FAVOUR FRIDAY :: Brown paper packages tied up with string...

Can you believe it's only 8weeks till Christmas?! Wow. Time is goes so fast doesn't it? I blink and it's Friday again of another week! So it's time to bring you another party favour idea. 

(image via Celebrations at Home)

I love party favours. If I'm thinking about an event, this is the part that I feel I can just go all out creative and really think outside the box.

Having said that though, todays favour is completely *within* the box, and follows the saying: "It's the simple things in life that are often the best". I love these brown little favour boxes made to look like a parcel. Tied up with bakers twine and complete with a custom stamp, they are ready to be 'mailed' to your guests.

I was thinking something classic like this, is the kind of gift that would be great to fill with homemade treats and give to teachers, neighbours and friends for Christmas. Yum both inside and out! What do you think?

I am completely emersed in Christmas thoughts at the moment with some DIY projects swirling in my head. I can't wait to get them out on paper! Till next week...

Before I go, here are some inspiring finds from the week in my Weekend Whiparound ::
:: Find your colour personality
:: Have applied this downloadable wallpaper from Mae
:: This is a great idea for a baby shower when no one knows if it's a boy or a girl!
:: Cute idea for placecards

Have a great weekend folks!

Jordan x

*If you're looking for bakers twine in Australia, I now supply it in my store - by the metre or by the spool.   

Cooper's Farmyard 1st Birthday :: REAL PARTY

Today's party comes from Marnie, who I met at the Boutique markets earlier this year. She used my 'Billy' printable range in a red colourway for her son Cooper's Farmyard 1st birthday party last weekend. I love the vintage feel. And how cute is all that red gingham...and those favours!!



Complete with farmyard animals!


And what a gorgeous cake. This is one of my favourite parts. Marnie, you put together a party to remember for Cooper, I'm so glad everyone had a great time! And thank you for sharing this special day with us!

Farmyard "Billy" printables are available in my shop - Invitations, Party Dots, buffet labels, thank you tags, and garland tags. (Available in your choice of colourway).


Thanks to: 
Photography - Vicky Wall from Travelling Photographers
Invitations & Paper goods - Polkadot Prints "Billy" range
Egg carton favour idea via here
Drink Dispensers - These were a find at a friends garage sale. (what a perfect find!)
Cake stands - Sharnel Dollar Designs
Stripey Straws - Mon Tresor

Mini-Celebrations :: Chocolate bar wrappers

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Thank you for letting me know your thoughts on last weeks post. Things are moving along with the new website and blog. I'm so excited to see how it's coming together, and can't wait till it's live! 

With a lot of Christmas projects and custom work on recently, I needed to actually step away and apply some real life creativity. So one night, I decided to make dinner a little bit fun. I didn't cook anything super special, just whatever I had already planned, but I put a little effort into making it look a bit special. (I put it together in the morning and it was funny how the rest of the days activities just whizzed by as I looked forward to home-time and dinner!)

I had these mini chocolate bars from Alidi, in my supplies. I cut out some wrappers for them, pulled out some fabric and napkins from my prop cupboard, put some oranges and lemons in a bowl, and viola! It added a little spice to our meal that night. So many times, I feel like I don't make the most of the moments, so when I do...I want to shout it from the rooftop!!

Birthdays only come around once a year, but you can make 'mini-celebrations' anytime...about anything...or nothing! Have you created a mini-celebration at your place recently?

Change is in the air!

Image: the love shop

There is change on the horizon here in my little studio! I'm making some new things...and today I want to hear from YOU! That's right, you. The reader of my blog. Especially you, my friend, who pops in here from time to time but have yet felt the urge to leave a comment...today is your day! Succumb to the urge!!

I would *really* love it if you could let me know some of your thoughts about my blog and online store. You see they are both having a little bit of work done to them to make them look prettier, but I want to make sure they function better too. And that's where you come in!

I would love to know:
:: Why you come and visit my blog? Is it for - inspiration, invitations, ideas, how-to, new designs, weddings, kids parties, to read personal stuff....
:: What do you like the most about this blog?
:: What invitation/announcement designs you would like to see more of - kids, adults, birth announcements, weddings...
:: In my shop, would you like the option of having designs printed as well as emailed printables?


I'm open to any other thoughts or ideas as well. All I ask is that you please leave a link back to you - no anonymous ideas!! :)

Also, with my new blog coming in a few weeks time, I will be offering a few spots of sponsorship. If you have a product or service that you think would appeal to the party/arty audience, then I would love to hear from you! Drop me an email here.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to give me some feedback. I really truly appreciate it!

And before you leave for the weekend, here are some interesting finds for this weeks 'Weekend Whiparound':

:: I can't believe someone stole my idea! :)
:: A truly gorgeous doll themed birthday party
:: My son would love this
:: This wedding is definately in my top 10 - the video is fun too!

Enjoy!
x

Gary's 50th Dessert Table

Sharnel from Sharnel Dollar Designs & I were sitting talking about a joint Christmas project recently, when she whips out this Ralph Lauren wallpaper and started talking about an event she was working on for a gentleman's 50th birthday. Next thing I know, we're talking ideas and I am working on some custom printables for it!...

A few weeks later, and she creates this stunning table! You may have seen it featured on Amy Atlas yesterday. I love it! It's quite unusual to see a masculine looking dessert table, but Sharnel has done it with style. Maybe it's the beginning of things to come...

I love the colours, the simple and stylish feel. And those cookie favours in bags...totally my fave. Another gorgeous design, Sharnel, this is now my new favourite of your events!

The amazing photography is by Naomi V Photography - love your work Naomi!
Sharnel also has a new online store with gorgeous products for your next celebration! Check out her range here. 

Nautical Tent fold labels are available in my store.

Asher & David's Wedding Mood Board

One of my sisters is getting married in the new year. These are some of the images she sent me as her inspiration. It's going to be lovely!

She asked me to do their wedding stationery...oh, umm...of course!! When I do things for family it's a good chance for me to put forward some different ideas, they're quite often the most trusting and willing for me to 'just do it'!! So I am working on something fun and for her special day. Would you believe it involves Jelly Beans?

Images supplied by my sister but looking familiar from places like Style Me Pretty, Eat, Drink, Chic, & Green Wedding Shoes

Babushka Doll Cookies

When I came across this Babushka Cookie tutorial from Bubble And Sweet, I automatically thought they would be a perfect match for my Aimee invite collection. Cute hey? A little bit of fondant and some cute cutters and you can have yourself some gorgeous party favours for your guests to take home! 

I've tried my hand at decorated biscuits a couple of times, I'm definately not a pro, but I do love how you can use them to build on a party theme. Someone here in Australia who has mastered this art is Hello Naomi. She makes amazing cakes and cookies like this....

...and uses them to build amazing dessert tables. I am in awe! Make sure you check out her blog & flickr stream, for more of her creations.
Are you are a big fan of cookies for your parties? Have you given them a go yourself?

CUSTOMER PARTY :: Cookies & Milk Baby Shower..& Giveaway!

As you know, I love hearing back from customers when they have used my designs at their parties. This week, I am sharing a cute 'Milk & Cookies' themed baby shower from the 'Savvy' mum's, of The Savvy Mom's Guide. Amy asked me design a custom milk carton favour box to fill with cookies for guests to take home. I think they turned out really cute! And tied in with their colour theme really well. (If I do say so myself!)

You can find all their photos from the baby shower here.
In the fun aftermath of the shower, Amy & Bri are giving away one of my milk carton printables in a Polkadot Prints design of your choice. Head over to their blog to get the details on how to enter!

Once you've done that, come on back and take a look at some fun things from this week with my Weekend Whiparound ::

:: Mini Banana Splits
:: If I was to celebrate Halloween, I would want it to look like this
:: Mini Cake Bunting
:: It's a nice day for a...Purple and White wedding desert table

Twine is coming to town

 I've been interstate for a few days and when I came home, this is what was awaiting me at the post office direct from the US...fun, colourful baker's twine from The Twinery!

 

The spindles are so bright with lots of colour through their cottony strands. 

They come in a wide range of colours too - yellow, orange, green, red, pink, aqua, brown, & purple. The design possibilities are endless - Christmas, favours, packaging, garlands....Oh the things to be made!

It will be in my store soon, in full spindles or smaller bundles, but if you can't wait, just shoot me an email!

Party Favour Friday :: Shortcake in a Jar

(image source: if you know, please let me know!)

Okay so I don't know about you, but I find individual or mini things so appealing. I love this idea for a take home treat - Strawberry shortcake in a jar! You can find jars like this in kitchen stores, or even some cheap shops. You could get quite a production line going with these I'd imagine! Like this party favour, the cutlery is included to get a head start on the way home!
I did a more child orientated jar with the Billy thank you tag recently. I filled mine with milk bottle lollies, but you could fill with little plastic animals or pencils, for a sugar-free treat! Any other things you think would suit a jar favour?

Well it has been a big week here at Polkadot Prints (can you tell by the fact I am posting a Friday post on Saturday?? Ha!). I am taking a few days to visit my parents early in the week, so will see you in a few days.
While you put *your* feet up, here are a few things from around Blog-world this week. I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Weekend Whiparound ::

:: Spice up your chocolates with these transfer sheets (thanks Ros)
:: Paint the town pink for free, in October
:: A handy party checklist
:: A gorgeous safari themed party

Pretty Paper Flowers :: DECORATIONS

How is this for a bright punch of colour that costs next to nothing? I can pretty much guarantee you will have the supplies nearby at home, and they take no time at all. You could whip some up while watching tv, or during nap time! Head over to Bump Smitten's baby shower blog for the tutorial courtesy of Dozi.

Styling Christmas for Peekaboo Magazine

Image: Polkadot Prints

Not to rush the remaining months of the year, but can you believe we are having to think about Christmas already? ...Or, maybe it's just me. 


I have had Christmas on the brain for the past couple of weeks as I have the wonderful privilege of working with Sharnel Dollar Designs on a project for Peekaboo magazine. Sharnel is styling a Christmas & New Years Eve spread for their next edition, and I am providing the paper goods and a special DIY project for the magazine. It's been a big job, but so much fun putting it all together. The shoot is tomorrow and I have paper, boxes and ribbon collecting ready to go in the morning. This will be the first time involved a shoot like this, I hope it all comes together like it is in my head! I'll be sure to show you photos when I'm able!...I'm a little bit excited!


Also, I will be putting my Christmas designs in the store in the coming weeks for those of you who are organising family photos already! I'm obviously not the only keen one!

Image: A sample of the Polkadot Prints Christmas collection soon to be in the store!

CUSTOMER PARTY :: Katie's 'Lemon Delicious' Lunch!

I L.O.V.E getting party images from customers! It's the icing on the cake when someone who has purchased one of my prints or accesssories, returns to share how they put together a party or event for their friends or family. What a privelege have a little peek into their lives!
This party was sent to me from one of my very good friends, Liz (you may remember her daughters 1st birthday here). She organised a lunch for family and close friends to celebrate her sisters birthday. This is the desert table she put together...


Lemon is so 'in' right now it would seem, and I am loving it! Didn't she do a lovely job? One little detail Liz shared was her cute napkin paper weight. They are currently renovating their kitchen, so she used a tile and added a lemon 'party dot' to it - what a clever lady. Love that kind of detailed creativity!
Liz based this party around the 'Salem' Kitchen Tea invite she had personalised for a birthday, as well as the matching party dots. You can find both in my store.

Have you purchased some Polkadot Prints? I'd love to hear from you and see how the event came together. I'll be adding an album to my facebook page where I will post images you send me. That way we can all share inspiration and ideas with each other. How does that sound? 

Behind the Scenes :: 7 Random Things...

I have forgone any pretty packaging for this Friday and it's time to take a little peek behind the scenes! I hope you don't mind me sharing some things about me...You see I was passed the Kreativ Blogger Meme from the very gifted Tracey from Tracey Lau Art & Soul and so I have to share 7 random things about me. Here goes: 

1. I believe baking is therapeutic and love to hang out with good company over food of any kind. 

2. Growing up I always said I would have to live 10 lives to accomplish all the careers I wanted to try - dr, chef, florist, midwife, air hostess, OT, full time arty person...and the list goes on. After pursuing many jobs after high school, I eventually decided on graphic design which took me to uni, something I never thought I would do. I'm so glad I did. I LOVE it!! 

3. I can visit Officeworks just for a browse. I love stationery Kikki K is definately a favourite!

4. I lived in Uganda, Africa with my husband  in 2007. We were working for an aid organisation where I helped to set up a marketing team and some communication strategies. My husband, Dave worked in the construction of villages for orphaned children. This was one of the best years of our lives and we would go back in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose!

5. Last week my husband didn't buy me flowers...he didn't buy me chocolates...he bought me...a design magazine! I was so impressed. It gave me the biggest warm fuzzies to be known like that! Curling up reading an inspiring magazine is my fave!

6. I am one of nine children. I have two older brothers, one younger, and 5 younger sisters. It is definately fun times when we all get together. I could hang out with my family any day of the week! If I can create the same atmosphere and vibe in my own home with my own children, that my parents did for us, I will count myself successful!

7. I love Max Brenner, and believe I have happily converted many friends! Yummmmmm!!!!!

I shall now pass this onto the following beautiful bloggers

Ros from Grace Designs

Sarah from Style Me Gorgeous

Sharnel from My Life, My Loves

Trish from Paper Vogue

If you choose to follow for a bit of fun, the “rules” are:
- Copy the award to your blog
- Insert a link to the person who nominated you
- Share seven things about yourself that you haven’t told us before.
- Nominate other bloggers for the award – share the love
- Link to their blogs.
- Tell the nominees about their award.

I was also completely chuffed to be interviewed on My Little Jedi this week. You can read more about me & Polkadot Prints in an interview Vesna did there. If you're tired of me talking about myself (seriously, zip it already, Jordan!)...feel free to check out these fun things I came across this week!...

Weekend Whiparound :: 

:: I really want to host a beach party like this
:: Grab a cuppa, get cosy and have a read
:: Yummmmm! (and clean out the cupboard at the same time)
:: A different take on the pom-pom
:: Baby Shower of the week