tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76024740638909815692024-02-02T07:36:34.244-07:00Event Essentials Blog: Custom Invitations for Stylish CelebrationsCustom Wedding Invitations, Wedding Stationery, Wedding Invitation, Designer Invitation, Arizona Wedding Planner. New York, Scottsdale, New Jersey, Florida, Virginia.The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-72969971880857941062010-11-20T20:28:00.000-07:002010-11-20T20:28:07.222-07:00Website Under ConstructionYou may have noticed we have gone under the knife. We appreciate your patience while our new website is currently under construction! Meanwhile, please take a moment to browse around and click on the tabs above to see stationery and monogram samples. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. Even though our site is temporarily down, our services are not! Set your stationery appointment today!!<div><br />
</div><div>Thank you kindly,</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>the Event Essentials</div><div>dir | 602 . 330 . 9505</div><div>info@theEventEssentials.com</div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-10239508258961973192010-06-04T09:30:00.001-07:002010-06-04T09:30:20.740-07:00The Wedding Salon - Miami<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Event Essentials" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4668959391_cff0e67080.jpg" width="500" /></div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-72609654740205452802010-05-13T17:47:00.000-07:002010-05-13T17:47:03.435-07:00Returning SoonHi All!<br />
<br />
Just thought I would drop a quick note to say that our blog will return to its regularly scheduled postings soon. Our little princess was welcomed into the world on April 16th and we are taking a few more weeks of snuggle time with her before we start back up again with all the wonderful stationery design work. Look forward to some exciting blogs to come on the essential elements you need to make your events fabulous! :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Sweet baby Maddi 2" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4585876296_5e7304429e.jpg" width="375" /></span></div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-57522596339069840692010-03-24T10:50:00.000-07:002010-03-24T10:50:40.094-07:00Champagne and Pink Baby ShowerI thought I would include some more pictures of my above and beyond incredibly wonderful baby shower last month. I just couldn't resist bragging a little about how wonderful it was to spend the day with my amazing family and friends!! :)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 3" height="780" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4460537286_236981c25f_o.png" width="551" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 5" height="781" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4459759633_17792a9491_o.png" width="551" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 4" height="780" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/4459757789_9ca954c087_o.png" width="551" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 6" height="777" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4460539284_ef3c6d439d_o.png" width="550" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 7" height="776" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4460539374_4de3f89550_o.png" width="548" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 8" height="778" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4460539432_0275371f12_o.png" width="548" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 9" height="374" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4459759953_12ca08d25c_o.png" width="549" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And once again - photography by the uber talented Shelly Ivy from <a href="http://www.ivystudiosphoto.com/">Ivy Studios</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-88999407363441330302010-03-18T14:49:00.001-07:002010-03-18T14:50:37.297-07:00Party and Bridal Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.PartyBridalExperience.com/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54WcT2WxXNraoJIGXrLt-F6N9h-3nlar1HFbzv3LktgcuCXL9tDHGZXCjMggledZtEcOYmkOvtCrRjVbFfI6Q81RIgo4HL4h9D-ZrKzD3sWy04pmn8UsGkA003IxUx_RFn6sGU1payWpW/s640/25660_836876894932_10101505_47701099_1943622_n.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">www.PartyBridalExperience.com</div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-31249506262330416432010-03-06T09:20:00.002-07:002010-03-06T09:21:24.117-07:00{Ask a ??} Invitation Calligraphy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dear Miss Kim</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At our last meeting you mentioned to my mother and I that you would recommend us to use calligraphy on our envelopes instead of labels. So I decided to do a little research and found so many different styles online. I'm confused exactly what calligraphy is. Can you help me?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Laura</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Invitation Envelope Calligraphy" height="675" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4411347184_a154aba7d6_o.png" width="549" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Great question!! You are absolutely right ... there are many styles of calligraphy by many different artist. Calligraphy basically means - "Beautiful handwriting." What I would recommend is to show your calligrapher your invitation design and have them create a complimentary style that matches your fonts. If your invitation is modern, they will bring in a modern style. If your invitation is very classic with script fonts, most of the time a calligrapher can create their penmanship to look very similar. Just like each different invitation designer has their own signature style, each calligrapher has their own unique talent, so check out their portfolio first to see it's the style you are looking for.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hope this helps!! If you are interested in reading more about calligraphy, this is the defination I pulled up from http://en.wikipedia.org</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Calligraphy (from </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Greek language"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Greek</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">κάλλος</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> kallos "beauty" + </span><span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">γραφή</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> graphẽ "writing") is a type of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_arts" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Visual arts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">visual art</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. It is often called the art of fancy lettering (Mediavilla 1996: 17). A contemporary definition of calligraphic practice is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner" (Mediavilla 1996: 18). The story of writing is one of aesthetic evolution framed within the technical skills, transmission speed(s) and materials limitations of a person, time and place (Diringer 1968: 441). A style of writing is described as a script, hand or alphabet (Fraser and Kwiatkowski 2006; Johnston 1909: Plate 6).</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Modern calligraphy ranges from functional hand-lettered inscriptions and designs to fine-art pieces where the abstract expression of the handwritten mark may or may not compromise the legibility of the letters (Mediavilla 1996). Classical calligraphy differs from </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typography" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Typography"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">typography</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and non-classical hand-lettering, though a calligrapher may create all of these; characters are historically disciplined yet fluid and spontaneous, improvised at the moment of writing (Pott 2006 and 2005; Zapf 2007 and 2006).</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Calligraphy continues to flourish in the forms of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Wedding"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wedding</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and event invitations, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Font" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Font"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">font</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> design/typography, original hand-lettered </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Logo">logo</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">design, </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_art" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Religious art"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">religious art</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, announcements/</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_design" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Graphic design"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">graphic design</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">/commissioned calligraphic art, cut stone </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inscription" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Inscription"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">inscriptions</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and memorial </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Document" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Document"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">documents</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. It is also used for </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prop" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Prop"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">props</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and moving images for film and television, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testimonial" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Testimonial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">testimonials</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_certificate" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Birth certificate"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">birth</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_certificate" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Death certificate"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">death</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> certificates, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #002bb8; text-decoration: none;" title="Map"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">maps</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, and other works involving writing (see for example Letter Arts Review; Propfe 2005; Geddes and Dion 2004).</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Envelope Calligraphy by Roxanne at www.AZPenGraphics.com (she's awesome!!)</span></div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-88266798864848776542010-03-01T09:14:00.001-07:002010-03-01T09:18:41.163-07:00My Baby Shower Sneak Peek<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Picture 4" height="373" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4398619670_dde6c4a2af_o.png" width="544" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The decor and room were more amazing than ever!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Picture 5" height="374" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/4397852795_f2d4382377_o.png" width="541" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Look at the most amazing group of friends and family! </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Picture 6" height="601" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4397852911_cfa5b41bda_o.png" width="407" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Of course I had to have a little fun while it showed at my shower!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Picture 7" height="416" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4398620056_42c400ae1a_o.png" width="540" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My shower invitations :) :) :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All I can say is "WOW!" Yesterday was one above and beyond the most amazing baby shower celebrations a new mom-to-be could have ever asked for. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends and family. Just sharing the time with them was incredibly amazing to me!! I'm actually speechless at the moment for what to say because it was better than I could have ever imagined!! So as I take the next few days to pack her room away, I'll just leave you with these few teaser pictures that I received last night from the Rockstar Shelly Ivy from <a href="http://www.ivystudiosphoto.com/">Ivy Studios Photography</a> !!!!! More to come on my wonderful details and a super funny story that put me in tears at my shower :) Good tears :) Funny tears!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But first, I must thank the amazing vendors who participated in making this day sooooooo beautiful!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Miss spectacular Lynn at the wonderful <a href="http://www.fireskyresort.com/">Firesky Resort and Spa</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Miss Shawna and her amazingly talented husband Kevin at <a href="http://www.youreventflorist.com/">Your Event Florist</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Miss creative planner Regina at <a href="http://www.meant2beevents.com/">Meant2Be Events</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Miss glamorous Ginia with <a href="http://www.yknotparty.com/">Y-Knot Party Rentals</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Miss fabulous Laurie with <a href="http://www.southwicklinens.com/">Southwick Linens</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Miss oh-so-sweet and Carol from <a href="http://www.sugarbuzzcakes.com/">Sugar Buzz Cakes</a> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Miss fantastic PJ with <a href="http://ladolcepesca.com/">La Dolce Pesca</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! And THANK YOU!!!!!</span></span></div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-50791704341489546452010-02-26T09:11:00.002-07:002010-02-26T09:12:05.531-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Vellum Candle Covers<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21886516@N05/4389409445/" title="Vellum Candle Covers by the Event Essentials, on Flickr"><img alt="Vellum Candle Covers" height="859" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4389409445_733134e109_o.png" width="547" /></a></div><br />
This candle cover project can take any plain candle, votive, and make it work for any season, no need to buy expensive candles for each and every occasion. This project even works as a luminary. All it takes is some basic supplies and some vellum.<br />
<br />
Materials needed:<br />
<br />
• Vellum paper<br />
• Dye ink pads in two or three different coordinating colors<br />
• Pigment Ink<br />
• Chalk Ink<br />
• Rubber stamps<br />
• Embossing Powders in coordinating colors<br />
• Double sided adhesive<br />
• Candle or votive to be covered<br />
• Flame Free<br />
• Ranger Blending Tool<br />
• Heat Gun<br />
<br />
Assembly instructions found on <a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art64705.asp">BellaOnline.com</a> - Check them out :)<br />
Thanks for the adorable article and photos!!The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-20224082930519572072010-02-25T09:38:00.000-07:002010-02-25T09:38:54.274-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Fake Mustache & Lips<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21886516@N05/4387032627/" title="Fake Mustaches on a Stick by mskimnicole, on Flickr"><img alt="Fake Mustaches on a Stick" height="785" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4387032627_0f31b8384e_o.png" width="552" /></a></div><br />
Michelle at My Personal Artist posted this fantastic blog today ..."<a href="http://ow.ly/1beoh">Fake Moustaches are they Hair to Stay</a>?" ... which instantly reminded me that I wanted some fake mustaches and smiles for my celebration this weekend. Ever since I fell in love with <a href="http://www.smittensticks.com/">Smitten Sticks</a>, I knew I had to find the perfect opportunity to showcase these fun lil fellas!! What's more perfect than a baby shower :) Thanks Michelle for the friendly reminder. I must try to make these beauties now. Will post pictures soon!<br />
<br />
If you want to make your own, there are some awesome DIY Instructions on the fabulous <a href="http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2009/09/fake-mustaches-on-a-stick/">Simply Modern Mom</a> blog!! <br />
<br />
Supplies:<br />
<br />
paper<br />
pencil<br />
scissors<br />
black felt (I used a large sheet of stiff felt)<br />
glue gun<br />
thin dowels (1/4″ or thinner)<br />
black permanent marker<br />
<br />
Pictures from <a href="http://www.smittensticks.com/">Smitten Sticks</a> - check them out :)The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-29200358113112364302010-02-22T08:47:00.002-07:002010-02-22T08:47:58.283-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Pinwheel Project<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Paper Pinwheels" height="558" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4379432858_df108d07c4_o.png" width="406" /></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Pinwheels made from scrapbook papers can be arranged in a large vase as a whimsical "bouquet" for a party or wedding. Or use as separate escort cards for your guests of honor.</div><br />
What You Need:<br />
<br />
Newspaper<br />
12 x 12-inch sheet each of two coordinating patterned scrapbook papers<br />
Multipurpose spray adhesive (we used 3M Super 77)<br />
Ruler and pencil<br />
Scissors: large scallop-edge, wavy-edge, and small scallop-edge<br />
1/4-inch hole punch<br />
19-inch length of 1/4-inch-diameter wooden dowel<br />
White florist's tape<br />
1/4-inch nylon clamp<br />
1-1/2-inch threaded aluminum screw post that fits clamp<br />
1-1/2 x 4-inch rectangle of coordinating scrapbook paper<br />
String<br />
Crafts glue<br />
Silver glitter<br />
<br />
For assembly instructions and templates, please visit <a href="http://www.bhg.com/crafts/weddings/crafts/paper-pinwheels-project/">BHG.com</a>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-46077585877570180942010-02-21T16:39:00.000-07:002010-02-21T16:39:33.249-07:00{Paper Love} Di-Cut Place Cards<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<img alt="Di-Cut Place Cards" height="714" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4377304302_2160960079_o.png" width="519" /></div><br />
Aren't these the cutest little di-cut place cards. I think they would be so fun at your next dinner party or grand celebration. Check out Cuddle Creatures design shop on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cuddlecreature">etsy</a>. They are absolutely fabulous!The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-59872949079934295272010-02-16T10:08:00.000-07:002010-02-16T10:08:01.563-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Mardi Gras Masks<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Mardi Gras Mask Craft" height="423" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4362976604_b93467b452_o.png" width="548" /></div><br />
Mardi Gras is an exciting time to celebrate with friends and family. It's one of the most colorful times of the year with the richest foods, drinks, and gorgeous costumes. If you are celebrating today, don't forget to spice up your outfit with a beautiful mask.<br />
<br />
What You'll Need:<br />
<br />
Paper <br />
Pencil <br />
Shiny or colored plastic-coated paper party plates <br />
Scissors <br />
Glitter glue <br />
Shiny stickers <br />
Hole punch <br />
Curling ribbon <br />
Beads <br />
Elastic thread <br />
Needle<br />
Wooden dowel <br />
Paint<br />
Paintbrushes <br />
<br />
Use our pattern as a starting point for making your own mask. Draw your pattern, and lay it on the paper plate. Trace around the pattern, and cut it out. <br />
<br />
Carefully cut out the eye holes. Use glitter glue to draw lines around the eye holes. Let glue dry. <br />
<br />
Paste shiny stickers onto your mask. <br />
<br />
Punch holes at the bottom corners of your mask, and thread strands of curling ribbon through the holes. String beads on the ends of the ribbons. <br />
<br />
If you want to wear your mask, poke small holes on either side of the mask and thread a loop of elastic string long enough to stretch around your head. <br />
<br />
If you'd like to hold the mask in front of your face, paint a wooden dowel. Glue it to the bottom corner of the mask. <br />
<br />
Make lots of different masks, and switch identities all through Mardi Gras. Keep everyone guessing who you are.<br />
<br />
Mardi Gras is a great holiday for making noise and celebrating, and noisemakers are the perfect way to join in the fun. Continue to the next page to learn how to create your own Mardi Gras clink-clank noisemaker in just a few simple steps.<br />
<br />
Thank you - H<a href="http://home.howstuffworks.com/mardi-gras-crafts1.htm">owStuffWorks.com</a> - for the great Party Plate Mask Craft<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">* Picture does not represent craft</span>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-48507877955138573002010-02-12T09:06:00.000-07:002010-02-12T09:06:44.274-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Love Notes<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Valentine's Love Notes" height="566" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4351615684_cfd9c4c012_o.png" width="462" /></div><br />
Hang handmade valentines with secret love messages in a doorway for a heart-stopping display of affection. Here's how to create some of these special notes:<br />
<br />
<b>Fortune Hearts</b><br />
1. Cut out a heart using the template (see above), but don't punch any holes. Start from the heart's top center and measure down 1 inch. With an X-Acto knife, cut a 1-inch vertical slit. <br />
2. Write a message on a 4-inch strip of patterned paper, fold it in half, and notch the ends. Insert folded edge into the slit. <br />
3. Punch a hole in top center of heart and attach a silver cord for hanging. <br />
<br />
<b>Pocket Hearts</b><br />
1. Cut a heart out of a 4x4-inch square of craft paper. <br />
2. Punch holes evenly around sides. Using this template, trace more hearts (you'll need two hearts for each pocket). <br />
3. Place two hearts together; cut a 24-inch length of embroidery thread or baker's twine. Thread twine through the top hole of both hearts with an embroidery needle; make a double knot. Whipstitch hearts closed: Thread twine around edge of hearts and then up through the hole below. Finish with another double knot. <br />
4.Write a message on the back of a square of patterned paper and insert inside heart pocket. <br />
5. To hang, punch one hole in top center of heart in the back panel only. Insert silver cord and double-knot end.<br />
<br />
<b>Hearts and Confetti in Envelopes</b><br />
1. Cut a small heart out of a 1 3/4; x 1 3/4-inch square of craft paper. Use this heart as a template to cut out more hearts. Write messages on the backs. <br />
2. To make confetti, cut small circles out of doilies.> <br />
3. Place heart on its side inside a small glassine envelope so the heart's point fits into one of the envelope's bottom corners. Add confetti. <br />
4. Punch a hole with a screw punch (Martha Stewart Crafts, $25) in one of the top corners of the envelope (so it will hang like a diamond). Insert silver hanging cord. Double-knot end.<br />
<br />
Super cute idea and article found in <a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/love-sex/advice/give-him-your-heart">Red Book Mag</a>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-10967733899091023972010-02-10T09:52:00.001-07:002010-02-10T09:52:41.680-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Perfect Paper Daisies<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pink Paper Daisies" height="447" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4346548374_736c9876ef_o.png" width="549" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Paper Daisies" height="446" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4346548524_5b615ba6d1_o.png" width="545" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="White Paper Daisies" height="447" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2752/4346548432_247c5ca068_o.png" width="547" /></div><br />
Supplies<br />
<br />
1. Paper (I used pieces from my paper scraps pile: textured and smooth pink and white-on-white, as well as long, narrow, strips for the flower centers)<br />
<br />
2. Hot glue gun with glue sticks<br />
<br />
3. A craft knife<br />
<br />
4. A circle template (I used an upside-down drinking glass)<br />
<br />
5. Floral wire and green floral tape for making the daisy stems<br />
<br />
For instructions on how to create these fabulously cute flowers, check out <a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/7326/how-to-make-perfect-paper-daisies">craftstylish.com</a>.The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-533654740235882962010-02-09T09:49:00.002-07:002010-02-09T09:50:57.786-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Sweet Pea Planter<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Sweet Pea Planter" height="545" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4343234597_dcc5abaa87_o.png" width="541" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Sweet Pea Planter" height="547" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/4343235185_fe15a5a461_o.png" width="544" /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here is a child’s Valentine gift that does not include candy.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">(found on <a href="http://www.funinthemaking.net/category/valentines-day/">funinthemaking.net</a>)</div><br />
<br />
Isn't this absolutely adorable?! I would love for one to sit in my window at home just getting some nice afternoon sunshine. What a great way to reuse those funny milk or orange juice boxes. I even love how the little straw was used to hold up the little plant. Sooo clever!!<br />
<br />
Is there a trick to opening these boxes right? Even as a child, I could never get them to open all pretty.<br />
<br />
<b>How To:</b><br />
<br />
Collect empty milk or juice cartons; the kind kids get at school with their lunches. Then wash them out.<br />
<br />
Cut out pictures of pea plants from old seed catalogs and paste them onto the outside of the milk carton/pot.<br />
<br />
Add dry potting soil and drop in two pea seeds. Alternatively you can place the pea seeds in a mini envelope/ Valentine card.<br />
<br />
Staple the top closed.<br />
<br />
Save straws (optional) if doing this project for home. Don’t waste a new straw; reuse a straw that would otherwise be on its way to a landfill. The straw becomes a support as the pea plant grows taller.<br />
<br />
Print Valentines or design your own.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.funinthemaking.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/2PeasTextForJuice.pdf">Valentines for juice cartons</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.funinthemaking.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/2PeasTextForMilk.pdf">Valentines for milk cartons or seed envelopes</a><br />
<br />
Thank you - <a href="http://www.funinthemaking.net/category/valentines-day/">http://www.funinthemaking.net/category/valentines-day/</a> - for this absolutely adorable project!The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-58606457429623368172010-02-07T13:18:00.003-07:002010-02-08T13:21:32.161-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Cute Paper Flowers<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.theEventEssentials.com/" title="Super Cute Paper Flowers by mskimnicole, on Flickr"><img alt="Super Cute Paper Flowers" height="796" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4338651832_07e5c7fed1_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
{<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">DETAILS}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Draw a spiral on a 4x4" square sheet of paper</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Cut out spiral along the lines you have drawn</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Begin rolling up the spiral from the outside</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Keep on rolling until there is no more left to roll</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. You're done.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Thank you - <a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2008/6/24/tutorial-tuesday-diy-paper-flowers.html">Creature Comforts Blog </a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></span></div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-11659209882210689972010-02-03T08:35:00.003-07:002010-02-03T08:36:00.566-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Matchbox Candy Holders<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.theEventEssentials.com/" title="Paper Crafts Matchbox Candy Holder by the Event Essentials, on Flickr"><img alt="Paper Crafts Matchbox Candy Holder" height="930" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4328106482_398daee936_o.png" width="504" /></a></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You can find little packs of matchboxes at the grocery store, I found mine near the cigarettes. They usually come in packs of 10 and shouldn't run you more than $1.50 or so. (Dump the matches out and save them for your next blackout.) Cut a piece of paper 2" high (or the height of your matchbox) and about 4" long (enough to wrap all the way around). I used a bit of tape to secure it on the back.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You can do these anyway you like. I love the portraits C drew of his friends at school (his idea).. They may all look the same at first glance, but he can tell you who each one is. I cut the paper down to the right size first, then wrapped it around the box after he was finished. For other matchboxes I used a little heart punch and glued a little bit of paper underneath. And some got a simple little band. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Fill with candy (regular m and ms and candy corn will fit nicely), tuck in a little note, wrap with string if desired, and add a name tag or first initial. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thank you <a href="http://inchmark.squarespace.com/inchmark/2009/2/10/my-little-valentine.html">inchmark.squarespace.com</a> for this fabulous idea!! </span></span></div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-91593110143574884122010-02-01T11:08:00.000-07:002010-02-01T11:08:07.097-07:00{Paper Love Crafts} Coming Soon| FEBRUARY BLOG SERIES |<br />
<br />
Paper Sweet Paper - How We Love You!<br />
<br />
February is a month of love and if there is one thing we love, it's paper!<br />
This month on our blog we will be featuring some super fun, super creative paper crafts that are sure to make you fall in love.<br />
<br />
Follow us every week as we bring you creative and useful ideas for:<br />
<br />
~ Homemade Paper Gifts <br />
~ Decorative Paper Goods <br />
~ Creative Paper Cards <br />
~ Pretty Paper Packaging <br />
~ How To Tips<br />
<br />
So spread the love and don't miss out! You know you are just dying to learn how to make those fabulous tissue pom poms, crepe paper flowers, or lace luminaries!!<br />
<br />
www.theEventEssentials.netThe Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-50540626265750493972010-01-01T08:27:00.005-07:002010-01-01T09:47:58.766-07:00HAPPY 20TEN!!<div style="text-align: center;">HAPPY - SUCCESSFUL - LOVING - WONDERFUL - FANTASTIC<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2010" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4233181989_cb7d90568b_o.jpg" width="357" /><br />
<br />
What do you look forward to the most?<br />
<br />
What will you miss in 2009?<br />
<br />
What is one goal you must conquer this new year?<br />
<br />
What new thing are you going to try?<br />
<br />
What is your favorite memory from 2009?<br />
</div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-26734077881812241112009-12-03T08:01:00.001-07:002009-12-03T08:02:38.365-07:00{Holiday Crafts} Candy Cane Vase<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 3" height="974" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/4155748294_f24d0d58d6_o.png" width="551" /><br />
</div><br />
I am always looking for great affordable way to incorporate the holiday into my dinner table. I love this project because candy canes just scream Christmas. This vase is perfect for slipping fresh cut flowers or even a potted amaryllis into. You can make it to any size you want. I used<br />
<br />
those regular size candy canes in my vase craft project, but if you needed a really big pot or vase you could use those great big candy can sticks that are about a foot tall.<br />
<br />
You should be able to make this beautiful centerpiece for less than $10. You can really vase money buy using an existing glass jar or terra cotta pot instead of running out and buying one. You can easily pop the hot glue of when Christmas is over and use your vase again! <br />
<br />
My favorite part about this craft project is that once the Christmas Holiday so over you can pop the candy canes off and eat them since they’re never taken out of their clear plastic wrappers!<br />
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<b>To Make a Candy Cane Vase For Christmas You Will Need:</b><br />
<br />
<ul><li>A Couple Boxes of Candy Canes (Leave them in their Plastic Wrappers)</li>
<li>A Glass Jar or Plant Pot (Whatever size you need)</li>
<li>Hot Glue</li>
<li>Large Red velvet Ribbon (You can use any color you want!)</li>
</ul><br />
Now, to save money I used an empty spaghetti jar. It was the perfect size for my cut flowers. You could easily make this with a small terra cotta pot or an empty glass vase as well. <br />
<br />
Start by running a bead of hot glue along the stem of your candy cane. Place it onto the glass jar. I like to place mine so that the hook of the candy cane is at the top of the glass jar and facing out. You can change that up if you want. This craft project would look really neat with the candy canes upside down with the hooks facing out. It would make the bottom look more substantial. <br />
<br />
Work your way around the glass jar attaching each candy cane as close to the next one as possible. Once you have finished you can move on to the next step. <br />
<br />
Cut your Christmas themed ribbon to size. I like to cut the ends at and angle so that they look finished and professional. Tie the ribbon around the glass jar covered in candy canes. Now that was simple!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Instructions found on: </span><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/71905/candy_cane_vase_for_christmas.html"><span style="color: #666666;">www.associatedcontent.com</span></a>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-84430445058296189412009-12-02T09:37:00.000-07:002009-12-02T09:37:58.400-07:00{Holiday Crafts} Silverware Stocking<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mskimnicole/4153442452/" title="Picture 3 by kimfutterman, on Flickr"><img alt="Picture 3" height="541" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2679/4153442452_f57724ae1a_o.png" width="538" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<b>Materials</b><br />
Scissors<br />
Felt<br />
Patterned fabric<br />
Hot glue or fabric glue<br />
Rickrack<br />
Beads<br />
Beading cord (we used clear plastic cord)<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
- Use the template to cut two stocking shapes from the felt, then cut the cuff and toe shapes from the patterned fabric. The cuff is a long rectangle with the two long edges folded under and ironed for a clean look.<br />
<br />
- Glue the two stocking shapes together at the edges, leaving the top of the stocking open. Fold a 6-inch length of rickrack in half and glue the ends just inside the stocking's top. Glue the cuff and toe in place.<br />
<br />
- String beads onto the cord. When the string of beads is long enough to form your letter, knot both ends. Draw your letter onto the stocking with glue, then press the string of beads onto it.<br />
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Craft project from <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/christmas/christmas-2009/silverware-stocking-800820/">FamilyFun.go.com</a>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-56218365245317306972009-12-01T10:56:00.000-07:002009-12-01T10:56:01.785-07:00{Holiday Crafts} Countdown Chain<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<img alt="Picture 5" height="712" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/4150066125_1019d0dcdb_o.png" width="544" /><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Today marks the first day of December which means it's time to start counting down to your favorite end of the year holidays. What could be a cuter way then with this adorable cookie countdown chain? And the best part is you get a delicious little snack each day.<br />
<br />
Have fun and write on each cookie wrapper the date and the fun holiday<br />
<br />
December 1st - World Aids Day<br />
December 2nd - National Fritters Day<br />
December 3rd - International Day of the Disabled Person<br />
December 4th - National Cookie Day<br />
December 5th - Walt Disney's Birthday<br />
<br />
December 6th - St. Nicholas Day<br />
December 7th - Pearl Harbor Day<br />
December 8th - National Brownie Day<br />
December 9th - First Christmas Seals Created<br />
December 10th - Human Rights Day<br />
December 11th - Hanukkah Begins<br />
December 12th - Poinsettia Day<br />
<br />
December 13th - National Cocoa Day<br />
December 14th - South Pole Discovered<br />
December 15th - Phonograph Patented<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">December 16th - Boston Tea Party Anniversary<br />
December 17th - National Maple Syrup Day<br />
December 18th - Muharram 1 (Islamic New Year)<br />
December 19th - Oatmeal Muffin Day<br />
<br />
December 20th - Games Day<br />
December 21st - First Day of Winter<br />
December 22nd - First Christmas Lights for Sale (1882)<br />
December 23rd - Festivus<br />
December 24th - National Egg Nog Day<br />
December 25th - Christmas<br />
December 26th - Boxing Day / Kwanzaa Begins<br />
<br />
December 27th - Visit the Zoo Day<br />
December 28th - National Chocolate Day (Celebrate BIG!)<br />
December 29th - Saint Thomas of Canterbury Feast Day<br />
December 30th - Oh My! Day<br />
December 31st - New Years Eve<br />
<br />
HAPPY NEW YEAR<br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I found this adorable gingerbread chain on <a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2007/12/christmas-craft-saturday.html">HomemadebyJill.blogspot.com</a><br />
</div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-49684793809163145312009-11-30T08:26:00.000-07:002009-11-30T08:26:43.008-07:00{Holiday Crafts} Gifts in a Jar<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 3" height="424" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/4146757129_379c2754a5_o.png" width="549" /><br />
</div><br />
Homemade gifts in a jar are a fun, frugal, and easy holiday gift to share with loved ones.<br />
There are endless possibilities with what can be placed in a jar. Soup mixes are super for those who like savory ingredients. Jars containing layered mixes for cookies, muffins, and brownies are yummy for those with a sweet tooth. <br />
<br />
Gifts in a jar are easy to make. Just take a glass jar (canning jars, mason jars, or even recycled mustard jars), layer with ingredients, and then top with a gift tag. Combine a bunch of jars together to make your own gift baskets. How’s that for a frugal gift idea? <br />
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<b>1. S’mores in a Jar</b><br />
<br />
Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:<br />
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (one sleeve of crackers, crushed)<br />
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows.<br />
Or substitute with 8 Peeps and 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows for seasonal fun. Line the jar with Peeps facing out.<br />
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or mini Hershey Kisses or M&M’s<br />
1/3 cup brown sugar<br />
<br />
<b>2. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar</b><br />
This recipe makes about 36 cookies.<br />
<br />
Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:<br />
<br />
1 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1 1/4 cups rolled oats<br />
1/2 cup white sugar<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup chopped nuts<br />
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips<br />
Mix flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour mixture into a 1 quart (1 liter) mason jar and pack down. Mix oatmeal in a blender. Pack on top of flour in mason jar. Add white sugar and pack down. Add brown sugar and pack down. Layer chopped nuts on top of brown sugar. Finish layering jar with mini or regular chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Chai Tea Mix in a Jar</b><br />
This recipe makes 2, 6 ounce jars.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
Layer in 2, 6 ounce jars:<br />
<br />
1 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder<br />
1/4 cup black tea leaves<br />
12 cardamom pods<br />
4 2 inch pieces of cinnamon stick<br />
2 tsp dried lemon peel<br />
Divide all ingredients and layer equally between 2, 6 ounce jars<br />
<br />
More recipes can be found on <a href="http://www.squawkfox.com/2008/12/02/holiday-gifts-8-homemade-gifts-in-a-jar-with-free-printable-gift-tags/">this website</a> and jar labels to download!! Thank youThe Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-59383337592521544082009-11-23T17:08:00.000-07:002009-11-23T17:08:49.189-07:00{Holiday Entertaining} Tree of Thanks<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 2" height="551" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4129659546_6ab5a83f12_o.png" width="550" /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>What you need:</b><br />
</div><ul><li>Tree branch</li>
<li>Handheld hedge clippers</li>
<li>Butter tub</li>
<li>Cement</li>
<li>Water</li>
<li>Disposable container</li>
<li>Hot-glue gun and glue sticks</li>
<li>Chickpeas or dried beans</li>
<li>Spray primer</li>
<li>Orange spray paint</li>
<li>Clear spray sealer</li>
<li>Orange glitter</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Decorative container</li>
<li>Decorative rocks and silk leaves</li>
<li>Papers in green and gold</li>
<li>Paper trimmer</li>
<li>Glue</li>
<li>Marking pen</li>
<li>Shower curtain clips</li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>How to Make It:</b><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Trim a dry dead branch to the desired size and shape using hedge clippers. If needed, combine several small branches.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Choose a container, such as a butter tub, that can be hidden in a decorative container and filled with cement.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Following the instructions on the cement package, mix cement in a separate disposable container. Pour the cement into the butter tub.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Insert the branch base into the center of the cement-filled tub. Tap the sides of the tub until the branch sits firmly in cement. Allow cement to dry.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Use a hot-glue gun to adhere chickpeas or dried beans randomly to the branch, using as many as desired.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In an outdoor area, spray the branch with primer. Spread extra chickpeas on newspaper and spray them with primer. Let the primer dry.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Spray-paint the branch and chickpeas with orange; let dry.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Spray one section at a time with clear sealer. Quickly sprinkle orange glitter onto wet sealer; let dry. Repeat this process until entire branch and chickpeas are glittered. Place the weighted tree into decorative container.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Place decorative rocks around the branch base until the cement is covered. Sprinkle extra chickpeas onto the rocks.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Trim silk leaves from stems. Coil the wired ends and hang on the tree.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Trim 2-inch squares of green paper and 13D4-inch squares of gold paper. Center and glue the gold paper onto the green paper. Ask family members to use a marking pen to write meaningful messages on the squares. Use shower curtain clips to hang the messages from the branches.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Leave extra colored squares around the tree base for guests to add more messages to the tree.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Thank you <a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/halloween/crafts/tree-of-thanks/">Better Homes and Garden</a> for this wonderful idea!<br />
</div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7602474063890981569.post-48209198693553245842009-11-19T10:34:00.000-07:002009-11-19T10:34:23.544-07:00{Holiday Entertaining} Thanksgiving TablescapeAs I was sitting here today preparing my menu for Thanksgiving next week, I was also thinking about how I was going to tablescape our dining and buffet tables. So I went out on the search for some inspiration and ran across these beautiful pictures found on the <a href="http://dining-delight.blogspot.com/">Dining Delight</a> blog. They are absolutely stunning! And the blog has many, many more fantastic decorating and tablescape ideas. I think I'm going to try the popcorn candles! What do you think? How are you decorating your tables?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 6" height="423" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4117928106_57ff980e22_o.png" width="551" /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 4" height="725" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4117157787_b27d501548_o.png" width="551" /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 5" height="423" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/4117928016_cc52b88f4e_o.png" width="552" /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 2" height="724" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/4117157571_368793bf74_o.png" width="550" /><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Picture 3" height="423" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4117927846_bfa489ba42_o.png" width="551" /><br />
</div>The Event Essentialshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07876003696506274360noreply@blogger.com5