Love IS All Around, Anniversary Balloons on Pinterest

I am totally blown away by the amount of pins on Pinterest to this one anniversary gift I made for my hubby.

It required 8 balloons and 8 love notes.

What I love most about seeing this project pinned so many times is reading the comments on ways people plan to adapt this project to their own lives. 

This truly touched my heart and shows Love actually is all around!

Here are a few of my favorites...

a child's birthday

welcoming home a spouse in the military (one for every month her husband is away, how sweet is that?!!)

random kind gesture for a boyfriend

a way to show "I'm Sorry"

Valentine's Day gift
50th Wedding Anniversary Party

for teachers
friends

“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around.”  -Love Actually

Ring in the New Year & Top Party Chick Honors

Happy 2012 everyone!

Never have I been so excited for a fresh start, a new year of possibilities. 

Image via Pinterest

I returned home from a great New Years Eve with friends to discover that I had been named one of the top party chicks of 2011 over on The Purple Pug, seriously? Wow. 

And also named as one of the 10(ish) Most Inspiring Party Peeps of 2011 over at Piggy Bank Parties! I hope you do check out both lists, there are some pretty amazing ladies mentioned!

2012 is off to a great start! 

New Year's Eve DIY Party Blowers & Decorations

I decided to make some New Year's decorations today, 

Yes, I might be avoiding the Christmas clean up that needs to happen.

I love this free New Year's Eve printable collection by The TomKat Studio. 

Something so classic about a black, white, and gray color combination. 

I even made my own party blowers using this fabulous tutorial over at The Silly Pearl. Mine are for decoration only (I wanted to create a festive fringe look), but you can make them work by taping the seams.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy New Year!


Linking to:

The Craftiest Craft Projects of '11

It's been fun looking back at all the parties I've hosted here at Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line,

Now it's time to review a few of my favorite craft projects of the year.

TOP: Paper Straw Garland :: Fabric Tied Mason Jars :: Rain Drop Cupcakes

MIDDLE: Plant Marker Food Labels :: Father's Day Golf Wreath :: Button Monogrammed Umbrellas 

BOTTOM: Balloon Anniversary Notes :: Itty Party in a Bitty Bag :: Bitty Bag Address Wraps

Linking to:

Holiday Open House '11

We love hosting holiday gatherings at our house,

such a nice time to visit with friends and family. 

I put together a little spread for our Open House Friday night, 

of Santa 'Staches, North Pole Truffles, and lots of cookies. 

North Pole Truffle inspiration from Jenny's Cookies

Santa 'Stache inspiration from Amy's Party Ideas

These were a huge hit with the kids!

I fell in love with the Merry & Bright Collection from Palm Beach Parties 

and had to use it for my invitations and party printables

{Keeping it Real}

I have two kids on antibiotics right now, 

one on a Nebulizer, and a funeral to attend. 

Trying hard to stay in a festive spirit. 

A Letter from Elfie {Including a FREE Elf on the Shelf Printable Letter from Piggy Bank Parties}

We are so excited that Christmas is finally here, 

though a little sad that our Elf on the Shelf will be leaving tonight. 

We have grown quite fond of our friend Elfie. 

We will miss his curious and happy nature. 

Wasn't it nice of him to leave us a note 

to reassure of of his return next December 1st?

See you next December 1st Elfie!

Create your own free editable note here from Piggy Bank Parties!

Do and J were so generous to offer the Elf letter as a free printable from their ultra adorable
Enchanted Elves Collection available in the Piggy Bank Parties Etsy Shop! 

Free & Printable Gift Tags Round Up

Presents are picked out and wrapped. 
Now we need some fun gift tags!
Here's some {FREE} printable tags made by some super sweet & talented peeps.

Chevron Tags by Swanky Press

Naughty/Nice Christmas Tags by Sew.Craft.Create

Four Tag Designs by Jones Designs Company

Festive Tags by Hank and Hunt on The Sweetest Occasion 

Tags from Paper Crave

Holiday Mail Stripes Gift Tags by Eat Drink Chic

An entire collection of free Holiday printables are available at Party Box Designs!

Happy Wrapping & Gift Tagging!

Divine Twine Ornament in 5 Minutes or Less

This ornament is so easy it will take you less than 5 minutes to make.

Wouldn't it make a cute Christmas present for a friend?

Just don't try to photograph it with one hand.

Trust me. 

Materials Used:

Cherry Divine Twine

Clear glass ornament

Ribbon

Scissors

Dab of hot glue

I thought about adding special messages inside, but it was just so pretty by itself 

2011: A Year in Parties at Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line

It's fun to look back at the year and see just how far I have come in just one year.  I have had some total craft fails and spent many hours researching html codes and blog tutorials, but I wouldn't change a thing. I have learned so much along the way and enjoyed every minute. 

FEBRUARY

I discovered my passion for party planning while creating a country "All Pigs Are Beautiful" themed baby shower for my sweet sister-in-law. This was the first party that I ever styled and photographed. 

All Pigs Are Beautiful Baby Shower

APRIL

April Showers Birthday Party 

I created this party for my rain boot loving 3 year old bugger with an April birthday. I'm still giddy that this party was featured by Amy Atlas!

JUNE
He's FAST, He's FUNNY, He's FIVE Party

An action packed, fun filled party for my special 5 year old. The kids all received capes, masks, and t-shirts and put their super hero skills to the test with a bouncy house, pinatas, and egg races. 

July
Book Swap Playdate Party

August
Little Monster Inspired Photo Shoot for Bird's Party Magazine

September

Kate Landers Classic Baby Shower

 Image courtesy of Bambella Cookie Boutique 

I had the unique pleasure of working with Kate Landers to help design and co-host her very own baby shower. Not only is Kate a mega-talented children's party planner, she is also a major sweetheart!

November

I finally had a chance to style a GIRL party for the daughter of a sweet friend of mine !

Pajama Glam Barbie Sleepover

So there you have it, a year of parties here at Crossing The Bugger-Dixon Line. A heartfelt thank you from the bottom of my heart shaped paper punch to the tips of my scissors for following along with me. I hope you stick around to see what 2012 brings!