Should I.....Shouldn't I????

I had to ask myself a serious question the other day. 

I was doing custom work for someone and it dawned on me that this whole situation would work out better for the client if I just emailed her everything.  I knew it was gonna be pricey and I knew that if it were me, I'd probably try to find a more affordable way to attain these items.  In the long run, this is what ended up happening and it's a good thing.  So, now, I have a situation where the client is able to get what she wants and I'm still able to buy my baby a new pair of shoes.

Well, I was still hesitant about what I'd been pondering because - I love making my party designs by hand - I really do. I WILL stay up until 5 am making a case load of paper rosettes (insane).  Still, I just really had to ponder on the subject for a while and think hard because the question at hand went against a whole lotta no's that I had when I originally started my Etsy shop.  To printable or  not to printable?  That was the question. 

Honestly, I did not want to offer printables in my shop when I started it.  I figured that if people wanted my stuff they were going to have to get the whole kit and caboodle.  Well, it appears that with my schedule, with the economy and with the way things are going with most folks, the DIY trend is where it's at right now. Party printables are king (for some reason).....and to make sure I get it in, I need to be in the royal court.

So, I'm announcing that starting today, I will be offering printable party packs in my Etsy shop. In addition to the other items that I will make by hand, there will be a printable option available for customers.  For the moment, the printable collections will be on limited items and for only a period of time.  If you look at my store right now (click...click....CLIIIICCCK), you will see that I have listed my first printable item in celebration of Halloween.

It's on sale right now for a limited time.....do you likey????

If so, you're in luck.  I'm giving away a printable file of the Halloween Collection to the first 5 followers who:

1. RT about the collection and include me in the tweet (@kikikens)
2. Post an update to their Facebook Page that includes a link to my Etsy Shop
3. Leave a comment below about what you think about printable party packs
4. Email me the links to the tweet and the post at kikikens8375@gmail.com

There is also going to be a giveaway on Twitter and FB - for people who (God bless 'em) don't read the blog....you can only enter once though if you are following me on either of these.  Sorry.

Yeah!

I am finishing up more Halloween party items....and hope to have them listed in the store by the end of the week.  Would love to know if you think they should be offered as printables or actuals.  Here's a sneak peek:

Cupcake Monday & My 35th Birthday Party Recap

Okay so I know I said I was going to do a Midsummer Night’s Dream themed Party – but that did not happen.  I searched my favorite spots for decor and everything I came across reminded me of a fairy party for a five year-old.  So, given the amount of time I had to work with – I just decided to go with something simple. 

Luckily I came across some fun scrapbook paper and coordinating ribbon on clearance at AC Moore and used the colors from the papers to accent my party.  I chose to use my initials (KNS) and work with a monogram theme to really keep everything simple. 

Here’s what I was able to turn out:

I love the color palette with the soft melons as they are a perfect representation of summer.  The dots and stripes patterns always seem to pair nicely together.  Mini poms, honeycomb balls, ribbon and natural jute twine were used as decorative accents. 

On the menu were three types of pasta, grilled chicken, garden salad and for dessert, Sweet  Potato Cupcakes with Marshmallow Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting; hot dogs and hamburgers were served for the kids.

For beverages, I concocted a blend of Hawaiian Punch and V8 Juice Splashers.  My husband whipped up his special Margaritas for me and my guests and he kept those babies coming all night long.  We also had a selection of beer, wine and coolers, as well. 

I would have loved to do more, but I'd previously committed to baking two cakes for another party on the same day.  If you want to know why in the world I’d do cakes for another party on my big day is because my party was a last minute decision....and that I am also very insane ;)

Here are the two cakes I made for a 36th birthday celebration:
 




The first cake is a Triple Vanilla cake with Vanilla Buttercream and the other cake was for the Birthday Fella – he doesn’t like frosting so a plain chocolate cake with fresh strawberries was requested.  I made my Mocha Chocolate cake and baked it in a Bundt pan and topped it with strawberries.

I hear tell that both cakes were a hit!

I had such a blast celebrating my birthday in the company of my dearest friends and family.  I danced and sang and clapped and laughed and sipped – a lot – and woke up at 11 am the next morning feeling all of 25 plus 10 :)  - I even did a Beyonce jig that I’m praying doesn’t wind up on You Tube…..
 
After all that partying I guess when I (finally) woke up the next morning it was just like a Midsummer Night’s Dream!