Memories of my Dad

Today is my Dad's 51st birthday! I called him bright and early this morning to wish him a happy day, but because I'm a good daughter I spared him from any singing. For now. Last year on his 50th birthday, my lovely stepmom threw him a huge surprise party! All of his friends and family came out and we had so much fun eating, and laughing, and telling stories of all the silly things my Dad has done in his life. It was a perfect day. Prior to this event, I spent a lot of time emailing and calling everyone to secretly send me photos of my Dad and write a short memory they have of him. Thanks to some inspiration from Inchmark, I collected them all in a cute little 50 page book that everyone signed at the party.

This memory book was a huge hit! My Dad, showing a strong sentimental side in his old age, loves it and I know has flipped through it numerous times since. It makes me smile knowing that he has touched so many people in so many different ways. As ornery as he is, I know he is a great man with a huge heart and I admire and love that about him every day. Happy Birthday to the best Dad ever!

(Page 31-32: My stepmom's entry. Photos of their marriage and when they renewed their vows)

Big Top Birthday!

Miss Katy Lue celebrated her birthday back in May with a fun carnival themed party!

I added some stitching to the bunting just for a little extra fun!

Katy Lue's mom found me at the Sunnylane Family Church back in the Spring. I was so excited to be a part of her carnival party and to work with such fun people! Katy Lue's mom is pretty creative herself and makes some adorable custom hats.

Life's More Fun When You Dress It Up!

My niece, Rori, turned 2 in June and her very talented Mommy planned a dress-up birthday party to celebrate! During the planning process, she informed me on her decorating ideas: a wall of mirrors, paper garland, and tons and tons of fun dress-up items for both boys and girls! (As much as Rori loves her girly purses and clothes, she didn't want her boy cousins to feel left out. She's very polite)

And so to keep it gender friendly, I designed the party invitations with the wall of mirrors in mind. Keeping it simple and colorful. All the ladies on the invite list received a handheld mirror shaped insert, and the gentlemen received a mustache on a stick (not shown).

(photos via bm.p)

For a little extra fun in the mail, I wrapped the invitation in a hand sewn paper garland to match the garlands that would be used at her party. I had a lot of fun making these invites and am always so pleased to see them fit into the party theme so perfectly! To see more of Rori's 2nd birthday party, including the yummy cookies I made...click HERE.

Sydney's Birthday Invites!

Little Miss Sydney turned two last month and her mama asked me to design the invitations for her Spring themed birthday party! After having her two year photos taken by bmp photography in her adorable rain gear, they came to me for help to get the party started. I designed a simple photo card with Sydney's name and age that could be kept long after the party was over. I added a wide belly band with the party information and flowers to match her rain coat. I stitched up the edge of the belly band with some pink thread; my favorite detail!

I love the idea that Sydney's family and guests can throw away the belly band after the party is over, and still have a fun little photo of Sydney to hang on their fridge!

I also created this 5x7 photo collage for Sydney's mama. She wanted a few to pass out to other family members.

For more photos of Sydney, check out the bmp photography blog!

monkeyin around...

This is an invitation I did this past summer for a jungle themed birthday!

missing summer.

The weather has warmed up a little today.
At least I won't need a parka to go outside this week.

I'm really starting to regret those wishes for a white Christmas,
because well.... the white we got on Christmas hasn't left yet!

So in memory of sunshine, warmer days, dips in the pool, and flip flops, I'm giving you one cute little girl and her love of the the ocean, fairy tales, and little mermaids.

Thank you Koenig family for letting us be a part of you birthday celebrations once again!

abigail's big day.

custom printed birthday invites with banner sewn on.

xo,

Jenni