52 Inspirations

So this past weekend I stumbled across something called "52 Inspirations" from Oscraps.com.



It's basically a one year subscription where you receive a new digital mini kit full of inspiration for the scrapping a layout that week. I really needed this inspiration because it's August and I've done hardly ANY scrapping this year, which equals lost memories of Jules that I "think" I will remember, but 20 years from now I won't. So I signed up for the subscription, and will be working to get caught up! We are currently on week 31, and I'm just starting, but hey- who doesn't love a challenge? :-)

New Made 2 Match Collection- Sweet Safari

Have you seen the Jacana Collection by CoCaLo at Babies R Us? It is so super cute. It also happens to be the next coordinating collection to be added to my Made 2 Match Collection.

Introducing the Sweet Safari Collection by Bean Sprout Studio! So far, there's a baby shower invitation, a birth announcement, and adorable play date calling cards. Still to come is the birthday party invitation, printable party pack, and the nursery room print. Click the images below to check out the new products!

Peek A Boo Monkey Nursery Room Print

If you're decorating your baby's nursery with the Mod Pod Pop Monkey Collection by KidsLine, then this Pesonalized Nursery Room Print is a must have! It measures 8x8 inches (other sizes also available), and is perfect for a cute square frame to hang on the nursery room wall.

Dr. Suess Printable Party Pack

I've been busy in the design studio this week, and have several new designs that were launched! The Suess-ish birth announcement and birthday invitation have been a huge hit in my shop, so I decided to design a coordinating printable party pack! Check it out here:

:::NEW::: Plan Your Perfect Peek-A-Boo Monkey Party!

This week I created a super cute new party theme- The Peek-A-Boo Monkey Collection! This collection is exciting for two reasons:

1) It's the first in my "Made 2 Match" series of party themes, where I am designing themes to coordinate with the hottest Nursery Room decor trends. After a reflection back on some of the custom design work I've done, I've realized that a lot of Moms are carrying the baby's nursery theme into the baby shower, the birth announcement, and even the first birthday party (I did it too, without even realizing it!). This collection is Made 2 Match the Mod Pod Pop Monkey Collection by Kids Line.

2) This new collection also features the first release of my Printable Party Packs! Now you can get a custom invitation, and all the theme decor- all in one place!

Here's a "peek" at the new Peek-A-Boo Monkey Collection by Bean Sprout Studio:

Looking for some fun ideas for your little monkey's next party? Check out these Real Party examples, and fun ideas:

Craft/Game Ideas:

Fruit Loop Necklaces- Fill a bowl with Fruit Loop cereal and have each child string the Loops onto a string or ribbon, for a quick and easy Fruit Loop "candy" necklace.

Monkey Dough- Grab some orange and brown play dough (or even better- make your own), and let the little monkey's play! Hasbro even has a "Coco Nutty" Play Dough set, perfect for thie occassion.

Build a Monkey Sets- Just like Build-A-Bear! You can get this cute stuff for your own monkey kit for just $8.95 each. Found at http://www.adollysworld.com/:

Monkey Pinata- What kid doesn't love swinging at a pinata? Let you little monkeys loose to wack at this one, found at www.orientaltrading.com

Food Ideas:

Animal Crackers- An easy treat!

Animal Chicken Nuggets- for a lunch that's sure to please.

Banana Pudding- A yummy dessert that's quick and easy!

Banana Bread- For a more grown-up atmosphere, like at a baby shower, fresh baked banana bread makes the perfect treat.

Banana Smoothies- If you're prepared to man the smoothie machine, this is a fun (and healthy) treat for the kiddos!

Banana Split Bar- A create-your-own banana split bar is fun for all! Gather your bananas, ice cream, and favorite toppings for a treat that's sure to please everyone!

Decoration Ideas:

Color Coordinating M&Ms- Use clear glass jars with orange, brown, and green colored M&M's. If there's a Michael's near you, they have started carrying bags of single colored M&Ms. Also check other party stores, like Party City.

Napkin Rings- Using the patterned papers and Party circles available in the Bean Sprout Studio Printable Party Kit, make your own napkin rings. Cut the patterned paper in 1.5 inch wide strips, cut in half, make a loop and use double sided tape to secure. Using a 2 inch circle punch or scallop circle punch, punch out the party cirles and adhere to top of ring. Slide in your folded napkin with silverware included, and voila!

Drink Cups- Visit your local dollar store for a supply of cheap color coordinating plates, cups, napkins, table cloths, and utensils. Get plain orange, green or brown drink cups and decorate with a punched out party circle. The easist way to do this, is to print the party circles on a solid sheet of sticker paper. Simply punch out the circles using your punch, and you'll have adorable matching cups and a fraction of the price.

Banana Bunches- Banana bunches are the perfect accessory for the party. Simply include them on your table setting or dessert bar. They are the perfect decoration, and after the party is over, you'll be stocked up on bananas!

A Barrel of Monkeys- Not just for playing with! These adorable tiny monkeys can be everywhere around your party! Hang them off the cupcake stand, the streamers, the M&M jars, or anywhere else!

Monkey Centerpieces- I found these adorable centerpieces for just $3.99 at OrientalTrading.com

Favor Ideas:

Monkey Treat Bags- Using the printable patterned papers from the Peek-A-Boo Monkey Printable Party Pack, cut squares wide enough to fit over a cello bag (sizes will vary depending on which size you buy). Fold the sqaures in half and staple to the top of the treat bag. Print out the "Thanks for Swinging By My Party" Gift Tag from the Printable Party Pack, punch out, and adhere to the middle of the bag topper. Fill the cello bag with Monkey inspired treats, like these cute Banana Treats or Monkey Pops from OrientalTrading.com:

Monkey Tote Bags- Another great find from Oriental Trading- Monkey Tote Bags! Just $5.99 per dozen. Honestly, how can you beat these prices?

If you've had a monkey themed party, or purchased the Peek-A-Boo Party Printables by Bean Sprout Studio, please share your links, photos, and ideas with us!!

Superbowl Cupcakes

EEK! How cute are these? I will admit- now that my two favorite teams (the Bears and the Cardinals) are out of the Super Bowl contest, I don't really care who goes. But when I saw these cupcakes over at the Hostess With The Mostess Blog, I was inspired to actually care about a super bowl party! Now I want to attend a party just so I can make these cupcakes. And as if I don't already have enough on my plate, the wheels in my head are turning, thinking about creating a Super Bowl Party Pack! Hmmmm... how long do I have until the superbowl? Maybe there's time....

More New Holiday Card Designs!

Christmas is almost here! I've been stocking up the shop on great holiday cards designs...