My Very Special Christmas Gift

Once in awhile you get a gift that is so amazing, you just have to share..This special gift was under my tree Christmas morning. Custom created for me-The Purple Pug- by the Head Monkey (who is also my sissy) of Monkey See Monkey Do Art Studio . Can't wait for my 2010 studio reorganization and design to showcase these dazzling pictures. Thanks JoJo-love you and your awe-inspiring arty talent.
I am in mad, passionate love with these canvases..or it is canvi? LOL!

The Patchwork Elephant & Pom Pom Garland

The Patchwork Elephant Design
Ribbon Chandelier, Pom Pom Garland
Cupcake Toppers, Bookmark, Jar Labels

handmade patchwork elephant
centerpiece flag

mini patchwork elephant
coloring books

hand glittered elephant cupcake toppers

patchwork elephant
party favor bags

I love the idea of giving a book and a handmade
bookmark as a party favor. Very special indeed.

Easiest idea ever. Hot glue theme coordinating
pom poms around your containers, centerpieces, pails

You'll be seeing a lot more of these. I plan on
making new ones every ten minutes or so. LOL!

I seriously love elephants. Gray, pink, blue or patchwork. Any and all bring a TON of happiness to me. LOL! I also love to read to my children. I don't like to play trains or cars or dinosaurs, but I do cherish snuggling up with them to read stories. Elmer the Elephant is one of our favorite stories-ever. It is funny, colorful and it has a universal message that it is way okay to be a different. My patchwork Elephant design was inspired by my boys' mad love for this jokester elephant.

I also have an unending love for pom poms. I wish I had the time and talent to make them from scratch. I have all the pom pom winding tools and plenty of yarn, but I never find them time to figure out how to make an old school pom pom. Craft poms will always do and I try to find unique ways to use them in my designs. I think they are often overlooked and I feel sorry for them..LOL! I have hot glued them around the base of my beloved tin pails and I think they make an amazing presentation.

I have been trapped inside today due to an impending snowstorm, and had some free time, so I whipped up this snazzy little Pom Pom Garland. Vibrant, craft-store poms strung together. This is such a simple project with big impact. Oh, and I also have a huge crush on crazy ribbon. Love to mix and match widths, textures, patterns and colors. I tied ribbon scraps in between poms for even more fabulous, fluffy fun. Super easy.

Lesson of my day.. Dare to be different:) Be you an elephant or a crafty Mama.

The Black, White and Rainbow ZEBRA

Newest design
The Rainbow Zebra

Ribbon Chandelier

Black & White mixed
with Vibrant Colors is just...hip & happening

I adore cellophane. Dramatic and gorgeous
presentation for everything.

Handcrafted, round labels can be used for
favors, decoration, labeling-anything!

I am over the moon for Paper Flowers
I use them for every occasion

I have seriously been dreaming about this design for weeks. Finally finished it and I am so glad I did! Take your standard, adorable zebra-add rainbow stripes, a party hat, pom pom and this zebra is ready to rave. Totally inspired by a fave childhood candy-Fruit Stripe Gum. I am also madly in love with black & white, mixed with vibrant colors. It feels fresh, whimsical and sophisticated for a child's party.

I have also designed a coordinating, colorful Ribbon Chandelier. This makes for a simple and super cool decoration. I love to mix and match ribbon colors, patterns and widths. Perfect for any celebration! The Purple Pug loves to party. Period.

The Violet Invitation

Custom, Handmade & Glittered Invitations

Handmade + Glitter=Love

These invitations are my current crush. I adore all things handmade. I love to see a name, number or initial on party goods. Makes everything seem so important and special. Add some glittery sparkle and I am madly, truly deeply in love. I can make these invitations for any occasion-in any color palette.

Real Party: Princess Giana's Royal 1st

Handmade Cake Topper Flag
Initial "G" Cupcake Toppers
Decorative Label used on Hat Box Cake Stand

Royal Cupcake Display

Partyware custom design by The Purple Pug.

Princess Giana's Royal 1st Birthday. What could be cuter? Giana's Mom wanted a princess theme, but more of a Renaissance Princess. She chose an elegant color palette of Pinks and Burgundy. My sister styled this party and I think she did an amazing job-as always. Beautiful party, beautiful little princess.

Real Party: Welcome Little Sailor Baby Shower

Blues and Yellow were the overall colors used
for this Little Sailor Baby Shower.
Hand Glittered Sailboat Cupcake Toppers
and Custom Cupcake Wraps dress up these
gorgeous cupcakes.

Handmade Sailboat Centerpiece Flags
were anchored into custom buckets filled
with sand.

Coordinating, printed menus are a simple way
to add elegance and importance to any occasion.

Several young ladies attended this
shower and were given sweet Little Sailor
Mini Coloring Books and Crayons.

Beautiful display of the Mini Coloring Books
and the Party Favors for the guests.

Handcrafted Sailboat Favor Tags
adorn the wrapped party favors.
Party favors included a package of Chips Ahoy
cookies. Back of tags read "SHIPS AHOY! It's a BOY!"
Wrapped underneath that was a box of Crackerjack
with the Little Sailor Boy on the box. Too cute!

For a very special activity, guests painted custom
designed Onesies for the Little Sailor on his way. Onesies
were all designed with a nautical/sailing theme.
Assorted sizes were included.

Getting ready to paint

Blue beverages add to the fun

Mini "Life Preservers" (Mint Life Savers)
add even more cuteness

This Little Sailor, Nautical themed Baby Shower was such an honor to be a part of. I am over the moon with how this one turned out. Mom to be knew she was expecting a bundle of boy and wanted a Sweet Little Sailor themed shower to celebrate this joyous occasion. I love nothing more than to see real party pictures and wish I was at every single spectacular event. This one was Ship Shape for Shore:)