beer cake :: diy

last week, hubby celebrated his 33rd birthday. now, if you know my husband, you know his pure love for natural light beer (in a can and sometimes even at room temperature). he's weird.

but, you know, i love that weirdness, so i made him a birthday (beer) cake! when posted the picture on facebook, i received such a reaction, i thought i should share how i did it on here:

1. you'll need a 30-pack of cans, cardboard cake circles, ribbon, clothespins and candles
2. you can buy your cake circles in different sizes or cut them down. i used an exacto knife to cut mine. make sure you have a small, medium and large size
3. begin layering the cans so that they fill out each circle. be sure to put some in the middle for support as you stack them
4. wrap ribbon around each layer for a little decoration
5. use clothespins to prop up each candle at the top.

and that's it. so easy. and to be honest, even my kids thought i was cool (which i'm not so sure is a good thing) but hey. at least they know i love their dad. xoxo

simple table setting ideas :: party inspiration

here are some super simple ways to make your thanksgiving table look fancy! i especially like the last one which has a note to the guest about why the host is thankful for them! heart-melting, right?

'party' party! :: shop news

happy monday friends!   i hope you had a great weekend... we sure did.  on saturday, we celebrated the collaboration between urban sassafras & avaLuna paper art.  my crazy-talented cousin, beth ley, will now be accepting custom orders for party decor OR you can pop in the shop and just buy what you need.  her new party line consists of cake toppers, invites, party picks, bunting, garlands, confetti poppers, hats & more! i spent the weekend swooning over the balloon kits.  each include a large 36 inch balloon and everything you need to decorate it... this is such a fantastic idea!  perfect for photo shoots, parties, or big events.

be sure to stop in the shop if you are in town and check everything out.  xoxo

hot air balloon candy dish :: diy :: party inspiration

yesterday, for the us kiddos class at the shop, we looked 'up' for our inspiration! we made hot air balloons, airplanes & butterflies... all to the delight of 8 (yes, i said 8!) young children.  it was a busy & crazy morning, so i knew we would need a little sugar fuel to keep us going.  how perfect this little hot-air-balloon-themed candy dish fit our needs!

p.s. washi tape makes everything better... don't you agree?!