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

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.

Read more...

Let's Travel Back in Time, Shall We?

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!"

Read more...

Wonderlandia Week ~ Wrap it up, would you?

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!

Read more...

Wonderlandia Week ~ Imagine a Party

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.

Read more...

Wonderlandia Week ~ Glue Dots Everywhere

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?

Read more...

Wonderlanida Week ~ I am Exhausted

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!

Read more...

Summer Mud

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

Read more...

GIVEAWAY: Delightfully Lovely

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!

Read more...

Why I Walk

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.

Read more...

Post-Weekend Update

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.

Read more...