25 Jul 2012 8 Comments
Jayden’s Barnyard Birthday Bash
The months leading up to Jayden’s first birthday had my head swimming with ideas on how to make it special for him, his brother and all our guests. As you all know from my previous party planning posts, the theme I decided to go with was Festive Barnyard.
I know some people are thinking, that Jayden won’t even remember this and why put so much effort into a first birthday party? Because I enjoy and love party planning specially if it’s for the people I love and care about. I can’t help myself but to go all out! Jayden may not remember but we will have great photos to show him someday.
Invitations
I already blogged about it so you already know that I went way overboard! I hand made all 80 of them and it took forever even with Michael’s help. I had fun making them though and everyone loved them so it’s all worth it.
Birthday Book
Just like what I did for Big J, I created a photo book for Little J, summarizing his first year of life (from the day we found out I was pregnant up to his first birthday) and ordered it through Shutterfly. I left a few blank pages on the back of the book for people to sign. But instead of spelling ’Happy Birthday Jayden’ out of the wooden alphabet blocks blocks, I had custom made barnyard wood blocks on the welcome table.
Fabric Banner
Rather than spending $60 to get a custom made fabric banner on etsy, I spent about $10 and sewed it myself. And I still have plenty of fabrics left to make another banner!
Stick Horse
I love the look of vintage stick horses and I thought it would make a good photo prop for a barnyard party but I was determined not to spend $40 for one so I tried making it myself! I used a very inexpensive fabric (99 cents!), wooden dowel, spare buttons, yarn and grosgrain ribbon. The first fabric I cut was a failure. The 2nd try, I got to the part where I sewed it but it didn’t look like a horse. Third time was charm! My 2.5 year old actually had so much fun helping me stuff the horse.
Favors
1. Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies: I purchased a bunch of muslin cloth with drawstrings online and hand stamped them with barnyard animals and used them to package the cookies.
2. Apple Juice: I designed and printed the labels for them.
3. Honey: I purchased 3 oz. honey bear bottles online and custom labels and filled them with pure honey.
4. Cow and Pig Kiddie Bags: I made them using construction paper and I put a piggy bank and a couple play doughs inside for the kids.
Chalkboard Signs
I was surprised how expensive chalkboard signs are so I decided to make my own! I purchased frames from the dollar store and painted them with chalkboard paint.
I also made little signs out of cheap wood and clothespin.
Lemonade Stand and Wooden Crates
As soon as I decided to have a barnyard birthday, I started looking for wooden crates but they are very pricey especially the vintage ones. I was elated when Michael’s cousin told me he has a lot of scrap wood at his house. We spent one weekend wood working and I had so much fun using the power tools. I was a little scared at first but once I started, I was hooked!
Mason Jars
Real mason jars are pricey so I cheated and used Starbucks’ frapuccino bottles! We bought them at Costco early this year so no, we didn’t drink them everyday for the last month! Haha.
First we peeled off the label and cleaned the excess sticky residue with Goo-Gone, washed them and of course, we used the dishwasher to sanitize them twice.
Cakes & Cupcakes
A party is nothing without cake of course! I made cupcakes and cake with fondant toppers.
This is my third time making them and I’m getting more used to it!
Water Bottle Labels
I designed and printed them using waterproof labels that purchased online.
Decors & Photo Props
I made the mustache using cardstock and wooden sticks and I got the rest from my old trusted Amazon.com!
