Day 13: Holiday Party Picks

Materials you'll need:
- Dress Template
- Cardstock/Assorted Papers
- Ruler
- Colored pens
- Scissors
- Adhesive or Paper Tape
- Dowel or plastic pick

Optional Materials:
- Shimmer Spray
- Flocking

Step 1:
Start with your template. Cut out some red cardstock in the shape of your template. I've used a lovely astro bright but there are also some great options from American Crafts.

Step 2:
Once you have the shape. Use a straight edge to create the black belt at the waist.

Step 3:
Then use a white pen (I've gone with the Uniball gel pen but there are, again, lots of options) to create the white edging on the dress. For fun I added white flocking to the dress.

Step 4:
The final touch on the dress detailing is a gold buckle (again with a Uniball gel pen).

Step 5:
The next step is adding the pick. Use shimmer spritz to color a trimmed down dowel/pick. I have tried to hold the dowel in between two of the dress forms but it never really looked right to me so I use a little bit of Hambly paper tape to hold the dowel in place.

Enjoy!
~Bellingham

Day 3: Holiday To-Do Book

Materials you'll need:

- (1) 8 1/2 x11 sheet of chipboard,for the front and back cover of the organizer

- (2) Christmas themed papers, to cover the chipboard

- (15) Sheets of text weight paper, for inner sheets

- Decorative ribbon, as much or little as you would like

- (3) 3/4 inch book rings

- Single Hole Punch

- Ruler

- Paper Trimmer or Scissors

- Adhesive

Optional:

- Gel pens (assorted colors)

- Decorative punch

Step 1

Cut two 4x9 pieces of chipboard

Step 2

Cut 4 sheets of holiday paper to cover the inside and outside of the front and back covers.

Step 3

Puch 3 holes a long the length of the chipboard. I punched the holes at the 2", 4 1/2" and 7" mark on your ruler

Step 4

Cut your text weight paper to 8 1/2" x 3 3/4", I used a couple different colors for the inside of my organizer. Then, punch holes a long the length of the paper to match up with the holes punched in the covers.

Step 5

Place text sheets in between the covers and secure with book rings. Decorate rings with your ribbon of choice.

Step 6 (optional)

You can punch out a decorative design and label the cover of your book. A couple extra goodies you might like to add: Adhere an A-1 envelope to the inside back cover for your receipts. I placed a Velcro dot at the tip of the envelope to make sure it stays sealed. You can also use cardstock or Christmas themed paper as dividers (Gift List, Cards, Food & Beverage/Party Supplies, Notes, etc). Those will need to be cut to 4" x 9" just like the cover of the book.

Have fun and enjoy!

- Beaverton Paper Zone

Easy Party Planning Tips

The holidays are my favorite time of year...not because of all the gift giving and holiday cheer...but for the excuse to get everyone together for holiday parties, to eat good food and cook cozy meals. And, now that I just moved out of my tiny apartment and into a house, I can't wait to host a holiday party for my friends. In the midst of moving, I have managed to put up a tree, hang a wreath, put festive garland on the mantel and even create some ornaments and snowflakes with ideas from my fellow PZ Bloggers (thanks guys!).

Now, it's on to unpacking all my boxes and getting things cleaned up for the party (I admit, the fun holiday decorating took precedence over the unpacking!).With so many things already on my plate, I am SO grateful for the things that are going to make my party-planning just a little easier:

1) Adorable plates & napkins that I don't have to wash after the party: love the festive candycane & cupcake design AND no clean up - I'm sold! Those of you who know me know that I: a) love my sweets and b) don't like to clean - so these are the perfect match for me!

2) An oh-so-cute table centerpiece that was put up in less than 2 minutes! Bonus points for this one - my family has a tradition to see this ballet every year, and I love it!

3) A matching Nutcracker garland that is ready to go, simply pin up and your lovely holiday decor is all set!

4) These party picks will turn any blah appetizer into a festive holiday hors d'oeuvre. Perfect for sprucing up my cheese and cracker spread!

5) And finally, the cupcake kit that I use for pretty much every party. They are so easy and make such a cute presentation with little effort (whip up your cupcakes, spread the frosting, stick the decoration on top and you're good to go!).

I always get compliments when I bring these cupcakes to parties.
***

Hopefully my little party tips can help you feel a little less stressed about all the things going on during the busy weeks ahead. You can stop by PZ and get all these things in one easy trip - you might even find some cute party favor ideas - I'm still thinking of making cookies as party favors in these fun treat bags.

If you have more party planning ideas, I would love to hear them! --Lauren