Pink Peppermint Blogger

My friend Katie’s oldest is starting Kindergarten in a few weeks. She mentioned that she’s been on the hunt for some cute printable signs to commemorate the first day of each school year. You know the ones you make your kids hold up in a picture on the first day of school?

Sounds cute, no? We both thought it might be a fun, free printable to offer. Here’s what I came up with. I have options for pre-school through senior year here and will likely do some that can be used for the last day of school too so you can see how much they’ve changed over the school year.

I changed up the design for the older kids. I’m sure there will still be plenty of eye rolling.

Here’s what they look like (if you don’t wait til 3:45 pm in front of your west-facing house on a 100 degree day). Sun grins. We don’t start until next week, but you get the idea!

I also got started thinking it might be fun to do some Seniors Class of … Sign printables. I always loved seeing those photos of a group of us in third grade who all graduated together years later. I hope to get some of the neighborhood boys with their Seniors Class of 2024 sign after they walk home from school on the first day! I have included Seniors Class of 2025 through Seniors Class of 2013. Here’s a cheat sheet for those of you who don’t want to do the math.

2012-2013 School Year

• Kindergarten – Class of 2025
• 1st Grade – Class of 2024
• 2nd Grade – Class of 2023
• 3rd Grade – Class of 2022
• 4th Grade – Class of 2021
• 5th Grade – Class of 2020
• 6th Grade – Class of 2019
• 7th Grade – Class of 2018
• 8th Grade – Class of 2017
• 9th Grade – Class of 2016
• 10th Grade – Class of 2015
• 11th Grade – Class of 2014
• 12th Grade – Class of 2013

Download free printable below. All signage is set up to print on an 8.5 x 11″ letter size page.

First Day of School Photo Signage

Seniors Class of 20… Signage Download

Enjoy! Back to School here we come!

You can find Last Day of School Photo signage here.

I was nosing around in some old files the other day looking to create a favor tag to go along with this bug party invitation in my online store.

I had all but forgotten about the other bug party invitation designs I did as a party of some custom design offering for this awesome bug party.

This is a hot theme this time of year, so I thought I’d show you what else I had for you to choose from.

For whatever reason, several of these are looking a bit neon on my display. They are all actually the green shown in the last invitation below–the “latest buzzz” version.

The gingham makes this version a little more preppy and playful and less, “ooh, gross. bugs!”

I think this next “Busy Bees” version works well for a bug themed party as well as Spring or Summertime soirees.

This smaller 4 x 6  inch”Latest Buzzz” version is a little less busy and works well for boys and girls.

I am working on loading my designs into a new online store, so I’m trying not to spend too much time adding items to the old store. Please know that you can ask for any design you see on the blog, whether you find it in the online store or not!

On that note, here are some bug-themed favor tags I just finished up! The fonts can easily be changed to match any of the existing invitation designs above. These are available in sets of nine. They are $10 for the first set of 9 and $5 for each additional page of the same design. So $15 for 18, $20 for 27 and so on…

All items are available with hand-punched bug munches, cut to look like bugs have been snacking on the edges of the invitation or favor tag. You can see a sample of the munching here.

Have fun buggin’ out!

A Star Wars- and Lego-loving boy I know just turned six! As you might guess, there are a wealth of parties out there to draw from, many with free printables. Yea! After several months of collaborative Pinterest board building, we had quite a selection of ideas to choose from–some Lego, some Star Wars, some Lego Star Wars.

As you may know, I do NOT do licensed character/themed parties. Yes, I made these invitations because the birthday boy is my nephew. No, I do not sell them, so please don’t ask, mmmK?

Thanks for your understanding!

They featured a Lego lightsaber handle and a pull-out folded saber with the invitation text printed right on.

It read, “Lightsabers, Minifigures and Lego Bricks. Jedi Jack is turning six! Celebrate we must! (Party date, time and location)

Attend will you? Do or do not. There is no try. Respond you must to the Jedi Council at (contact info).”

Now, onto the festivities of the day! Even though the pool was a bit too cool, there was still plenty of fun in the sun to be had.

This No. 6 sign made from Legos hung on the back gate to welcome guests to the party area.

The playhouse camouflaged in green branches was transformed into an Ewok Village. Look who the birthday boy found hiding up there!

There were epic noodle lightsaber battles, some bouncy house fun and even a Darth Vader pinata.

They paused for a walk on the Dark Side with this Darth Vader photo opp. Luke was there too!

The fun didn’t stop when it was time to eat.

This cute name banner is from BellyTickles on Etsy.

I’m loving these simple lightsaber napkin treatments Amanda made using this tutorial from Catch My Party.

And how cute are the drink boxes wrapped like Lego bricks? Here’s a link to the free printable file she used from Delia Creates.

There was also R2D2 water, mini bottles which were easily transformed with a geometric design printed and trimmed to size, and what else, but green Yoda Soda!

Download the free printable water bottle labels here.

droid water bottle labels

There was plenty of themed food to choose from too.

Lego Brick Oven Pizza

Leia Buns

Ewok Grahams

Chewie Granola Bars (you know you want to laugh)

Lego Spuds

Buildable candy bricks, pretzel lightsabers and more, including some awesome lightsaber freezer pop cozies from HandcraftingHarmony on Etsy. Brilliant!

And these fun candy lightsabers from extramoneyformommy also on Etsy. Sorry I don’t have any photos of those to share!

After all that food, and a lot more play, it was time for cake complete with lots of crazy cool fondant minifigures. I’m sure the birthday boy was in Lego Star Wars heaven.

Happy 6th Jedi Jack!

We just finished up the spring youth baseball season here. One of the team members invited us all out to swim yesterday, and the boys (and a gaggle of 4-year-old sisters) had a blast! I asked what I could bring, realized the food was well taken care of and decided instead to focus my efforts on a little something for the coaches who have spent so much time and effort over these last few months working with the boys.

I thought about what would be meaningful to the coaches and wanted something each player could leave his mark on. I debated between a frame and a miniature wooden bat they could all sign. I went on a scouting trip to Michael’s and scored some small 9×9 shadowbox frames in the graduation section.  They had a small opening in the center for a photo and a wide matte that all the boys could sign. Our team was the Reds this year, so I used my cutter to make a replica of the team logo and mounted it in the center. If you don’t have access to a cutter (or have a really complicated team logo), I think a logo patch would also look pretty awesome. I used some dimensional glue dots to make the logo stand out a little.

We grabbed each kiddo on the sly at batting practice before the last game on Saturday and had them sign with their name and number. I think they turned out pretty cool. Both coaches will have boys playing ball for many years (they were both exceptional players), and I hope they will look back on their little 6- and 7-year-old signatures and remember 2012 ball fondly.

We wrapped them up Reds-style and presented them to each coach after the boys got their trophies. I think everyone was really pleased with the way they turned out!

We had SUCH a fantastic experience this year. I wish we could stay with this team and coaches every season, but if we don’t I guess I can use this idea again next season.

Who are we? REDS!

Most people don’t think of a wild party when throwing a first birthday, but the one I am sharing with you today totally fits the bill. In just a few weeks’ time I helped my friend, Gina, pull together a celebration for her little boy, Davis. I think you’ll agree it came together great! Here’s the invitation.

It read, “Want to hear something WILD? Our little tiger is having a birthday. Please join us as we celebrate…”

Here’s the welcome sign, which I confess makes me giggle. Every. Time. For those of you who weren’t feeling old enough today, that song was released a quarter century ago. Sigh.

I digress. Back to the party! When guests arrived, they received these pith helmets for later backyard exploration.

Here’s mom and Davis, the birthday boy now! Cutie pie.

They had the snack plan all mapped out with wild safari goodies. I am loving that grass table skirt!

They served Monkey Munch (banana chips), Tiger Tails (Cheetos), Chocolate-Covered Ants (Chocolate Raisins), Jungle Juice and more!

Big sister is keeping a watchful eye over the Zebra Cakes. Smart girl!

Here’s a closer look at the cupcakes and toppers–monkeys and tigers with giraffe and zebra prints.

Party goers snacked and played. They enjoyed a round of jungle golf and played Elefun, a silly game where butterflies flutter out of an elephant’s trunk and the kids try to catch them with nets. They later threw on their pith helmets, and the party dads led them on a nature walk.

Then, it was time for cake! How totally adorable is this smash cake?

Friends went home with these appropriately-themed reusable bags filled with goodies–the tiger and elephant motifs a subtle nod to the two teams of the household. Inside were animal masks and tails, animal paddle ball sets, temporary tattoos and animal crackers!

The favor tags read, “No lion, that was WILD!”

Thanks to Gina for sharing these beautiful pictures from her family’s special day. Happy birthday big boy!

Here’s a look at the custom safari collection I created with Gina for Davis’ party.

This includes invitations and favor tags, a party banner, write-in menu cards, double-sided cupcake toppers, welcome sign and party hat.

Watch for this collection to be added to the online store soon!

I’ve got quite a few parties that I’ve been meaning to share with you. Since we are getting into the thick of wedding season, first up is this beautiful summertime 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration my sister and her family threw for her in-laws.

When we first began discussing the party, and looking around for supplies, I’d have to say we were both underwhelmed by the product offerings specific to the Golden Anniversary. There is, what I would call, a big opening in the marketplace for tasteful 50th anniversary party goods and accessories. Martha, if you’re reading this, we’d love to see what you can do with bringing some gorgeous options to a store near you. Or me.

No worries, though. We knew we’d have to get a little more creative with the decorations and the use of the color gold throughout. Both of my sister’s in-laws are retired educators. Her father-in-law was an administrator and taught biology, and her mother-in-law is a local historian. History lending itself ever so slightly more toward this kind of party in a small historic New England town, we decided on a “50 years of history” theme. The party was held at a local historic mansion designed in the 1850s with lovely details and beautiful grounds.

Isn’t this a great location to celebrate a couple’s history? Here’s a look at the invitation I created.

Guests were welcomed into the home by this beautiful door treatment. I love how the garland traces the shape of the door and the initial detail on the wreath.

This is one of my favorite details!

The buffet and bar were set up inside, while they took advantage of the gorgeous grounds for seating.

Muted gold and ivory linens added to the feel of this “golden” celebration and worked well with the yellow and ivory flowers in over-sized gold mint julep cups.

A note of caution. My sister had ordered pale yellow roses online in bulk from a wholesaler for the party. Without warning, they substituted yellow rose of Texas colored flowers, which clashed with the gold vases. WHAT? Many of those ended up on the kids’ table, but she was able to buy enough pale yellow and ivory roses locally to mix in with those she had ordered. I think the arrangements turned out beautifully!

Since it was a casual family affair, the kiddos had their own pint-sized table, complete with bubbles and coloring books to keep them happy and occupied.

Looks like it worked!

Inside friends and family viewed a slide show of photos from the last 50 years. Outside, they enjoyed food and drink and had a good time catching up while listening to hit music from the year the couple married. Then, they turned their attention to the main event. Cake!

But first, our historian honoree took a moment to share the historical relevance of the mansion and the grounds the guests were enjoying!

Then it was time to bring out the cake. This three-tiered beauty included one layer of her favorite, carrot cake, one layer of his favorite, chocolate, and then yellow cake for the remainder.

50 years! A golden chapter in the history book.

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve had any of these to share due to school policies, but this year here I am with two! Score. Here are a couple of quick and inexpensive ideas to treat classmates with on the last day of school. First up, this useful scoop o’ candy.

I thought this was a cute and easy way to give something the kids would be excited about (the candy) as well as something they could use this summer (the scoop, shovel or sand sifter). What kid doesn’t love to dig? Put your candy in the scoop, insert the whole shebang into a small (approx 4×8″) cello bag, tie off with twist tie or rubberband, and add cute ribbon and tag. Voila!

I was pretty pleased with the way these came out. Days later,  I saw a similar picture on Pinterest, and now I don’t know which came first. Did Pinterest plant the seed in my subconscious or is there some other crafty momma on the same wave length? Who’s to say at this point?

I can def claim credit for this cute tag though. I was there. I saw me make it. It says, “It’s Summertime! Can you dig it?”

I can also claim credit for this tag I whipped up for the treats Lauren’s son handed out. Moon Dough!

It reads, “Summer’s here! I’m over the moon. Have a blast and let’s play soon!” Lauren also included contact info for summer playdates, which I think is a cute touch.

She wrapped it all up space-age style with cosmic ribbon and stars. The contents were somewhat concealed so there wouldn’t be any fighting over the colors. You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit!

Quick. Easy. Inexpensive. Festive. Happy Summer!

Just ran across a picture of a quick and easy summertime packaging I whipped up for year-end gifts last year.

If you’re even slightly crafty, there’s a good chance you have all the items you’ll need lying around your house. Yea!

You’ll need:

• green handled bag
• red- or melon-colored tissue paper
• black Sharpie marker
• 1 to 2 inch circle punch or scalloped circle punch

Draw “seeds” in marker on the visible ends of your tissue paper. Then, use a circle or scalloped punch to mimic bite marks along the top of the bag.

I finished mine off with a version of these gift enclosures and a matching grosgrain ribbon tie. What a fun and simple way to spiff up a gift for teachers or instructors when you’re breaking for the summer. It’s fun gift wrap for summer birthday present or for a hostess gift for a summertime soiree. It seriously could not be easier, and I don’t know about you, but I am all about something that looks like it took lots of effort but didn’t.

Happy summer!

A friend just suggested a grandfather’s version of our free Meet My Dad printables, and may I say, “Duh.” Why didn’t I think of that?

Here are two versions sure to tickle your Granddaddy, Pop, PawPaw, Gramps or Grandpa’s funnybone!

Top Pop Casual Granddad Printable

Meet My Granddad Tie Printable 2012

Enjoy!

Today, I thought I’d share this custom piece I just finished a few weeks ago for a sweet little paper boy who’s turning one! His mom is going with a sort of vintage newspaper theme and asked if I could come up with some invitation options. She supplied this totally adorable picture of her little man, complete with paper boy cap. Swoon. Isn’t he a doll?

I seriously want to eat him up. I played around with several invitation options, some more design-driven and less newspaperesque than others. In the end, it was this straight-laced, traditional layout and journalistic style of copy that won out. I think it’s playful and unexpected, which sort of makes the whole invitation a bit more whimsical, no? What do you think?