Olivia's Shower

My Aunt and Uncle welcomed their first baby this last November. So of course shower invites and presents had to be made. She chose the Eliza Duvet from Pottery Barn Kids as the main fabric for her nursery so I used that design  to create her invites. 

Favor tags and Thank you cards were also created. 

This was the first time I created an invite completely on one page- normally with the watercolor I have made all of the pieces seperately and then I rearrange them in photoshop to create the invite. So in this case I was able to give Cindy the original watercolor which I put a bible verse on. So she can keep it (or not...haha) 

Corries Tahoe Wedding

My cousin was married this last summer- which was the main reason for our California vacation in September. 

She is an elementary school teacher so she wanted the chalkboard look to her invites-well I think that is why she wanted the chalkboard look... honestly I don't know that I asked. 

She was married at the absolutely breath taking location the Valhalla estates on Lake Tahoe... so I pushed for a color map of the location...  It's a historic property run by the US Forest service (at least in part) and is worth a visit if you're in the area. 

was a so fun to be able to put these together for her. 

Recipe Exchange 2012

We're gearing up for another recipe/ornament exchange so I thought I would share last years invites with you -since I never got them up last year and this years will not be custom made....boo

 

I forgot how much I loved these! Maybe I will be on the ball again next year. One can only hope.

I also put together a cook book for all those who attend. Which is lots of fun to look back on. 

Will you be hosting a fun gathering this season?

 

Horse Baby Shower

We are apparently all parties here. 

We recently did a shower and it had a horse theme (LOVE) here are the invites. 

 We decided to simplify the spread this time and pack lunches for the guests. In case you think about doing this for a large party- it's not simpler it's a ton more work and energy. 

But it was fun and lovely when it was done.

Each box was packed with a croissant, chicken salad, potato salad and fruit salad. It was delicious! 

 blueberry and cherry trifles 

 peanut Butter and chocolate muffins

  

 We also had guest sign a book - how fun is that?!

  ,

Bella's Birthday! ... Finally...

So 5 months later I am going to share Bella's party with you... 

I wanted a Fruhlings Fest theme... but people here wouldn't really get that so I just had that in the back of my mind with the decorations.

The invites. Oh dear I just LOVE them! 

A lovely girl who we met through worship took most of the photos. She is actually in the process of moving to New York so unfortunately I won't be able to continue to take advantage of her expertise. But you can check her out on Facebook here.

The party decorations turned out bright and festive. Just what I was hoping for. And the weather cooperated unlike on Micah's first birthday. 

 Fest cookies, a necessity for any party. 

I DIY'd the glitter letters. 

 and made a lot of Shot Cotton pennants 

 The pinata Beehive.... which may have been a little bit too well made....the bees are made of sculpey and painted. We removed them before destroying it. Instead of filling it with candy it was filled with confetti. Each kid received a cotton drawstring bag... which had bubbles, a squirt gun, a ball, and playdough. I tried come up with things that could be used up and purged easily when the parents were over it. 

 We went easy on the menu and just had Pulled Pork, fruit, baked beans, and cut vegetables. 

 Someone took the singing and cake much better then Micah. She never has minded attention! 

 I can't believe Bella is already one let alone almost one and a half now! 

Lauren's Bridal Shower Invite

I (not so recently) helped host a bridal shower and I was in charge of the invitations. 

I was (who am I kidding- still am) severely lacking in time when I made these- Bella was 3 months.  So I relied very heavily on my Pinterest boards for inspiration... I wish this design was my own....just trying to keep it real here. 

 I ended up using a Minted invite that had been featured on a greenweddingshoes.com inspiration board. With a few change ups it really fit the brides style to a T... Her wedding color was Purple and she would be carrying Mums. 

I had them printed at Office Max... because it's the closest printer. And then used vellum envelopes and washi tape as a seal

I really love doing graphic work and even though I do wish I would have had more time to be original I really love the way that these turned out. I guess that is the nice thing about doing things for friends... 

I do have another invite if I can get it photographed... which could mean you will see it a year from now!

Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season!