DIY projects

Ready to get your craft on? Here you’ll find my favorite do it yourself projects and party ideas. If you are searching for something specific try the search box on the right or see my list of categories at the bottom of the page.

Mod Party + Circle Photobooth DIY

Banana Republic approached us about doing a Mad Men party to launch their new Mad Men collection that comes out today.  We had some friends over to our studio for a little dinner and photobooth session and to try on the new collection. It was a really fun night. My friend Andrea did some awesome 60′s food and we made pompom party hats for our guests and my favorite part of all was the floating circle photobooth installation. The concept is really easy and just involves paper, glue and a sewing machine. The final effect is even more impressive in person because all the circles are constantly dancing around like a mobile. It is a super simple way to add lots of color to a party. Find the full instructions below after the jump.

All clothing from Banana Republic’s new Mad Men line. On Stacy: Textured Shell in Navy,  Gingham Crop Pants, Peggy Ballet Heel in SeashellBeauty chain necklaceChain Necklace (worn as a bracelet) On Jordan: Mod ShirtdressNicola Platform WedgeDome Ring On Alison: Peggy Knit Shift DressKary pointed-toe pump in Dove GrayChain Necklace On Rebecca: Vertical-Stripe DressKary pointed-toe pump in Black and WhiteLiza Pump in TaupeBeaded NecklaceContrast Clutch in BlackGeo Silk Scarf in Kapalua coral Sunglasses:Pink SunglassesMinna Sunglasses

Click through for full instructions

(more…)

DIY Confetti Throwers

Here is a fun project inspired by some of the party supplies I found in France. The idea is pretty simple. You fill up a tube with confetti and when you are ready to throw the confetti you take off the lid and throw the confetti. The motion of your arm propels all the little confettis into the air. Of course you could buy confetti pre-made but our pretty confetti only took a little time to make and you can custom tailor the colors to your event. These look so nice when they are done that they are easy to incorporate into your party or wedding decor. Find the instructions and sources below.

Materials Needed: Tissue Paper, Plastic Tubes, Scissors

Step 1: To make the confetti cut strips into the folds of tissue paper then cut through the strips to make little square confettis. Make sure the size of your confetti is small enough to fit in your tubes.
Step 2: Put the confetti in the clear tubes and cap the lid so they are ready for your guests.

Photography by Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Coordinated by Stacy Wichelhaus
Styling by Caitlin Barker
Crafting by Jessica Heywood
Assisted by Harper Casimiro

Cookie Spoons DIY

This post is sponsored by Bing. Try using Bing for your internet searches and take The Bing Challenge.

My friend Andrea came up with these wonderful pot de creme and cookie spoons for our Craft Night and we asked here to share how she did it. She developed a special recipe for this so that the cookie would stay crisp and would actually be functional when you dipped it in your pot de creme but would also taste delicious. Find all the directions below.

Materials Needed: 1 Batch of Andrea’s Special Gingersnap Recipe, Parchment paper, Rolling Pin, Spoon Cookie Cutter,

Step 1: Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper until it is very thin, about 1/16″ thick. Then place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until chilled.
Step 2: Using the spoon cookie cutter cut out the gingersnap dough and remove excess. Transfer to a baking sheet making sure the spoons are chilled and flat.
Step 3: Bake at 325 degrees for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be crisp not bendy.

Andrea packaged the Pot de Creme in Weck Jars and then served envelopes of cookies spoons in clear cupcake boxes with the napkins folded at the bottom.

All photos by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day.

Lollipop Flower Valentines

Here is a super easy Valentine we came up with the other day. All you need is some crepe paper and lollipops and you’re set. We added some “You’re my best bud” labels but these are sweet on their own too.

Materials Needed: Crepe Paper, Glue, Scissors, Tape, Lollipops

Step 1: Take a fold of crepe paper and cut out a stack of petal shapes with the paper grain going from top to bottom. Leaving a long piece at the stem.
Step 2: Stretch out the petals with your thumb to form a round petal shape.
Step 3: Take the sucker and add petals pinching them at the base of the candy.
Step 4: Continue adding layers of petals and add a piece of tape to secure them in place.
Step 5: Cut off excess paper beyond the tape.
Step 6: Cut off a strip of crepe paper for the stem and dap some glue on the end of it.
Step 7: Starting at the base wrap the strip around the stem and secure with a dab of glue at the end.

Photography by Harper Casimiro for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Coordinated by Stacy Wichelhaus
Styling by Caitlin Barker
Crafting by Jessica Heywood

Wax Lips Valentines + Free Printable

I remember buying these wax lips when I was a little girl. It brought back so much nostalgia to see my kids playing with them. Here is a last minute valentine. Just print out the designs onto cardstock and attach the wax lips and get ready to pucker up. Find the free printable right here.

 

Photography by Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Coordinated by Stacy Wichelhaus
Styling by Caitlin Barker
Crafting by Jessica Heywood
Assisted by Harper Casimiro