sneak peak into ella's candyland...

sarah (itsy bitsy photography) just did ella's birthday picture session.  we have been working on it for a little bit.  we decided to create ella's candyland.  and it turned out so cute!  this is what i like to call a little sneak peak into ella's birthday party. :)  to see some more of the pics visit sarah's blog! :)

i made this sign for the picture session, and to use as the welcome sign for guests at the front door.  gotta love chalkboard paint.  it was my first time using it..and i loved it!

candy, candy everywhere!

let's just say ella was in heaven. haha!

lollipop topiary

i thought i would share one of the projects i just finished up for ella's party today...it's a lollipop topiary! :)  i love that it's all candy, and bright colors!  ella's eyes light up everytime she looks at it! :)

i started with these zip-a-dee mini pops i bought from candy warehouse...

and a two-tier topiary i bought from crafts, etc.

it makes things so much easier to cut the sticks in half

ella..my little helper

i stuck them in both of the balls and then the bottom part too

 ella is demonstrating

it took exactly two bags of the lollis...

it is relatively simple to make...just time consuming

i stuck it in a pink pot and wrapped it in tulle...and tied it in a knot.

it's hard to tell, but i wrapped it in pink and white tulle.

whimsical. *check*  cheery. *check* childhood memories. *check* candyland. *check* colorful.*check* ella loves it (biggest priority) *check*

sneak peak ;)

ella's birthday is lurking just around the corner...i have been planning for what feels like forever...so now i feel like it's getting down to crunch time..ordering, creating, more buying, planning, invitations (my sister, melissa is making them..and i am so excited for them..they are sooo cute!..stay tuned for a pic when she is done)...ahhh..the list goes on and on. i have soooo many ideas swirling around in my head, i get dizzy just thinking about it..haha! anyway..the other day i started working on ella's birthday banners, and my second set of lollipops. i have discovered it's just easier doing a little bit here, and a little bit there. and you would think i would be doing all of this in my craft room..but no, this is exactly why a big island in the kitchen comes in handy..haha! i guess you learn to adapt when you have kids! when luke is sleeping..ella and i go to work on crafts! :) anyway..here's a look around our craft day.  keep in mind..nothing in these pics are finished...that will have to be revealed on the party day! ;)

this is my first attempt at making banners...and i totally entered a zone and was having so much fun making them!

gotta love the mess it makes...

i found this basket at an antique store a couple of weeks back.  it has come in handy toting around all of my crafting goods.  love it!

the start of one...

candy everywhere! ;)

these are so easy to make..some styrofoam..cellophane..ribbon..dowel..and voila! :)