Sunrise Creations Blog

Looking for something different for your child’s birthday party?  Most likely you have done the princess or pirate themed party or even taken your kids to one of the fast food chain outlets but why not try something a bit different?  Here are some ideas that are fun, interactive, cheap and just a little bit unique.

Masquerade party:  Have all the kids make a mask of their favourite character.  They could be a super hero, cartoon character or maybe a sporting hero.   A combination of paper plates, paper bags, rubber bands, paints, pencils, tinsel and anything else can be used.   Then after they have made the mask they can act out their character.  

Be a detective:  From the moment you send out the invitations you ask everyone to find certain items that are linked to a theme.  After the invitations are sent out you can send out other messages that the kids need to follow.  Once at the party other clues are given out to find more items and solve the mystery.   The items can be linked to a story told at the party where points may be given for each item they have and the kid with the most points wins the prize. 

Make over party:  Great fun for girls to do something fun with their hair, makeup and even dress up.  To add an extra fun touch once they are made up they can then model for everyone.  When you send out the invitations you can include a theme and even have some red carpet at the entrance as they arrive.

Arts and crafts party:  For kids who love to create an arts and crafts party can be great fun.   Get some crayons, watercolour and pencils and get everyone to paint or draw a picture.  Great fun and very interactive.  For those who are more adventurous you can use papier mache or even origami.

Character party: If your child has a favourite character, why not use it as the basis of your party? Here is a great example of an Elmo party from The Speckled Freckle.

Aladdin party: Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and a few genies all add up to fun.  Just picture invitations as scrolls, and old lamps ready to be polished so they release their genie (or at least a prize.)  What fun!

There are so many possibilities and with a bit of imagination you can create your own unique party that is sure to have a lasting memory.        

Paper medallions are simple and elegant decorations.  In this case, they have been designed to fit in with a child's birthday party with an explorer theme.  The technique is quite simple but what makes the medallions different is the choice of paper.  Here the designer is using old maps to fit the theme, but imagine what you could do with self-patterned papers, striped papers or even wallpaper offcuts?

I hope you enjoy the video.  It doesn't go for long but it shows you step by step how to make and hang these pretty decorations.

Where could you use them?

Choosing your bouquet is just as difficult as choosing your wedding dress.  It's hard enough to decide which flowers you want and it's quite likely they will be out of season.

Instead of thinking solely of floral bouquets, here are some alternative ideas for you to consider.

And then for the flower girls...   This cutie is from Q Flowers in Queensland.

Look beyond the floral and explore different textures and materials.  You might find something that you love and which fits with the theme of your wedding.

In January a blog was posted about “Storing your photos online” that discussed a couple of sites such as Flickr, Smugmug and Photobucket that can be used to store your photos.  Since then we have discovered some additional sites that we thought were worth bringing to your attention.  

 

• Snapfish:  Offers free unlimited storage of photos.   Access to this service remains free while you are an active member which means you make a purchase of photo merchandise through their site at least once a year. 

• DPHOTO:  Allows you to store and display your photos and videos in your own online gallery.  Access is made easy as you have your own web address that can be password protected.  You can set up individual galleries and can also gain access via an iPhone.  Pricing starts from $30 per year.

• Pinterest:  Is a great place to share or “pin” things of interest such as a funny or interesting photo, video or it can also be used to share or “pin” things that may assist others.  There is not cost for this service.

• Instagram:  This is very popular free photo sharing service that can be accessed from your iPhone, iPad and now Android devices. 

In addition to the above services and the ones in the January blog there still a large number of other online photo sharing services.   There are many factors to consider when making a decision on which one is the most suitable.  For example, this may include price, how they are presented, how much advertising may exist on the site as well as privacy issues and who can access your photos.  As one last vital point your memories can be endless so always ensure you have a backup in the event the photo sharing site ceases to exist. 

You know how some weddings just stand out in your memory?   I’ve decided that it’s often because of the little details which show thought and care which make one wedding different from another. 

I’ve been thinking about place cards lately.  They are a necessary part of any function but sometimes they can be a little routine, can’t they?  What if we put some extra effort into finding quirky place cards?  How much different might that make to the way we remember an event?

Here are some of the clever ideas I have come across. 

These little hand decorated biscuits serve as place cards and they are edible so they have a dual function.   By Also Heaven, these pretty cookies will attract attention.  .

Of course, not everyone likes sugar.  If your wedding is eco-friendly, uses a nature theme or has a green colour scheme, why not use something like these apple place cards fromSugar Bowl?

These little lollipop place cards are by DIY Weddings but they would be just as much fun at a children’s party. Don’t they look fabulous?

I love this look, too. By Southern Living, it uses little bird’s nests and eggs to hold the place card. You could create your nest out of straw and write the name on the egg. How good for Easter.

There are more ideas over at Oh So Beautiful Paper but I love these ones. Satin ribbon, an old fashioned key and a handwritten, vintage style name tag. So pretty.

It’s the tiny things like place cards which turn a wedding from pretty to magical.

What ideas can you come up with?

We may love our dogs but how far would you go for them?   Would you go as far as having a wedding for your pooch?  Well there are a lot of people who would and at a considerable cost.

I happened to see a photo online and it made me curious about pet lovers and their extreme actions.  There are a lot of doggie weddings out there that cost as much as your wedding and mine combined!  Just have a look at what I found.

This dog owner spent  £20,000 on her pets wedding that included the wedding march played by a harpist, £1,000 of flowers, £1,350 of jewellery as well as a cupcake tower that cost £200.  Here is the happy couple. 

As well as doggie wedding planners there are websites specifically devoted for that special doggie day.  This website has everything you need from cakes, dresses and even bow ties!  Here is one of their doggie wedding cakes. 

Is this all a bit much and over the top or just some people having a bit of fun?  If you are not sure and are considering a wedding for you pooch EHow has a 10 point checklist that should assist you to ensure that special day for your pooch is a perfect day.

If you are still not too sure then this may be the clincher for you to start planning your doggie wedding.  Click on the photo to see the rest of the wedding. 

Well, perhaps I need to incorporate a whole new selection of personalised invitations into the Sunrise Creations range - Doggie Wedding invitations!

What do you think?

Cake Pops are all the rage at the moment.  They are fabulous looking little morsels of cake on a stick which is how they get their name.  They were invented by Bakerella, a clever American baker whose work was noticed by Martha Stewart.  Once she appeared on the Martha Stewart show there was no stopping her.  Cake Pops took the world by storm.

The cake pops are highly decorated and look like little works of art once they are done. They are a stand out feature on any dessert table.

Here are a few of my favourite Easter inspired cake pops.  

The first two designs are by Bakerella, queen of cake pops.  The next two are by Natalie's Cake Pops. I found the last.ones at the Dollhouse Bake Shoppe.

You can see what I mean about these little cakes being mini works of art, can't you?

I don't know that I will be making cake pops this Easter but I might dream of them!

Wishing you a very happy Easter season to you and your family.

I love Easter.  Despite its religious significance, to me Easter always means children and lots of childlike fun for everyone.

I love the egg hunts and the bunny footprints around the garden.  I love the crazy hats the school children make and parade in each year.  I love the baskets and I love the decorated eggs.

Above all, I love the brilliant dessert tables that some creative people are able to put together. 

Aren't they lovely?

The top dessert table is for the grown ups - well, for the girls, anyway.  Who could resist Easter in Paris?  This table is by Laura's Little Table and was featured in The Party Press.

The middle table I spotted on Pinterest, pinned on the Catch My Party page.  I love the colour and layout of the table.

The last is by Sleek Shindigs and was shown at P is For Party .  It's the dessert table waiting for the children when they finish their egg hunt.

What will you do this Easter?  Games, parties and dessert tables sound great to me.

Jewellery is such an important part of a bride's look that it just has to be right.  The wrong choice can ruin the effect of even the most expensive dress.  We interviewed Elise Petty from The Bangle Business about jewellery for the bride and the bridal party. 

1.       What is special about your jewellery?

When you buy a piece of The Bangle Business (TBB) jewellery, not only do you have a beautiful piece of handmade  jewellery but a personal connection as well. Our product is about People. Every product has a story and a connection to the artisan who created it. Hence our brand message, “From Person to Person”.

Our pieces are handcrafted with care and precision by artisans using the finest metals and stones.

2.  Why would the bridal party choose your jewellery?

The modern bride who chooses TBB jewellery to adorn herself with on her most important day will be wearing (and thus feel herself) a spectacular, decadent and elegant handmade creation. Beautifully unique with exquisite and detailed design. Our glamorous pieces are the perfect indulgence for the bride and her party.

We can also work with the bride to create Haute Couture bridal sets.  We recently created a stunning white gold, diamond and crystal quartz pendant and earrings set for a very happy bride. We can personalise your jewellery to suit your personality.

We take the time to make sure that each piece of jewellery flatters the bride and complements her gown.  It's such an important day that it has to be perfect.  We do our part to make sure you look as lovely as you hoped.

3.  How did you get into this business?

In August 2008, as part of the Australian Rural Leadership Course we travelled to India as our study country. I loved it!!  Most of all I loved the colours, the people and the jewellery!!!

I bought lots of bling bangles. When I got back and wore them I just had so many comments that I decided there had to be a business opportunity.

I resigned from Argyle Diamonds and started own business, primarily consulting to provide cash flow so I could follow my new dream.

I wanted to build a web based business that not only sold unique stunning jewellery but added value to underprivileged people in India.

There were 2 factors that kept creeping back into my mind that I found unusual by our standards.

1.       The jewellery industry in India is primarily a male dominated industry.

2.        Struck by the colour and vibrancy of women no matter how poor.

I decided to work on a model of working directly with the artisans with the end goal being to transfer these skills to rural women and provide them with an income.

Here we are today.

4.  Do you have a favourite memory about your jewellery being worn at a wedding?

Definitely.  A very dear friend of mine wed her husband on the banks of the Pentacost River at El Questro Wilderness Park in the Kimberley last Easter.  It was the most amazing setting, intimate and elegant. I was so thrilled that she had chosen TBB to work with her to perfect her bridal outfit. The amazing sunset set off the perfect amount of sparkle on her bangle and earrings. Such a beautiful bride.

5.  What piece would you recommend for a bride?

These are just lovely but you can also have a look at the bridal section of our Facebook page for more ideas.

Paris Romance Earrings: Glittering chandeliers of silver and sparkle will make you the belle of the ball. As a bride these handmade earrings will help make your special day all you dreamed it would be.

Juliet Earrings:  Spectacular, simple and stunning, handcrafted Silver and Crystal Quartz drop earrings

Ethereal Bangle: Shimmering feminine indulgence, this piece will be remembered, handmade hinged bangle

Eve Bangle:  Shine with this incredible crystal handmade hinged bracelet. This piece is pure elegance.

Sparkles Silver:  Elegant and simple.

6.  What sort of jewellery would you choose for the mother of the bride?

This really depends on the individual style, the mother of the bride also wants to be elegant and beautiful yet not outshine the bride.

This set would be beautiful, elegant and understated, perfect for the mother of the bride.

Rose Quartz & Pearl Necklace and Matching Rose Quartz & Pearl Earrings.  This Pearl and Silver bracelet is very elegant, too.

We can work with brides to create jewellery to suit their style, be it in crystals or diamonds, metal, silver or gold. They will look effortlessly elegant and know that their jewellery was created with love, from Person to Person. After all your wedding day is hugely personal.

We hope this interview has given you some ideas about the kind of jewellery you might like to choose for your wedding day.  You can see more of Elise's jewellery at her website, The Bangle Business.

An increasing number of brides are looking for alternatives to the hugely expensive and formal events that weddings have become.  They are choosing to make their own wedding dresses and cater for their reception.  I'm not sure that I could go that far, but I would consider making my own bridal bouquet now that I have seen this video.

In this clip you will learn how to put together a simple bouquet of roses for the bride.  The florist does make it look easy and I know it will be a little more difficult once I start, but the end result is lovely.  One thing I noticed is the way she filled the gaps around the edges of her bouquet with the smaller flowers so that it had a smooth and neat look.  I think that is part of the craft that we all need to pay attention to.

I hope you enjoy this clip.  It is short and simple and if you follow the steps you will end up with a glorious bridal bouquet.