to see what they ended up choosing.

Photo Booth Wall – In my brilliance, I decided to decorate the photo booth wall with colorful post its. This sounded like a great idea until we were about half way through the entire wall an hour later. In hindsight I should have just used some of the great full page designs in the paper pack. The wall, however, came out great. The girls had a great time posing for pictures.

The Cake
And last but not least, I decided to let the girls decorate their own birthday cupcakes. I baked a batch of vanilla cupcakes and chocolate cupcakes, along with chocolate icing and vanilla icing. I then pulled out every bottle of cake sprinkles I had. I have to confess I had quite the number of bottles. In the next pictures you can see the kids going to town on the cupcakes. They had a blast.

The Wrap Up
After the all of the fun, we got the girls together for a group picture. It ended up being one of my favorite parties.

As you can see, the girls had the best time.

the end: A Martha Adventure

2011-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Day two of the Dreamers event in NYC, held less freezing rain and more lovely speakers. We began the day with a little welcome breakfast and a fantastic workshop lead by Terri Trespicio the Senior Features Editor at Whole Living. It actually felt like she was speaking directly to me - seeing as how I can't seem to find any work/personal balance these days. If I could have put her in my suitcase and brought her home you better believe I would have!

Over lunch, we heard from Maria Otero, Founder of Women's Venture Fund. She brought along two of her clients to tell us their success stories - Jackie of La Lumina and Yukiko of Tesage - fascinating! In the afternoon we were treated to a little cooking demonstration by none other than Sarah Casey, the food editor for Martha Stewart Living, I'm pretty sure Brenda fell in love.

And with gift bags in hand, all the Dreamers said good bye to one another, and good bye to our Martha adventure. Would I do it again? You bet! Will I get to shake Martha's hand next time? I will make it my mission!

But, wait, Brenda and I had one last stop - Jean-Georges' Spice Market. We ordered their "tasting menu" which for any price was unbelievable. This is what we ate:

Shaved Tuna, Chilli Tapioca Asian Pear and Lime (then I licked the bowl)

Lobster Summer Roll, Citrus-Dill Gelee Sriracha Emulsion

Spiced Chicken Samosa Cilantro Yogurt

Charred Chili Rubbed Beef Skewer Thai Basil Dipping Sauce

Cod with Malaysian Chili Sauce, Thai Basil

Char Grilled Chicken with Kumquat Lemongrass Dressing (I'm not kidding, it made me cry)

Ginger Fried Rice

and for dessert? Ovaltine Kulfi, Caramelized Banana with Spiced Milk Chocolate Sauce. To DIE for! and sadly paired with their Thai Jewels Crushed Coconut Ice, which on its own is probably fantastic, but alongside the kulfi just didn't stand a chance.

stopped at the Chelsea Market and went to Jacques Torres Chocolates for some, well, chocolate!

Yum. What a way to end the trip! Thanks for listening to me go on and on - I promise to have some new product for you... this week!

Operation Shower in San Diego

2011-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

image courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess

You know Amy from Stem Parties? I am so in awe of her! Not only does she know how to throw an amazing event, but she is also an integral team member of Operation Shower. The reason I bring this up, is that I am going to meet her, in San Diego, TODAY!

You see, March of Dimes and Operation Shower are throwing a giant baby shower at the PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open, where thirty-six expectant military moms will receive the baby shower they deserve. The moms-to-be will receive gift boxes filled with baby supplies, clothing, toys, books and much, much more courtesy of Kmart, Ashford University, Farmers Insurance and so many other generous donors.

Amy and the crew will need some help setting things up at the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course for the event on Tuesday January 25 - and I am honored to do any sweeping, heavy lifting or dish washing required. Who else will be there you ask? Well, from what I understand, Jenn from Hostess with the Mostess, Sweets Indeed and of course Heavenly Blooms.

I can't wait to share more when I return - the decor will undoubtedly be spectacular!

part 2: A Martha Adventure

2011-01-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

Martha answering questions after the taping

So now that Martha and I are BFF's, she invited me back to her corporate offices for a day of workshops. Okay okay, so it wasn't just me.

Brenda and I walked the 4 blocks (again in the FREEZING RAIN, and stopping to buy a crappy umbrella) arriving at her office building (a 50 thousand square foot number, spanning a city block) looking like a couple drowned rats. So, before walking into lunch, we paused to wring out in the restroom.

I'm not even kidding, this was on that back of every stall door

We were immediately thrown into a room with SO many talented women! Where do I start! Jill from Modern Cupcake, Terri from Terri's Party Treasures, Kristen from 3 Little Birds, Barbara from Kitchen Kuffs, Peggy from ComfyCozy, Maria from Maria Harper Designs, Crista from Creations by CristaMarie, Laurie from Twinkle Couture, Johanna from Familytopia, Lindi from Love the Day, Jasmine from The Couture Cakery, Danielle from A Few of My Favorite Things, Jean from Rotem Gear, Andrea from Dolce Drive, okay I'll stop now.

So, Terri Shapiro, from Deluxe, spoke about public relations while we ate a beautifully catered lunch. We listened to Brenda Dargan of MSLO talk about social media, and Danielle Marvel from Etsy give us tips and news for the future. So much great information - my brain is on overload. Overload. Overload. The day wrapped up with Martha herself showing up to interview Susan Solomon co-founder of NY Stem Cell Foundation.

Sadly, we did not have the opportunity to get a group photo with Martha. Could it have been the bum rush at the end of the evening? 80 women dying to shake her hand, thrust their business card in her general direction, kiss her feet? I was definitely one of them.

and once again, it's time for me to go to bed... more tomorrow?

part 1: A Martha Adventure

2011-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am tired. It is late. So I'll make this one short short short!

As Brenda and I walked out of the hotel this morning, we met up with a lovely "Dreamer" named Heather. You may have heard of her? She deigns the most amazing children's backpacks and accessories. Anyway, there was not a cab in sight, so the three of us hoofed it the 4 blocks (long blocks, really long sleet filled blocks, these were NOT petite blocks) in the FREEZING RAIN to Martha's studio.

Once there, we had was a little bit of waiting, form filling out and mandatory bathroom breaks, before we filed into the studio itself. They do require bright and colorful attire for the audience, so I think it was the bright mustard jacket that got Brenda and I placed in the FRONT ROW! (thanks for the suggestion Missy)

The guest of the day was the oh so funny Fred Armisen (of Saturday Night Live). He made chicken tostadas with Martha. Now that doesn't sound very humorous, but the way he handled her was definitely memorable.

I did really enjoy the taping, but it was just bizarre to be there. If you want to see me smile and clap, watch this...

Well, it's off to bed... more tomorrow!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Armed with only a warm coat, some business cards and a few hundred vanilla mints, I am boarding a non-stop to NYC (well, not "only" but you get the idea). It does seem a bit surreal, and I can't seem to shake the butterflies, but as soon as I put the finishing touches on my (over) packing job, I am ready!

Tonight I will meet up with my friend (business guru, trusted advisor, fellow foodie), and travel partner, Brenda at our hotel. We have plans to attend a cocktail reception, and then dinner at nine pm. Who eats dinner at 9pm? I'm tired just thinking about it.

Tomorrow morning when I wake up - at 4:30am PST - I will gulp a pot of coffee and hail a cab to see the Martha show, live and in person. The remainder of the day will be spent soaking in the information. Soaking. Information. and LOTS of it!

If I don't fall asleep in the cab ride back to the hotel, I will attempt to post the highlights of the day. And pictures - lots of pictures!

While you are so patiently waiting, our friend Kendra over at My Insanity is having a little (BIG) contest. In celebration of her 3rd Blogoversary, she is asking everyone to enter their most fabulous party of 2010 for a chance to win big. And guess who is supplying one of the prizes? Yup. You guessed it. Enter to WIN our Peace, Love and Party printable set along with any Printable Photo Prop collection of your choice. Good luck!

Countdown to Martha

2011-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've been to New York once. In January of '08. January. It was COLD! (mostly because I am, born and raised, a Southern California girl). It was a whirlwind trip to visit a friend, I was in the city for a total of 48 hours - exactly. I've been trying to figure out a way to get back there, maybe in the spring or early summer for another adventure, but it just isn't going to happen.

Mostly because I'm going back NEXT WEEK! Yes, January again. And it's going to be COLD. But I don't think I'll care, because I'm going to see Martha.

Martha!

Yes, Martha Stewart is hosting a "Dreamers into Doers" two day event filled with workshops, forums, discussions and will be topped off with a taping of her show. I am so looking forward to meeting the 78 women who will be there with me, experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity, in pursuit of their dreams.

ps- My daughter thinks Martha and I should go out for a cupcake.

New Party: Peace, Love and PARTY!

2011-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Wondering how you will decorate for that upcoming Valentine's party you are throwing? Needing a trend setting printable set for your daughter's ninth birthday sleepover? Don't worry... your search is over!

pennant banner with the themed backdrop

In this Peace, Love and Party printable collection:

Customizable items (you can type in your own text using Acrobat Reader):
Invitation (fits A6 envelope)
Cupcake Picks
Door Sign
Nail Polish Label
Pennant Banner
Treat Bag Insert
Candy Buffet Labels

Non-customizable items:
Soda Bottle Labels
Gift Log
Thank You Note and Envelope
Popcorn Boxes
Cake Pop Flags
Themed Backdrop
Full Patterned Sheets

diy customizable invitation

diy customizable candy buffet labels

mini popcorn boxes

customizable cupcake toppers

customizable nail polish labels - can be used for almost anything, including napkin rings!

*NEW* Treat bag insert - customize these with your own text

soda bottle labels

these customizable candy buffet labels can also be used as favor tags, name tags or straw markers

this garland was made from cupcake picks and the full patterned sheet with 1 and 2" punches

a beautiful tablescape!

This set of 14 items calling your name... do you hear it? "Buy me... have a party... it will be fun... we'll eat cupcakes!"

Stop by the shop today, and pick up your printable Peace PDF!

ps, special thanks to my sister Missy of Missy Marie Photography, for helping me out with this shoot - she is a FANTASTIC photographer in the South Bay area of Southern California.

Nose to the Grindstone

2010-12-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

I admit it... I've been really lax of late with my blogging. What with all the Christmas activities, family parties and (of course) naps, my plate has been full. But, now that Christmas is done, every single lego set is put together, and I've had some time to reboot, I am ready to get back to it!

Now, you are probably not quite ready to even think about it, and I sure don't want to stress you out, but there is a super fun holiday coming up (in February) and we here at Paper and Cake are burning the midnight oil to bring you some fresh party sets and maybe even some (super cute) photo props to help you celebrate.

In the meantime, I have some returns to do, (I'm sure you do too) and of course I should probably take down the tree? Enjoy your week!

P&C Real Life Party: Holiday Photo Props

2010-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Holiday photo props in action! Last Sunday night, my family had our annual "Barter Family Christmas Party" (Barter is my mom's maiden name). This first photo prop photo is of my sister and her three cute kids - it pretty much cracks me up.

This next photo was sent in from Denecia of Seester's Stationery... adorable. And I love that background!

Send in your pictures...I would LOVE to see what you have done with your holiday photo props!

A Holiday Bake Sale

2010-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday night, the kids had their annual Holiday event at school. All the students - Kinder through 8th grade - took turns singing and dancing with their class. Of course there is also an auction and buffet to raise funds for the end of the year. What did I bring? Why pumpkin muffins of course! Easy, and slightly more healthy than lard frosting with sprinkles, I baked my little heart out.

After making about 70 cupcake size muffins, I had this sinking feeling that my "slightly healthier" choice might sit in a box as if sprinkled with the plague. After careful consideration, I decided to add a frosting drizzle and that I would need a little cupcake stand.

Frosting Drizzle: start with powdered sugar, add a little bit of water or milk and mix. add a little vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon. mix until you have drizzly consistency. (I know, its not super precise, but with this one feel free to experiment!)

Cupcake Stand Criteria: A) it would need to fit all 70 muffins without having to refill, B) it would have to cost less than a million dollars, C) it would have to be something that wouldn't really matter if I broke/lost it and D) it had to take less than 45 minutes to shop for.

This is what I came up with: 3 cake boards and 2 plastic ice cream dishes, and a little hot glue = $15.

Cool Like Dannielle Kyrillos

2010-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

How nice is this? DailyCandy's editor-at-large Dannielle Kyrillos did a fabulous spot on abcnews.com all about her favorite inexpensive Holiday decor. Guess what she talked about?

printable partyware by PAPER & CAKE!!

ahem. sorry. If you want to be cool, just like Dannielle, stop by the shop and pick up our Vintage Ornament printable party.

see the segment here, be patient, we are at the very end - partnering with plumparty.com!

The Seasons Greetings Card You've Been Waiting For

2010-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my sister Missy, we had our first official family portrait - in years! There are SO many photographs to choose from... but this one really caught my eye. Notice how we are all wearing matching outfits?

And we got a pretty silly Christmas card to boot.

Click to enlarge

Inspired to make your own funny Holiday Card? Stop by the shop for a quick and easy set of printable Holiday Photo props!

See cards of Christmas Past here!

Seasons Greetings

2010-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I really do enjoy sending out a humorous Holiday greeting card. I think it's probably in my genes - from my dad's side of the family. When I was young, I remember him signing our family holiday greeting cards with as random a name as he could come up with. There were fairly tame signatures like, "Mickey and Minnie Mouse", and then there was my all time favorite - "President and Mrs. Carter" (back in the day that was some cutting edge stuff!).

I only bring this up because on Saturday my sister will be taking our family portrait, and I'm guessing it won't look like what you are picturing in your head. Why? Well, let me show you a little "History" of Barnes family cards...

2006 • "May your home be filled with the joy of family and friends this holiday season."

2007 • "Thinking of you this BUSY holiday season."

2008 • "Wishing you visions of dancing sugar-plums this Holiday Season."

2009 • "Wishing you a Picture Perfect holiday season."

So stop by next week, and I'll give you all a little preview of our 2010 silliness. I can't wait to see what I come up with???!!!