Photo Birthday Banner

Get ready to giggle, this was a special request for a customer and I just love the way it turned out. Of course my 2 kids had to try it out. I think it would be so cute to include the kids photos with the Thank you notes from the party. I think I will make a sea themed or dinosaur one next, love to know your thoughts or suggestions on this one.

Party favors

I am always looking for new party favors ideas. Something different, that us Moms would be proud to give. A while back I was making these type of cones to sell at craft fairs. I attached ribbons to them, filled with potpourri, and they hung from door knobs. Very pretty, but not a great idea to fill with treats since everything would fall out. But the other day, I remembered these awesome cello bags I have. I secured the bag to the bottom of the cone with a few stiches, and yeah, these adorable favors were born. I really like the intials party favors the best. I feel giving quest something that was created just for them, will make them feel special. Making quest feel special is a big deal around our house. So here are these cute favors, love to know what you think of them?

Sharing

Thought I share pictures of other things I paint. The birthday parties have taken center stage, but I still paint on other venues. Mostly special orders from loyal customers that have known me for years. The clothing line is really fun, and quite washable, These two are my favorites.

Customs and more customs

Yesterday was a flury of Customs, which I love doing by the way. It is so much fun to take what a customers theme is, and work it into a banner. My favorite is this firehouse banner. I think it also would work well as a firehouse wall hanging for a little boys room. It could say, "Tims firehouse."

Happy Mothers Day Coupon Code

Happy Mothers Day! For all the Moms out there working hard to create a perfect birthday party, here is something to make it a bit easier. Use the code MOM at checkout and receive 20 percent off your order through Tuesday. My prices are already good, so this is a treat I don't do often-Happy Mothers Day from one Mom to another. www.paintedwthheart.com (good at my web site only)

Personalized growth charts make great gifts

Moms love to get these Personalized Growth charts as well as the kids. I started my growth chart line about 6 months ago, and it now is about 30 percent of my business. A quick web search will give you a lot of options. I have seen growth charts, where you can insert photos, and ones made out of wood. I decided to make my growth charts out of my artist canvas. They can easily be written on with a sharpie to record the child's progress, and store away for the future. My older kids have one tucked away for when they have kids. My youngest still are recording their height once a month.

Pink and Brown Birthdays

My most popular banners are pink and brown. I started with my butterfly, banner than added one with polka dots and one with cupcakes. Seems like this color combination, is a bit hard to find in birthday party goods. So...I created my pink and brown polka dot birthday hats. I could not find any paper that really worked with my designs. To still create this look, I started with brown paper, backed it with sturdy card stock, then hand paint the polka dots. The end result is a totally custom look. I love it, what do you think?

Having a craft Party at home

If your kids are like mine, it is getting more competitive to have that special birthday party. We have had many endeavors ourselves, the last at a "monster' minature golf place that left several 5 year old girls clingy to me, and crying for thier momma's. This year I have talked my daughter into having it at home. Aside, from having to clean the back yard, remove the dogs, restrain the 3 year old, I am hopeful that it will be worth. I will def. post here and let you know how the Birthday Party turned out. I thought I would share though some helpful tips I have found, We are going to making a craft of course..

Step 1:
Look for crafts that match the theme of the party. At a princess birthday party everyone can decorate a crown and at a lady bug themed party, have the kids decorate a bug catcher.

Step 2:
Keep the age and ability of the guests in mind when choosing your crafts. You do not want crafts that is too complex for five-year-olds, who will easily become frustrated and you do not want crafts that are too easy and won't use up any of the allotted time. Have lots of help on hand. A great time to enlist the help of older siblings or a teenage neighbor.

Step 3:
Limit the number of choices to they have with the craft. Instead of laying out all the embellishements on the table, I gather a kit in cello bags for each child. Everyone has thier own stuff, glue etc. but can be shared.

Step 4:
Having more than one craft takes up more time and is more fun. Create stations so that the kids can go to different table to do different crafts at their own pace. Kids will get bored quickly if they are always waiting, but will appreciate it if there is always an activity for them to go to.

Step 5:
Plan to have at least one adult/older sibling at each station to explain the craft and to supervise. I would limit the crafts to 3.

Step 6:
Prepare the materials and have everything laid out ahead of time. The birthday party guests want to do the crafts, not wait for you to set them up.

Step 7:
Choose only projects that can be taken home that day. You do not want to wait for paint to dry or spend time delivering craft projects the day after the birthday party. Have the child or helper put their name on the bottom of thier craft.

Step 8
Give each child a large shopping style bag to take home thier goods. Tie on some curling ribbon before hand, and if you feel creative even add thier names.

ACMoore, has some great crafts starting at only 1.00 each, they often have an online coupon as well.

Showing up is half the battle

Well, this 40 something mom, can be a bit behind the curve on the techno. thing, but finally I have a blog. Yeah!, I will try to keep it interesting. I plan to post some useful tips about hosting birthday parties at home as well as some pics of new products I am working on. My etsy business has really taken off, and I am sure to point out some fantastic sellers there. It is my most favorite place to shop. Have you see in? www.etsy.com. Be sure to leave me a comment, and if you have any ideas for me I am all ears. Looking forward to "meeting" you.

A little about me, I am a mother of 4 in Boston Ma. I started my hand painted business 10 years ago, as a way to earn income and stay home with the kids. Initially I started painting and selling toy boxes that my husband made in his work shop. Although these were popular, they were not easy to sell on line, shipping was quite difficulty. I transitioned to kids room decor about 6 years ago, doing customs to match my customers decor. In the last 3 years, paintedwithheart.com has really taken off, and now focuses on room decor, birthday party banners, and unique favors. Plans for the future include wedding and bridal shower favors.