Gift Tag Press: Lady and the Blog

Lady and The Blog Post: My Personalized Gift Tags!

I was so excited yesterday to get some press about my personalized gift tags and invitations over at Lady and the Blog... Vera Sweeney, author of this blog loves to write about pretty much anything, from beauty items, fashion, a little Hollywood, Etsy products, parties and more! Check it out when you get a chance!

Circus Photo Booth: Party Game

My Friend Mindy and I in the Circus Time Photo Booth

I'm sure by now you've seen the many creative "photo booth" ideas that folks have set up for parties... I just love it! A couple months ago, I had a party to host at my kids' school. It was a circus theme to thank all the hard working volunteers. I thought a photo booth was definitely in order for some fun and amusement! Although my pictures are of adults, the kids that attended, loved the booth as well!

Here's what I did to create it...

A Vase filled with Circus Photo Booth Props: Mustaches, Nose, and Smiles

Prop Materials:
Black Foam Core Board
White Foam Core Board
Dowel Sticks
Markers
Tape

Photo Booth Materials:
Plastic Table Cloth with polka dots (this of course, can be fabric)
Circus Flags
"Photos" banner made of card stock and strung with ribbon

I did not use any templates for the props, just drew freehand some mustache shapes in pencil on the black foam core, and some clown smiles (and frowns) on the white foam core. After I colored the smiles/frowns, I cut out all the shapes with a straight edge razor. I could have glued the dowel to the shape, but since I was pinched for time, I simply taped the shape to the dowel... and voila, my props were made!

Friends at the Photo Booth

For the photo booth, I hung a festive polka dot table cloth against a wall, and hung some pendants and banners. I also added the clown hat and bow tie to the mix for props.

Hamming it up!

As you can tell, the booth was a hit!

This is such a great way for kids to have fun at a party, and they'll love the picture afterward. Perhaps near your photo booth, add a mirror or two for the kids to see themselves... they'll get such a kick out of it!

I'd love to hear about your photo booth ideas. Please share your links!

Y'er Authentic Pirate Map: Arts and Crafts Activity

Ahoy me mateys--
Here's an art project perfect for your Pirate party, or any day: making a authentic pirate map. It couldn't be easier to set up, and I have to admit, it's a project that I've done many times with my kids and each time they love it.

Here's What you Need:
Paper Grocery Bags
Pens
Some ideas to give (if needed) to add to map: dock, treasure, volcano, ocean, boats, sharks, whales, pirate ship, cave, palm trees, pirate flag, etc.

Step One: Tear map-like shapes from your paper grocery bags.

Step 2: Step up table with crayons, pens and more, and have kids create.

Step 3: And thar' she is-- authentic Pirate maps, perfect for treasure huntin'!

Happy Friday

It's been a busy, busy week and I'm ready for the weekend!

I haven't had time for a long post in a while.

I hope this flower will do... A beautiful peony to look at!

Enjoy!

I'll Take the Ups and Downs: Happy Mother's Day!

Crazy Kids and Dad Loving the Amusement Park

There are days when I loose my patience (many, in fact.) 

There are days when I just need a time out. 

There are days when I just want to have my "own" time...

 There's the sadness after not performing your best bowling game...

(Can you tell which one didn't do so well?)

 There's sand in your mouth...

 There's the dress up brigade, that never gets put away...

There's the endless begging for candy... any kind will do, but light up kind is the best!

And there's those smiles, the giggles, the hugs and kisses!

I wouldn't trade this motherhood-thing for anything! 

To all moms out there; 

my own mom, my sisters, 

my friends, my customers, 

and anyone else who's listening-- 

have a great Mother's Day.

A Perfect Match: B.Nute At the Shore Invites and Pottery Barn

B.Nute productions' At the Shore Crab Feast Party Invitations

I just received a new Pottery Barn catalog recently and was so excited! They are advertising a whole host of items that works just PERFECTLY with a new line of invitations I just created... Check out the screen grab below to see their suggestions for a terrific Crab Feast.

Pottery Barns Crab Feast Party Planner Page

If you look closely at their website, they do offer a downloadable invite, but, in my opinion, it isn't nearly the perfect match as my At the Shore Crab Feast Party Invitation!

B.Nute productions' At the Shore Crab Feast Party Invitation

Not having a Crab feast, but a Lobster bake instead? No problem!

B.Nute productions' At the Shore Lobster Bake Party Invitation

Or, just not quite sure on the menu, but definitely want that Coastal Style party... Here's an invite perfect for you!

B.Nute productions' At the Shore Beach Party Invitation

So, next time you look at a Pottery Barn catalog, make sure to take a peak in my Etsy shop... I probably have the perfect invitation to match your party theme and decor!

Pretty Posies Basket: Arts and Crafts Activity

Close Up of B.Nute productions' Pretty Posie Party Invitation

It's a tradition at my kids' school to decorate a paper cone "flower basket", fill it with flowers and leave it on a neighbors door for may Day. It's fun to see the class parading around the neighborhood, baskets in hand.

My Kid's May Day Flower Baskets

This tradition inspired me to create my own "printable" art project, perfect for your Pretty Posies Garden Party! Just select the link to download the art below... then decorate, staple, hang with a ribbon and fill with posies. This is a great project at your child's Garden party... print out several copies of the basket, set up a table with crayons, and let the kids have fun. Depending on the age, they can cut it out, or you can help. Buy some inexpensive posies or flowers from your yard, and fill so they can take home as a treat!

Click to Download this Printable Pretty Posies Basket