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.

 

 

DIY Stage Backdrop

Did it come to you that you’re in a budget but was trying very hard not to show it? That’s our situation during Dos’ birthday party. And 1 of the big/small (BIG, being it’s where the guests look at, almost the entire duration of the party and SMALL being it’s only their peripheral vision who’s actually in use) detail that esposo and I took and actually fought about was the stage backdrop. 1. Renting a whole styro-backdrop was way out of the budget and too impractical (it ranges from P6-8K, plus looks a little messy in our opinion) 2. The tradition tarpaulin backdrop was too plain for P3k (5x3 customized tarpaulin with 2 balloon pillars), I thought. What I wanted to come up with was a backdrop that 1. Reusable; 2. Refreshing; 3. Unique; and 4. Cheap but not obvious. 

During the process of planning, I was challenged by the esposo: “I’m sure the cost for that DIY would be as much as Kim’s (party planner) quotation, just give it to her, no hassle”. Good thing I thought of that before him, I already did the math and was able to convince him (or was it my tears that convinced him). Hehe

My initial idea was just to use a fabric as backdrop and simply cut-out Dos’ name on a styro but since the esposo made this official logo (I asked him to make this for the invitation but wasn’t able to incorporate it in the final layout), I decided to use the design for the stage instead.

Now, for the tutorial.

We bought this Styrofoam at Divisoria for P35/piece we bought 2 pieces for the name and the ball. But later found out that it was only enough for the ball so we bought 1 piece at Pandayan Bookshop for P45 #SayangDinAngSampungPisoAh. 

For the ball, esposo improvised a huge compass using 2 ballpens and a ribbon. He tied the end of the ribbon to the end of the pens (we wanted a 3’ high ball and there were no circle in that height around the house), it was so smart of him I tell you.

He cut the ball using a kitchen knife. It was easier to hold and to cut and produced only a little styrosnow.

He simply traced the finished product for the other half of the ball.

The letter cut out was really a challenge because no one in the family can make good letterings. We tapped an architect friend but due to schedule differences, I opted to try it myself instead. I relied on pure math and not skill and used trial and error method. We still used Bodoni MT Black Font (same as LA Laker’s Jersey Font) to be consistent with the rest of the printables. I’m glad that Dos' name were only 3 letters and easy ones at that. I was able to finish the letterings but waited for esposo’s approval before cutting it.

The next day, esposo volunteered to cut it but found my letters messy and difficult to trace so he made his version at the back of the same styro. He’s such a credit stealer and I love him for that.hehe

He again, used a knife to cut it and was careful enough to use a ruler to guide him.

He also layed-out and cut number 1 using the scraped foam. After cutting everything, he painted it using a water-based paint. Apparently, all water-based paints are compatible with styrofoam. He used latex water based paint specifically.

He double coated every sides of everything.

The fabric was brought at Divisoria too. The yellow one was at P35/yard (we got all 3yards for P100) and purple for P20/yard (we got 2yards for P15/each, tapat na po). We only planned to use the yellow fabric but bought the purple anyway (in case). We asked my SIL to sew the ends with a specific instruction of making a room for a rod. But after finalizing the invitation, I thought of asking her to the attached purple fabric at each side as similar to the invitation design. She ended up using only half of the yellow fabric.

* Invitation also DIY using Microsoft Paint. At the left was the draft and at the right was the final invitation. We eventually decided for a joint celebration but focused on the little boy more.

For the balloon pillar, we also bought two colors each of 5’ and 260s balloons at Divisioria (I forgot the retail price, but I’m sure it was less than P500 for all). I burnt my eyebrows in learning how to DIY the balloon pillar but Kim was really very kind to help out, actually her staffs totally did it for me. And apparently, you will also need 11’ balloon in making a pillar (sorry, just a very trying hard fella here), but look they were able to pull it off nicely by adding their own balloons. I couldn't thank them enough.

The esposo attached the styrofoam cut-outs together by using toothpick. He then attached the foam to the fabric with the use of straight pin. We bought 3 mat pins at SM at P12/mat (I'm sure it's cheaper outside the mall) but only used about half of the 1st mat.

This was how the stage backdrop looked when pulled together. I love how the light radiates during daytime.

And still as vibrant at night.

Cost breakdown:

Styrofoam (P35+35+45) = 115

Paint = 200*

Fabric (P100+30) = 130

Balloons = 500*
Mat pin (P12/mat) = 36

Total = P981

*approximation

My original budget was only P800 (the cost of a 5x3' tarpaulin print-out). See, it was a little over my estimated budget but it was way too gorgeous against the P3,000 traditional, simple and boring tarpaulin backdrop. #BaonNaBaon And just to share my response to esposo’s challenge during our argument: “Yes, the cost might be the same, but with that amount, all the other small details will be covered”. Which was very true, the extra balloons were used as cake arch and entrance decor. The paint was used in the signage. And the fabric is currently in the process of curtain conversion.

Hushie, threeeee poooinnnnnnnnnntsssss! :)

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.