I am getting so very excited about the upcoming bloggers Royal Wedding Tea. Today I will be sharing the Pretty Pink Party Favor Tutorial.
Pretty Pink Party Favor Tutorial
The Arizona Bloggers Tea will be held on March 26th, 2011 from 3 ~ 5 pm at the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, Arizona.
To add a bit of fun there will also be:
A hat contest (Think English feathers, flowers and frippery)
A white wedding elephant swap (Bring an item of décor that is nice, but perhaps had humble beginnings in a thrift store or is just something you have grown weary of. Wrap it as if it is the most lovely of wedding gifts.)
As the organizer, I wanted to create a party favor for those that attend this sweet soiree. It began when I was wandering around T J Maxx and spied a box of Martha Stewart Water Lily Favor Boxes for a really low price. I loved the box, but the water lilies didn’t exactly fan out as shown in the picture.
I decided that the box itself was very reminiscent of a matchbox and I have seen some really beautiful altered boxes around blog land. A search began for a vintage image which featured a tea party. The perfect image was found from The Graphics Fairy. Isn’t she so sweet to share? Thank you!
I began by lining the bottom of each box with a small piece of scrapbooking paper.
Filling The Boxes
Then came the fun part of filling the boxes. I gathered up some vintage beads, doves, buttons, flowers, and candy.
As well as confetti, paper punch shapes made from leftover scrapbooking paper and my small Moo business cards.
I then topped the contents of each box with a heartfelt message.
I wrapped a portion of the outside of each box with bits of leftover scrapbooking paper. For pieces that weren’t quite wide enough, I added a contrasting scrap of paper. I stuck to a color palette of soft, pale pinks. I lined up the edge of the paper with the edge of the box to eliminate a center seam. (Yes, I am persnickety! 🙂
Next came a wee bit of paper lace ribbon. I purchased mine locally, but you can find various colors and styles from several different vendors on Etsy. Because someone might wonder, I use Coccoina glue.
I printed the graphic in a size that would fit on the front of the box. I decided to round the corners to mimic the scalloped border of the paper ribbon. In any type of design, repetition of similar elements (in small doses) is a good thing.
On the back of each box, I created a small and simple design. No two were alike.
On the larger image, I added the word “dream” and used some paper punch shapes enhanced with gems and such.
After adding a bit of Stickles glitter glue I thought how sweet the box might look hanging on an Easter tree so I hot glued on a bit of ribbon and added a jeweled embellishment. A button would look sweet too. (This is a good angle to see that I secured/raised the paper punched shape with a foam glue dot to give it a 3D effect. )
Spring Craft Linky Party
With spring right around the corner, I thought it might be fun to organize an altered matchbox swap and a Spring Craft linky party. Is anyone else interested? I will reserve 12 spots for the swap. Let’s have them in the mail by April 9th, 2011 so that they can be enjoyed before Easter. I will also host a Spring Craft linky party on April 15th, 2011 for everyone who would like to show off their Easter crafts.
To participate in the swap please email me at decortoadore@hotmail.com for details.
To participate in the Spring Craft Linky just grab the button and link up on April 15th, 2011.
(Sweet bluebird image by Free Pretty Things For You.)
Laura
Ohmy that is magnificent.
This is beautiful!:)
I'm glad to hear your auction was a hit. I was at my regular auction yesterday and around 2:00 I thought of you 🙂
These boxes are beautiful. You could sell these as favor boxes for sure!
My daughter will be home here on her spring break which is why I won't be able to attend the tea, mom first here as well 🙂
Hi Laura! Beautiful post! So sweet and feminine! Have a great week!
Kelly
Laura!
You have given me inspiration for
invitations and favors for a baby shower that I am giving to prepare for the arrival of our first grandchild! {a sweet baby girl}!
Thank you!
*Lynne*
So pretty!!! I emailed you about the swap 🙂
how cute! i love using postcards for decorating.
So pretty!!! I have Easter gifts for two little girls to make this week…. thanks for the idea.
Impressive! What sweet little favors. I *heart* them!
What sweet and heartfelt favors! Your guests will feel very special!
Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda
Those boxes are amazing! I loveeeeeeee them! And I am hoping to attend the tea! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Dear Laura,
Just to have one of those boxes I'd fly the Atlantic to meet your Tea.
Enjoy, have lots of Fun and Congratulations. They look lovely beyond words and you just gave me ideas for the small Thank You tokens I always give Family on Easter Sunday after Lunch.
Teresa
Laura… I'm smitten with your boxes…gonna make some. What a cute idea. First have to make a tree to hang them on…that's tomorrows project. You've so inspired me. I just love your blog…such fun. The Royals…Mmmmmm!
Have a wonderful week… xoso Sandy O
Teresa said it for me, I'd fly anywhere to have tea with you! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
I NEED those vintage fabrics, so I will be ready to participate in the next auction. 🙂 Lisa~
Those boxes are adorable. Thank you so much for sharing how you put them together. It was lovely seeing them come together step by step.
Sarahx
So pretty! I am very excited to come to the tea and see all the lovely hats and dresses everyone will have on!
Thank you, dear lady, for continuing to be such an inspiration and amazing friend to me. Xoxo
Jenny
How adorable is that?! I just love how personal your gift is!
That is tooo cute! We are in the process of arranging our first ever Central Florida bloggers get together, I am so looking forward to getting together with local bloggers!
Carol
How adorable these are! Your tutorial is making me think even I might could make them! :0)
Love the “green” look of your blog!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Oh Laura, what lucky bloggers who attend this tea. It sounds wonderful, and the beautiful boxes you created will be such a special reminder of the tea. You are so smart! Thank you for linking to Favorite Things. I can't believe i totally forgot to come over here Sun & increase my bid! That hour we lost seems to have taken part of my memory with it! laurie
What fabulous little boxes! Love the vintage image you used, and what fun goodies to fill them with.
visiting from the Graphics Fairy. TFS!
Laura,
Love the boxes, such a special gift it will be.
Thanks for sharing.
Michele
so very lovely, what a treat to receive one of those lovely pink boxes.
happy tuesday, julie
Hi Laura Sweetie…
Thank you for the wonderful auction. What fun it was. I can't wait for my special package to arrive to its destination.
I can't wait for the tea. I see there are quite a few new ones coming and it should be so much fun for all. You are such a wonderful organizer.
I love your little matchboxes, so sweet. I would love to be added to the group swap. I will follow up an email this evening from home. Please count me in though. It is amazing what can fit in one of those little boxes. Truly amazing.
Have a glorious week with the kiddos sweet one.
Many hugs and much love, Sherry
Hi Laura, You have the most beautiful blog I think I have ever seen! I am so excited to follow the luncheon you will be attending with Meri and Sandy. A group of talented ladies in one spot, heavenly! Thank you so much for telling me about the Easter McLinky, I would love to join! I will be sure and post your button. I am also excited to learn about Moo cards? I must find out about these. Have a lovely week Laura, and thank you so much for visiting my blog! Elizabeth
wow!
so many pretty things and colours!
love that small box!!!
take care,
Rosa
Thanks for stopping by my blog! And funny that Jeanette from Everton Terrace just mentioned you to me as well! Those boxes are beyond adorable!
xo Cathy…signing on to follow!
Oh Laura,
How adorable!! You have really outdone yourself–it is all so beautiful!!!
XO
just became your newest follower! And have to tell you your header is GORGEOUS so fresh and clean and springy – love it!
http://www.northerncottage.blogspot.com
Laura these are adorable you do everything up so special!
Something luscious for your face..
Come and enter..
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Hi Laura,
I would LOVE to join the crafty matchbox swap! Do you need my info???Thanks for letting me know! Your boxes are so pretty.
Warmly,
deb
Hi Laura,
Love the little boxes. They are adorable. I'm looking forward to being at the tea. I'm glad it's in my area or at least close to my area.
Hugs,
Charlotte
Laura, our spring show for Rancho Solano Private School is being held on that date. So unfortunately, I will not be able to attend. I feel sad as I see Charlotte is attending and would love to see her again. We met at another AZ blogger tea. Please keep me in mind if you decide to do another one.
blessings and love,
Debbie
Yes Laura, I am planning on attending the tea. I look forward to seeing everyone. Hugs, Marty
HI LAURA!!!
YES!!!
I will be at the TEA!!!
I have a ladies luncheon on that same day, but from 12-3. so I have plenty of time to get there, and the ladies lunch is already in North Scottsdale, so just a hop skip away.
HUGS,
jamie
Hi Laura
Yes I am planning on attending…
Can't wait! 🙂
~Liz
Laura,
These little boxes are wonderful! I will have to beg off for the luncheon, I am sorry but things are just a bit rough at the moment….:) Thanks for asking me! :):)
Thank you for inviting me Laura, but I will be unable to attend. My husband & I are teaching at a marriage retreat that weekend.
But I would love to be there. Can't wait to see all the pics!
Its another Pink Saturday…..I am always amazed at ALL the pink stuff…we come up with….stop by and see what everyone is doing this week-end!
God Bless you!
Kandy
Wow these are just wonderful. Thank you so much for visiting me and for your very sweet comment. Also for letting me know about this wonderful post.
Happy Pink Saturday!
Denise
wow, what a great idea and the boxes are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the process!
Love your match boxes, I showed one of mine today in my post, check it out. Yours are beautiful. Love your blog so much.
Ginger
Oh Laura, those are very sweet!
Hi Laura, Your boxes are beautiful. You are so creative. I love every step you took to create the boxes with perfection. Thank you for sharing your project.
Happy Pink Sat.
Hugs, Jeanne
Hello Laura
I love those boxes you made they are so sweet!!!
Thank you for your visit and your sweet comment. I will have to try to make some of these. I was just at Marshals and saw those pink boxes I wish now I would have picked them up.
Enjoy your weekend!
Suzann ~xoxo~
These are absolutely delightful! I am helping with my sister-in-law's bridal shower next month and we are doing an “antique tea party” theme. I have been pondering favors and I think these may be just what I've been looking for! Thanks so much for commenting on my blog (The Beautiful Thrifty Life) and sharing your lovely artwork with me! 🙂
What a beautiful idea on how to transform these lovely boxes! Thank you for your nice visit to my blog, and Happy PS!
– susan
What cute boxes, I love how you showed how you filled the boxes and what you filled them with! How beautiful to give and how beautiful to receive!
Gigi
What a sweet idea! I am sure all that receive the little boxes will love them. Thanks so much for pointing me to this link. I appreciate your comments on my post. I have found blogging to be a great creative outlet for me. Thanks again for your encouragement, Blessings to you, Lynn
Hi Laura, I'm one of your new followers. I'm interested in the box swap but I have a few questions. I'll email you. Linda
I am in LOVE with your site! I host “Victorian” Teas in my home several times a year and just love your little favor boxes! I'm planning a bridal tea for my soon-to-be daughter in law so I'm going to be at your site all the time!!