Tammy Mitchell Photography » hostess

Hostess with the Mostess: Baby Shower Idea Bb is for Boy

Tammy — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:10:58 +0000

One of my cute friends is having a baby NEXT week!!! We had to get together to celebrate the arrival of this sweet little boy into house full of all things girly!

You know me, when somebody says party my brain goes into overdrive!! When planning a party I always think about a theme first. Whether that theme is a color palette or a style doesn’t matter….just something that makes bringing everything else together easier. I immediately thought of a vintage baby boy theme since I have some cool vintage glass plates and cups that I have been DYING to have an excuse to use, so this was perfect! You can find them pretty easily at most antique stores.

I found this cute little shop online, Pretty Little Studio, that makes the most adorable vintage baby flashcards and all kinds of fun stuff. I had her custom make some invitations for me and I think they turned out SO cute!!

We served simple breakfast foods that were yummy…a parfait bar with yogurt, fresh berries and granola, bite sized cinnamon rolls and other pastries, and a yummy drink. To go along with the theme I made a little label for each food item

I just made them in photoshop and printed them out on cute scrapbook paper. I also made one for the gift table:

Now my favorite part…the favors!! John thinks I’m crazy because I spend hours making things like this, but this is honestly the most fun part for me. These are very easy and inexpensive to make, but they are time consuming. If you have the time and love to be crafty then these are perfect for you!

to make the giant cookies find the recipe here

for the bags you will need:

a roll of parchment paper

thread

a sewing machine

ribbon

a hole punch

pinking shears

any deocrations you want for the bags

Cut parchment paper into 6.5×14″ strips. fold in half and stitch the sides up using a colorful thread and a zig-zag stitch. trim off the excess on the sides with the pinking shears. slip a cookie into the pouch. fold the top of the bag over and punch two holes at the top about an inch apart. feed the ribbon through the holes and tie into a bow on the front sideof your bag. decorate as you like.

like I said, pretty easy, just time consuming but I think the result is WELL worth it!

It’s easy to do this for any shower boy or girl, or even if you don’t know what it is just make a mix of boy and girl vintage tags! It would also be cute for a little girl’s birthday party if you played some vintage games and added a few more decorations and changed the food a bit!

Hopefully that gets your creative juices flowing for your next party!

Have a great day!
-t

Make This: Cute Crafty Ideas for Easter

Tammy — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:57:46 +0000

Andy has Friday off for his birthday (at least that’s what he thinks…actually it’s for Good Friday, but when you’re 7 it’s more fun to think it’s for your birthday! ) so I’ve been trying to come up with some fun Easter ideas todo that day. Here are a few of my favorites so far:

from Ladies Home Journal the bunny pop…if you don’t want to go through the hassle/mess of making rice krispie treats omit the first four ingredients. Pre-made rice krispie treats make these a breeze!!

Ingredients

Vegetable cooking spray
10 cups Rice Krispies® or any crisped-rice cereal
2 packages (10 oz each) marshmallows
6 tablespoons butter
1 lb semisweet chocolate, melted
1- 1/4 lbs white chocolate, melted
Red food coloring
30 popsicle sticks

Directions

1. Lightly coat a 15-by-10-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Place cereal in a large bowl coated with cooking spray; set aside. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and add marshmallows. Stir until smooth. Pour over cereal and stir to combine. Spread out in prepared pan and press firmly to flatten. Let stand until cool, about 1 hour. Trim edges and cut into 30 3-by-1-1/4-inch bars. Push a popsicle stick through one narrow end of each bar.

3. Using an offset spatula, spread a thin layer of white chocolate over tops of 15 bars. Repeat, using semisweet chocolate for remaining 15 bars. Transfer to a baking sheet and refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes. Place a wire rack over another baking sheet. Dip the white bars in white chocolate and the semisweet bars in semisweet chocolate; place on rack, allowing excess chocolate to drip off bars. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes. Makes 30 pops.

4. To paint faces on bars: Add 1 or 2 drops of food coloring into remaining white chocolate and stir to combine. Using the tip of a wooden skewer or a paintbrush, dip in pink chocolate, then paint ears and nose on bars. Use semisweet chocolate and white chocolate to make eyes. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. (Can be made ahead. Store in an airtight container, in a single layer, in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Serve cold or at room temperature.)

5. Per semisweet chocolate bar: 280 calories, 12.5 g total fat, 7.5 g sat fat, 123 mg sodium, 44 g carbs, 17 mg calcium, 7 mg chol, 2 g protein, 2 g fiber

6. Per white chocolate bar: 310 calories, 13.5 g total fat, 9 g sat fat, 152 mg sodium, 42 g carbs, 51 mg calcium, 12 mg chol, 3 g protein, 1 g fiber

OK, how adorable is this??? This comes from the brilliant minds over at eighteen25. If you can believe it it’s a tray from the $1 bin at my favorite place, Target, spray painted robin’s egg blue and the bunny silhouette was added. You know how I feel about silhouettes!!!

And finally, Andy came home with one of these today and I was in love. John has a REAL weakness for these things. I don’t particularly care for them, but when I saw this idea I HAD to share it because it’s pretty stinkin cute best of all there’s a free download so you can make your own! Download them here

I’ve got a few more things up my sleeve…stay tuned!

Have a great day!

-t

Hostess with the Mostess: Kids Party Ideas

Tammy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:52:36 +0000

This little shindig is LONG overdue for some blog love. I can’t believe I never shared it! No fear though…it’s perfect timing since it’s pallette is great for spring. You all know I’ve got a weakness for lime green and pink so this was definitely a favorite.

I think these last several years of attending and shooting elaborate parties have taught me that kids are really very happy with the simple pleasures. Sure, they love bounce houses and ponies and magicians, (and I love to plan paties like that!!!) but put a table full of goodies in front of them and let them decorate a homemade cupcake and they are JUST as happy. Just something to keep in mind for those of you planning birthday’s in the near future…that would be me.

Enjoy this gorgeous party!

Mom attended to every gorgeous detail…LOVE the white hydrangeas in a lime green ribbon wrapped box!

the butterflies on the straws…Stunning!

cute little bowls to hold the goodies courtesey of Anthropologie

the darling birthday princess

a finished masterpiece

i LOVE the lighting in these shots…YUM!!! after decorating cupcakes the kids gathered to make bead necklaces on PIPE CLEANERS. Genius!! For little kids they stay stiff enough for them to feed the beads onto…great tip to remember!! You can then twist multiple strands together to make a necklace that’s long enough.

Hope you’re feeling inspired to plan your next event!

Have a great day!
-t

Hostess with the Mostess…Orange Bowl/Fresh Winter Party Idea

Tammy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:56:26 +0000

ok, I CAN post some pictures… I was surfing the web ths morning and found a little party idea that I put together last year featured on one of my all time favorite blogs hostess with the mostess as a fun idea for a winter party!! I am SO excited!! What great start to 2010!!!

I originally did it as a twist on an orange bowl party, and since the Orange Bowl is tomorrow…if you’re a football fan and having a little get together (or if you just want to have a party to get rid of the post Christmas winter blues) here’s an idea for you it’s certain to brighten your day…it doesn’t have to be ALL about the football.

You can find all of these goodies pretty cheaply around town. Orange take out boxes are from Michaels, fill them with clementines that are in season right ow for a fun favor, the orange chargers are from Party City…I believe they were under $2 a piece, white napkins in a 12 count package from Homegoods for under $10, I mixed in some of my silver mercury glass Christmas ornaments and candle holders for fun, white pillar candles from IKEA for like $1 each, you can find the paper lanterns at most party stores for a reasonable price, Izze at Costco, World Market or BevMo, and you’re all set for some last minute fun tomorrow!

Have a great day!

-t

Hope that brings a

Let’s Party: Fun Thanksgiving Craft and Food Ideas and a winner

Tammy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:38:53 +0000

It’s getting closer! I found these fun ideas for the kids. I don’t know about yours, but mine have a WEEK off at Thanksgiving, so I need some activities to keep them busy!

I LOVE the tee pees. How cute would that be at each place setting on the kids table?? Ice Cream cones turned upside down and frosted with royal icing and other decor –SO cute!!

A simple styrofoam ball cut in half, painted brown and stuck with colorful pens turns into a super cute and crafty turkey.

Let your kids imaginations run wild with a new spin on a “turkey sandwich”. Adding more veggies is NEVER a bad idea, right?

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Indian Corn napkin rings. Cut a piece of felt to wrap around a napkin, line popsicle sticks up and stick them to the felt and line them with the buttons.

Take Rice Crispy treats to the next level. Make them with a mix of cereals and dried fruits instead. Shape them around a popsicle stick and cut pieces of fruit roll ups to stick around the outside like the wrapping for an ear of corn.

Fudge Stripe cookies and chocolate covered marshmellows are transformed into pilgrim hat cookies in a matter of minutes.

Hope these cute and easy ideas inspire you to have a little fun this month!!!

And now a drumroll please…Mr. Random Number Gererator has picked comment #18 Karen Kirshon as the winner of the Bobbity Boo skirt. Email me and let me know which skirt you would like and I’ll let Bobbi know! Congrats!!

Stay tuned for another great giveaway on Friday!

Have a great day!

-t

Buy This: Shabby La Rose Review and Giveaway

Tammy — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:15:07 +0000

I am admittedly a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl…usually white or black. My closet is pretty boring. I do however like to express myself with fun shoes and funky jewelry…especially fun and funky rings. When I stumbled upon ShabbyLaRue I fell in love. Tiffany makes the coolest jewelry out of vintage finds. Each one is unique and beautiful.

This ring in particular caught my eye…

It is SO fun!! A cool vintage earring transformed into a ring set on a thin adjustable band. Just perfect for a night out on the town when you want a little something fun!

A little sneak at a few of the other gorgeous items available…these make great christmas gifts, hostess gifts, etc. And they are VERY reasonably priced!

Lucky YOU!! Tiffany has offered up this beautiful necklace to the lucky reader who wins this giveaway…

“This necklace features a vintage style blue rose cabochon which I have attached onto a brass filigree setting and connected to a brass bow and to a brass chain, lobster clasp as closure.
The chain including the setting measures 23 1/2″

Simply visit ShabbyLaRose, tell me which piece is YOUR favorite and leave a comment here.

FB or blog about it and you get 5 extra entries.

Winner will be announced Tuesday night.

Have a great weekend!!

Happy Halloween!

-t

Let’s Party: Halloween Party and Decorating Ideas

Tammy — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:44:08 +0000

This month is flying by and I’ve barely acknowledged one of my very favorite holidays!! Where does the time go? Here are a few fun ideas I found to help get in the spirit!

How cute is that armchair simply covered with a sheet with some felt eyes and a mouth attached?? I LOVE no sew projects that use things you alreadyhave around the house ina creative way!! And the best part is there is nothing extra to store once it’s over! Just put the sheet back in the linen closet and throw the felt peices away…**Idea**…how cute would it be to actually MAKE some sheets like this though and put them on your kids bed!! So easy to make a mouth and some eyes and stitch them on. The kids would LOVE it!

I love these treat cones for any holiday…here is a cute halloween version from Country Living Mag.

YOU WILL NEED
-11″ x 14″ card stock
-1 yard each cream and black bookbinding or construction paper
-1 yard each assorted ribbons
-spray glue
-1/4″ hole punch
-stapler
-scissors and pinking shears

Cut 10″ squares of card stock and black and cream Japanese bookbinding paper (source: talasonline.com) or construction paper. Adhere the black paper to the card stock with spray glue. Wind black square into a cone and staple closed. Cut across top to even out the opening.

I LOVE these little frankenstiens and the mummy cupcakes. The best part is you DON’T have to be a cake decorating genius to do it! That is NOT one of my talents!!

Witch-on-a-stick how to:

Cut off the tops of pretzel rods and set aside.
Melt one cup of white chocolate chips, 1 Tbs shortening and a few drops of green gel food coloring and stir until smooth.
Dip the cut end of the pretzels into the chocolate, covering the top 2 inches. Place the sticks on wax paper and sprinkles the sides of each with coconut flakes to form hair.
Top each with a Hershey’s Kiss and refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened. Draw on eyes, nose and mouth with black decorating icing (available in tubes) and fisih by covering the Kiss too with black or purple. Yum!

Frankentreats:

Start wtih a packaged (or homemade) Rice Krispies Treat, and push each one into a wooken skewer; set aside.
Melt one cup of white-chocolate chips and one Tbs shortening; stir in green or neon-green gel food coloring (colored melting chocolate is available at most craft stores).
Spoon melted chocolate over all sides of the treats or brush them with a silicone brush then place them on wax paper, upright, to dry.
Embellish them with M&M eyes and ears, gummy worm mouths, Jujubes neck bolts and then refrigerate them until the chocolate hardens.
Top them off by drawing on hair with black icing and doting the eyes.
Finally remove the skewers and serve!

Mummy Cupcakes:

1. Bake regular old cupcakes out of a box…homemade if you wish, but I’m trying to make it easy folks!!

2. Dot icing on backs of 2 skittles for eyes and place on cupcake.

3. use a decorating tip that will give you straight flat lines (available at michaels for about $1, make sure you get a coupler too, also about $1) make straightlines of icing all over the cupcake, overlapping them and just letting the skittles peek out of the “wrapping.” Eat and enjoy!

And finally one of my favorites…

Sorry for the fuzzy pictures…I found this on the internet and the picture quality is TERRIBLE!! I LOVE white pumpkins!! Unfortunately they are usually the most expensive…so why not paint a few?? A cheap bottle of white acrylic paint and you’ve got yourself a great set of white pumpkins!! Take them a step further and once the white paint dries, have a little fun with some black paint. I LOVE the spiderweb and zebra stripe idea!! And you know I’m loving the polka dots…I LOVE anything with polka dots!!

Hope those ideas help to bring a little extra fun to your holiday!

Have a great day!
-t

Denise, if you’re reading this, this one’s for you…Let’s Party: Halloween Ideas

Tammy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:49:17 +0000

It’s official everyone!!! My favorite time of year is here!! Can you believe it’s October already??? CRAZY!! There will be no halloween party this year, which I’m totally bummed about, but I am just too crazy busy with shoots and trying to get the online classes finished for January. I seriously started planning this year’s party last year before last year’s even happened! I guess it will just have to wait until next year.

But, I can still share some fun ideas that I find for parties here, right??? Ok, warning, this is a little gross looking but I thougt it was an AWESOME idea for a little snack at your next party. I found it months agoand have been waiting for the perfect moment to share, i thought it was that funny…

Doesn’t that just look wrong??!! LOVE IT!! Simply take mini marshmellows on the end of white sucker sticks and dip thm in caramel or peanut butter. Yum.

I thought this was a fun idea over at Country Living Magazine (my FAVORITE mag!!) This is a total DIY project.

To make:

1. Print a black and white copy of a portrait on printer paper and cut out. (If you don’t want to use your own portraits I like to find old pictures on flickr, just search for antique or old portraits)

2. TO “age” the picture, brush it lightly with a sponge dipped in a solution of a few drops of black acrylic craft paint and water. Let the paper dry.

3. Cut a piece of cardstock the same size of the photo and glue to the back of the photo to make it a little more sturdy.

4.With an X-Acto knife cut out the eyes of the picture’s subjects piercing through the cardstock and creating holes about 1/4 inch in diameter.

5. Remove the glass from your frames and stick the pictures in there.

6.Insert mini red LED chistmas lights through the back of the eyeholes. It works best to group these frames like in the picture, since you’re dealing with a strand of 25feet of lights! Then you can use more of the lights. Replace the frame’s backing securing with tape if necessary to help hold the lights in place. Drape with cobwebs and you’re done! You can add paper fangs to a few of the pictures if you want to for a little extra fun!

Hope this gets you in the halloween spirit!! There are many more fun ideas to share, but I have to pace myself!! I LOVE halloween!!!!

Have a great day!

-t

Let’s Party: Make your Own Soda Labels

Tammy — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:44:04 +0000

I’m in frantic “get everything done” mode to prepare for my convention this week in Vegas. I am SO excited!!! But SO stressed too!!! I just feel like there is SO much to be done. Maybe because I stress myself out by complicating things. You see I’m not very good at just “throwing things together” I get these crazy ideas and then have to make them a reality. I found out a couple of weeks ago that each of the teachers at this convention are going to have a 6 foot table to display thier work. Well…immediately the wheels started turning. Color scheme was easy….black white and blue, just like my logo, but that was about the only easy thing. lol! :) I have made more stuff for this table!! I just want it to look really cool. Orders have been coming in from across the country from places like candy warehouse, (where you can order candy by COLOR) soda distributing places, fabric stores you name it, it’s been arriving on my doorstep. All so I can create little beauties like this…

Isn’t that cute??? I ordered the moxie blueberry cream soda and then stripped the labels off by soaking them in water and then scrubbing it off with steel wool. Then I created the labels in photoshop and stuck them on. I LOVE the results!!!

I think this would be a totally fun idea for a party too! It is a little labor intensive, but sure is cool!

I’ll share more from the event hopefully before I go, but for sure after!!

AND…….I have a SUPER EXCITING announcement coming Wednesday!!!

(at least I’m super excited about it!!! )

have a great day!
-t

Let’s Party: Are you ready for some Football???

Tammy — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:45:51 +0000

Do you know what you’re doing this weekend??? I do!! It’s the start of the college football season…my favorite time of year! What better excuse for a party? Here are a few cute ideas to get you started!

how cute. a chalkboad tablecloth with plays sketched on it and mini cake topper football guys. SO cute!

i love this centerpiece idea too. wheat grass flat (available at a florist) with the same cake toppers…

pair your cute decor with some easy and fun finger foods and have a ball!!

have a great weekend!

-t