Today we had an Elf Celebration. Sugarwings was so excited, and talked about it all day yesterday, she just couldn't wait. She thought it was the elf's birthday and sang Happy Birthday all morning.
She and I drew an elf, then painted and cut it to copy onto this little rhyme that I wrote about the party's theme, then we made up gift bags for the kids who were coming over.
Each small guest got some treats, a black and white copy of the elf picture to color, and an elf of their own.
I have had a fondness for these cuties since I was a kid and have a big collection of them, that I was happy to share with my friends today.
We started with edible snowflakes, cut from soft flour tortillas. The idea was to saute the cut tortillas in butter and add powdered sugar and color sugar sprinkles, but my little fairy grand baby enjoyed snacking on the corners she cut out of her creation. She also really got into dumping colored sugars onto the finished product.
There were lots of other goodies to eat, along with sparkling fruit juice in glasses you could toast with.
At Michael's after Christmas sale, I bought lots of supplies to make elf hats for 75% off, and rolls of snowman wrapping paper to use as table clothes.
The work could be pretty serious at times.
But at others, jumping up and down was called for. Sugarwings was a blur most of the day. My friends are a bit shocked at how much energy that little one has coiled up inside of her. She is always on the go!
But, with her buddy, Julia's help, she slowed down enough to get a elf hat completed.
Shawn's daughter, Bethany made a really cute hat. She is an accomplished crafter and when Shawn comes out for a craft day, I always know that Bethany will create something sweet.
Max made a snow guy hat. And asked me to paint a matching snowman on his face.
When it was Sugarwing's turn for some face painting, she turned the tables and painted me instead.
We both ended up painted, although, most of my paint is on my saggy, baggy, old lady neck and when I look down, like in this photo, it is hidden.
I just can't imagine a more fun way to spend a morning. Time to sit and talk with best friends while drinking coffees and eating quiche, hot Cinnamon rolls and crunchy snowflakes, then crafting elf hats with some of my other, smaller pals. This is a good start to the new year, I can't wait to see what other fun is waiting for me in 2009!
edit- Shawn has a great camera and just sent me photos from today, so I am adding them on-
Your energy and enthusiasm are boundless! What a fun party you had.
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | January 02, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Karla, you are an inspiration!! I LOVE this idea! I want to come over and play with you and Sugarwings :) You are the best grandma!
Love ya,
Amy
Posted by: Amy of Bunny Rose Cottage | January 02, 2009 at 03:49 PM
You are THE BEST GRANDMA EVER! It looks like everyone had tons of fun. I'm with Amy, wish I could come over!
Posted by: Ele atabitofpinkheaven | January 02, 2009 at 04:48 PM
What a fun idea! I know my 6 year old would love it. I just saw a cute project for kids on Amy's blog, (http://inspireco.blogspot.com/) I'm sure you could put your own "spin" on it!
Stacy
Posted by: Stacy | January 02, 2009 at 04:49 PM
Whow what a great idea! There is nothing as much fun as a crafting party, I think I'll follow your example. Your photos show so much pleasure always, I love them all, but the one with Sugarwings wearing the elf's hat is my favorite!
Posted by: LiLi M. | January 02, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Oh, it looks like everyone had such fun! I love the picture of Sugarwings in her party hat!
Posted by: Cassie | January 02, 2009 at 05:00 PM
What a wonderful idea, after all the hard work the elves need a party.
“She is always on the go!” Now was that referring to Sugarwings or her grandmother?
Louise
Posted by: Louise | January 02, 2009 at 05:31 PM
Wow Karla, I so want to play at your house, you really are the Party Queen and Sugarwings is sooo lucky to have such a wonderful role model. I am sure in years to come she will look back at your blog life and be so proud and amazed that you belonged to her!! Just lovely, big Kiss Noises Linda Lilly Cottage.
Posted by: Linda Lilly Cottage | January 02, 2009 at 05:37 PM
That looks like such fun.....Sugarwings is beautiful. Wonderful memories to share......
Christa
Chloe Rose
Posted by: Christa from Chloe Rose | January 02, 2009 at 05:50 PM
I love this idea...and it looks like your darling little guests did too!
I had one of those elves when I was a kid too and loved it---wonder whatever happened to her!
Posted by: Marilyn | January 02, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Karla thank you so much for having us. Bethany told Corey that you were her best friend :) She had so much fun and loves her little elf. I sent you some pictures of adorable sugarwings and the other kids. Thanks again and your quiche was wonderful!!!
Posted by: Shawn | January 02, 2009 at 06:06 PM
What sweet, sweet pictures! You do the "funnest" parties. You and Sugarwings are two of a kind, that pic of the two of you with your paint-splattered shirts is classic. :)
Thanks for asking about my pacemaker. It's doing much better and I'm able to rest now without a racing heartbeat, thank God.
Posted by: Jessica | January 02, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Karla, You just seem to have a never ending supply of great ideas-an ELF party- who else would have thought of that. The kids and everyone else seemed to be having a ball. Great way to start 2009.
Have a wonderful evening.
Jean in Virginia
Posted by: Jean Eakin | January 02, 2009 at 07:39 PM
You have the best time with your little sugarbaby!!! Sweet party theme - love that snowflake idea out of the flour tortillas!! LindaSonia
Posted by: LindaSonia | January 02, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Oh.. what a totally fun day you all must have had!!!
Posted by: Vicki C | January 02, 2009 at 09:30 PM
Oh Karla..... I want to be your grandbaby too. Hhmmm...could be a problem with the age difference but we can pretend....can't we?? I think you are truly amazing and your zest for life is inspirational.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Posted by: Kerryanne English | January 02, 2009 at 09:57 PM
What fun! I love the snowflake tortilla idea!
Posted by: michelle | January 02, 2009 at 10:21 PM
It looks like it was lots of fun! The tortilla snowflakes are awesome, and I LOVE your tutu!
Blessings,
Lorilee
Posted by: Lorilee | January 02, 2009 at 11:49 PM
What a fun party! You are a rockin' grandma! I adore the pic of you and sugarwings in your painted shirts.
xoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: tiffany~shabby scraps | January 03, 2009 at 01:09 AM
I think Twinks wanted something painted on her furry cheek!
Posted by: phyllis | January 03, 2009 at 01:36 AM
What a wonderful art party! Sugarwings is so lucky to have you for a Grammy!
Posted by: Sheila R | January 03, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Karla,
What fun! Your granddaughter is so lucky to have you for her grandmother. She will always remember you. I just have to say that she is so cute. I can imagine all of the fun the 2 of you have and then probably some nap time!
Kana
Posted by: Kana Conger | January 03, 2009 at 09:47 AM
WOW what a party I can not wait to share with a my grand kids. Thanks
Posted by: Elaine | January 03, 2009 at 12:24 PM
OMG what fun! Sugarwings is a very lucky little girl to have such a wonderful grandma! What a fabulous thing to do and an amazing memory for all of these kids. (And you weren't motivated??) I know where Sugarwings gets her energy, it's from her Grandma!! Where do you get yours?! I want some!
Posted by: gail | January 03, 2009 at 01:09 PM
i love this! i love having crafty fun with kids. awesome idea. xo
Posted by: Elyse | January 03, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Sugarwings is so lucky to have a grandma like you! Looks like everyone had a fun time at the elf party. What a great idea! Also love the snowflake snacks!
Posted by: Leslie | January 03, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Hi Karla!!
What a wonderful art party!
What fun!
Hugs
Posted by: Jorgelina | January 03, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Your house seems like such a warm, cozy home! An Elf party is a wonderful idea and I loved to see the pictures of the kiddies having good, messy crafty fun.
Posted by: Stephanie O. | January 03, 2009 at 03:28 PM
What a delightful party! Sugarwings is as cute as always! My favorite part was definately the edible snowflakes. Thanks as always for the great project ideas. Happy new year!
Posted by: Greta | January 03, 2009 at 05:09 PM
What a wonderful Grammi you are! You're lucky to have her so close by. How's that pup?
Posted by: Shirley | January 03, 2009 at 05:34 PM
Hi!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
I have looked in your shop and you really make beautiful crafts/things!
It looks like the childrens party was a success, they all look so cute!
Mia
Posted by: Mia | January 03, 2009 at 06:43 PM
You are the best Grandma ever! I will take note... Also, that darling Sugarwings in her hat...she is absolutely adorable! Your energy amazes me!
Posted by: Bethie | January 03, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Karla,
You are the grandma I was searching for in my childhood! I was lucky to adopt an elderly german couple 2 houses down who taught me to play Canasta with them, and bake with her, and cuss in german (oh my!)
Sugarwings is very lucky! And you look far too young to be her grammy! karen....
Posted by: karen | January 03, 2009 at 10:51 PM
You are an amazing grandma and Sugarwings is one lucky little girl.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | January 04, 2009 at 03:19 AM
Oh my, I was so excited when I read the topic. What a fabulous idea. Thanks for posting all the pics. We felt like we were there.
I want a paint speckled shirt like that too. I guess I will have to take up painting to get one.
I need to have a glitter party. I bought so much of that Martha glitter. lol And punches. And scrapbooking paper. And paper mache houses.
Posted by: Debra Ganas | January 04, 2009 at 07:59 AM
And people tell me I'm a fun grandma....I ain't got nothing on you! ;o) What a fun, fun party!
Love the tortilla snowflakes & will have to make some w/ my grandkids!
Posted by: Cami @ Creating Myself | January 05, 2009 at 12:13 PM
That little tu-tu suits you!
Posted by: maigirlz | January 06, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Karla, this looks like the bestest party EVER!!! xo
Posted by: Heather~ Pretty Petals | January 06, 2009 at 10:56 PM
What a marvelous idea for a party! I need to throw one of those -- the fact I have no children that small is not necessarily a deterrent, for I know a lot of grown-up elves!
Posted by: jeanie | January 07, 2009 at 04:16 PM
How much fun! I wish I was a kid again! Sugarwings is so cute!
Posted by: jenny fowler | January 07, 2009 at 09:00 PM
Gutsy woman! You took on a recliner and it looks good. I have tried it before. I hated doing it. The fabric was so heavy. Never again. Thanks for writing on my post. It made me feel good. You are alright! Martha
Posted by: Martha Cook | January 07, 2009 at 11:09 PM