Go To The Source

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PaperSource has a growing collection of DIY printable invitations just in time for Spring. These floral beauties have me longing for warmer weather to gather the girls outside for a simple Spring Brunch!
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I also love the simple, whimsical yet classic approach Paper Source designers take to children's parties and baby showers. There is just something so right about the simplicity.
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Someone have a baby so I can do carousel striped hanging mobiles. Or, do I feel a new Operation Shower theme coming on??? Hmmmm.....
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Paper Pick Me Up

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Excuse the lack of posting. We're experiencing some family health issues here in our world.


These bright and cheery floral crafts from Paper Source are definitely what the doctor ordered for a bright pick me up!



Hopefully these images will brighten your day as well!

Spotlight: Paper & Pigtails

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Have you seen Paper&Pigtails new site? Isn't it dreamy? Love the large photos!

Know what else I love? This adorable Night Owl sleepover set coming soon. Aren't those mattresses just the cutest?

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Stop in and see Kori's new digs and be sure and hit The Shoppe for your next party!

Groovy Kind Of Love

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Just when you think you've seen everything, something like this comes along and makes you think "why didn't I think of that?" and "Abigail is lucky she is so awesome because I'm tempted to not like her right now." Maybe that last part is just me.

That would be Abigail of Paper&Cake and creator of this totally groovy printable collection that is perfect for a birthday, sleepover or a Valentine's full of love and peace.
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I mean, really, have you ever? This looks like a preteen or teen dream party. The bold colors and graphic designs just pop off of that white. Why not throw a Valentine dress-up party for the little girls in your life? They would LOVE you for it.
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Birthdays, too, of course. I mean Paper & Cake has already done so much of the work for you. The treat bags alone are almost too much for me to handle.
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You add in popcorn boxes, toppers, that to die for banner, labels and everything else in this collection and you've got quite a fantastic flashback happening here.
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Visit Paper&Cake for even more pictures and to get your own Peace Love printable collection.

Word has is that Abigail and I will finally get to meet in San Diego for the Operation Shower event coming up and that if a mere 3 people leave her a comment on her blog or Facebook page saying they saw this here, that she will volunteer to cut my meat for me at dinner.

I realize that makes sense to no one else but Abigail so trust that it is the funniest thing you have ever or will ever read. : )

Wrapper's Delight

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Need some last minute gift wrap ideas? Maybe this will help you look at old things in a new way.
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This year I decided not to go buy a million dollars worth of wrapping supplies and attempt to use only items I already had on hand. You got me, it's still paper. but at least I tried to be "green" and not go buy new things as I'm oh so tempted to do.
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Disclaimer: I did buy the little reindeer (he was so sparkly...I HAD to) and the brown kraft box, but that's it. The rest is an assortment of goodies from my huge stash of things combined together to make a festive and fun Christmas.
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With the goal of keeping it funky, I used elements such as kraft paper, paper lunch bags, burlap, decorative tape and red and lime green gift wrap torn to get that perfectly imperfect look.
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I really like how this torn paper look turned out. And those white paper flowers? Those little Martha Stewart goodies have been in my stash for two years now. That is why I love clearance finds. You never know when you might need them!
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So, go for it. Don't worry about everything being perfect. Mix it up this year! Gift wrap is a great place to experiment with the unexpected.

So, I've shared. Now then, what is your gift wrap "theme" this year?

Operation Give Thanks: Free New Year's Eve Printables

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Sweet and talented, Lindi of Love The Day, has created a gorgeous collection of New Year's Eve free printables to benefit Operation Give Thanks. You're gonna want these!
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I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Lindi at the last shower at Walter Reed, as she generously donated her time and talents to help make the day extra special for some very deserving military moms-to-be.

I am so glad that she decided to donate her time again in creating these free printables. I bet you are, too!

The printables are completely free, but we ask if you choose to use them, that you consider making a small donation to Operation Shower to help us continue our mission of honoring the sacrifices military families make by producing and coordinating unit-wide baby showers and "showers in a box" for pregnant or expecting military families in a deployment or high stress situation.

Happy New Year, indeed!

Thanksgiving Printables Steal The Show

Reminder...still time to make your family and friends jealous of your fab holiday table with this free printable set from none other than the Hostess With The Mostess herself, Jenn Sbranti. Just in time for your Thanksgiving table, comes this Modern set of Free printables sure to impress your guests.

Keep reading to see the most adorable cookies to match your table. You'll swoon!

Apologies in advance to the turkey because these are sure to be the star of the table.

Jenn has generously posted some great tutorials on her blog about how to make this fabulous centerpiece. Check it out!

As if this table weren't enough, Annie's Eats was inspired to not only create matching cookies but to also post a step by step tutorial. I mean, really. Does it get any better?

Make your Thanksgiving extra special this year by taking a moment to reflect on how much our military personnel and their families sacrifice for each of us daily. We'd be eternally grateful if you chose to collect donations to benefit Operation Give Thanks while you are at it. What a simple and wonderful way to give back and continue the spirit of Thanksgiving into one of our baby showers for some very deserving moms!

Have a wonderful Holiday weekend. I'll be back next week from visiting family and friends with fun new posts, a giveaway and more!

Inkspot Workshop Hits the Spot (Again) (For Free)

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If you've been around here very long, you know that Inkspot Workshop is one of my favorites. It's pretty clear to see why with this unbelievably amazing Thanksgiving collection.
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TOM is modern and fresh approach to your Thanksgiving celebration and I'm in love. Don't tell my husband.
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Did I mention it is a FREE download? That's right. It's Inkspot's way to say Thanks to you all this time of year.
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More photos and details of the set found here. Head over for your free download and give some love back for this generous freebie!

It's A Celebration

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I have been waiting to see the Mod Candy Cane collection from The Celebration Shoppe in all of its glory and the wait is over!
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With the still striking color combination of red and pale blues, this twist on a peppermint snowflake collection is sure to warm you up this winter.
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Shown here are just a few of the wonderful photos from the original post. I highly recommend you go take a look at the rest. There are a lot more details to be found, as well as information on how you can get gorgeous snowflake cookies to match your party from The Sweet Tooth Cottage. A party planner's dream!
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Sponsor Highlight: My Expression

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I want to express my admiration for a new sponsor, My Expression. My Expression has a very extensive collection of invitations from classic to modern. You can spend a lot of time ooohing and ahhhing so get cozy!

I'd like to highlight a few of my favorites and must start with the holiday right around the corner....Thanksgiving! (Can you believe it is Thanksgiving already?)
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Right on its heels...December holiday season! You'll notice I've picked out all modern invitations, but trust me, there is a style for everyone at MyExpression.
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You can shop here for invites all year around though, so don't limit your party ideas to the holidays. What about the often hard to find invitation fit for a man (but made for a woman to appreciate).
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Once you've got perused the website for your next MyExpression invitations, you deserve a break. You just worked hard! Grab the girls and treat yourself to a special night. Online shopping is exhausting!
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Two For You in Red and Blue

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Today I have a two for one post in red and blue. I just had to feature these together!

Polkadot Prints featured this stylish birthday party one of her fans/clients threw for Cooper's birthday. Such a sweet and simple farm inspired birthday with REAL farm animals. How fun is that?
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Those egg crate favors are going in my Idea File!

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Next is the sneak preview of this mod candy cane holiday collection from The Celebration Shoppe.

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With printables this cute, I can hardly wait to see the photoshoot being set up with them next week. Pins and needles!

Be sure to check out both blogs for much, much more!

Fall For Our Sponsor

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I don't mean to skip right past Halloween, and I will be back soon with some spectacular spooky invitations, but I can't help Falling for TinyPrints fall/Thanksgiving collection.
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There are plenty more where these came from, but what I like about the few featured here is that they aren't necessarily just for Thanksgiving. These lovelies set the scene for any Autumn soiree and the text is fully editable to your choosing.

There really is a veritable cornucopia of additional invitations at TinyPrints though, so I suggest you slide on up to the buffet and take a look!

Follow The Bouncing Ball

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I'm flipping out over the new Bouncy Ball collection from Paper&Cake. Bouncing off the walls, as it were.
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Printable tiled backdrops? Genius. You know you want it.
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Is anyone else seeing vases filled with gumballs here?
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You can purchase the set that includes the following here:

1. Invitation (fits A7 envelope) +
2. Thank You/Envelope
3. Birthday Gift Log
4. Cupcake Picks +
5. Water Bottle Labels +
6. Favor Tags +
7. Dessert Buffet Tags +
8. Party Hats
9. Snack Boxes +
10. Penant Banner +
11. Themed Backdrop +
12. Full Pattern Sheet

+Customizable item: Those items with a + sign can be easily personalized using Acrobat Reader, a free download from Adobe.com. Each collection has detailed instructions and recommendations.

With a ball/circle theme and these primary colors. The possibilities of things you can add to this party to make it your own are endless!

5 Star All The Way!

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I don't want to spoil all the things in store, but must share one of the wonderful vendors who are donating their time and talent to the upcoming "A Star Is Born" Operation Shower event at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

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Pete at 5starbaby makes the most adorable birth announcements, posters, birthday invites and other special occasion invites. Are these PERFECT for a movie/Hollywood theme event or what?

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You send 5starbaby the details and they make custom goods tailored just for you. What an incredible way to announce your new little celebrity, save the date for your grand affair or set the stage for your next birthday party!

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You must go check out some of his other designs. The takes on famous movie titles are unbearably cute!

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Thank you, again, for your generous donation, Pete. I can't wait to share the photos of them "in action" at the event with all of you!

Oh no...

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Doesn't get much cuter than Party Box Design's Halloween Collection, folks.

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Lots more to see, so head on over.

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When a friend asked if I wanted to throw a Halloween party with her, I looked at my calendar/schedule and laughed. You know who you are. I laughed at your crazy notion.

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These invites are making me rethink things though...oh, no.

Etsy Love: Paper and Pigtails

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Kori of Paper and Pigtails has created the most charming, old-fashioned looking apple orchard party set. I love the homespun feel of it that is also done in a very fresh way.
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Another of Kori's vintage inspired creations is this adorable vintage bi-plane party set. What a perfect party for boys.
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Both Kori's Paper and Pigtails shop and Kori's design website are full of many more goodies for your next event. Stop by!

Etsy Love: Green With Envy Studios

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Time for some Etsy Love to some new Etsy friends! First up: Green With Envy Studios.

Green With Envy creates darling prints, notes, bookplates and more.

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See this adorable alphabet print below? Let's just say that fifty military moms-to-be miiiight be seeing this in their showers in a box soon. Shhhhhhhhh.

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Stop by and see what else is in store at this talented (and very generous!) gal's shop!

EleWant

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Kelly of WH Hostess and The Party Dress has such a talent for creating a line of party goods that inspires an entire party theme. She really is a star in my book.

Case in point: The elephant parade.

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This multicolor invitation sparked this unbelievably adorable elephant birthday party. Oh how I love those colors against that white backdrop. Want.

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The canopy from IKEA is sheer perfection for this sweets table filled with treats and custom labels. Want.

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The elephant cut outs on the treat bag add one more touch to take this over the top. I'm dying over the cookies, too! Want.

All of the details and other resources can be found here on Kelly's post on The Party Dress.

Kelly, you've done it again, my friend. Thanks so much for sharing!