Such Pretty Things

Sweets for your Sweet

I guess we just can't get enough sugar around here! These are some very simple and quick party favors that you can make inexpensively for almost any occasion. We made ours "pretty in pink" for Valentine's day...

To make some, you'll need some rock candy crystallized sugar sticks (I found mine at Party City, but most candy stores carry them in a rainbow of colors).

You'll also need "pretzel stick" bags (mine are from Wilton), coordinating ribbon (I used seam binding), and pretty millinery or favor flowers (shockingly, I used Forget-me-nots!).

Remove the unattractive printed-plastic bags that the sugar sticks are originally packaged in and slip them into the pretzel bags. Wind a small bunch of posies around the stick and secure with a ribbon bow. You will probably need to trim the bag to size. And there you go...

Super easy and so pretty!

XOXO

Jessica

 

Wrapped Valentine's Day Candies

Here's an easy and pretty way to dress up some simple candies for Valentine's Day.  All you need is some colorful tissue or crepe paper, pretty ribbon in narrows widths, double-sided tape, and some round wrapped candies (I used Lindt chocolates).

Cut a rectangle of tissue that will completely encompass your chocolate when you wrap it (it should be slightly wider than your candy). Roll the candy (keeping it in the wrapper) in the paper, secure with a small piece of tape, and gently twist the ends.  Secure each end with a small ribbon bow.

These are so simple, but look sooooo fancy!

Present them in a pretty dish or a small heart-shaped box with a millinery flower on top...

And these would make equally lovely favors for a wedding or party - just change out the colors to match your theme!

I am planning to do a Valentine shop update this weekend, so I'll let you know when it's ready to go!

XOXO

Jessica

Glittery Pastel Party Horns

With New Year's Eve right around the corner, I have been on the hunt for some pretty and festive decorations. As is often the case, I've had a hard time finding anything in my pastel color palette.  So, I took matters into my own hands and made these...

Glittery Pastel Party Horns! Here's what you'll need to make some, too:

- Basic solid-colored party horns (I got my silver glitter ones at Party City)

- Tissue paper in your choice of colors (The Dollar Tree Store often stocks packs of pretty pastels)

- Mylar sheets (available at art and craft stores)

- Glitter (I used Martha Stewart's Tinsel Glitter in Sterling)

- Clear glue (I used good, old Elmer's)

- Paint brush

- Trim or narrow ribbon in coordinating color

- Scissors (a Fringe Scissors is also great if you want to avoid Carpal Tunnel!).

- Glue gun or tape

Directions: To begin, lay a rectangular sheet of tissue paper out on your work surface and smooth it down flat. Paint a narrow stripe of glue along one straight edge. Sprinkle on your glitter and tap off excess. It should look something like this...

Repeat the process with your remaining sheets of tissue and allow to dry completely. Once dry, use your scissors to cut your fringe (in narrow strips, stopping about half an inch short of the top of the tissue paper).

Next, cut your sheets of mylar in the same fashion. How much fringe you'll need in total will depend on how fluffy you want your party horns to be and how many of them you are making. I cut a ton because I wanted mine super fluffy!

Using a glue gun or tape, neatly attach your fringe layers to the outside edge of the horn opening, layering and alternating your tissue colors and mylar as you go. As a final touch, glue some glittery trim over your glued/taped fringe edge to neaten it up.  I also added a bit of extra trim around the mouthpiece. Now, fluff up your fringe and you are ready to P-A-R-T-Y!!!

:-)

Jessica

Millinery Flower Ornaments

These millinery flower ornaments are really fun and easy to make. All you need are some mercury glass ball ornaments (such as Shiny Brite), some millinery flower heads, and some rhinestones.  I used all vintage supplies for mine, but you can easily replicate these using new materials from the craft store.

Simply affix your millinery flower heads to the balls with a little bit of hot glue and hold in place until dry.  Then, add a small flat-back rhinestone (or pearl, bead, sequin, etc...) to the center of each flower. I also added some extra rhinestones in between the flowers for a little extra bling.

These are obviously perfect for adorning your tree, but they also make a lovely gift for someone special!

Happy Holidays! :-)

XOXO

Jessica

Tiny Pink Pumpkins

I know you probably won't be surprised to learn that Halloween isn't my favorite holiday color-wise. Love the girls dressing-up in pretty costumes, love the candy...but the colors - not so much. So, while I did get the requisite orange pumpkins for the girls to carve with their dad, I also got these...

They didn't start out pink, of course. I found some tiny white pumpkins at a local farmer's market and brushed on several shades of pink petal dust (available at most craft and cake supply shops). Just couldn't help myself!  :-)

 

Happy Halloween!!!

 XOXO

Jessica

Pretty Parties: Candy Favors

These sweet little candy favors are so easy to put together and are perfect for any party, wedding, or shower.

All you need are some clear favor boxes, candy of your choice, ribbon, and some pretty millinery flowers.

I love the clear boxes because they allow you to showcase the candy inside - which is a perfect opportunity to tie in your party colors.  These boxes are inexpensive (100 for under $27.00) and just the right size ( 2" x 2").  I filled them with small candies that matched the party decor.

Once filled, I just wrapped the boxes once around with a piece of beautiful satin ribbon and secured it on the bottom with some hot glue. Then I topped each box with a vintage pink millinery rose.  For this party, I was very fortunate to have a large quantity of new "old-stock" vintage flowers (we needed about 130), but you can also use new silk ones from the craft store (just remove the blooms from their stems).

I just love these favors - the clear boxes give them a modern feel and the ribbon and flowers add just the right vintage touch!

:-)

Jessica

Candy & Flowers Centerpiece Tutorial

If you would like to make some candy and flower centerpieces for your own special occasion, here's a simple tutorial. 

What you'll need:

- Large Glass Vase or container

- Smaller Glass Vase or container

- Pretty Candy

- Floral foam such as Oasis

- Fresh flowers

- Double-sided tape

When choosing your glass vessels, make sure that the smaller one fits comfortably inside the larger one and leaves enough room all around it for you to fit in a good layer of candy (1/2" to 1' works well, depending on the size/shape of your candy). Be sure to choose a smaller vessel that isn't too much smaller or you will end up using more candy than you really need. You may need to experiment with a variety of vases and sizes. For the purpose of this tutorial, I just used a small square glass vase and a smaller round glass votive holder. I found both at Micheal's for just a few dollars (these would actually be the perfect size for cocktail flowers or smaller arrangements).

For the candy, go with something on the smaller size - it will be easier to get good coverage while using less candy.  And make sure the candy isn't something that will melt (chocolate, gummies, etc..) - this is especially important if your event is during the warmer months!

To begin, first make your flower arrangement.  You can use floral foam if you wish, by cutting it to size, soaking it in water, and placing it inside the smaller vessel. Arrange your flowers as desired. Now, carefully place your smaller vessel filled with the flowers inside the larger vessel, being sure to center it.  You may want to secure it on the bottom with some double-sided tape.  Be careful not to get any water in the space between the two vessels - you don't want the candy to get wet. Next, fill the space between the two vessels with candy (I've left the flowers out in these photos so you can see what it should look like).

I just use a small spoon to add the candy, but if space is really tight, you can also use a funnel.

There you have it - a pretty candy and flower centerpiece! And the possibilities for these arrangements are truly endless - think of all the candy and flower combinations one might use!

* floral arrangements by Holly Heider Chapple.

:-)

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Summery Tote Bag

Oh, I just love it when I make it to Target right when they have just finished putting out all the new "Dollar Spot" items! Because look what I found...

It's the perfect straw tote bag for summer - and only $2.50! It's a nice, roomy size and lined with fabric, too. I decided to dress mine up a little with these gorgeous pink silk flowers...

I found mine at Nordstrom Rack, but you can find similar ones at H & M or accessory shops in your local mall - like The Icing or Claires. Or use some vintage millinery. Just pin or glue on a few flowers and your tote will go from "just fine" to "completely fabulous"!

Throw in your favorite magazines, flip flops, and some suncreen and you're ready to hit the beach this summer!

So simple, so easy, and so pretty!  Ya gotta try it!

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Lace Tank

Lace embellishments are all the rage in fashion this season. Lace is so pretty and romantic, but it can also be hip and modern.  Here's a fairly simple project that even a beginning sewer can tackle - a sweet lace tank top with a modern edge.  Here's what you'll need: a tank top in a pale color (mine is a creamy white from Target),a lace scarf (or any large piece of lace will do), matching thread, needle (or sewing machine), and sewing pins...

I found this beautiful scarf at Target for $12.99.  It's a gorgeous pale pink color - perfect for Spring.

Yes, it was a bit painful to cut this beauty up, but the good news is that the scarf is really long (almost 6 feet) and there is plenty of lace fabric to make several of these tanks - so grab a friend and get started! First, lay out your lace scarf on the front of your tank and neatly cut off a piece that is about one inch longer than the length of the front of the tank.  Now, trim out the ruffled, center section of the scarf.

Begin pinning your lace in place.

I chose to put mine centered, straight down the front of the tank for a clean, modern look, but you could also place it horizontally or off to one side. My best advice: use lots and lots of pins.

They will keep the lace straight and in place as you sew.  When you get to the top and bottom of the tank, make a hem by neatly folding the edge under twice - about 1/4 of an inch each time.  Pin in place.

Now you are ready to sew.  If you don't have a machine, you can also do this by hand.  First, sew the top edge.  Then, just work your way down one side. I sewed about 1/2 an inch from the edge of the lace - down an existing seam.  Next, sew down the other side.  Sew the bottom last.  Once you've done this, add a few stitches down the middle - this will hold your lace in place and give it added durability.  Now, if you are really scared of sewing, you could use fabric glue - I just can't guarantee how well it will hold up. As for washing, I recommend hand washing in cold water and laying flat to dry.  A cool iron is OK if needed. And there you have it, a pretty (and inexpensive!) lace top for spring!

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica

Pretty Parties: Custom Crayons

I have been a fan of crayons ever since I was old enough to hold one.  As a child, there was nothing more exciting than a fresh, new box - all those pretty waxy sticks neatly lined up in their colorful rows.

I still love crayons to this day and they are one of my favorite favors to give out at children's parties.  Sure, everyone probably already has crayons, but I don't think you can ever really have enough. :-) But sometimes, the bright colors of crayons just don't "go" with an event's decor.  So, I often dress mine up a bit to make my own "custom" crayons...

This is the simplest project and lots of fun to do with the kiddies.  All you need is crayons, a scissors (or paper trimmer), some pretty scrapbook paper and some invisible (Magic) tape.  Just cut your paper into rectangles that are slightly longer than the crayon wrappers.  You don't even need to remove the wrappers. Just tape one edge of the paper rectangle directly onto the paper wrapper, wrap the scrapbook paper tightly around the crayon (overlapping it slightly), and neatly secure it with tape.

What's so great about this project is that you can completely customize your colors and patterns.

Bundle up a small bunch of crayons and tie them with some pretty ribbon.

These make a lovely addition to a goody bag, would look adorable in an Easter basket, and are a great favor to place on children's tables at weddings and holidays.

XOXO
Jessica