DIY Family Wall Gallery

I created the "This is our favorite spot" poster months before we bought our new house and knew that it would have a place in our future family room. Since we have vaulted ceilings in the new family room I didn't want this one sign to look insignificant all by itself on such a tall wall. So I created a family themed wall gallery with images of the kids, the entire family and a few other pieces to go with it. 

I have a thing for numbers, the number 5 represents how many people are in our immediate family, both my husband and I grew up in families with 5 immediate members. The twelve 5 forty is our house number and I of course had to make that number 5 stand out. Love, the one word that truly represents us. I am so extremely blessed to have a family that loves each other, we really are a team! 

All of the black and white prints were done at Staples using their "Engineer Print Service", which costs next to nothing. I think I paid under $10 to have them all printed. I had bought all of the frames on sale at Michaels Craft Store & Ikea.

I LOVE this wall in our house & can't wait to create another gallery in my loft space.

Last week when I shared my dining room chair make-over I mentioned that I was waiting to get my new old table from my parents. This table is not only special because it belonged to my great grandparents, but as a little kid I remember my parents receiving this table and my Mom spending hours/months working hard to refinish it in her spare time. This past Saturday, Valentine's Day my parents came over and surprised us with it. I LOVE having a real table (not the huge round folding table we were using) that we can all sit around and share meals together, especially one that has so many memories. ***sigh***

Hey, have a great day and don't forget, today is the day to Send-A-Smile in the mail! In case you missed what this is all about, check out the post over on the Squatles blog.

 

A Floating Shelf And Some Art

Last week I shared the chairs I painted for our dining room, today I want to share how I decorated the only full wall in the room with two simple items.

 Since I like to change things up I knew a floating shelf would be the best way for me to display items throughout the year easily. So I went to Ikea and bought their "Lack" shelf , which was only $20. It was super easy to install, I just needed an extra set of hands to help me keep it level since it is so long.

As luck would have it, I found this set of three prints at Ikea as well. (Sorry they aren't available online or I would give you the link) They are the perfect size and are colorful without being over powering.

I can't wait to create some of my own art as well to put on the shelf for holidays or other special occasions, like my son's graduation this Spring.

A little bit of time and money made a big impact on this space. Definitely going to buy more of these shelves so I can put them in the kids rooms to display their treasures!

Budget Friendly Dining Room Chairs

An Extraordinary Life at Twelve 5 Forty ~ DIY Decorating

Last year I was on the hunt for some dining room chairs that wouldn't break the bank. I ran across two Windsor Back chairs at a consignment shop that I frequent. The set cost me $20, which I actually had in shop credit, so that was a bonus! The other four chairs I found at an Estate Sale for $5 each. These chairs are old oak teacher's desk chairs and while they were basically stripped of their finish they were still very sturdy.  I knew with a little TLC they could look great.

Astonishing Cakes' Fall Dessert Table

Renee from Astonishing Cakes is back today with her Fall Tablescape Challenge dessert table.  If you missed her challenge entry post yesterday, hop on over to check it out as well. ~ Pamela

Fall Tablescape Challenge with Astonishing Cakes

I have a very special blog post today, from guest blogger Renee Hiser of Astonishing Cakes llc. Renee was recently part of a Fall Tablescape Challenge and is here to share all of the details of her entry.  Be sure to check out the "competition's" entries too by clicking on the links at the bottom of this post. Get ready to be inspired! 

~ Pamela

Polka Dot Balloon Magazine The Fall 2014 Issue

It's hard to believe that a year ago I started this little gem. Take a peak at the first issue and the latest.

DIY Sweet Shoes Party {Real Party}

I was invited to a fun DIY shoe decorating party by the lovely Renee of Astonishing Cakes. Renee had been seeing images of shoes by designers that looked like real confections and thought the concept would make for a fun party project friends could do together.

We were each asked to bring our own pair of shoes to decorate and Renee supplied all of the decorating supplies, which included paints, beads, faux cherries, faux nuts and caulk, which make for wonderful faux icing. You can see a step by step tutorial on the shoes I created in my previous post called Super Sweet Shoes

We were treated with both a sweet and a savory table to snack from while created. Being the confection-ista that Renee is, her sweet table consisted of iced sugar cookies, cake pops and cupcakes. All of which were delicious as well as gorgeous!

The savory table was where we grabbed veggies, pickle rolls, chips and fresh fruit flavored water.

Here are what the finished shoes looked like at the end of the party. As you can see I am the practical one, with my cute little tennis shoes I can wear all summer. I love how whimsical the over the top decorated shoes my friends made and can't wait to see where my friends wear these. You might be shocked to learn this type of confection decorated shoe can sell for $200 + a pair!

My boxes did play a little roll in the party too! Guests used my Yellow and Baby Pink Pinstriped Alto Gable boxes to take home a few cookies in.

Such a fun time, I can't wait to attend or host another DIY party of this sort.

DFTBA,
PS

Credits:
Party Concept, Styling, Confections by www.AstonishingCakes.com
Printable place cards and banner by www.DandPcelebrations.etsy.com
Alto Favor Boxes by www.PamelaSmerkerDesigns.etsy.com

Super Sweet Shoes {DIY}

 Over the weekend I was invited to a fun DIY "Sweet Shoes" themed party. Everyone was to bring a pair of shoes that you would decorate to look like a cake, or and ice cream cone. I decided I would go for shoes that I would actually wear and that would be a fun addition to my summer wardrobe. While searching, I came across these cute tennis shoes at Target in the kids section. Since I have small feet I can wear kids shoes and thought it would be fun to grab a pair for my daughter too.

Our host supplied all of the paint, glue, and beads for our projects as well as an amazing spread of sweet treats to eat while we crafted. I will share the details of those goodies in another post soon.

Using a small flat paint brush I used a tan color and painted little triangles randomly around the shoes. Then using white puffy paint and the applicator provided, added a shape that looked like ice cream to the tops of those triangles. Once the puffy paint dried I added a layer of pink acrylic paint to some of my "scoops" for some extra pops of color. To finish these off, I added a little hot pink seed bead with super glue to the tops of the ice cream cones to look like a cherry and to give a little texture to the design. *I didn't seal the design with any protectant, so we will just see how long these last.

My daughter loves her new shoes and couldn't wait to wear them out and show them off to her friends. I think mine are pretty darn cute too! Maybe I will grab some more shoes like this in different colors and see what other fun patterns we can make together. Fabric markers or Sharpees would be a fun way to decorate shoes too! Give it a try!

DFTBA,
PS

Two Of My Favorite Things... Coffee Cake and Party Pretties

Today I am sharing two of my favorite things with you. The first is this cute "Cross + Plus" garland I was sent from The Flair Exchange.  I can't wait to put it in my new office space once we move (the packing process has started). Second is this sour cream & chocolate chip coffee cake, I have been eating this ever since I can remember and have been feeding it to my kids since they were little. Give it a try and while you are enjoying a piece hop on over to The Flair Exchange and do some shopping. 

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Cream together

1/4 C butter (room temp)

3/4 C sugar

Add:

2 eggs

1 C Sour Cream

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 C all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Mix until combined, then add 1 bag of mini semi sweet chocolate chips. (Mini chips work best, because they won't sink to the bottom of the cake)

Pour into greased 9" square pan

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1/2 C sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Mix together then pour on top of cake batter to cover. 

Place cake in preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 30 minutes. Cake should be golden brown and when toothpick is inserted in center of cake, should come out clean.

Serve warm or at room temp.

DFTBA,

PS

DIY Pretty Little Gift Ideas For Teachers, Friends and Family

I have a few more "box challenge" ideas for you today. These cute little gift ideas are from my blogging friend, Melissa Newell of My Party Passion.

Here Melissa used my white Breeve Gable Box and embellished it with scrapbook paper, twine and a fun cut out. Fill this little cutie with wrapped candies and gift cards, a perfect gift for your favorite teacher during teacher appreciation week or anytime during the school year!

Using another plain white Breeve Gable Box, Melissa created the perfect treat for a crafty friend. The box is decorated with scrapbook paper, ribbon and a cute tag. Inside some crafting embellishments like brads, buttons, washi tape, decorative clothes pins and a votive.

Last but not least using a plain Kraft Petal Box, a sweet birthday surprise for an adult friend. Not only did Melissa decorate the outside of the box with scrapbook paper, but also inside flaps. Fill the box with wrapped candies, a decorative magnet, a mini bottle of alcohol and a shot glass. This would make a fun bachelorette gift too! 

What little goodies do you think would be fun gifts to go inside my Mini favor boxes? 

DFTBA,

PS

DIY Fringed Mexican Chip Boxes

I recently challenged some fellow bloggers to decorate some of my blank mini favor boxes. So far I have been blown away by the creative ways they have decorated these plain white or kraft colored boxes and what they have put inside.

The first idea I would like to share is from Brenda of Brenda's Wedding Blog . She used my white petal boxes to create these DIY fringed mexican chip boxes, perfect for a Fiesta!

Here is what Brenda had to say about creating these boxes:

For this mini favor box challenge, I used a Pamela Smerker Designs' white petal box with fringed crepe paper that I glued around the sides, overlapping the colors. I then painted both sides of the petal flaps with matching colors, lined the box with wax paper and placed in corn chips. It's now the perfect individual serving of chips for guests to dip in guacamole or bean dip. This cute little "take-out box" of sorts, is perfect for upcoming Cinco de Mayo parties and especially perfect for taco bars at weddings and pre-wedding events. The colors can of course be changed to match the party.

Thank you Brenda for sharing your creative talents and this fun project!

Have a festive weekend friends!
DFTBA,
PS

*All photos are copyright Brenda of Brenda's Wedding Blog http://www.brendasweddingblog.com

Spring Oreo Cake

One of the most popular images on my blog according to Pinterest is the photo I took of the Oreo cake at Martha Stewart's Blogger's Night Out back in 2010.

Back to the cake, when I see my photo pinned there are usually comments like, "how was this put together?" or wouldn't this be fun on a smaller scale. SO I am sharing what I have learned from doing this myself.

Here is what you need:

3 packages of Spring Oreos ( they have yellow filling and some of the cookies have "Spring" time images on them).
An 8" in diameter cake plate or cake stand

Step 1. Starting on the outside place 10 qty Oreos around the edge of the cake plate so that they create a circle and are all touching on the sides. fill in the center with approximately 3-4 Oreos (I used the chipped or cracked ones for the inside since you won't see them).
Step 2. Start your next layer on the outer edge placing each cookie on top of where the bottom two cookies touch each other. Just like you would lay bricks. Keep going all the way around and fill up the center too.
Step 3. Repeat the process until you have 6 layers of cookies.

Just like the cake at Martha's event, nothing holds it together, just the weight of itself. How do I know, well because I watched a lady back into the cake and half of it fell on the floor. LOL I also tried going a bit smaller in diameter and it just didn't look right, I am sure it's a math thing LOL. Maybe you could go smaller if you use the mini Oreos, but that would take a of cookies! I want to say the original cake at Martha's took 30-40 packages of cookies, but I could be wrong. I know it was a TON though.

I am definitely going to do this smaller scale cake again for a party here at home and serve small glasses of milk with it.  I will also make it with the Mint Oreos, how pretty would that be with the dark brown and mint green...YES!

Have fun trying this and please share if you do! Don't limit yourself to Oreos, you could play with any sandwich type cookie.

DFTBA,
PS

Brag Party {DIY Inspiration}

I was recently invited to be apart of My Grafico's Brag Party group. Every week an image is shared with this group to use for free, so that you can share/brag what you designed with this image.
This past week we were given the cherry image from this adorable clipart set created by dreAmLoft called "Cherry Love". 

Here is what I made using one of my DIY kraft mini gable boxes. 

I created a tag, added the cherry image and a sentiment that will work great for Valentine's Day or any day for that matter. I used a clear craft lacquer on the hearts to make them look really juicy!  Using a eyelet border punch I created a fun border along the white edge of a piece of green gingham paper I printed out. This piece was then wrapped around my box and the tag was attached on the front. A piece of white taffeta ribbon adorns the handle. Not quite sure what I will put in this box, maybe some wrapped chocolates or a gift card, maybe both! 

Be sure to check out the Brag Party group on My Grafico and see what fun things you can create with their free image each week.

Thanks for stopping in!
Hugs,
Pam

Party Ideas 4 My Kids {Whats' New Wednesday}

It is getting to be that time again...time to start planning our kids parties for the summer. June, July and August...one party for each month. I am really having a hard time with my oldest son, Ty who is 14, wants a Portal party...ummm yeah...a what? A video game called Portal, this is going to be a major challenge! So while I am still trying to figure out how the heck to grasp some kind of direction for this party I am cheating and moving on to party number two.

From sweetapolita.com
Perfect for an Art themed Party! 

Aly who is 6 wants a surprise party...OK a surprise theme. So I have decided to run with an "Art Party". This little girl of mine goes through notebooks like water, filling them with all kinds of creative drawings and painting. She constantly has ink stained little fingers from markers. What better way to celebrate her 6th year and love for creating then with an art themed party.

I turned to my new best friend, Pinterest for inspiration. I have started a board with art party inspiration and these are a couple of the photos I have included.

Image found on www.Ohdeedoh.com
(Images: 1. Flickr member FrankenberrysKiss licensed for use under Creative Commons 2.Heather Hackett/Lilac Silhouette 3. Sarah Rae Trover/Ohdeedoh 4. Tiffany Teske)

What I love about pinterest is when you click on the photo it takes you to it's place of origin (most of the time). This really helps when you find a great photo like this and need all of the details as well. So this image collage is from www.Ohdeedoh.com and they give all of the links to places they have found with recipes for each of these homemade items. Crayons, Playdough, Water colors, and chalk. Each of these items will make not only fabulous activities for an art party, but also fabulous party favors! I seriously can't wait to get started on this party.

Feel free to check out the other photos and ideas I have pinned on my Art Inspiration board. If you by chance have heard of the game Portal then by all means, please send me some ideas for a Portal 2 party!!  LOL

Have a super day!
Hugs,
Pam