Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

DIY Inspiration: Spider-man Themed Birthday Party

Please excuse the glare in the center, oops.

During my sister’s visit this past June my Aunt shared a scrapbook that she made for a graduation gift.  My nephew’s mom was looking it over as well.  We saw a picture that included the Congrats banner than my Aunt made herself.  It was adorable.  One thing lead to another and I volunteered to create a banner for my nephew’s birthday party that will be held this Saturday.  The task has been on the to-do list for two months. Why do I wait until the last minute?  If I had the answer I would share it with you.  I guess I work better under pressure.

Birthday parties are fun and as we all know they can also be very expensive.  Decorations and the cake alone can add up.  If you are a craft geek like myself it can save you some money.  Handmade rocks (in my world)!  I went to Pinterest for ideas and came up with some awesome decorating ideas.  Spider-man is who Ethan (nephew) loves, so Spider-man it is.
After seeing the banner that my Aunt created it gave me some ideas to create Ethan one that included Spider-man.  I’m using the coordinating colors, stencils, ribbon, and a comic book (as shown above).  Using the stencils and the comic book I’m spelling out Happy Birthday Ethan. The local Dollar Tree has huge sheets of blue and red poster board that will be cut into triangles.  
Tonight I got the letters traced and will cut them out tomorrow.  I’ll share more when they are done.
Click the idea link again that I shared above.  See the background of the table how it looks like a city landscape?  I have two sheets of white foam board (from the Dollar Store) that I can create the same using a black Sharpie marker.  This will make a cute backdrop for the cake table.
Did I mention that I also have two handmade projects for part of his gift?  Four projects total to complete by Saturday.  I will get this done.  My actual cost for everything is very low.  And my time involved in everything….well time doesn’t count when it’s for family.  
Birthdays come around once a year.  The older the kids get the more input they give on what their interests are.  Don’t panic.  Take a deep breath and everything will work out.  You can find a ton of inspiration on Pinterest.  Or simply Google what your looking for.  You can’t go wrong with either resource.
Wish me luck!  Perhaps I’ll do some work on the banner tonight before I sleep.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer     

No Pleasure Should Feel Guilty

How about that one white sprinkle?
Realized this morning that I haven’t had any chocolate in the past week.  
Someone please take my temperature!

That all changed today.
And as the title reads, no pleasure should feel guilty.  Agree?
More recycling Pinterest inspired projects coming this week.  And I’ve got a few ideas for recycling silverware into wall art.  
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Recycled Vintage Wooden Frame: Pinterest Inspired Project

TA-DA!  My first pinterest inspired project is done.  LOVE IT!  I recycled an old wooden frame which gave it a whole new look.  Many more to come in different colors.  Not sure what to do with them all.  A few may go to my mom’s shop in Galena, IL.  And I’m working on a huge red one for my house.  A picture will be posted when it’s complete.  I came up with different variations for the photos that go inside.  The possibilities are endless.
These open back frames make good photo props as well.  One was resting next to my chair and later I found House (dog) sticking his head through it.  Couldn’t grab the camera fast enough, but the ideas are running through my head.  Have I completely lost it?  No, chalk it up to being a crazy dog lover.
“If” your new to Pinterest, click here to go to their homepage.  Take a moment to read the About section.  I can’t be held responsible for what happens after you join and start pinning.  If you need an invite leave a comment in the section below.
This week on the blog:  My goal this year for Christmas (Yes, I said the “C” word) is for all the gifts that I give to my nieces & nephews be handmade and educational.  I’m an Aunt to six, so this will be fun!  I’m preparing my craft table for the first project.  More details coming soon.
~Jennifer