DIY CRAFT :: Crayon Wreath

It's that time! Time to get your craft on! I am loving how my latest craft turned out so I am sharing it with you today & showing you just how easy this one is to make for yourself or someone else. It's a simple craft DIY using just a few supplies & about an hour of your time. For my daughter's end-of-year teacher gift, we wanted to do something a little more "memorable" and something that she would want to keep in the classroom and could enjoy for many years. So we decided on a "Crayon Wreath"! And yes, I realize this is NOT an original idea but we took an old idea and made it our own and loved how it came out!

 
 My daughter had an absolute gem of a teacher this year and I am so grateful to her, just as I am with anyone who cares for my child and leaves an impression. Those people need thanked because they are rare gems in today's world. ;)

This project only requires a few supplies, can be made for just a few dollars and takes about an hour to complete and trust me, the recipient will LOVE it! At least my daughter's teacher did! Hi Mrs. Forbes!!!! (waving hand) 

You just need to grab a few supplies: letterboard wreath shape, 4 boxes of crayons, hot glue gun, ribbon and embellishments. I picked up this wreath shape at Hobby Lobby and the crayons I picked up on clearance last year at Target right after the back to school rush.

I highly recommend purchasing Target brand crayons for a project like this. Wanna know why? Just LOOK at them . . . they are so cute! Just their simple bold colored wrappers with those adorable white dots on them! Too cute!

 
The first step is to grab your ribbon and decide how long you would like the wreath to hang and attach that first BEFORE gluing the crayons on.
 

The next step is to start gluing on the crayons, all away around the wreath, until you get to the end. A couple tips: I personally glued the name of the color down, so it did not show and left a little space between each crayon. I would even suggest to "lay out" all of the crayons to get a rough idea on how much space you want between each.

 

This is what it should look like when you have them all glued down on the wreath. Now you could stop at this point but I wanted to add a little something extra to this . . . an element of fun! So I grabbed a large red daisy head from my flower stash and a mini chalkboard, to glue down as well. What's so nice about this is that you can change what the chalkboard says when you want! The teacher could change this to 'welcome' when school starts back up & add it to her room door. BONUS! ;)

Super easy and quick right? Now who's gonna go make one? Raise your hand . . . please let me know below if you think you will try this project as I would love to know if anyone was inspired. Or maybe you have already done a crayon wreath before or another cool project using crayons . . . let me know what you did below . . . ;)
 

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COLLECTION :: Rainbow Birthday Party

Hello everyone!

Today I want to share a brand new collection with you, that I was asked to design for a customers daughter. This little girl requested a "Rainbow" birthday party so designed one I did. I will be sharing photos of the actual party sometime after she has it but for now I want to share what all comes in this collection. The "Rainbow" collection is perfect for those kids who are loving all things rainbow, which seems to be wildly popular again and I also think it would be a fun collection if your kid wanted an art party too.

 

"Rainbow" birthday collection

Here's what you get in this collection . . . 

 

1.  paper pack - that includes 3 designs  (see photo above)

2. banner - that says "Happy Birthday" (see photo above)

3. toppers/ circles - you get 3 pages of 'Happy Birthday' themed with different designs & one page of 'Thank You' ~ use for accents to your table decor - simply cut them out or use a punch, glue to lollipop stick or toothpick & done!

4. drink / straw flags - in a 'Happy Birthday' design

5. signs - comes with 4 different designs that can be customized with your info

6.  Labels/ Table Tents / Toppers - food & drink - great to use for labeling items on your tables

 

7. water bottle labels - comes with 1 design

8. subway art birthday sign

  

You can find the RAINBOW birthday collection in my Etsy shop! 

::::::::::::::::::::::::::

There is also a RAINBOW Birthday invitation (of course!)

 

This collection is packed with everything & is ready for you to grab from the shop & have an awesome little Rainbow party for your kiddo! 

As always, if you EVER have any special custom design party collection idea requests, PLEASE feel free to email me anytime & I can design one for YOU! laura@eyecandycs.com

Have a great week!

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop!

CRAFT :: How to make CHALKBOARDS

Today I am sharing with you, "How To Make" the Chalkboards that we had as party favors for the Art Party Picnic. I hope you have all had a chance to check out all the details from that awesome good time but if not, make sure to go over & see all the 'eye candy'. The kids used these to draw on before we had our picnic snacks & then, they were able to take them home with them. So soooo FUN!

These chalkboards are one of the easiest favors to make & much more fun than buying them, especially because you can choose the size you want these to be!

SUPPLIES:
~ foam board (I bought 2 & just pick the size you want, as I just picked the largest board & cut in 1/2 to create 4 chalkboards total)
~ chalkboard paint
~ duck tape (color of your choice - I chose neon green & pink to match the party)
~ utility knife
~ paint brush

1. cut the foam board into the size "chalkboards" you would like
2. paint one side with chalkboard paint & let dry
3. 'finish' the edges off with the colored duck tape
4. 'season' the boards by taking a piece of chalk, turn it on it's side & rub it over the entire board - erase & it's ready to go!

If you would like to have your own "Art Party Picnic" you can see more details of the party and the printables: the "CREATE" collection on my blog. 

Want to learn How-To Make Marshmallow Chalk? This was a HUGE hit with the kids as they thought it was a hoot to get to eat their box of "chalk". 

What kids party favor have you made lately? Would love to hear about a DIY party craft you came up with  . . . let me know below! 

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 

Looking forward to seeing you again! :)

Linking up at:
~ the 36th Avenue
 

DIY :: How To Make Marshmallow Chalk

Hopefully you all have had the chance to check out my latest collection: the "CREATE" collection. If not make sure to check it out for my idea on how to create an Art Party Picnic using the collection.



I promised MORE info from the Art Party Picnic on the marshmallow "chalk" that you see pictured here, so here we go. When I decided what the theme would be, I knew I wanted to incorporate some fun food "art" into the party. I decided on marshmallow "chalk" as I knew it HAD to be easy & quick. Plus since the kids were going to be using chalk to draw during the Art Party, I thought this would be a FAB idea!

 

So how do you make this crazy box of "chalk"? This was one of those projects that I thought would take LESS time than it actually did but that's ok. You never come up with something great (or not) until you give it a try!

I basically just used a bag of mini marshmallows & some water. Yup, I said water. I divided the marshmallows by color & then dipped an end into a small bowl of water to get it to stick to the next. Was this the best method of doing this? Probably not, but I figured when marshmallows get wet, they get sticky so I thought I had something. Not sure if I made it too hard on myself or not - lol. It does take a few seconds of holding it in place for them to start "sticking together" but I eventually got there. (sorry I didn't take pics of the step-by-step but it's pretty easy)

I think now after-the-fact, that it may have been MUCH quicker & easier to "adhere" them together with a drop of CandiQuik since it's used as the 'glue' on so many other baking items.

Never-the-less, we had marshmallow "chalk" & the kids thought it was great! It's all about making sure the kids are having fun - right? ;)

Overall I would do it again. I thought it turned out pretty cute! 

Have you ever made a "creative" edible item just to go with the theme of a party? Would love to hear of your ideas & whether you thought it was a good idea or not in the end. Please share below . . . 

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 

Looking forward to seeing you again! :)

REAL PARTY :: Art Party Picnic

Today I am sharing an idea I came up with right before the kids went back to school. I wanted to "create" a party that could be used for a variety of themes & that you could put your own spin on!  

I can see this theme used for an art party - ANY time of year. Possibly even a birthday party. That's just it! This theme has the potential to be used in sooooo many ways - which is why I kept it a 'generic' theme so you can have a little celebration ANY time of year. You will find it's filled with BRIGHT colors & fun patterns. 

When planning the details of this party, I had come across some adorable party items from Target & decided to switch up my design just enough to where everything would coordinate together just perfect!

I also wanted this party to incorporate a few things. I wanted to use the wildly popular "chalkboard" somehow, I wanted it to incorporate "art" of some kind and the MOST important thing - to incorporate a PICNIC!

Knowing it was going to be outside, I knew I wanted to keep things simple & fun & let the kids enjoy one last "hurrah" before going back to school.

So I bring you the "CREATE" collection interpreted into an
"Art Party Picnic"!

:: the ACTIVITY ::

 

Since we were going to have the picnic party in the park, my daughter & I scouted out the perfect spot, days before & discovered this little gem of a table right in the middle of the park - it was a table & four chairs made out of concrete & was just "their size" . . . seemed perfect to have the kids draw "nature" with their blackboards & chalk to "create" their masterpieces!

:: DIY TIP:: 

I made the blackboard canvases myself - super easy & super cheap!

To make 4 chalkboards:

 - purchase 2 heavy foam core boards & cut in half

- paint one side with chalkboard paint (I did 2 coats to be sure)

- then I added neon duck tape to the edges to give them some character!

They were sturdy enough for them to draw on time & time again & I know all the kids LOVED taking them home along with their dessert cups of colored chalk! If you need a good "how to" check out this post on how to make the chalkboards for this party!

:: the PICNIC ::

  

The thing I loved about planning this art party picnic was keeping everything SIMPLE! Not every party has to be all fancy - this one took about 20 minutes to set up both areas! I had to make it quick as the kids were very anxious so I planned for simple, mostly store-bought food that could be set up quickly. I will confess though that the white bench I set the food on, I did a 'mock' set-up at home to ensure everything would fit & I brought the right items to hold everything. lol

I used a tablecloth for the picnic blanket & my sister brought a couple matching blankets for the kids to sit on - worked just fine!

These adorable gable boxes I found in the party section at Target & matched perfectly. They housed the kids lunch in them. I just added a green ribbon & a topper to it to match the theme. The dessert cups were also picked up at Target & I used them to hold the grapes (also added a topper to them). The stripe storage containers in the back of the food table were in the Dollar Spot section at Target & I just placed a plate on top to hold the goodies. Super easy!

The hot pink & aqua drink pails also came from the Dollar Spot at Target - these are always great to have for parties since they are so versatile! I just painted a spot on the front with chalkboard paint & wrote the kids names on them. Again super easy & FUN!

The kids got to snack on Jell-O, fresh grapes, Oreos, Skittles, fruit slices & then I made these marshmallow pops. Super quick - I used the jumbo marshmallows, dipped the top in melted chocolate & then sprinkled crushed mint Oreos on top! 

Is that "chalk marshmallows"? Why YES, yes it is. I wanted to do something a little creative & tried to make edible chalk marshmallows. More info in this post on how to make "marshmallow chalk".

Keeping the menu simple is key! PB & J sandwiches, cheese dip & pretzel sticks, & a fun candy bracelet was found in their lunch boxes!

The kids LOVED the push-up pops - which had the mini marshmallows in them. These kids are so fun!

:: the DECOR ::

  

This collection keeps decor simple providing just what you would need for a quick & simple party or celebration to "create".
- 4x6 signs, toppers and paper pack

 

:: the PHOTO SHOOT ::

  

This park has the most beautiful settings, so of course we took advantage of it while we were there. These kids are so close - they are cousins & I just adore them ALL! The two in the front are twins & their older sister is the one on the left in the white shirt standing next to my daughter. AND the best part - they are a BLAST to have as models for my business or to have parties with! LOVE them!!! 

I think this is probably my FAVORITE shot from the day! Not sure what Sam is doing in the front but I think he is channeling some 'Saturday Night Fever' - that kid is a trip!

  

Another fun idea that I have used in a lot of my parties are these wooden conversation bubbles I picked up from Pick Your Plum awhile ago. You guessed it - I just painted them with the chalkboard paint & I can re-use them again & again. They are great for using as photo booth props too!
Since they were all getting ready to start school in a matter of a couple days - we wrote what grades they would be going into. Good mementos to have!

Last shot of the day - love kids just being kids. Warms the heart. ;)

Like I said, this collection is now available in the shop. You can pick up your "CREATE" collection too so you can come up with some creative reasons to celebrate life. 
Some fun ideas for this collection:
- a birthday, a sleep-over, art party, sewing party, baking party, classroom party, a picnic . . . .whatever the reason, just plan a day & get out there and  . . .
CREATE!

Thanks for being a fan & I would love to hear what you think of the latest addition to my shop! Please leave your comment below. 
Have a great day! xoxo 

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram or

check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 
 
Looking forward to seeing you again! :)