Here’s a new simple collage idea for your wedding thank you cards. Thank you to Trevor Allen Photography for the beautiful photos!
-
Recent Posts
Archives
Categories
First Birthday Party Photos
The first birthday is a very special milestone. About half of the birthday invitations that we sell are for first birthdays. I wanted to post a little about first birthday photos, giving some simple ideas to make your first birthday pics a little more special.
Instead of waiting until your child’s birthday party to get those great pics, I would suggest having a little photo session about 2-3 weeks before the party. Birthday parties are often a little overwhelming for children (and parents), therefore there is usually a little post party disappointment in the photos or lack of. You can hire a professional to take your photos or attempt to do them yourself. I took the posted pics in our livingroom (and backyard). I have a DSLR and 50mm lens making the task a little easier (from a technical point of view). A little pre planning will help your photo shoot be more successful as well (clothing, decor, cake, etc). Getting some good photos before the party takes some stress off at the actual party.
An idea for birthday pics is using the child’s first initial in photos. I picked up this wooden letter for $5 at Walmart. The letter makes a great prop for the child to hold. The letter can also be used as a decoration at the party.
Balloons are always a great addition to birthday party photos.
I happen to have this wonderful vintage high chair (used by mom and aunts & uncle) passed down to me for use with my own kids. It was pretty cool and windy but we managed to get outside for a few minutes and get a few great shots.
The most popular first birthday photography theme these days is a cake smash. The idea is that you put a nice cake in front of your little one and let them go at it. The more mess the better. Just a tip, always go for white cake. Chocolate cake and brown icing smeared all over your little one’s face just isn’t very nice. You could make your own cake or pick one up from a local baker. The cake in the photos was just purchased from a local IGA.
Don’t forget to get some great detail shots of little hands and feet.
Try different angles for different perspectives. Have your child facing a light source to get some of those great catchlights in their eyes.
Print and use the photos as a part of your party decorations. I made the pink bunting ahead of time so that we could use it in the photo shoot as well as for party decor. The theme of the party was pink and brown poka dots. A collage of the photo shoot made great thank you/ announcement cards that were given out at the party. In the end, we got some great birthday shots and didn’t have to stress too much about the photo results at the party, not to mention great party decor.
Posted in Birthday, Photography
Leave a comment
Birthday Invitations
A themed birthday invitation is the perfect way to set the tone of a child’s birthday party. Here are a couple of new invitations on our site. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for please don’t hesitate to send an email to Shari at dolcettodesigns@gmail.com. Custom designs can be created at no additional charge.
Posted in Birthday
Leave a comment
Owl Heating Pads
Aren’t these little owl (rice filled) heating pads adorable!?! And with their super cute heart tummy, they’re perfect for Valentines Day! The photo/ pattern/ tutorial are all fully credited to Suzanne over at Just Another Hang Up, visit the actual post HERE. I bought some fabric last week and am eager to make my own little owls for the kiddies. Suzanne shares her pattern and has wonderful step by step directions on how to make these little cuties. Thanks so much for the freebie Suzanne, it’s much appreciated!
If you’re into sewing and crafting I can guarantee that you’ll love Just Another Hang Up. I spent ages going through Suzanne’s posts and getting inspired.
Posted in Valentines
Leave a comment
Kids Valentine Craft
Here’s an easy kids craft for Valentines Day. The kids love it since it involves painting. It just takes a couple of minutes and creates a lasting memory. Here’s the PDF to make your life just a little easier Children Hold our Hearts
I have a handy heart punch that I used for the middle heart. However you could easily cut these out free hand as well.
Did you notice my super cute magnets? I purchased them from The Orange Circle (Canada made). Bethany has a wide variety of designs and the magnets are durable and beautifully made. Loving them!
Posted in Valentines
Leave a comment
Valentines Heart Mobile
I love mobiles. There’s just someting whimsical about objects floating in the air. I picked up these adorable little hearts from the Crocheted Flower Patch and thought they would be perfect for a mobile. I got a piece of round cardboard (ended up being the cardboard from a Delissio Pizza bottom) and glued red paper to both sides. I then put a couple of holes in the middle to thread my ribbon through. I punched 12 holes around the outside of the cardboard piece and then tied with hearts on with fishing line. Super easy!
Posted in Valentines
Leave a comment
Free Valentines Words Poster
Today I’m bringing you another free printable 8×10 Valentines Poster. Simply click the link to bring up the PDF file. Print, trim to fit and mount in an 8×10 frame. I have a couple of frames that I like to rotate seasonal things in.
PDF File: Love Words Poster 8×10
Enjoy! Did you appreciate this post? Please feel free to share with others (just don’t claim as your own). Thanks!
Posted in Valentines
Leave a comment
Heart Crayons for Valentines Day
A very long time ago (before I was married with kids), I was into crayon melting. What a great way to use old and broken crayons and make them like new again. I used to use candy molds and make all kinds of fun shapes.
This morning my kids and I melted crayons into heart shapes as little gifts to go along with their Valentine cards. My daughter loved taking the wrappers off the crayons and my little guy enjoyed breaking the crayons (I cut what was left). I picked up the crayons for $1.50 for the bag from a thrift store (no need to go new). The silicone heart mold was $3.50 from Walmart. Ideally, I would have got something a little smaller but this was all I could find at Walmart and I didn’t want to look in a lot of different stores. Michaels would probably be a good bet though. Just fill the molds about 3/4 full with broken crayons and put in a 250 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Take the crayon meltings out as soon as they are melted. Let the “new” crayons sit until hardened and then simply pop them out of the mold. Easy and fun! We made 12 fairly large heart crayons.
Be sure to check out the other great Valentine ideas and printable freebies on our blog!
Posted in Valentines
Leave a comment
FREE Printable LOVE Banner
I love how this banner turned out! Perfect for Valentines day. Simply print off each of the following PDF files on your home printer. I then cut out each image leaving aprox 1.5cm of white space on the edges. You will then need to get some light-med weight cardboard, a couple of cereal boxes would work great. Cut the cardboard into four 19cm x 19cm squares (one for each letter). Turn each letter over and tape the edges to the back of the cardboard. Fold in the corners as if you were wrapping a present. The cardboard backs will give each letter more weight and nice finished edges.
Once each letter is done, punch two holes in each letter and string a piece of ribbon through. Hang on a mantle of any place that a banner would catch some attention. That’s it; enjoy!
Did you like this freebie? I’d love for you toleave a comment and let me know.
Posted in Valentines
Leave a comment
Valentines Shortbread Cookies
I came across this super cute idea for Valentines shortbread cookies while browsing pinterest. LOVE them! Get the recipes and full directions HERE. Photo from Diamonds for Dessert.com
Posted in Valentines
Leave a comment