WW: A 'Big Top' Birthday, Pt 1

We celebrated our little boy's second birthday this past weekend...

As a side note, it was a circus!  No really, it was!  Here for your viewing delight, are a few shots from Aksel's 'big top' birthday bash:

Aksel's Personalized Clown Cupcake Toppers 

(HANDMADE BY YOURS TRULY)

Cake by Sweetsmith Bakery

The Birthday Boy!  (And, Party Ringmaster!)

More photos (and details) to follow shortly.  Happy Wednesday!

Setting the Table

After months of preparation, the circus is finally coming to town!

Really though, we're celebrating Aksel's 2nd birthday tomorrow.  And, I couldn't be more excited.  I love throwing parties!

But there's still lots to do before the guests arrive.  Wish me luck!

By the way, December feels stressful.  Anyone else in agreement?

The Boy with the Yellow Hat

Aksel's 'Vintage Circus' 2nd Birthday Party is just around the corner, and I'm up to my eyeballs in party crafts.  And, Etsy purchases!

That said, I can hardly wait to share the details of his big day.  In the meantime, check out last year's 'Yo Gabba Gabba' party.

And, have a great weekend!  

PS:  We're getting our Christmas tree on Monday.  So excited!

Clownin' Around: A Party Update

It's been a few weeks since I've made mention of Aksel's upcoming vintage circus 2nd birthday party.  I'm still planning though...

For instance, here's a clown shot of Aksel I'm using for personalized cupcake toppers.  (Ones like these.  However, I'm making my own!)

I figured, as sort of a spoof, and for the sake of personalizing the party details, I would dress Aksel as various big top characters.

He's already posed as a fortune teller toddler for his invitations.

And I dare to think what role he'll next take for one of mommy's hairbrain party ideas?

Flamethrower?  No.

Lion tamer?  No.

Tight-rope walker?  Maybe.

Thankfully, he's a good sport.  And a really cute subject!

If curious, check out my past party posts.  And if I've made you smile, please vote for my blog below.  ;)

The Teething Ringmaster: A Party Update

At least once a day, my husband says, "It's not the greatest show on Earth, but it is a circus."

Little does he know, I'm gonna show him circus come mid-December.

like the party favor boxes?

(He always get scared when I start planning a party.  Tee hee hee!)

Actually though, I believe I'm going to surprise ol' hubs this year. Pleasantly surprise him, that is.  Yes, Aksel's big top birthday party is going to be detail-oriented and circus perfect, but...

It's not going to be huge.  For starters, I'm only inviting a few friends. And I'm not ordering too much of any one thing.  

Speaking of ordering, here's Aksel's finished TP party invitation:

What do you think?  Myself, I enjoy the foresees turning 2 bit, like he's a prescient preschooler or something?  

My lil' fortune teller toddler.  

Momma's teething ringmaster.  

I could go on for hours.  I think I watch too much Wheel of Fortune...

  

How 'bout you though, got any party plans?

The Fortune Toddler: A Party Update

How's this for vintage circus?  He's a cute fortune teller toddler, right?

With a 'stache thrown in for laughs...

Or to disguise his I-hate-wearing-hats-and-my-top-lip-is-quivering-hurry-mommy-before-I-meltdown pout!

Nonetheless, this shot'll work well for either Aksel's party invitations or his personalized cupcake toppers.

Who knew channeling Rudolph Valentino would be so much fun?

Like his hat?  Make yours here.

Also, check out some fabrics I'm inspired by.  Vintage circus, yes!

Perfect Party Invitations

As you well know, I'm planning a party, a 'big top' birthday extravaganza, for Aksel and his closest chums.  

I'm just getting started early.  Four months early, to be precise.

And what better place to start than the invitations.  So, here are a few circus selections (from Tiny Prints) I'm currently adoring:   

Elephant Debut

This is my top choice.  Reason being, the customizable photo.  

If I haven't yet shared, it's primarily my intention to veer away from the more common, kiddie-cute circus clichés like lions and seals. Instead, I want to showcase quirky sideshow favorites like the token strongman, fortune teller, and flamethrower.  

Throw in a tightrope walker for good measure.

Anyhow, to make a long party story short, it's my plan to include a photo of Aksel wearing an old-time prop headpiece like this:

via

But these following options aren't bad either.  In fact, choose a theme, and more than likely Tiny Prints will offer multiple choices.

Elephant Circus

Circus Show

Circus Chic

Elephant Balloon

If you're planning a party, check out:  Tiny Prints Theme Birthday Party Invitations

And so you know...

Get 3 free greeting cards including birthday cards, anniversary cards and sympathy cards by opting into a Tiny Prints membership plan.

Big Top Must Haves

Last year's birthday party was in the theme of Yo Gabba Gabba.

It was a spectacle!  See here.

This time however, it's my goal to enjoy Aksel's second birthday.  (I was frantic prior.)  But to accomplish what I strive for, where the party details are concerned, it's gonna require extra time planning.

(I thought six weeks was sufficient last time...)

So, I'm getting started now.  And basically, I'm leaning towards a 'vintage circus' theme.  For one, my expected party color palette will work beautifully with the shades of my home's interior.  Not to mention, this gives me months-long craft lists, and I love a project!

(Aksel's birthday is late-December.)

Here are some 'big top' bits I'm inspired by...

FROM TOP LEFT, CLOCKWISE:  ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR

via

LEFT TO RIGHT:  ONE, TWO, THREE

via

via

FROM POPPY'S CLOSET:  ONE, TWO, THREE

Poppy's Closet Summer Sale up to 50% off!

via

ONE, TWO

Be on the lookout for party planning updates and crafty how-tos. And so you know, I'm totally digging Punchbowl.