Tutorial Tuesday: DIY Mini-Piñatas for a Cinco de Mayo Good Time . . .

Oh my goodness, can you believe it is nearly May?!  Summer is almost here and it is time to start having some fun!! And what better way to open the gates to the warmest season of the year than to kick things off with a Cinco de Mayo Celebration?!

Need a bit of inspiration to get your party wheels a-turning?  Well don't worry, we'll be sure to send a few things your way in the days ahead.  But first, let's get the ball rolling with a fun little project from the Ruffled Blog to get you in the spirit of things...DIY mini-Piñatas!!  Take a peek . . .

Supplies You Will Need:
~ Small balloons (I used 7″ balloons, but water balloons may work too)
~ Flour & water for papier mâché
~ Newspaper or any thin paper
~ Candy to go inside the pinata (we used saltwater taffy)
~ Scissors
~ Elmer’s glue
~ Tissue paper
~ Glasses or a base to hold the piñatas while they dry

Directions:
1.) Blow up balloon to desired size and tie with a knot. Ours were about 5-6 inches long. Rip paper into small pieces – strip or square shapes are great, but really any shape will do. Mix equal parts of water and flour for papier mâché glue paste.

2.) Start gluing pieces of paper onto balloon, allowing an opening around the balloon tie for candy once it’s dry. We didn’t bother with a brush to glue the pieces and went straight to using my hands – another tip to speed up the process. Once your balloon is covered with its first layer of paper, let it dry for a few hours. Repeat the process until is thick enough to hold candy without the shell breaking. Three layers were sufficient for me and sturdy enough that they wouldn’t break if they fell on the floor, but you can add more to make them stiffer if you’d like.

3.) While your papier mâché dries, you can get your tissue paper ready. Again, we batch fringed tissue paper by folding a long strip of paper (about 4 inches wide) in half lengthwise so it’s 2 inches wide. Then fold the paper the other direction a few times and cut 2/3 of it’s width, so my paper was 2 inches wide, I cut slits of about 1.50 – 1.75 inches wide. To save us a little more time, we didn’t bother measuring measuring how wide each strip should be.

4.)  Once your papier mâché is dry, you can start layering your fringed tissue paper. I went against my own advice on this particular pinata and started from the top down. Don’t do that. By the time I was finishing gluing the last layer, the fringes on the top were wrinkled and some ripped. Always start layering the fringe from the bottom up. Here I used school glue, but I think flour paste could work too (but I’d use a brush since tissue paper is much more delicate than newspaper). I used three layers for each color tier.

5.) With a needle, gently poke a hole on the balloon to deflate it. Pull balloon out and we’re ready to add the candy!

6.) To create a handle for the mini piñata, thread a tag in a ribbon and make a knot halfway. Tie the ends of the ribbon onto a candy.

7.) Now you’re ready to add candy and seal the pinata. Add the handle last and seal the pinata with a matching piece of tissue paper.

*** You will  use a little less than 20″x8″ worth of tissue paper per colored tier for each piñata favor. You can reuse the scraps of paper to create confetti to add in each pinata along with the candy.  The specific type and colors of tissue paper above are are Emerald, Peridot, and Aquamarine. The glittery paper is called gemstone tissue paper, and it can be found online at places like this. Total cost for each piñata favor is under a dollar including the candy:)  SCORE!!

Pretty in Pink . . .

And how much fun would one of these be for a Gender Reveal Party?  You could fill the inside of the balloon with pink or blue confetti or whatever little pink or blue treat you can think of...when you pull the string on the Piñata "SURPRISE!!  It's a  . . . !"

Wouldn't a beautiful blooming piñata be amazing, decorated with pink & blue flowers and full of pink or blue confetti?

The main points of the tutorial are the same, except for the flowers and a bigger balloon of course!  For directions on how to make that lovely number above, visit Kate Landers HERE . . .

We'll leave you with a real-life Gender Reveal caught on camera . . .

Okay, so whether you are planning on having a rousing good time this Cinco de Mayo or are planning on revealing the gender of your baby to your family & friends in a way full of fun, this little project is sure to add some life to the party!!  Have a wonderful Tuesday!!

Fantastic Fabric Party Inspiration . . .

Party inspiration can come from anywhere; you can be strolling through a supermarket, see a bag of blue corn tortilla chips, and the vision of an entire evening of enjoying made-from-scratch margaritas and homemade fajitas with your nearest and dearest can unfold before your eyes.  You can spend a day at the beach and leave with the notion of a backyard luau complete with fresh leis, a blooming orchid tucked behind your ear, and something frosty to sip straight from a coconut.

But what do you do when a case of party-planner's block hits you and you just can't seem to find the missing link to your big day that will tie it all together in that oh-so-fabulous way you have been dreaming of?  Why, take a quick trip to your local fabric store or even your favorite home decor department and wait for the moment to strike you.  Just take a look at how a swatch of fabric can be translated into beautiful party details . . .

(Marimekko Cake by Wild Orchid & courtesy of http://cakecentral.com)

Inspired by this Marimekko Unikko Fabric . . .

Or how about a flash of genius sparked by your favorite Jonathan Adler pattern?

(Jonathan Adler-Courtesy of Brides Magazine)

(Jonathan Adler via Kate Sullivan for Lovin Sullivan Cakes)

A bright concept brought on by a moment with a swatch of Jessica Jones fabric . . .

(gumball Cake photo courtesy of http://www.atypicaltypea.com)

And I really can't get enough of this Marimekko fabric . . .

A sweet little girl's birthday party would look totally fab with a Waverly theme . . .

(above two photos courtesy of http://www.atypicaltypea.com)

And you don't need to just stick with the cake . . .

(invitations courtesy of http://www.merrimentdesign.com)

(above images via http://www.projectwedding.com)

Lovely Amy Butler stationary . . .

(Amy Butler fabric via http://www.100layercake.com/)

And a gorgeous backdrop inspired by a pattern from Joel Dewberry fabric . . .

(http://thebridesguide.marthastewartweddings.com)

So the next time you are looking for that 'a-ha' moment when planning your big shindig or special occasion, take a walk through your local fabric store or even the home decorating aisle of your local Target...you just might find that bit of inspiration to turn your next event into a night to remember . . .

A Wonderful Wall of Paper Flowers . . .

I know we have ventured into the world of paper flowers before, but as it is Spring and so absolutely lovely outside, I thought taking another stroll down such a beautiful path was definitely in order!

Now after searching for a bit of inspiration to send your way, I have to say I am quite tempted to fill my walls with the lovely blooms in all sorts of corals, peaches, & white.  But my poor husband may very well think I've lost it, so I will restrain myself and cover the Juneberry Lane wall instead:)  Take a look . . .

Perfect for a wedding backdrop . . .

And a simple cluster looks gorgeous anywhere . . .

Even Sephora took a stab at it . . .

Brighten up the entryway . . .

Or even spruce up the nursery . . .

Oh so very pretty, don't you think?  Just add a little cluster above the breakfast table and watch how your entire day just brightens up!!  

Juneberry Bakeshop: Spring Chick Cupcakes!!

Can you cuddle a cupcake?  Because these little Chicken cupcakes from Martha Stewart are just the sweetest little things that they are hard to resist!  And what better time to be stuck in the kitchen baking then this chilly & rainy weekend that lies ahead (at least in Southern California, that is what we are looking at!).

You know I love a creative cupcake, especially when you can pull them together in a pinch and have the kiddos smiling from ear to ear!  Here's what you do . . .


Ingredients:
(Makes 20 Vanilla Cupcakes)

~ Nonstick cooking spray
~ 3 cups all-purpose flour
~ 1 teaspoon baking powder
~ 1/2 teaspoon salt
~ 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
~ 1-1/2 cups sugar
~ 2 vanilla beans, halved length-wise, seeds scraped and reserved
~ Finely grated zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
~ 3 large eggs
~ 1 cup of buttermilk
~ 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.) Line cupcake pans with liners; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until incorporated; scrape down sides of bowl, and beat in vanilla.

3.) Add flour mixture and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl.

4.) Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake until tops spring back when touched, about 20 minutes, rotating pan once if needed.

5.) Transfer to a wire rack; let cool for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan, and let cool completely on wire rack.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

~ Makes 5 cups
~ 5 large egg whites
~ 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
~ 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons, room temperature
~ 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions
1.) Combine egg whites, sugar, and salt in the heatproof bowl of a standing mixer set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly by hand until mixture is warm to the touch and sugar has dissolved (the mixture should feel completely smooth when rubbed between your fingertips).
Attach the bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Starting on low and gradually increasing to medium-high speed, whisk until stiff (but not dry) peaks form. Continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy and glossy, and completely cool (test by touching the bottom of the bowl), about 10 minutes.

2.) With mixer on medium-low speed, add the butter a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all butter has been added, whisk in vanilla. Switch to the paddle attachment, and continue beating on low speed until all air bubbles are eliminated, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl with a flexible spatula, and continue beating until the frosting is completely smooth. Keep buttercream at room temperature if using the same day, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Before using, bring to room temperature and beat with paddle attachment on low speed until smooth again, about 5 minutes.

3.) (Optional) To tint buttercream (or royal icing), reserve some for toning down the color, if necessary. Add gel-paste food color, a drop at a time (or use the toothpick or skewer to add food color a dab at a time) to the remaining buttercream. You can use a single shade of food color or experiment by mixing two or more. Blend after each addition with the mixer (use a paddle attachment) or a flexible spatula, until desired shade is achieved. Avoid adding too much food color too soon, as the hue will intensify with continued stirring; if necessary, you can tone down the shade by mixing in some reserved untinted buttercream.

Decorating:
~ 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
~ 1 piece (10 inches) black licorice lace, cut into 40 (1/3-inch) pieces
~ 20 whole almonds
~ 140 red candy-coated licorice pastels (about 1/3 cup), or pieces of snipped red licorice laces

Step 1:
Bake cupcakes and cool completely. When turned upside-down, each cupcake becomes the body of a chick. Spread buttercream frosting on a cupcake to anchor it to the serving plate while you are working. Use a small offset spatula to coat the sides thickly with frosting, and then mound more on top to create a dome shape.

Step 2: 
Press toasted shredded coconut (see how to toast coconut below) into the frosting -- it stands in for fuzzy feathers. Hold the plate at an angle while applying the coconut so the excess falls back into the bowl.

Step 3:
Place eyes (made from snipped black licorice laces) on chicks using tweezers. Use a whole almond for the beak and red licorice for the feet and comb; both can be pushed into the frosting by hand.

Toasted Coconut:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread coconut on a small baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool.

A bit of inspiration . . .

(image from http://52cupcakes.blogspot.com)

(courtesy of http://www.thejeyofcooking.com)

(via http://www.deliciouslynoted.com)

Not too hard, right?  And remember, if you are pressed for time, go ahead and whip up the store bought version and focus all of your fun on the decorating . . . I'll never tell!  Have a wonderful weekend!!

April Showers

Ahhh, April . . . definitely the most lovely month of Spring and most notably honored in verse for rainy days, or showers that bring on the flowers, if you will.  And can you think of a better way to pay tribute to such a month than this 'April Showers 3rd Birthday Party' designed by Danielle Arcese of Cutie Putti and brought to us via Kara's Party Ideas?  Just take a look . . .

Aren't those just the most gorgeous cupcakes you have EVER seen?  Or how about these Rain drop cake pops from Frost the Cake Bakeshop (you really need to check out her Etsy shop.  It is AMAZING!)?

I just adore these 'Pocketful of Posies' favors - Floral-patterned sugar cookies from Dainty Delights tucked into the sweetest doily pockets . . .

And don't forget the 'Rain Water' beverages . . .

Or the mini-white cotton candy 'clouds' . . .

Fabulous Vendors:

Paper products and Styling- Cutie Putti Paperie
Cake Pops and Truffles- Frost The Cake
Cookies- Dainty Delights

Just gorgeous, right?  Who needs sunshine when the sprinkles of Spring can look this good?!