Jude’s birthday is around the corner. (How do I have a ten month old!? …..but that’s another post.) I am in full swing for party prep around here. I first saw the idea for a circus party, this post actually, late one night while I was up with a tiny newborn, and I have been in love ever since. Now it seems like circus/carnival themes are EVERYWHERE, or maybe I am just noticing them more since it’s on my mind. I love that so many elements are DIY and can save you lots of money since parties can be quite expensive if you aren’t careful. The internet is a goldmine for inspiration on this theme, and Google Images is my best friend lately. Behold the beauty! (Click on the image if you want a closer look.)
Sources for the above inspirations: Peppers and Pollywogs, The Sweetest Occasion, Martha Stewart , Miko Design , Joyful Weddings and Events, The Creative Party Place, Gordon Gossip, 45 Wall Design , Jolie Jolie Design
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With a mobile and curious little boy, I don’t have loads of time, so most of my crafting is done late at night after he’s asleep. I have managed to sew a few pennant flags.
….And make a banner for his high chair when he eats his birthday cupcake.
There’s much more crafting to be done, and I know the date will sneak up on me, and I’ll be in a mad fury to finish half-done projects the week before, but as a party-planning fiend, I’m excited to see the final result. I’m also designing my own invitations for the first time ever using my digital scrapbooking program. In the end, after you pay for cardstock and ink, I’m not sure it’s that much cheaper, but I’m going to give it a try.
So that’s where I am on party planning around here. What about you? Do you have a favorite party blog that you use for inspiration? What about a post of your own where you profile your own soiree? If so, leave me the link in a comment. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
Mama the Reader 
Awesome! I love this idea. Can’t wait to see more pics of your crafting and the final result!
Love it!!! I love the website http://www.thepartydress.net. LOTS of cute ideas! It is easy to get wrapped up in it! I think we are going a teddy bear picnic route this year, or a children’s song theme. They both go together, but I have gotten SOO many cute ideas and thought of a lot of them on my own this year! Caleb has only asked for cupcakes and sprinkles this year, but we threw an impromptu teddy bear picnic over the summer and he loved it. I am thinking each guest gets their own red and white gingham picnic basket…and a bear hunt…oh the list goes on! I LOVE planning themed kids parties now!! 🙂
OOPS! I just realized I wasn’t logged in as “Tami” Oh well, you get the picture! 🙂
I haven’t embarked upon all the craftiness there is to be had with birthday parties yet, but we have done two so far and my best resource was parenting.com for easy, but adorable cakes. Here are the links to Zion’s first and second birthday-
http://www.messymom.com/2008/09/baby-zs-first-birthday.html
http://www.messymom.com/2009/09/zs-2nd-birthday.html