Getting Ready to Head Back to School

It's that time of year again, when the temperatures drop 20 degrees in a day, the leaves start to change colors, and the little (and big) kiddos head back to school. Most of our teacher friends have already gone back to school or will this week. Luckily, we still have another week and a half before our new school year starts. In honor of the new year, I decided to make a banner to mark the occasion (because, why not?!)

I was inspired by another chalkboard banner I was working on and thought a school one would be perfect (of course!) To add some special touches, the heart has been glittered and I added some tissue paper fringe, since glitter and fringe make everything better- even the first-day-of-school jitters! I think it's pretty awesome, even if I've already gotten a complaint or two about it. It was totally understandable, though. He's just not quite ready for school to start and would much rather have it be summer all year!
*Also, FREE to any teacher or staff member who might want a banner to decorate their space this year!!*
Thanks for stopping by this morning! Have a fantastic day!

It's Time for Oktoberfest!

Good morning! I hope everyone is having a great start to their weekend. It's going to be another scorcher here today- the last few days have all been in the high 90's (which is saying a lot for us out here). Luckily, the mornings are nice and the cooler weather gives you some time to think clearly, instead of just wanting to nap and not do much of anything- hence the reason I'm writing now!
One way to look at it is that with the "end" (??) of summer begins fall! We're getting closer and closer to cooler temperatures, leaves changing, Pumpkin Spice-everything, and Oktoberfest! This week has been occupied with getting items ready for a few of these parties. We're currently working on two- a "Gardenfest" party (which sounds like a lot of fun ;) ) and a Little One's First Birthday. Here are a few pictures of what we have so far:

 

There are a few more items that need to get finished this weekend. Hopefully a good chunk will get done this morning before it gets too hot and no work will get done! 

Oktoberfest items available here.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!!

Welcome, Little One!

Good morning! I've been a little quiet around here. I know, I know. I say it ever time that I'm going to post more frequently. And then never do. (Although 3 weeks is more frequent than normal!!) There just isn't enough hours in the day to get everything done! I can't seem to even finish the little things in time...
Anyway, one thing I did get done in time was a new baby gift for a Little One who's making her appearance any day now! (Hopefully she's punctual!!) My new, go-to "New Baby" gift are baby blocks counting months and years in Baby's life.

These personalized blocks are perfect for the monthly pictures that have become so popular. I went with a pink and gray critter scheme to match the nursery (or at least I hope it does...) The gator is a 'tribute' to her mom's past- I couldn't find any animal riding a bike ;) And, of course, there is a matching card to complete the gift.
Until next time, thanks for looking and have a great day!

Catching Up!

Good morning! It has obviously been quite a while since anything was posted here. The last few months have been extremely busy around here- between the parents visiting, the end of the school year, packing up and moving in, and working on a TON of orders in June and the beginning of this month, it finally feels like I can take a moment to sit back, relax, and take a deep breath! (Yesterday was the first time in quite a while I didn't actually do much of anything... and I kind of felt bad about it...)
Anyway, like I've said, it's been quite a busy few months. Here are some projects I've worked on:
     * A slew of invitations:

       * New party favors (including additions to the princesses!)

 

(These "Diego" bags aren't brand new, but I wanted to share them here!!)

      *  Some assorted items:

      * And lastly, some larger-scale party decorations:

Now, hopefully I can work on those New Year's Resolutions- keeping everything updated and start working on all the new projects I have in mind!!

May the 4th Be with You!

After all these years, I finally broke down and hopped on the Star Wars bandwagon. I guess it's about time, too, especially when you have more than a handful of family members, both young and old, who are fans... I have two "inspired" projects to share with you today. The first is a birthday banner:

For the banner, I used a font similar to the one used throughout the franchise. To add a girly, yet subtle, touch, the letters and pennant backgrounds were made in "galactic gold" (perfect name, huh?!) Of course, everything is multi-layered, because that's what I do! The two banner pieces are book-ended with some favorite characters.

 This is where it got a little tricky, because of the characters. I didn't want to just print and cut the characters out (Eww, yuck. I never liked the look of that. Anyone can print out pictures and glue them on.) After a little work and maneuvering, and patience with the small pieces, everything came together, better than planned! (I may be a small fan now, only because of this)
The second project is a matching birthday card for the Brother (talk about old fan...) I had one card designed and (somewhat) ready to send out, but then this idea came into my head and I decided to go with it. I hope he's OK with it 1.) being late and 2.) not a surprise...

The inside of the card, which I unfortunately don't have a picture of, is printed out in the same font as the banner and reads "Wishing Yoda Happiest Birthday, I am. Celebrate, you must." (obviously read in Yoda's voice)
Who knew Star Wars could be so fun?! Now, maybe I'll continue working on the matching party favors I started like two years ago...
Have a great day!

We're Back! (And Brought Along a Few Friends!)

Oh, my!! We're back! It has obviously been quite a long time. I'd love to be able to use some amazing, awesome excuse as to why we haven't posted anything here in such a long time, but after trying out some new endeavors, this little piece kind of got pushed to the back burner. Not forgotten, just kind of like the week-old leftovers in the fridge. In the meantime, we have been working on putting a cohesive look to our little business, a new "stand-alone" online store, orders, and every day life (who knew naptime for the Little One would turn into naptime for the Big One, too? Or at least the Big One being used as a pillow?)
After debating internally for a while, we have decided to take the next step and open an on-line store. Not that we don't love our Etsy store, but we thought maybe it was a good time to branch out and try something new, and hopefully bring along a few friends and make some new ones! We have more items available in this store, including many new invitations (for now. One section at a time!) The link to this new store is www.twoearlybirds.com/our-store. Like everything in life, it's a work in progress!
I guess now that the mundane is done (tried to keep it quick and simple!) we have a few new projects planned over the next few months. (Hopefully we can keep on top of things and not let it slide like we've done in the past...) With the new movie "Finding Dory" coming out later this summer, we decided to start Dory-themed party line. We probably should have started with invitations, but sometimes an idea comes to you and you have to run with it! This was one of those projects:

This piece features everyone's favorite Blue Tang and Clown fishes.

The fish and letters are pop-dotted, of course!And the middle space features a little under water scene, with a little Peach and a seagull in the corners:

I can't wait to see what the rest of the decorations will look like! A few other banners and the circle garland are next up on the to-do list!
Thanks for stopping by! Have a fintastic day (get it?!)!

Happy 4th!

I know it's a bit late, especially as I am listening to the fireworks going off, watching the All-American movie Forrest Gump as I write this, but I hope that everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July today!

This is how I celebrated today, doing what I love, by creating this little banner and garland- pretty much the extent of my decorating for the holiday.
Have a great night!