We had a Kid's Holiday Party yesterday and the little ones indulged me with a little dress up play and modelling.
I tried to make the photo part quick so they would think it was fun, then got them back to the main event- goodies, and art projects.
We had hot cocoa with all the fixins, eggnog, brownies, pumpkin bars, veggies, and rollups. It was an early out day for school, so the party was from 2-5, so these weren't meant for dinner, just after school snacks.
We had a couple different projects to do too. I picked up a dozen Santa hats from the dollar store, and a bagful of half price holiday floral pics from Hobby Lobby. There really is a lot of fun stuff on those wire picks, jingle bells, flowers, pretend candies, glittered leaves, etc. I just took some wire cutters and separated all the big sprigs into individual pieces, easy for gluing on to the hats and set out a few other fun tid bits for them to have at too. There is always plenty of extra goodies around the studio to share.
They got to make some chip board ornaments too, and all the mommies each made a couple of those for their trees too.
We ended up not getting photos of all the kids. The boys weren't as interested in posing, and my fairy grand girls were busy with playing and artwork. I can catch them later for pictures, though.
A few years back, I painted a Christmas tree mural on plywood and had cup hooks on the tree branches to sell ornaments off of at antique shows. Now, I bring the mural in from the shed and set it in my living room for the holidays. With a few other props in front of it, it made a good backdrop for the pictures.
This morning, I've been doing some editing to the pictures. I LOVE PICNK!!!!!!!!
Playing with hand tinted photos is almost as much fun as painting, but easier and quicker! And way, way too addictive.
I should be out doing some Christmas shopping instead of playing with pictures.
But can you see why I love doing it so much, when I have such gorgeous little models to work with?
I'll get some prints made and maybe these can be some of my Christmas gifts this year.
Its been a hectic, busy, Christmas packed couple of weeks. Before the trip, I had my book club bash, then while we were in Virginia, we were treated to a holiday office party dinner out with my husband's co-workers.
Since I've been back, I have had Sugarwing's school play, craft day, and his little kid party. Plus a couple of Sugarwing Sleepover nights, and those are a party in themselves….
Tomorrow is a party at a friend's and Saturday I'm having another dinner party.
And do I have presents purchased and wrapped? Heck no.
I thought about shopping while in Virginia, but my family is not easy to buy for. I can't just pop into JCPenny and buy a gift for any of them. They like specialty items, dance costumes, art supplies, hand made stuff, or recycled goodies. So, I've put it off.
Those hand made items are going to be biting me on the butt if I don't get moving on them…. I have hopes to do some small paintings for the kid's rooms.
Waiting till the last minute, then throwing one party after another might not have been the smartest holiday plan…
I'm afraid that by the time I get done with all my parties, and its time to do that last minute gift rush, I'll be feeling like Sugarwings was last night after the party!
(no editing can help this little model, I'm afraid- she partied hard)
Did I mention that there was face painting at the party too? I painted the kids' and they reciprocated by painting mine.
My hair is still a bit crisp from the paint.
One of the few gifts that I bought and have ready to give, has to be returned! I bought matching fairy gowns for Pixie Pie and Sugarwings at Tuesday Morning for $10 each, and Pixie Pie showed up wearing the same dress for the party!
She looks so beautiful in it, I just knew it was the perfect dress for her. But now, what do I give her?
While we are talking about gifts, I need to announce the winner of the 1,000,000th visitor giveaway.
Thanks so much for leaving all the kind comments about my milestone! I wish I had a gift for you all (but as you just heard me complaining about- I don't even have gifts for my family for Christmas yet!)
This gift goes to:
Pat Spone (no blog) Pat, please send me your address and I'll get your gift in the mail.
All the little angels looked so cute and angelic.
-Danielle
Oh Karla, you are such a hoot, you are always up for everything! Love the face painting job the kids did on you! You have taken such sweet photos of the party girls, I especially love the one of Sugarwings totally partied out.
What a wonderful grammy you are and what lucky ittle girls to come to such a fab party!!
Oh my my! I think you’re doing ALL the right and meaningful things! Everyone’s gonna remember your parties, the atmosphere of magic and fun you give to it..those are gifts in itself!!
Thanks for sharing the fun with us!!
Blessings,
Myrna
This party looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing and congrats to your lucky winner.
Debby
I think it is all sorts of AWESOME when little ones “indulge” big ones in dress up. Especially when they get to add their own creativity too.
Good luck on the Christmas gifts, but from the sounds of it you’ve already given a wealth of memories that are worth more than anything that can ever be bought in a store.
I’ve actually felt and looked like Sugarwings after parties:)))) That was simply adorable!
Awwww, what a precious post Karla. You always have so much fun 🙂 I love the Christmas tiara the little girl is wearing, that is so cute!! Merry Christmas to you all 🙂
Hugs,
Amy
Oh such magic.How lucky your grandfairies are to live in that fairytale.Now sprinkle some of that pixie dust and create some alone time to finish all the loose ends for the holidays.Always enjoy my visit so much! Such a inspiration for me to recreate that magic in my life and for my beloved neices.Warm Blessings!~Amy
Hello Karla…and a good time was had by all…the pics tell the story…Lorraine
Those are the best pictures, I can feel the moments just looking at them. Just amazing and magical. You are so wonderful from what I see here. All the girls and boys are blessed to have you in their lives and you to have them in yours.
You are always having too much fun:) Those photos of the kids are darling. I couldn’t tell that was you under the face paint, I thought it was Sugarwings’ Mummy.
Merry Christmas!
Leann
If I were the mom of one of those girls, I would love to get one of your lovely pictures for a Christmas present. That Piknik really does some extra magic!
Suz
What a lovely party. But my fav pic is of Sugarwings after. Boy have I felt like that at times!
Best wishes getting everything done.
~Marilee
In the first pic you posted of Sugarwings, she looks like a tuckered out Raggedy Anne doll.
You look fabulous, Karla! New make-up line? ; ) Wow, those pictures are great! I would definitely be wanting one of those pictures if it was my daughter or granddaughter. Your backdrop was perfect! Sometimes, what you HAVE to do needs to be pushed aside for moments like these. It looks like everyone had a great time and I’d say it was well worth doing.
Those photos of the little angels are gorgeous! They will make wonderful gifts! I think you should contact lancome and see if they are interested in your new line of cosmetics lol! Or maybe just using you as a model for their crayola line!
What a great Grammy you are! karen…
Karla, you have the best parties! Love all the photos you took.
Karla
What a talent you are!! Your party looked delightful and the photo’s breathtaking! The sweetest lil faces and your background beautiful~not to mention the wonderful tree they were holding……
Love the face painting….What a magical memory to hold in your and their hearts
Laura
Pleasanton Ca
Hi Karla,
I love your new make-up! : ) What a wonderful Grammy
you are. The pictures are wonderful and it looks like
everyone had a fantastic time at the party. Awwwwwwww…
that picture of very tired Sugarwings is precious.
PixiePie is getting so big. They are all so sweet.
What type of camera do you use? I’m not a great picture
taker and I am looking for something easy. Any ideas?
Hugs,
Janis
Need any help for your next party???
You throw such beautiful parties!!! My dream is to one day come to one of your parties!!!
You are such a good sport!….The girls must have used every color in the box, and then some:)…What a great party idea and Pixie Pie is a beauty. I love those Christmas trees, did the girls make those as well? You are the best Grammy EVER!….Blessings to you and those you love 🙂
What a beautiful, fun party, I just want to know one thing, where do you get the time and energy to do all this? You are very inspiring, Celeste, The Victorian Tailor
Karla,
You worked magic and you can again! YOU will find those unique OOAK finds! The fairies are all so adorable; I feel like Sugarwings! I am glad You let them decorate you~
I do stuff like these, too.
What magic memories you are creating~
xXx
Every time I visit your blog, I get inspired, and this time is no exception! I signed up for Picnik about a year ago, but still haven’t fully explored all the features. Your beautiful pics really have me excited about spending some time learning more Picnik tricks. Of course, you have some very lovely models to work with. I will have to use my dogs….
Awww…all the little fairies look SO cute! What a fun party!