Talk Crafty To Me Dedicated to all things handmade

Ok so it’s probably a little too late to order things online, I really must get better about planning my party posts further in advance. For now here’s a few things to keep in mind when searching for supplies. A lot of these products can be found at you local craft, or party supply store.

Maple Leaf Craft Punch – Craft punches come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and have lots of uses. Use them to create themed confetti, invitations, garlands, labels, tags, cupcake toppers, and much, much more. Check your local craft store to see what kind of selection they have.

Chinese Lanterns – If you’ve got a China Town in your city there’s no better place to look for inexpensive paper lanterns. They come in a kinds of shapes, sizes and colors and work great as decorations, or add them to a string of mini lights for an evening party.

Divine Twine – This fun twine in super versatile and comes in a variety of colors. So far I’ve only seen this brand online, but you might be able to find similar twine or colored string at your local craft store.

LED Balloons – Yes that’s right… balloons with LED lights in them. (SaveOnCrafts has lots of other great products as well.)

SparklersOnline – You guessed it… where to buy bulk sparklers.

Bambu – This eco-friendly brand of bamboo dinnerwear can be found at stores like Whole Foods and Crate & Barrel. Check they’re online store finder here.

Social Couture – Another great resource for online party supplies, with products to suit any theme.

Maple Leaf Candy Mold – Make your own maple leaf candies and chocolates. Stay tuned this week for some fun cupcakes to make using this mold.

Bulk Candy – You can buy bulk candy online and choose the colors you want to suit your party theme.

Bake it Pretty – Your one-stop-shop for all things cute and decorative to make your kitchen creations look even better.
Polka-Dot Baking Cups | Star Party Cup | Striped Twist Ties | Hot Dog Bags | Peanut Bags | Popcorn Boxes | Tags | USA Cookie Cutter | Cupcake Carrier

Posted by: kelly

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There are lots of ways to make your party fun and entertaining whether there will be children there or not. A few handmade games and other decorative elements like sparklers and crackers are easy to make, and can be fun for all ages.

Confetti Popper Rockets | Pinwheels: Make your own here and here or Purchase on Etsy | Party Hats | Crackers – Talk Crafty To Me Tutorial Here | Balloon Darts | Bean Bag Toss – For Canada Day make maple leaf bean bags instead of stars | Potato Sack Races | Bicycle Stars | Sparkler Holders I’ve posted about this before, but in case you missed it last year here it is again. (Free Printables)

Posted by: kelly

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When it comes to setting a patriotic table there are endless options. Think about buying plastic plates in white that you can reuse for other parties and use napkins and place markers to add in the color. If you must use disposable plates check out the great options from Bambu. Not only are they biodegradable, and 100% organic, but they also look great!

Patriotic Picnic | Red & White Affair | Woodland Table | Maple Leaf Coasters | Who says you need a table at all – Park Picnic | Patriotic Napkin Rings | Red & White Napkin | Mason Jar Silverware Holder | Patriotic Plates | Star Studded Table

Maybe you’re looking for something a little more casual, or perhaps you have too many guests to fit around table. Pre-wrapped sandwiches and snacks make it easy for guests to grab-and-go-and-mingle.

BBQ Cutlery Packets | Picnic Pack | Wrapped Cutlery | Six-Pack Caddy | Candy Bags | Chip Bag (Free Printables) | Popcorn Bags (Free Printables) | Cutlery Basket | Decorative Flags (Printables) | Packed Lunch

Posted by: kelly

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It’s that time of year, when thoughts turn to back yard barbecues, picnics, and outdoor parties. With both Canada Day and Independence Day just around the corner, rather than do separate posts for each holiday, I decided to do a couple of posts full of great ideas to help you throw a fabulous patriotic party, no matter where you’re celebrating.

First up lets talk decorations… Use your country colors to tie everything together and create festive mood. From streamers and balloons, to bunting and paper lanterns, whatever you decide to create, be consistent with your color scheme, and you’ll be sure to pull off a great looking party.

Click on the links to learn more about each project:

Organza Flowers | Polka-dot Bunting | Paper Flowers | Star Medallions | Maple Leaf Bird | Rubber Band Candles | Holiday Lanterns | Fabric Bunting | Citronella Candles | Red & White Garland

Posted by: kelly

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Sweeten up this Sunday with cupcakes and cookies ideas just for Dad.

1. Fast Food Fun – from Bakerella
2. Burger Cake Pops- Also from Bakerella
3. Tee-Time Cupcakes – From Martha Stewart
4. Tie Cupcakes – From LayersOfLove
5. Sports Cookies – from Polka-dot Zebra
6. BBQ Cookies – from Cookie Crazie

Posted by: kelly

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I know, I know, I haven’t lived in Vancouver for quite some time, but since our nomadic lifestyle keeps us on the move I don’t really have a local craft community to get involved with. So until I do, I’ll continue to post events from Vancouver… or anywhere really, so feel free to let me know what’s happening in your community.

For now here’s what’s coming up in Van:

Etsy Craft Party Meetup

It’s Etsy’s Birthday and time to celebrate. On June 18th, creative communities everywhere will be getting together to celebrate crafting in their own city. The goal is to get as many craft celebrations as possible happening across the globe. It’s a chance to get together, make art, energize your local community, and of course throw a party.

Got Craft along with local shops, Collage Collage and Spool of Thread Sewing Lounge; will be opening their doors for the Vancouver Etsy Craft Party! Bring a craft project and join them for a day of making, good conversation and to support your local community.

Date: Friday, June 18th, 2010
Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: E. 15th Avenue between Kingsway and Fraser Street, Vancouver
Cost: FREE

Click here to RSVP

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Sock Monkey making @ Collage Collage

June 19th from 3-5pm is hosting a Sock Monkey making class. Make one for Father’s Day, or just make one for yourself. $30 gets you all the materials you need for one extraordinary monkey. Registration is required, so call 604 569 1929 to reserve a spot.

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Market at Eugene Choo

Sunday June 20th kicks off MARKET at Eugene Choo. All summer long, Eugene Choo will host a series of markets, every Saturday featuring fine items that include vintage, baked goods and snacks, plants, and all sorts of other treasures. Vendors include: Daughters of Dawn Vintage, Banquet Design and Collage Collage.

Date: Every Saturday starting June 20th
Time: 11am – 4pm
Location: 3683 Main Street, Vancouver, BC

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Swap-O-Rama-Rama

What is Swap-O-Rama-Rama you ask? Well, in essence, it’s a giant clothing and craft supply swap where you can take as much or as little as you want. Swap-O-Rama-Rama’s aim is to encourage communities to recycle and reuse clothing in a creative way.

A series of DIY stations will be on-hand to unleash your creativity through the recycling of used clothing including screen printing by Blim and sewing stations by Plush On Main.

So start cleaning out your closet and head on down to Swap-O-Rama-Rama.

Date: Saturday, June 26th, 2010
Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver (map)
Admission: $6.00 at the door or $5.00 in advance via Paypal plus a bag of clean clothes and / or a bag of craft supplies to swap.
(leave with all the clothes and supplies that you can carry!)

For more information visit Got Craft?

Posted by: kelly

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Father’s Day is this Sunday, and if you haven’t found the perfect gift yet here are a few DIY ideas to get you inspired.

1. Superhero Gift-box for Dad – Download the labels and make your own gift-box for the superhero dad in your life.

2. Mustache Mug – A silly gift for dad. Use porcelaine gel to paint a fun mustache on a mug.

3. Folded Shirt Cards – use origami to make your father’s day card a little more unique.

4. Dad’s Notepad – Decorate a basic note pad for dad’s office, and he’ll be reminded of you everyday.

5. King of the Grill Apron – Make Dad his own apron just in time for BBQ season.

Posted by: kelly

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First of all… sorry for the extended absence. Things have been a little busy around here. First my computer broke… then I got slammed with work, and since last posting we’ve moved from Honduras, through Belize and are now in Mexico. It’s been a crazy couple of months, and although I wish I would have posted more I just haven’t had the time, or motivation.

Things are still a bit wonky with my computer, but there is an Apple store here in Mexico so hopefully they can fix it fully before the warranty expires and I can resume regular posting. Thanks for bearing with me!

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Just wanted to let you all know I haven’t forgotten about you. My laptop is broken and being that we’re currently in Honduras, it’s taking a little longer than I’d hoped to figure out what’s wrong with it, and get it fixed. Please bare with me, I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Posted by: kelly

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A cute spring idea for your little ones. Holly from Chez Beeper Bebe, has an adorable tutorial for this felt egg book, that lets your kids decorate eggs over and over. Cut out all sorts of shapes and let their imaginations run wild, and when you’re not decorating you can store all the little pieces in the handy pocket at the back. Such a great idea, and beautifully crafted.

– Download the tutorial
– Purchase one of Holly’s from her Etsy Shop

Posted by: kelly

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