Friday, February 28, 2014

DIY Décor for a Disney Frozen Inspired Party

During and after Sophie's party, I got a lot of questions on how I did some of our DIY party decors. Well, it's not just me. It was a collaboration of family efforts. Some were done by Sophie and Sam, some were done by my sister and I.

Since Frozen or the song Let It Go is still much a rave until now (have you seen Christina Bianco's diva mash up version, so hilarious! clap clap), I thought I'd share some of our DIYs with you. 

OLAF
Olaf was one of my favorite DIY project. Makes me remember the Thomas and Train box I did for Sam. 
I originally wanted to do a 3D Olaf but I couldn't find a polystyrene ball big enough to match the dimension and height I have in mind. I also thought that this will be my first time to work with polystyrene so I settled for a 2D version. That’s trying to meet the expections.


First off, I got a polystyrene board big enough for the design to 1) have enough elbow room to draw and 2) avoid having to patch pieces and save time. I bought the boards at National bookstore. Olaf’s height here was in reference to my height. I imagined, if this standee came to life, how big should he be? Yeah, you need a lot of imagination to do this. 

Next, draw the pattern. The pattern is fairly easy because the circles of his body don't have to be perfect. I was holding out a photo of him for visual reference while drawing the pattern.I imagined the upper body as siopao and the lower body as a rock with flat base or a dough.


Time to cut! This is I guess one of the critical parts (the other one is painting the face). Use a cutter and if you have 2 sizes of cutters (one small and one big), the better. The big cutter will help you slice off the chunky sides and get you as close to the pattern. The small cutter will help cut through the curves and crevices.

Be careful here to avoid getting cuts. I wasn't so by the time I finished I got 3 or 4 mini cuts. I did this project for 2 nights after work and just wanted to finish to get some sleep.

I asked our helpers to paint the pieces with white acrylic paint (which I bought at SM) to give it a clean finish. Two to three coats to cover the texture of polystyrene. My helpers were so excited to do arts and crafts as well! Once dry, we painted it again with white glitter poster color and sprinkled some more with white glitter while still wet. 

Now for the face. Visual reference is important to get as much details into the pattern. This photo was my reference - eyes up, the famous wide smile of Olaf.


I used cream poster paint to shape the eyes (black will make him look like a rockstar) and black poster paint to make the eyelids and iris. For the mouth I painted the inside with silver/gray paint (white poster paint mixed with a little black) and the corner of his mouth a lighter gray. When you look into the picture reference, look closely into the shadows and other details (ex. Olaf's shadow on his teeth).

I used poster color because I'm very comfortable with this medium and in case you make a mistake, it's easy to wipe it off with wet clean cloth and touch up with white paint for a clean start again.

Olaf minus the 'eyelid'

Olaf with eyelids and nose. Can you see the blue highlight to accent his cheeky smile? I used crayon on that.
For the buttons on his body, I painted it with black poster paint and silver streaks as highlight. 



Once paint is dry, I assembled the body parts and head using barbeque sticks cut into two and glue. 



The nose was made of real carrot. I emptied the inside of the fresh carrot to make it lightweight and stuck it into the polystyrene board using bbq sticks and glue again. 
For the hair and arms, I asked Sophie and her yaya to search the neighborhood for twigs. 

So, that's how Olaf was made. I let him stand on a polystyrene board covered with epsom salt and glue for a snowy look. 

A little side story, I did Olaf about 5 days before the party and the morning of Sophie's birthday we saw that the carrot became dry and wrinkly. I had to change the carrot nose the morning of the party which I really didn't mind. At least I got to practice how to do the nose days ahead. 



Olaf on stage, making the kids happy to see him. We also did the same procedure of cut and paint on the standee letters. Really, this project saved me thousand and thousand of moolah.


Table Centerpiece - Snowman and Frosted bottles

materials needed for frosted bottle:
empty wine bottles or maison bottles, washed and wiped dry
epsom salt. You can find a bag at a grocery store under beauty and health section since this is usually used as a body scrub. I got one at Landmark Trinoma.
1:2 ratio of glue and water
paint brush

What to do:
Brush the bottle with glue mixture making sure all parts you want frosted is covered. Roll the bottle with wet glue on espom salt and leave to dry completely. That's it :)


We frosted almost everything! It was so easy and fun to do :)

materials needed for snowman:
round polystyrene balls, 2 different shapes
1:2 ratio of glue and water
wide and deep container for the glue mixture
paint brush
white and silver glitters. We also used colored sand and found it better to use on the bottom ball                   because it adds weight and makes the decor stable. It's a little hard to manipulate, though, when           wet.
cupcake liners for the hat (source: Chocolate Lover)
black craft paper for the eyes and mouth
toothpick to connect the head to the body
mini cake silver base for the base (source: Chocolate Lover)
double adhesive tapes

What to Do:
Same as the frosted bottle - brush glue mixture around the styro balls making sure all areas are covered.
Roll on a bed of glitters or colored sand. Let dry.
Once dry, connect the small and big ball using a toothpick and connect the body to the silver base with double adhesive tape. Decorate.


Happy DIY!

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Nestle Ice Cream For Parties

While planning for my Sophie's 7th birthday, I knew there just got to be ice cream. 

While conceptualizing for her birthday, one theme that came to mind was 'Sophie's Favorite Things' among others (I lost count of how many themes and concepts we thought of that time) and ice cream was top of mind. Since ice cream is really one of my kids' fave things, it should never be missed in the party no matter what theme.

I wanted to have something different than the usual sorbetero for the party because it doesn't go well with the Disney Frozen theme. Then I remembered seeing Nestle at a friend's party and googled it. I saw this site: http://icecreamparty.ph/

The website is pretty much user-friendly, just follow the instructions on the site. We chose Mix-It-Up package, they throw in a free cart for every P1,500.00. I got our package for less than P2,000 and we got enough for our 100 guests. Compare that to a basic sorbetero package which starts at P3,000.00 




After you've placed your order, you will have to wait for the confirmation through call or text. Me, the OC mom, had to call them to inform them I already placed my order. Hihi. I was informed I will be contacted a week before the event. True enough, I got a text from a distributor near our area that they will be delivering our order and even offered to upgrade the cart to one that's being used in BGC and Makati City. Not sure what it looks like but I said yes anyway. 

Everyone enjoyed the ice cream! My little handsome ate 3 so can you imagine his energy that day? LOL. 

kids multitasking, eating ice cream while playing games


Monday, February 17, 2014

Happy V Day!

Happy Monday everyone!

Last Friday, practically the whole nation celebrated Valentine’s day with much gusto. If you tuned in to Facebook that day, the V vibe is so alive! Save from some 'bitter' and 'sour grape' posts, the rest of the world loves 02-14. Honestly, embraced it. It's a breather from the daily dose of not so good and even tragic news we see everyday.

Here's a proof of embracing the Love Day: the morning of Feb. 14, I posted a link from the news:

Taong may sense of humor o yung may good looks, alin ang mas gusto mo?

I posted it because of husby's reaction to the news which makes me laugh until now.

While having dinner, we heard this news and as we sometimes make patol sa news, husby said in a most serious face he could muster, 'Sorry ha, pogi lang ako. Wala akong sense of humor.' (Sorry, I'm just goodlooking. No sense of humor). I was quick to reply, 'I beg to disagree. Super funny ka nga eh.' And we continue to argue until over the weekend because he insists he only has good looks. The nerves! Haha! And I just love him for that. And we went a little PDA on FB on that topic. Please bear with us FB friends, it's a day of lovin'.
I had a little more dose of the love day. My little handsome gave me this huge gumamela before I headed off to work. He's just the sweetest and he doesn't care if the owner of the flower plant will get mad at him or not. If he sees a pretty flower, he'll pick it for Mommy :) I'm glad the owner of the plant is not my FB friend because husby was quick to post it on FB.

See? I'm even wearing red last Friday (shirt dress from Next UK). 
At work, some guys gave out long-stemmed roses (with pick up line pa!haha) to the girls and we also got red heart balloons, chocolates,etc.from our sweet boys.


By end of day, my cheesy husby was not yet done being all too loving. When we arrived at home from a simple dinner, he gave me a bouquet of fresh flowers. 'And you thought I don't have flowers for you ha', he said with his sheepish smile. The little princess got her pink rose as well. Haay, what to do with the ultra romantic-bordering-cheesy husband? Thank you dear for being you :) I think you rubbed off your romantic side to our little handsome :)


Friday, February 7, 2014

Sophie @ 7: Her Disney Frozen Themed Birthday Party

Finally! Photos of the party for our little princess who turned 7 last January 16. I tell you, even at this point I still catch myself in awe that I'm a mom of a seven-year old. It's pretty amazing and surreal. Where did the time go?

A background story: even before we decided to have a themed party, we were torn between celebrating her birthday quietly and just the family; maybe a trip to HK Disneyland instead or a birthday bash with all the hullabaloo. The celebrant chose party so we pulled up our sleeves and started working on it. It's a celebration of life and with God's providence, the little girl got her wish.

Here are (a lot) of the photos of the party. We loved how everything turned out - the party details to the compliments we got from guests. Hope you too get inspiration and ideas for your next party as some of the details here were do-it-yourself or DIY.

I got totally inspired by DIY party ideas here and here. I really wanted that kind of party look. Nothing fancy and grand, just crafty, creative and fun.

Except for the balloons, our party decors and the candy buffet were product of months of research on how to come up with a winter themed party without breaking the bank. Thank you to all family members and friends who helped one way or another. It's such a bliss to know Sophie is so loved that way.

an old Xmas decor turned stage decor
Our family pictorial before things got busy. Love these photos to bits. Thanks 5th Door Productions for capturing the special moments.


Sophie's gown made by none other than her lola (my Mom). The only thing I bought for her ensemble was her crown. We also bought Sam's blue polo and a new pair of shoes to go with the matching blue outfits of the fam bam. I'm wearing a dress from H&M and belt from Landmark.



Cake and cupcakes by cakesandcupcakes35.blogspot.com
The toppers I ordered at Shopaholic.com. It was so hard looking for Frozen items in stores after the movie hit the local cinemas, everything was sold out so I had to find a local online store. I didn't dare order from abroad because I was worried the purchase will not make it on time. Remember, we had to change theme at the last minute? We didn't have that much time in our hands.

The cake and cupcakes with Disney's Frozen gang. Isn't Olaf adorbs? :)

icicles made from styropore, glue and epsom salt. Handcrafted by husby :)




The party started off with the introduction of the whole fam and a touching prayer by my Mom. 


Our host Evelyn Peralta started the ball rolling with games for everyone. She also did magic, ventriloquism and balloon twisting for us. So much talent in one bubbly persona. I love her more because she was generous with her ideas, so thoughtful and kind. We met each other once before the party and just chatted for hours. 

 

See the happy faces especially that of the celebrant? Priceless moments captured. Our goal achieved. 

Throughout the preparation, the celebrant was involved in the planning and some of the execution of details. It's important for us that the party was Sophie-approved. We originally booked a different entertainment for the party but she wanted 'lots of magic and games' so there you go.


Prizes and loots for the quick and the bibo :) Bought most of it at National Bookstore while some from Landmark and Divisoria.

Even the adults got too competitive during the games! I swear I was laughing 'til my jaw ached that day :)


Of course, the girls bagged the prizes. Sorry boys!

Sumptuous food and flowing drinks by Verleo. Smiling faces c/o guests. The head waiter said they gave away lots of calling cards so I'm thinking that equates to better business for them.

I totally recommend Verleo - very good customer service, follows through and most importantly everybody loved the food! Even the non-pork eater ate the pot roast. It was that good haha!

And don't you just love the setup? It captured Elsa and Anna's colors. Yes, even the table linens had to be chosen by the celebrant.


The giveaways were personalized stickers from Booths Republic. Kids and adults alike enjoyed this :)


We also invited Nestle Ice Cream to the party! What's a birthday without ice cream anyway so we got drumsticks, twin popsies, pinipig crunch and more for everyone. 

Here's ate Sophie being a stage sister to his brother during a game while my dashing Sam busied himself with ice cream. 


Here comes our DIY projects: the stage, candy buffet and more.

The stage made up of old Christmas decors, icicles, beads, sequins and yards of blue fabric from Divisoria. My go to place is always Michelle's in Divisoria mall.The cream silk was from my Mom's fabric collection.

We also bought packs of cupcake liners from Chocolate Lover which we turned into garlands, doilies. Polystyrene for the the name and Olaf and craft paper from National Bookstore. I lost count of how many times I went back to the bookstore to buy paint, paper, glue, etc.

My sister and I separately did snowflakes and other decors and incorporated everything during setup time.

The huge letters that spelt SOPHIA and snowman Olaf was made by yours truly with some paint job help from the celebrant herself and our helpers. They're far from perfect but I got lots of compliment from making Olaf so look alike (he had real carrot nose by the way). Some posed for a photo beside our adorable snowman :0 All but a labor of love.

We covered the stage with foam, the kind that you use to make quilts.


stage base made of silver twigs with cupcake liner garlands, silver Xmas decors, oversized J&B bottle used as vase, pompons, silver confetti and more !
To complete the look, JDF Lights and Multimedia provided the lights. Found this supplier through Sulit. Got the one with the most affordable price and positive feedback.

We even got snow! Yay! :)


I know with Frozen being a hit worldwide, it won't be long before parties are gonna be themed after the movie. Snow machines will definitely give bubble machines a run for their money. 

Our candy buffet- took us weeks of finding the perfect treats for the theme and look that we wanted. I think my sister and I stressed more over this than anything else haha!

I bought white picture frames from SM and placed Sophie's photo in one and a cutout glittered S in another. 


everything looked frosted and cool!


We got them labeled just for fun. Free printable here. Candies from Chocolate Lover and various grocery stores our mileage can reach :) The mallow pops and choco almond tops as well as the jelly cups were done by the family.

Our DIY centerpiece addition. Various frosted glass and glittered snowman made by Sophie and family.

photo by Bangs Mapanoo
We had last minute addition to add more personal touch to the party: craft table (because our celebrant is big on arts) where you can make your own snowflakes, choose your coloring pages or sticker tattoo and a photo gallery of the Sophie's 7 years, from her first room in when she was born until she turned 7. The photos hang on our Christmas tree brought to the venue.


The (not so) little princess blowing her cake. Our pretty Sophie, you will always be dad and mom's baby girl. Don't grow so fast please.

Happy birthday little princess! Daddy, Sam and I love you so much. Always stay beautiful inside and out.



Party suppliers:
Venue: Mapayapa Village I clubhouse, Quezon City
Food: Verleo -  http://www.verleo.com/
Cake and cupcakes: Theresa of: http://cakesandcupcakes35.blogspot.com/
Ice Cream: Nestle -  http://icecreamparty.ph/
Giveaways: Stickers from Booths Republic - boothsrepublic@yahoo.com
Photo and Video: 5th Door Productions -  http://www.5thdoorproductions.com/
Visit their FB page : https://www.facebook.com/5thdoorproductions
Everything else was a labor of love. 
Related Posts with Thumbnails