Copy That! Pottery Barn Kids Clothespin Advent Calendar

I love Pottery Barn Kids! I'm always scanning their site and finding things to order for my kids but also to get inspirational ideas! During Christmas I ran across this cute advent calendar. Although we have an awesome advent calendar already (one my mom made when I was a kid and then passed it down to me) I knew I could use this idea for one of the upcoming months. The Pottery Barn Advent Calendar is $149 but I'll show you how to make one for under $10!!

Here are the supplies I picked up. The wood board is from Lowes ($1.80)  that I painted white.  I picked up a few options from the $1 section at Target to show some of the different ways to put it together.

I picked up these number stickers from Hobby Lobby, normally $4.99 but on sale for $2.50. A few coats of Red paint (or any color you like) makes these the perfect thing for the days of the month.

Here's what they look like after I put 2 coats of red paint on them.

 

 Right now Target has some super cute crafty Valentine's Day decorations. I love these cute clothes pins already with the Valentines theme. At $1 a package you could get enough for your calendar for just $5!

Here's an example of how to use the painted numbers and clothes pins

 Target also has these cute felt heart envelopes that could be glued on to the board and small treats, kid coupons or trinkets could be put in each. 2 come in a package so $7 total.

I opted for these cute Chalk Board Clothes Pins. 4 come in a pack for only $1! I wrote the numbers 1-14 on the boards and attached them to my board with hot glue.

 I then attached a picture hanger to the back and that's it! My total cost was around $6. I then used a black paint pin and added our name. You could also add your kids name, put Happy Valentine's Day or any Valentine's Day saying that you love.

 I added these canvas bags that I filled with little treats for my kids. I also added coupons for my kids of fun things they like to do that they can redeem whenever they want. The bags I found on clearance at Michaels after Christmas and got them for .10 each.

 I also found these bags at Hobby Lobby. 24 bags per pack and on sale they were $1.50

Monster Party on a Budget!

I love an over-the-top party and I have thrown many. However, I wanted to show that you can take store bought decor and turn it into a fun and custom party for under $20!! Target has recently put out a new line of party decor. I'm going to feature several of their lines but I wanted to start with the "Monster Party". Here is a cost breakdown ....Tablecloth 2.59, Plates $1.69, Napkins $1.39, Banner $3.99, Gift Bags $1.99, Puppets $2. I used crepe paper and ribbon that I had lying around but total cost around $5. I spent $1.50 on printables.

I started with the banner. I took strips of ball fringe and glued one to the top of each pennant.

I then took strips of ribbon and tied it in between each pennant.

I also used tulle to create a fluff and give it a fuller look.

Continue adding ribbon until the area between each pennant is covered.

I added the printable "Thank You" Tags to the top of the store bought bags to give them a custom look.

I always like to add something extra to your ordinary printable cupcake topper.

Glue tulle onto a 2" circle. Continue around until you have completed a circle with the tulle.

I decided to cut slits into the tulle to give them a slightly wild look since it is a Monster Party! Once complete add a printable cupcake topper that has been punched out, a lolli pop stick to the back and finish with some curled ribbon tied onto the stick.

I used what was meant to be water bottle wrappers to make napkin rings. Simple cut out the strips and wrap around the napkins. Glue or tape the back to hold them in place.

These printable Sucker wrappers are super easy. Simple punch out the two yellow dots, fold on the score line and slide the sucker stick through the holes.

Here is the finished table:

Monster Party Printables

Here's A sneak peak at the free printables I am working on for my Budget Friendly Party. I am going to show you how to take one of Target's new party lines, add some custom features and these printables and have a super cute table for under $25...Coming Tuesday!:)


Monster Party

Planning for Easter

Although Easter seems to fall late this year, it will be here before we know it. After a long weekend of 22 family members staying at my house I am ready for some decorating therapy!! So, I am going to start pulling out the Easter Decorations. It's aways a challenge in a new house to figure out where everything will fit and look the best. I also have to start planning for my kindergarden and preschool kids parties as I am the room mom.

My gift bags and games will be in a future post. I already order their labels and gift bag tags from etsy and they turned out super cute!! But back to Easter planning decorationing. I always like to add to my decorations each year. Some of my favorite places to aquire new items are:

Hobby Lobby...They have really started caring some of the cutest decorations over the last fe years. You can get boutique inspired items at a fraction of the price. Plus each week they put some part of their holiday merchandise on sale. So, if its not on sale this week it will be next. I never pay full price for anything at Hobby Lobby! Next is Target...Yes it's normally hit and miss and not always cute but for those of us with kids there is no better place to stock up then target! For my plastic plates, kids place mats, gift bag fillers and other fun toys this is where I go. Also, everyone knows that the day after it is 1/2 price and if you have the storage space, stock up for next year!! As far as the kids bag fillers this is my favorite time. By the time I fill 40 bags it will cost a small fortune. So, I find ways to fill them for 1/2 the cost. Next is Etsy...for custom made or unique you can't find a better place. If you haven't checked out etsy.com you are missing out. I have bought things like custom boutique kids clothes, address labels, premade scrapbook albums, floral arrangements, pictures, etc. Next....Although these aren't stores, I love the lines of Round Top Collection, ESC, Raz And Bethany Lowe. Most of these can be found in online stores, local boutiques and even ebay. With that, I am off to start unpacking. Look for picture soon!