More Party DIYs

Since I don't have detailed photo of these, I decided to put them all together in 1 post. This is to round up Dos Party DIYs.

 

Name tags:

 

Since he had a basketball theme, it would be fitting to use a finger foam as name tag. So, I printed a downloadable copy (sorry I didn't take note of the link. You can always ask me of the softcopy by leaving a message anyway) of a finger foam on a board paper and cut it. I wanted to make it wearable so I made mirror copy via Paint. The problem arose when I tried to put them together, they were not in the same size, of course. So I adjusted the back part manually, printed and reprinted until they are in the same size (I think it would be easier using photoshop). I just glued them together and let dry. When it was dried up, I run around it a stripe of japanese paper (I used different color for the different sides). Then made cuts on the japanese paper to give a pompom effect.

 

The front was were we put the name of the kid, the back were all printed Eon #1. I'm glad the kids loved it, they wore it the entire party.

 

Table Centerpiece:

 

We used a junior size ball to double as a table centerpiece and a balloon burst prize. The party planner suggested to use a cold glue gun to attached the ball to the table runner. But I thought of making a ball stand. As usual, I used Paint to layout the stand. I printed it on the paper board too. I simply attached both ends to make a circle where I can put the ball with. Then I used a wide scoth tape over the stand to give a shinny finish.

 

  

The problem was, everybody wanted to bring home the ball. The early birds got them right away leaving the table empty looking. But since it was part of the prize the party host was quick to confiscate them and put it on the prize table. Still, it left the table empty looking, I shoud have listened and used cold glue instead.

 

Menu Cards: 

 

Just for OC's sake, I printed menu card to totally match the theme. I used a coaching board as background to every dish name. As usual this was courtesy of Microsoft Paint. 

 

 



As I have said, I was just being OC-OC because the caterer also prepared theirs (not in theme though). Of course they gave way to me, but was kind enough to lend their menu card holder.

 

So that's about it. I hope someone finds my DIY posts useful in their future parties. Happy prep pips!  

DIY Party Signage

The venue for Dos’ party was a little hard to pinpoint. That’s why I thought of making a lot of signage outside the venue. It would be a hassle-free if I rented a styro-backdrop for the stage but I also DIYed it so I had to use my power again and the materials around me (or the esposo would cut me into pieces if I buy new set) to produce one. 

 

Materials: 

 

Styro ball, paint, board (I used a side of a box), balloon stick, crepe paper, cut-out letters (message), curling ribbon, nylon, masking tape, scissor, knife.

Procedure:

I divided the styroball into half using a kitchen knife (it's easier considering it has a longer handle).

 

The ball was intended as a base, so I shaved the center to make it more stable.

I asked the esposo to make it look like a ball (or the half of it), so he painted it in theme colors.

For the main signage, I covered the board with crepe paper (also using the theme colors). I wanted the back of the board to be fully covered.

 

Then I tricked it by layering another color and arranged the message on top. This was my 1st product, I made a mistake of using a glue. As you can remember back from your art class that liquid breaks the color of the crepe paper (which I unfortunately forgot). So there, epic fail. I wanted to make another one but the ink of our printer run out. I was just fortunate my guest let pass my failure.

So for the next signage, I know better by using a roled masking tape. (It would be easier have I used double sided tape, but luck was really not on my side, we run out of roll too).

 

But the outcome was neater unlike the 1st.

I made a total of 4 signage.  I regret I was not able to take a picture of the 4th, which happened to be my favorite because I added a silhouette of Dos' there. It say "The Game Is Here" which I placed on the veranda of the venue.

 

Here's the actual photos of the signage.  
 

I initially though of using half ball per signage, but since I used heavy board, I needed to use 2-halves to make it stand.

 

 

So I just hung the rest.

   

 

I also made a scoreboard for the buffet table, but this time, I realied solely on my handwritting and some paint.

 

 

Uno's Hello Kitty Party

Exactly 7 days after Dos’ birthday was Uno’s 3rd birthday. I wrote before that I planned to give her something special, it’s her special day after all. It was my belief that the 3rd birthday is the 1st birthday counterpart for the kids themselves. It is when they’re 3 that they can really appreciate and can be fully aware of what is happening around them. I was really thinking of throwing a big party for her 3rd birthday, but since Dos was also turning 1 (7 days before her) I decided to give the big celebration to him.

Though I only prepared simple foods, she might not have too many guests, she didn’t have party program (opening of gifts was our only activity that afternoon aside from eating). But that doesn’t mean her birthday would to be plain and colourless. The little sweat I shed was more than enough for her to be extra happy and giggly excited.

 

Here I prepared a simple balloon ceiling décor. I alternately arranged the balloons in a nylon string by using masking tape. I added curling ribbon at the end of each balloon to give a little life. I also alternately attached the spare cupcake toppers I printed to the ribbons to accentuate the theme.

I hung the excess balloons on the wall and attached more toppers. I also hung some hello kitty stuffs (her bags actually). 

           

     

For the buffet table backdrop, I simply reused the fabric used at Dos’ party and recycled our pink curtain. I tacked only the ends, got the center tacked it and tacked the center between them, to create a fake pleat. I also printed and cut-out each letter of her name which I designed with hello kitty characters, I glued it then over purple bond paper for some 3D effect.  The esposo was also kind enough to cut number 3 on a styrofoam (also from Dos’ party). I attached the hello kitty ribbon on it. (All printable were DIYed using Microsoft Paint. Jologs lang ang peg.hehe)      

For the buffet table, I also used the pink curtains (it matches the motif, what can I do?)  as table cloth and since the purple fabric was too long, I overlapped it on the table (it doubled as placemat too, to make sure the pink curtain won’t  get stain). I covered a shoe box to elevate the cake tower. Layering is a good effect, you know. I also used her hello kitty stuff toy and this printable hello kitty bag which I stocked with more cupcake toppers.  

The decoration was a little overboard (mi esposo didn’t escape to inform me that, every-so-often), considering we only had spaghetti and around 15 guests. I admit I thought of that too, I even cancelled my plan to make a balloon pillar. But who cares? You should see what this little effort has done to my little girl. She was beyond happy.

         

Dos' 1st Birthday Party

When I was preparing for Dos’1st birthday party, the internet was very useful to me. All the possible suppliers, from venues to caterers where sourced from the web. I also relied on various reviews and feedbacks of various clients before me. So I thought it is but right to share my own experience for soon to be clients. I don’t want to call this suppliers rating though, but just my two cents.

VENUE: Brgy. West Triangle Multipurpose Hall, West Triangle, Quezon City

It is at the 2nd floor of the barangay hall. Parking was a problem. Locating the main hall was a problem because there were no signage’s leading the hall and all the barangay mobiles/fire trucks, and during that time, a food stall was blocking the entrance. But other than that, there was nothing more to complain about it. It was well lighted, spacious and easy to dress. The barangay people are easy to talk with, they were very accommodating specially with my requests. I was assured by the person in-charged that it’s going to be cool come party time but I thought otherwise. I cannot fully complain though because the staff pointed out that we brought a freezer inside (ice cream maker actually, which was worst. I think.hehe), he said he had to regulate the energy use in order to have a stable electricity flow.

VENUE DRESS-UP:

Ceiling Décor – Let’s Paint ‘d Town Red Party (LPDTR) Balloon Décor and Party Services. No sweat dealing with these people. Kim was already our suki, she provides only with high calibre decorations.

Table Centerpieces – DIY

Stage backdrop – DIY by my darling esposo

  

Stage pillars, cake ark and all other balloon decorations – LPDTR staffs. Though I dreamt of DYIng those, they were too epal to get the balloons from me and set it up themselves, and I loved them for doing so. 

FOOD:

Adult Food – Verleo Catering. It is safe to say that the food was enjoyed by everyone. The food was sumptuous and was generous. Verleo people were very accommodating from the account executive that planned with me down to the wait staffs. The only setback was that I thought (and the head waiter acknowledges) that the rectangular tables I requested was too small for 8 people. They also brought a table top type of table linen instead of the table runner I requested. So they re-ordered those from their head office and came a little late. There were already some guests and yet they were still finalizing their set up.   

Kiddie Food – Jollibee chicken spaghetti, juice from grocery and mini cupcakes courtesy of Cookcakes.

Dessert table – through the generosity of Kim from LPDTR. I initially planned to make it as additional table centrepiece, so we just bought candies from All About Baking, crackers from a local supplier and popcorn from Chef Tony’s. But Kim of LPDTR told us that she’s gifting the family with additional goodies for the dessert table and would lend us her glassware and a staff dedicated to replenish the goodies. How can I complain, so I made the decors in rush.

Food carts (contracted thru Kim of LPDTR)

 

Champola Blast – so yummy and uniquely presented. You have to double check the electric current of your venue though for their ice cream maker. I heard from Kim that at 1 event she hosted, the current fluctuated every time they produce ice cream. In my case, lesser airconditioner was turned on.

Waffle Dog – it was sold out. I can equate that to being good.

Birthday Cake – Cookcakes by Liz. I submitted a prototype design and Liz, the baker, made a rather good rendition. The cake was soft and moist and the fondant was just as good.  

HOST/ENTERTAINER: (Contracted thru Kim of LPDTR)

 

  

Glenn the Yoyo Master – party hosting (English speaking), game facilitating and yoyo show plus sound system. He’s so energetic and funny. It was also a plus that he came in-theme and he boast that it was brand new. He said, he asked his staff to buy him Laker’s jersey upon seeing the venue (apparently, he was wearing a Bull’s jersey beforehand.lol). He performed superb yoyo tricks that were so, ummm, inspiring. Just look at this little kid.hehe

Master Dem the Magician – magic show. It was a surprise from my SIL. Apparently, she contacted Kim and asked what she can contribute for the party and there he was. Although I like his magic skills, fast and accurate, I just don’t think its kid friendly. He used a lot of knifes and swords tricks which I don’t really like the kids to see. My heart still belongs to Wizzo (sorry I have to say that). 

Minion Mascot – ah, well, to be the mascot. He was originally scheduled for 2 appearances but since Uno was really terrified, I cancelled its second appearance. He was a hit with the bigger kids and the biggest kids though he didn’t do anything but to stand in front of everybody.

OTHER PARTY DETAILS:

  

Party wear – made-to-order jersey from the local jersey maker. The esposo designed it, patterning from the Laker’s jersey.

Give-aways – customised stools from Wooden Kiddie Stool. I submitted the design and pay the down payment and did not hear anything from Jennifer, the proprietor. No confirmation, no whatever. I think it was kind of rude to treat clients like that. And came the pick-up date, she miraculously replied asking me for my preferred pick-up date. As in, hello? You made the job order right? The stool was good though and everybody liked it, even the adults were asking for a piece.      

Balloon Burst - LPDTR

Game prizes from Divisoria   

Other party decors (signage, menu cards, foam finger that also serves as name tags) – DIY   

Guest book – DIY thru Fotosnaps (http://www.fotosnaps.com/Gallery/50022696/HTML/#1)

Videography – Fidel of Uno Events and Multimedia. He was creative, knowledgeable and professional. Enough qualities for a videographer. He also does photography and also offers photobooth.  

So that basically was my son's 1st birthday party. A true labor of hard work and collective effort of those who care.