DIY Wednesday: Buzz Buzz!!

Ellie's security blanket is named Buzz Buzz. It's a little yellow blanket, backed in satin, and topped with the cutest little bumble bee, and on the corner it says "Buzz". It was the first baby gift we received, from a special friend, before we even knew she was a she! I've loved it from day one, and now Ellie loves it too! She would be lost without her Buzz Buzz, and we have since collected two more "just in case" Buzz Buzz's. Needless to say, Buzz Buzz has become the inspiration for Elliott's first birthday party. Last week I shared with you her invitations. This week, at the risk of ruining any element of surprise for those of you attending the party, I'm going to share with you some ideas for decorations.

The first thing I knew I was going to make were these cute tissue paper poms. Martha Stewart knows best, and her directions are simple and the best tutorial I've found. I bought black and yellow tissue paper, sat down in front of the tv, and got to work. The first one that I made was, well, less than perfect. I forgot to trim the edges of the paper.....makes for an odd shaped pom pom! The next one I did was also a major fail. I ripped about half of the tissue trying to "fluff" the pom. Hmm.....

Finally, I revisited the directions here, and looked up the topic on You Tube. I found some cute videos that really showed the "fluffing" technique, and I was on my way! They really are simple, you just need to have patience and take your time (oh yeah, and you'll need thin wire, tissue paper, scissors, and fishing wire or string.....that's it)! Relax, move slowly, and be gentle when "fluffing" the tissue paper. The way that you cut the edges can really affect how your end product looks, as well. If you want a softer look, definitely round the edges. If you want a spunkier look, cut them into a point......I love the sharper edges for this particular occasion, because it just makes me think of summer and little buzzing bumble bees!

My original idea was to make black ones and yellow ones, but then I thought it would be way more fun to mix the two! They actually turned out pretty cute, I think, and they look like little (big) bumble bees!! I still have a few more to make, but we've got time :)

Lastly I'll share with you just a sneak peek of Elliott's birthday banner. Now, anyone with a Cricut could easily make one of these, but I'm still proud :) I picked the font, the shape, the characters, etc and I think it turned out pretty darn cute! I had some help from my uber-talented sister-in-law, but then I was on my own to cut and assemble this adorable banner. I can't wait to display it at the party. Here's a little teaser for you:

Have a fantastic Wednesday!!! And if you liked this post, please vote for us here:

~Amanda