diy Custom Birthday Banner

I have seen several adorable custom banners but they were far out of my price range. Especially considering that this will only be used one time! I decided to make my own. I purchased some great paper and I cut 6" circles on the Cricut machine (free to use at the store, I do not have my own. The damage I could do IF I owned one! WOW lol) Anyways, 6" circles of my patterned paper, then smaller 3 1/4" circles in solid coordinating colors. To be honest, I could have gone a little larger with the solid circles but, live and learn. It isn't perfect but it still works. I found a font that I wanted, Jerseyletters, for free online and installed it. I printed each letter that I needed (text size 325) and hand cut each letter. I used a hockey puck image from clip art as a separator. Glued a solid circle to the patterned paper, then glued the cut out letter. I made them a little random for fun.

Next, I used my hole puncher and punched a hole in each side, except the ends.

I inserted a small piece of  ribbon to attach them using a simple double knot.

For girls maybe a bow but that wouldn't work for my son!

Couldn't fit the entire banner in one picture so that the details showed. But it is all one piece.

I couldn't be happier with it. And it cost me barely over $5!! Paper $5, letters FREE, ribbon 20 cents. 

Gatorade Labels for Birthday Parties

We just had my son's 12th birthday party this last weekend and I had to share these. I am a fan of water bottle labels but never thought beyond that....until now!

I found some gorgeous paper at my local scrapbook store, and simply cut it into strips. I also purchased a solid color sheet and used the store's Cricut machine to create circles. (I REALLY want one of those machines! But for now I borrow. And it is free to use.) I bought the small sports packs of gatorade and removed the labels. I simply wrapped the strip of paper around the bottle and adhered it with a glue stick. I glued the circle down along the seam.

I created a logo that I used throughout the party and printed several out on a sheet of plain copy paper. My handy circle punch purchased umpteen years ago from a Creative Memories party came in handy, yet again. Glued the logo down and tada...completely custom labels that cost me less than $3.

More about the party to come. :-)

Super Cute & Simple Button Magnets

Ok so I admit, I am a total pinterest nut. But most of the diy's I love leave me feeling inadequate. Not this one. Literally my kiddos could do this.

I bought two items:
random buttons from my local scrapbook store 10/$1
adhesive magnet roll $2.99 from Hobby Lobby- used 40% off coupon = $1.80

First, I ran some thread I had at home through most of the buttons because I liked the way it looked better than the plain one (red button below right). Then, I simply cut a piece of the magnet strip and stuck it to the back of the button. Later, I did add some Super Glue. You could add hot glue, whatever. I just wasn't confident in the adhesive on the back of the magnet strip. I then filled up a box that I already had and they are all ready to give. I don't even know who I am giving them to, I just loved them.