Sunday, April 29, 2012

Cookies and Milk


Welcome to A's party.  This year's theme was cookies and milk with a vintage (somewhat farm-like/somewhat school-like) flavor.


A's dress was made with the Yorkshire Mini pattern from Sewing in No Man's Land. This lady's dressmaking skills are amazing, by the way. I had some serious problems with sizing and let me tell you, I am glad she was able to get into the dress (it was tight)! I spent way too much of my party prep time making the dress, but I was pleased with the result.


 I made the top banner out of a linen-like fabric with freezer paper stencils created on the Silhouette. (Inspiration from Cake). The bottom banner was paper and also cut out on the Silhouette.


Milk jars are Starbucks Frappacino bottles with labels removed. The little freezer paper wrapped sandwhiches in the background were a big hit with those under the age of five. And some adults too.

This cake could be one of those 'nailed it' pictures on pinterest. I hesitate to give the link to my inspiration, but here it is. No surprise, Dandee put me to shame.



I aimed for as many types of cookies as possible, which ended up being only four. Really, it was enough. The lemon crinkle cookie recipe can be found here.


The s'more chocolate chip cookies can be found here and the double trouble ones here. This is the best picture of the cupcakes that I have, which are Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes. I'll definitely hold onto this recipe!







This was an activity for the older kids. Kids planted a bean in half an egg shell. Beans are supposed to grow really fast. Although initially pleased with the activity, I think that the parents may have been a little less impressed on their way home since the kids were carrying these upside down (and losing the dirt) before they even got out the door. O didn't get to keep his because we went away for a few weeks right after A's birthday.

Friends went home with mini gingersnaps in a milk carton giftbox and flowers in vintage favor baskets. My mom found these somewhere. The milk carton template was generously made available for free download by Kristen of Paper Crave at The Sweetest Occasion.
My little sweetie with her Daddy.

The kids were super excited about the rainbow during the less than 5 minute rain shower that occurred mid-party.

Friday, April 27, 2012

A is One



We had gift opening with just the immediate family the day before A's actual birthday and big party. We gave A a walker that can be transformed into a ride-on and then a shopping cart. She was surprisingly super excited about this, as can be seen from her big grin. More mobility!


In Sancho's family, it is tradition for the rest of the children to get a small gift on their sibling's birthday. Oliver was very pleased with this.


Nana's gift to A.


Mommy's gift to A. This is another project out of Anna Marie Horner's Handmade Beginnings. I've modified it to include felt shapes attached by velcro under each flap. I'll try and post the whole quilt one of these days.



Friday, April 20, 2012

To the market, to the market




I finally got Dana Made's market skirt sewn up. The tutorial was for size two with instructions for altering the width for different sizes. However, I didn't see any for altering the length, so I just guessed. I was dreading making the pockets, but actually found it kind of fun! This last photo is the look A gives every time that she stands up from a sitting position on the unfortunately pink stairs. She is just so pleased with herself that she can do this.

Baby-in-the-Hoodie




I've literally been wanting to make A this jacket since before she was born. I even had the black and white gingham purchased prior to her birth. After my most recent exam, I finally got the chance to do it. It is from Anna Horner's Handmade Beginnings sewing book, which I love so much that I have probably made at least 1/4 of the projects in the book.