Birthday Bash… Fun Birthday Banner!

Part 2… Tractor Theme Birthday Banner

(if you missed Part One of the Birthday Bash / Balloon Wreath click HERE)

What party is complete without a Birthday Banner??

Doesn't this banner scream “Let’s P-a-r-t-y“?

I had a blast making this Birthday Banner for my Grandson’s party. It made such an impact in the room and tied the theme together perfectly. I was able to incorporate not only the tractor theme and party colors; but I personalized it to give the banner that extra special touch. 

Despite the camera mishap, I’ve managed to round up enough photos to share with you this fun Birthday Banner. I won’t fudge or sugar coat how hard it was to edit these babies. I’ve discovered the colors green and yellow are not easy colors to photograph. Jeez!! 

My Daughter-in-Law only had a few simple request where the banner was concerned, so I really had free reign to just play. I starting planning this project weeks in advance and made several detailed sketches of each element, so I could have a handle on everything I would need to make the banner.  Pre-planning a project like this is key… I could hit all the sales and have plenty of time to work on this bad boy! 

I hadn’t really planned on providing a step-by-step tutorial for the banner but I’ve received several request asking for more details, so I thought I would go ahead and put something together. I’m thrilled so many of you wanted to know more about it! 

Here’s how I made it…

I got lucky and scored all the single sheet cardstock 50% off at Hobby Lobby saving me big bucks. Just for the banner, I needed over 60 sheets so getting them for less than 22¢ a sheet … well, you can do the math ($$Cha-Ching$$). 

My Cricut Create® is as ancient old as I am (okay, maybe not that old but dang close) and it’s the smaller version with a 12x6 mat so I’m limited on cutting size. Oh goodness  how I dream of a new machine (I want a Silhouette) but honestly, my little lady still gets the job done and because she is older, I can use my Sure Cuts A Lot (v2) design software (I heart this program). All is well in my little world!

The Pendants:

Step 1:  Each triangle piece is 8 1/2 by 11 (basically, a whole sheet of green cardstock paper). I made a template from a piece of thin cardboard (a cereal box works great for this) and used it to trace my pattern on each piece of green cardstock then cut out by hand. I made 20 triangle pendant pieces. 

Step 2: Yellow Top Band - Using my template I traced out the top band and with my paper trimmer quickly cut out each piece then glued in place.

Step 3: Bottom Yellow Triangle – Again, using my cardboard template I traced out the bottom triangle piece, cut out and glued in place. 

Step 4: Polka Dots – Using my SCAL program I created several dozen little circles (2 sizes) and cut out using my Cricut. Added them to each bottom triangle piece (cut a few in half to get the look I wanted). 

The Tractor:
I searched through all my SVG files and Cricut Cartridges for a cute little tractor but I just didn’t find what I was looking for. So, I hopped online and I headed to one of my favorite sources for (reasonably priced) SVG files called SVG.com. I found this set called "Grandpa's Organic Farm" which had the perfect tractor.

Just a quick shout out… SVG.com makes it so easy (and safe) to purchase and download SVG files. Their prices are affordable and they also have free SVG files ready for quick download. They offer good clean cut files that work great with SCAL and they have a fun blog too! **This is my opinion based solely on my personal experience using their files (No Compensation or endorsement).

The tractor size is approx. 3.266 wide and 3.992 high. I used SCAL to layout each part of the tractor, cut six (6) sets with my Cricut and then assembled all six (6) tractors. Each completed tractor was centered on the pendant in between the top band and bottom triangle and glued in place.

The Letters: 


I used a font called LD Enquirer that I previously purchased from another one of my favorite websites called Lettering Delights.  LD has tons of great stuff other than fonts like graphics, printables and cut files. Anyway, this font has the perfect rounded style that works well when using the layering technique. 

In SCAL, I laid out each letter sized to 2.8 x 2.8. Using my Cricut, I cut out and assembled all 20 letters. Then, I centered the letter on the pendant in between the top band and bottom triangle (same as tractor) and glued in place. 

Display Banner:
Punch holes in the top band and run twine through each letter. I added clear tape the back of each pendant to hold the twine in place and to help it hang properly. (sorry, no close up picture)

Who’s still awake with me?   

I hope I didn’t lose anyone or confuse those of you who wanted the scope on how I made the banner. If you do have any questions, just leave me a comment or shoot me an email and I will try my best answer them (please make sure to include your email).  

So, what do you think… do you like it? Have you ever made a paper Birthday Banner? Leave me a comment sharing your thoughts and stories… I would love to hear from you!  

I will finish up the Birthday Bash Series with a third and final post  where I will show you the cutest table centerpieces we made with just a few great finds from The Dollar Tree and a simple way to make customized goodie bags. Oh and of course, I’ll share a few festive pictures of the Birthday Boy! 

Thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me. Your the best! 

Until next time… 

Linking this project to a few great parties... Check out my sidebar for the list!

Come Join in the Fun!! 

Hit a snag on my Birthday Banner post!

Post has been delayed not Once but Twice…

I’ve run into a few issues while working on Part 2 of the Birthday Bash series. This B’day Banner post is trying to whip me but I ‘m not gonna let it get the best of me!

WHY, is this post being so difficult you ask?

For starters, the pictures from the party (pre-party decorations and during party fun shots) are G-O-N-E! Yep, you heard me right… they are all GONE! Apparently, all the pictures stored on my “new” digital camera decided to erase themselves (tears are rolling down my face). So, I had to call out to family and friends for copies of their pic’s and wait for them to email. Meanwhile, I re-created some still shots to replace those lost.  I received pictures + edited + wrote post and 

THEN…

Yesterday, I upload my post to Blogger and made a bunch some corrections and changes but I kept having a problem saving my work. I finally got frustrated and quit for the day. I logged in this am to finish the post and all the changes/corrections I did were… you guessed it… GONE! It appears that I wasn’t the only poor soul who had problems with Blogger yesterday. Several dear blogging friends had similar issues.

I seem to have a common pattern developing here called “GONE”.

TODAY IS A NEW DAY

I’m trying again today to get this post up on my blog. So, wish me luck and stay tuned…

Birthday Bash… Birthday Balloon Wreath

Birthday Bash -  Part One 



My Grandson recently celebrated his 2nd Birthday and I had the pleasure of making the party decorations. Our little man loves anything and everything tractors so you guessed it… Johnny Tractor was the honorary tractor theme for the party. 

I really had a blast creating the party decorations and I’m excited to share with you the collection of goodies I made. I'm breaking it down into a three (3) part series so it will be easier to share all the fun details. Plus, I'm long winded and tend to write novels when I post a project.

Here’s a peek at a few of the other projects…



The decorations included an awesome Party Banner, Table Centerpieces, Goodie Bags and a fun Welcome Wreath. I love graphics/designing, playing with paper/glue, working with my Cricut and creating crafty items. Since I never know from one day to the next if I will feel up to crafting, I started working on these decorations weeks in advance. I'm glad I did because I wasn't rushed and had lots of time to rest and to play. 

Now for the best part, we were working with a tight budget so I managed to make everything for under $50 bucks!! More details on the bargains we (yours truly and my Daughter-in-Law) found will follow in Part 2 of this series. Lets just say that with a little bit of frugal planning you can find the best deals and can stretch your budget without compromising your ideas and party plans.

Before I get started, I want to add a special shout out of “Thanks” to my silent partner in crime. As many of you know, I struggle with a debilitating disability and sometimes, I need extra help just to do simple tasks. Many of the projects you see here at QomN are made possible because of my precious Daughter-in-Law’s help. She’s my right hand and works quietly behind the scenes making sure I can create and play without too much of a struggle. My sweet D-I-L drives me wherever I need to go to search for my bargains and lugs my wheelchair in/out without a single complaint, all while chasing around my all boy active 2 yrs. old Grandson. So, when I talk about “We”, now you will know (it’s not my imaginary friend – LOL!) it’s my awesome Daughter-in-Law. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful supportive family! Okay, Okay... enough mushy babbling. Let's Play!


First up… Balloon Wreath 

This is what greeted our guest as they arrived… 

How crazy cute is this wreath!!

The wreath was a big hit and admired by everyone. Several guests wanted to know where we got it. Oh yeah, it was a good ego boost to see/hear their reactions when we told them... we made it! 

It was super simple to make and came together fairly fast; (this could vary depending on the size of your wreath, balloon sizes and the pattern/design you choose). I will warn you, these wreaths use a lot of balloons… like hundreds of balloons. Yes, you heard me right! This one used a little over 225 balloons (we lost count)! Sorry for the crappy pictures but the lighting and colors were hard to work with.

Okay, here’s the How-To for making a Balloon Wreath.

Supplies

Instructions:

1. Starting on the front side (top) of the wreath take a floral pin and one/two balloons, place them in-between the prongs of the pin and using the pin, secure the balloons onto foam wreath.

2. Continue adding balloons until the front is completely covered.

3.Next, add balloons to the inside rim of wreath and finally, completely cover outside rim.

4. Add your embellishments such as a sign or ribbons.

For my sign, I just printed off my picture, added text and mounted on heavy colored card stock. Then, glued a craft stick to back and add to wreath.  

Make sure the wreath is really full and if needed, gently fluff the balloons to make sure none of the foam is showing.


That’s it… your done!

There are so many different versions of the Balloon Wreath on Pinterest and all across the web; in every color, shape and pattern. The possibilities are endless and these Wreaths really do add a fun element to your party decorations.

Visual Inspiration came from HERE: (Site is in Spanish but I only needed to see the picture of this perfect Wreath for an idea to spring to life!)

Source

I used the tutorial from: How Does She / Birthday Wreath

Part 2 of the Birthday Bash Series... Happy Birthday Banner.


This banner turned out better than I could have ever imagined. It was a true labor of love and worth every minute!!

Can’t wait to show you… (insert happy dance)! 

Until Next time…

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Come join in the fun!

YAY... This project was a Favorite Feature here:

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Weekly Link Party @ Sew Woodys

Individual Oreo Turtle Cheesecake

Hello friends! I hope everyone had a great Mother’s Day and were treated like a Queen for the day. My family sure made me feel loved!! 

Today, I am going to tempt you with a super simple, yummy dessert that’s sure to please any sweet tooth (it sure made me very happy)!

First, I must confess… I have an insane obsession with Cheesecake!

Seriously, I love all things Cheesecake. Whether it’s New York style, Fruit filled or topped with Fruit, White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate, with or without Nuts, Peanut butter and even smothered in sweet sticky caramel… I love it all!

See what I mean,  I honestly think my family is planning a secret “Cheesecake Intervention” to save me from my overindulgent self! 

Doesn't this look lip-smacking delicious!!

A few weeks ago, while wasting  spending time on Pinterest (another obsession of mine – Jeez, I might need therapy!), I came across a pin for Individual Oreo Turtle Cheesecake.

Now honestly, what’s a girl to do when she spots Oreos - Chocolate Chips - Nuts – Caramel and Cheesecake all rolled into this scrumptious looking little dessert?

Well, after I wiped off the drool running down my chin, I headed over to check it out!

Jackpot!! I found another awesome food blog called … Lauren's Latest. 

Not only did I find the recipe for her Individual Oreo Turtle Cheesecakes, I also found several other amazing Cheesecake recipes too (Score!). I was so jazzed as I surfed around her site to find so many yummy recipes that use what my family would call “normal” ingredients. The recipes are easy to follow and have beautiful pictures.  (FYI… all of the so-so pictures shown in this post are of the little Cheesecakes I made.) 

I've never met Lauren and this post is totally my opinion, but I recommend checking out her site (here)… Good Stuff People!!

Now, lets talk Cheesecake!

This is where I need to put a disclaimer… You CAN’T eat just one!

This delightful Mini Cheesecakes recipe uses basic ingredients, only takes a few minutes to bake and cools in no time at all. Seriously, you can have them ready for tonight's dessert in no time flat and your gang  will think you slaved all day (Shhh… it will be our little secret)!

           

Since the original recipe at Lauren's Latest is laid out so perfectly and includes pictures with each step there really is no need for me to reinvent the recipe but I would like to share a few of my thoughts.

Talk about simple, look at what the crust is made from… Oreo Cookies! You simple drop an Oreo into each paper lined tin and your done. No mixing or pre-baking required. How easy is that!

A couple of other quick thoughts…

I found that the filling will easily make a dozen Individual Cheesecakes but the layer of Cheesecake filling is a little too thin for my liking. Next time, I think I will try either doubling the filling recipe (will probably make about 20) or only make maybe eight (8) Individual Cheesecakes so the filling is thicker.

The only Caramel I had on-hand was the squeeze type used for Ice Cream toppings which is not as thick as melting Caramel squares. It worked out fine but again, for my taste, I will use melted caramel squares next time.  I did use (Nestle) Toll House Mini Chocolate Chips (a staple around this house) and I always have Pecans handy. 

This recipe has a perfect Cheesecake base that can be used with so many types of cookie crust / topping combination.  My wheels are already turning with ideas for my next batch of Individual Cheesecakes.  Stay tuned - more goodness to come…

Just click on the link to go to Lauren's Latest - Individual Oreo Turtle Cheesecakes for the complete recipe and tutorial.

(I don’t post pictures or content from other blogs unless I get prior approval – In this case I wasn’t able to get the okay before the post was ready to go so I didn't feel comfortable copy/posting recipe.)

Enjoy!! 


Until next time…

This recipe was featured here... 

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