{Party Inspiration} Apples, Apples!

I love Fall! The colorful leaves, the crisp air, and all of the delicious APPLES! Yes, I said apples. There is just something so wonderful to me about fresh, fall apples. Don't you agree? I was inspired by the recent cool down in Virginia and ready to style a Fall-themed party. My mind naturally focused on an APPLE theme (apple cider, candy apples, cider donuts...) and this is what I came up with for my inspiration:

An Apples, Apples! Themed Party Inspiration Board

This apple-themed party would be fun for a back-to-school celebration, an apple picking party, a fall birthday, or just to celebrate the season with your family and friends. What comes to mind when you think of Fall?

Image Credits:
1. Apple Cupcakes: What's New, Cupcake?  2. Apple Invitation: The Homespun Hostess  3. Candy Apples: Wedding by Color  4. Apples Sign: Hello Naomi  5. Cider Donuts: Handmade Simple  6. Apple Wreath: Faux Flora  7. Apple Plates Craft: Two Shades of Pink  8. Apple/Floral Centerpiece: Style Me Pretty  9. Apple Cider: Google

{Crafty Ideas} A Colorful Pencil Necklace

I came across this fun, colorful craft project a few weeks ago and thought that this would be a perfect time to share it with the start of school and the need for a little sunshine in our neck of the woods. It has been raining almost non-stop for an entire week here! We need some rainbows and bright skies!

Kate of Mini-eco created this fun pencil necklace using a junior hacksaw, tiny drill bit, sandpaper and some string. Each pencil-bead is 0.6mm in length.

To create, hold pencil firmly and cut a .6mm length section using a junior hacksaw. Once pieces are cut, lightly sand each end of each piece smooth. Drill a small hole through each pencil piece and string with your thread/string. While you will have to do the "heavy" crafting work, little ones will enjoy helping you create the pattern and stringing them as you go.

These would be a cute craft or favor for a rainbow or art themed party, don't you think? I hope that you enjoy!

And, just as I am wrapping this post up, sunny skies are trying to peak through. Hooray!

Back To School (Sweet Treats) Idea Round-Up

Well, hurricane Irene forced us to head home a little bit earlier than planned. We are still enjoying our vacation time, only now we are enjoying it at home. With just a little over one week away from the start of school, I thought that I would share some of my favorite Back To School Sweet Treat Ideas with you:

Oreo Apple Pops:
What a fun way to brighten a teacher's day on the first day of school! Amanda of Shindig Parties To Go! created some fun, FREE Back to School printables as well a wonderful tutorial for these amazing Oreo Apple Pops and Pencil Vase. These would also be a great little treat for the kids to come home to after their first day back, don't you think?!? Thank you for sharing this, Amanda!

Image: Shindig Parties To Go!

Pencil Treats:
Adorable! Just grab some Rollos, scrapbook paper, foil, and a Hershey Kiss to create this fun little treat. I couldn't find the original source for this idea, but Everyday Celebrating offers a supply list and a few details, here. These would be cute for both teachers and students!

Back to School Apple:
One Charming Party is helping you send your kids back to school with a fun little lunchbox treat. Simply print out their bookworm printable, cut out and punch a hole into the apple, and string with a cereal "worm". You can get the printable and directions over at One Charming Party, here.

Image: One Charming Party



Rice Krispy Apple Treats:
Turn a traditional snacktime favorite into a Back to School treat! Gourmet Mom on-the-Go created these yummy Rice Krispy Apple Treats to celebrate the start of the school year. Click here for the recipe and directions.

Image: Gourmet Mom on-the-Go

Enjoy!