Engagement Party with Decorations Inspired by S2G

My baby boy is getting married! My future DIL LOVES elephants, so the theme for their engagement party was easy! I was inspired to use "Love Comes in All Sizes" for the decorations for the party. Pictured above is the cake topper.

For table decorations I used picture frames from the Dollar Tree with pictures of my son and his fiancee. They were decorated front and back.

Instead of a guest book, I made cards for each guest to write their best wishes on for the couple.

I bought Bic pens and covered them with green florist tape. Flowers were hot glued to the top, and I placed a pearl or a rhinestone in the center of each and placed them in a flower pot.

I bought bubbles (also from the Dollar Tree) and decorated them.

Here is the finished cake: all four tiers! I colored the icing for the stripes with Wilton food coloring and then applied Wilton colored sugars on top. The cake was alternate layers of marble cake with chocolate and chocolate chip filling, and white cake with strawberry filling. Delicious!

The theme of the party was "All You Need is Love", and the invitations had Peace Signs on them. I was trying to think of some way to tie elephants and Peace Signs together. I decided to make sugar cookies with Peace Signs on them.

Here is a picture of the happy couple about to taste the cake. We blew bubbles as they cut into the cake. What a fun party!

Hints for Decorating

When you need to make a lot of decorations for a party, the easiest way to do it is color your digi and then scan it. You can then pull it into a photo program for resizing. Then just cut the digis apart and apply to your decorations.

Warm Weather Icing

On the Wilton site there is a recipe for "Warm Weather Icing". I always use the Wilton Buttercream Icing recipe when I make a wedding cake. The warm weather version adds two Tablespoons of flour and five teaspoons of Dream Whip. I had trouble finding Dream Whip. I wasn't even sure if it was still being made. It's a powder, and I found it at Kroger. The frosting tasted the same as always, and was even creamier with the Dream Whip added. It's been so hot here, and the icing really held up well on the forty minute trip to the venue. (Of course we turned the AC up full blast in the car LOL) Another tip: ALWAYS use clear vanilla when making frosting.

It's a Color Challenge at Pixie Dust Studios this Week!

Continuing with our Christmas in July theme, we have a "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" and a color challenge for you this week! Use the colors Navy Blue, White, and Silver or Gray. I made a shaker card this week using the image "Snowmen Do Laundry". I found some blue and white confetti snowflakes last year in a bargain bin somewhere, and added some white glitter to it. (Adding glitter helps cut down  on static electricity.) Need some Christmas digis? Kathy has sleighfuls at the Pixie Dust Studio, including the newest "Nutcracker" collection. Link your project up HERE, and you could win a Pixie Dust digi and a Winner's Badge for your blog! Need some inspiration? The Pixies have some fab creations to share! Zap yourself over! Their links are in my sidebar. Can't wait to see what you create!

It's a Summer Accessories TT at S2G!

What are your favorite summer accessories?

I was given the digi "Violin" for this week's challenge. I thought, and thought about summer accessories that would go with it. I imagined an outdoor concert. Many cities have outdoor concerts during the summer. How about food to go along with it? I decided to pair "Violin" with one of S2G's April in Paris releases, "Vin et du Plumes" (Wine and Feathers). I think it's a perfect match! I found the two sided paper at Archiver's; print on one side and striped on the other. I cut felt using Nesties, blanket stitched around the outside, and added a button in the middle. I hope you'll join us in this week's challenge and share your favorite summer accessories! Link your card up HERE and you could win a digi of your choice and a Winner's badge for your blog! The S2G Shop is full of Summer digis and even digi paper. Need inspiration? Our talented DT can help you out! Go visit their blogs! Their links are in my sidebar. Happy crafting!

Softpencil "Molly in Spring"

I am in LOVE with this sweet image that Elizabeth created! It is "Molly in Spring", and it's now available in the Softpencil Shop. Our talented DT have some beautiful, inspiring creations to share with you. Their links are in my sidebar. Also stop by and visit Elizabeth's blog. You'll find Softpencil news there along with announcements of current challenges that Elizabeth is sponsoring.

HURRY! Pixie Dust DT Call Ends Today!!!!

Do you LOVE Pixie Dust Images? Would you like to fly through Blogland scattering Pixie Dust where ever you go? Well, you probably can't do all of that, but you can be be a Pixie and work with Kathy's amazing designs! She is one sweet and talented lady! But you need to hurry, because the DT call ends TODAY! The deets are HERE.

It's a Pixie Dust Gift card Holder Challenge!

I found this cute little box at the Dollar Tree and altered it by adding DP and ribbon.

The tag has the digi "Santa's Gift" which you can find at The Pixie Dust Studio.

 

Inside are Lindt's Lindor Chocolate Truffles and a gift card. Chocolate for now and a restaurant dinner for later! Take the Pixie Challenge and link your gift card holder HERE. You could win a digi of your choice and a Winner's Badge for your blog! Check out the blogs of our creative DT for inspiration. Their links are in my sidebar.

It's an Orange S2G Twisted Thursday!

Is it HOT in your part of the world? We're feeling the heat and using the color ORANGE on our cards this week! The digi I used is "Beach Zola". I love that Zola is a full figured lady who isn't afraid to wear a bikini to the beach! I also used some of S2G's new Summer Digi DP: Hot Dots and Dot Stripe. They are bright orange, lime green, and white; Just perfect for this week's challenge. I glittered up the waves with Aqua and Turquoise Stickles. Gold Stickles add some bling to Zola's jewelery, and Silver Stickles add some glitter to the beach sand. I found a pack of Making Memories "Summer" chipboard shapes at Archiver's in the Hot Spot section. I colored the palm tree from that pack with Copics. Frilly ribbon from Hobby Lobby, paper flowers, and rhinestones complete the card. Many more Summer digis are available in the S2G Shop, and the DT will be showcasing them each week in July. Stop by and visit our amazingly talented DT, and see what Summer Surprises they have waiting for you! Link your ORANGE project HERE to be in the draw for your choice of an S2G digi and a Winner's Badge for your blog!  If you're uploading to an online gallery, please use tag/keyword S2GSC65. Can't wait to see what you create!
Stop by SNR tonight for S2G Happy Hour! Everyone who plays will get a free digi! It's only an hour: 5:00-6:00 PST and 8:00-9:00 EST! Not a member of SNR? Click on the turquoise logo near the bottom of my blog and join! Hope to see you at Happy Hour!

Softpencil "Thinking of You"

Have you seen the new sentiments in the Softpencil Shop? They come in three languages: English, Spanish, and Dutch. The sentiment which I used. "Thinking of You" also comes with the little girl sitting in a field of flowers. So cute! You have to go see the gorgeous creations the DT has made using this sentiment! Their links are in my sidebar. Elizabeth posts announcement of challenges she is currently sponsoring and  Softpencil news on her blog. Hurry on over, and check it out!

It's Happy Hour at S2G Tomorrow!

Do you have a favorite summertime drink? Do you like to share recipes? Do you like to chat and have fun? Then you need to join us at SNR tomorrow for Happy Hour! We'll be sharing our favorite drink recipes from 5:00 P.M.- 6:00 P.M. (PST). That's 8:00 P.M.- 9:00 P.M. EST. Quite a few of the S2G Design Team will be there, and we'd love to meet you and chat! Please join us! If you're not a member of SNR, join now! Click on the turquoise box near the very bottom of my blog, and it will take you there. Hope to see you tomorrow! Also stop by and see what our new challenge is for next week. I'll be posting tomorrow.

It's Release Day TODAY at the Pixie Dust Studio!

Here is my final Nutcracker Sneak Peek: "The Mouse King". Isn't he regal looking! The entire "Nutcracker" collection is available TODAY in the Pixie Dust Studio! The weekly Pixie Challenge will also be announced on Thursday! Stop by then to see what I made, and be inspired to create your own project for the challenge! You could win a free digi of your choice and a Winner's Badge for your blog!

Day 2 of Sneak Peeks at Pixie Dust!

I have some more Peeks for you today! Did you visit the other Pixies, and see what they are showcasing today? Their links are in my sidebar.

                     This is the Sugar Plum Fairy. Isn't she sweet!

Next is "Goody Gumdrops". I use Glittered CS from the Paper Studio and paper pieced these cute little gumdrops.

I'll have another peek for you tomorrow when the entire Nutcracker collection will be available in the Pixie Dust Studio! The weekly Pixie Challenge will be announced on Thursday! Stop by then to see what I made, and be inspired to create your own project for the challenge! You could win a free digi of your choice and a Winner's Badge for your blog!

It's Day One of Sneak Peeks at Pixie Dust Studio!

Are you getting ready for Christmas? The Pixies are! Kathy has been working overtime designing some sweet images for Christmas! Introducing The "Nutcracker" Collection! The entire collection will be available in the Pixie Dust Studio on Wednesday!

My first peek to share is the Nutcracker, himself! The string of lights is from "Dress It Up". Punches are MS. Ribbon is from Hobby Lobby and paper is from :The Paper Studio".

Next is Claire. She is holding the Nutcracker in her arms. I used a combination of watercolor pencils and Copics to color the images on both of my cards. Ribbon and rickrack were used as embellishments. The holly buttons are from "Dress It Up". The rest of the Pixies have some Sneak Peeks for you too. Their links are in my sidebar

Stop by tomorrow, and I'll have some more Sneak Peeks for you!

It's Christmas in July at Pixie Dust!

Are you getting ready for Christmas? The Pixies are! This image is "Santa's Present". I used fluff and glitter mixed together to accent the fur on Santa's suit, his hair, beard, and moustache. DP is from "The Paper Studio" and the punch is MS. Get a head start on your Christmas cards and join us in this week's challenge: Use Cranberry, Ivory, and Forest Green on your card or project. Link your card HERE, and you could win a Pixie Dust Studio digi of your choice plus a Winner's Badge for your Blog! Kathy has a SLEIGHFUL of Christmas digis available in the Pixie Dust Studio! Sled on over and take a look! More Christmas digis are on the way on July 20 when the "Nutcracker" collection is released! Peeks start on July 18. Need inspiration for this week's challenge? Our creative Pixies have lots to share with you! Stop by their blogs and take a peek! Their links are in my sidebar.

How would YOU like to be a Pixie? Kathy is looking for two new Pixies! The deets are posted HERE along with a FREE digi for you! The call ends July 28th.

1. Cute Card Thursday-Get A Head Start (on your Christmas cards)

We're Celebrating Summer at S2G!

This week's Twisted Thursday Theme is "Water, Wet, and Waves"! I chose "The Lighthouse" for this week's challenge.

I made a gift box and card. I think this set would make a perfect Hostess gift if you are lucky enough to be invited to friend's beach house for the weekend! (I wish I had a friend who owned a beach house!)

The digi paper is from S2G. I used "Waves" and "Stripes". I think they go so well together!

The template for the box is "From the Desk Of" and is available at Papertrey Ink. It's roomy enough to hold full size bottles of Body Lotion, Shower Gel, and Spray Body Mist from Bath and Body. I fit all three in the box, but did not include them in the photo because the ones I had weren't the right color. MUST be color coordinated! LOL

"The Lighthouse" digi also comes with the sentiment,"by the sea....by the sea...." I had that song in my head the entire time I was working on this project! I first colored the sand with a Copic marker and then added Silver and Icicle Stickles. The swirls were cut with my Cricut from "Accent Essentials".

I painted the seashells with "Icicle" Stickles and hot glued them to the swirls. This digi and many more Summer Digis are available in the S2G Shop. I hope you'll enter this week's challenge:"Water,Wet, and Waves"! Link your card or project HERE. You could win your choice of digis and a Winner's Badge for your blog. For inspiration, check out the blogs of our creative DT members. Their links are in my sidebar.

Are you keeping up with the latest happenings at S2G? Sign up for the newletter "Hot Flash". You'll hear about the new releases, blog hops, tutorials, and much, much more! Head on over to sign up today! The link is  HERE.

                                         My project fits these challenges:

1. S2G: Water, Wet, and Waves

2. Pile It On: Holiday color combination on a NON holiday card (red and green) 

Softpencil "Frog House"

Isn't this digi adorable? It is one of Elizabeth's newest and it's called "Frog House". It's available in the Softpencil Shop now! Stop by and visit the other members of the Softpencil DT. They are very talented and have some beautiful projects that are sure to inspire you. Their links are in my sidebar. Check out Elizabeth's blog too. She posts news and announcements of current challenges she is sponsoring.

Pixie Dust DT Call!

Kathy is looking for two new Pixies! Would YOU like to be a Pixie? You'll find all the deets and a FREEBIE HERE! Check it out!

Meet "Music Pixie" from Pixie Dust Studio!

Say, "Hello," to Music Pixie! She looks so comfy sitting on her music note! Don't you just love her adorable leaf skirt! She is available now in the Pixie Dust Studio along with the rest of her friends in the "Jammin Out" collection. I am entering her in these challenges:

1. Pear Tree Designs: Challenge 8, Glitter/Sparkles

2. Totally Stampalicious: A Splash of Red (Ribbon and Hair)

Pixie Dust's Mr. Music!

This is Mr. Music, one of the new digis from the "Jammin' Out" collection from Pixie Dust Studio. He is entered in these challenges:

1. Pollycraft Monday: Bold and Bright

2. Cute Card Thursday: School's Out for the Summer

3. Mark's Finest Papers: Punch It

4. Practical Scrappers: Embossing

More Jammin' with Pixie Dust!

This is Jam and Jelly. They are from Kathy's newest collection for summer, "Jammin' Out". They are available in the Pixie Dust Studio now. This card is for these challenges:

1. Your Next Stamp: Flower Power

2. Mark's Finest Papers: Punch It

3. Practical Scrappers: Embossing

4. Papertake Weekly: In the Garden

Calling All Cardmakers!

We're looking for players! It's a contest, and we want you to enter!

Use this sketch. Turn it or flip it, and make your "Summertime" card. Link it up HERE.

How to play: Just upload a card/project using the sketch from the challenge blog to your blog or gallery. Then leave a link to your card/project HERE using our new friend INLINKZ. If you're uploading to an online gallery, please use tag/keyword S2GSC64. The CONTEST is open to everyone and Shirleys2Girls stamps are NOT required to play along with us. You can play as many times as you like...We just want you to have FUN!
The Prizes: We'll have one winner for every 20 entries, up to a max of EIGHT winners!!! Winners will receive an S2G digi image of their choice from the webstore.

Deadline: The INLINKZ entry widget will close at midnight PT on Wednesday, July 14th, so all entries need to be in before then. Winners will be announced on Friday, July 16.

Here's what I did with the sketch. Now we want to see what you can do with it! Please join us!