Feeling Lucky Banner

Are ya feelin’ lucky? This cute banner will put you in a lucky mood…or at the very least get you to finally take down those Valentine’s Day decorations! Ahem, Terese. Anywho, here’s what you’ll need to get started on this project:

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  • glitter letters or gold glitter cardstock
  • green glitter cardstock
  • cute twine
  • scissors and/or Exacto knife
  • hot glue gun
  • printed clover & letters template  (click here: feelinglucky)

First of all, let me apologize now if you never purchased these adorable glitter letters from the Dollar Spot at Target last year. They make this project a snap! If you didn’t, I got you covered! Using the letter template I provided above will work just as well–it will just take a bit more time. If it makes you feel any better, I had to supplement a few missing letters myself!

To begin:

  1. Print out feelinglucky template.
  2. Either cut out items on template and trace around them onto the glitter paper or use transfer paper to transfer them onto the glitter paper. Note: Trace/transfer two clovers facing opposite directions. Also, be mindful that you need to have the letters backwards on the back of the glitter paper so they face the right direction on the glitter side!

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3. Cut out images on the glitter paper. Small scissors work well, but you may need an Exacto knife for tight areas.

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4. Lay all of your cut pieces out along your twine to help you determine spacing and how long your banner will be. I like to wait to cut the twine from the spool until I’ve done this and make sure to give myself a few extra inches.

5. Place a dab of hot glue on the top of each clover and letter and place it on its designated area of the twine. Make sure you are protecting your work surface with something that hot glue can be removed from easily (i.e. a plate or plastic cutting board). As each piece is cooling, gently lift from the work surface to ensure that it isn’t completely stuck to it.

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6. Once the glue has cooled you’re ready to hang your banner!

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May the luck of the Irish be with you!

xo.

Pete & Repeat

How to Host a Killer Nerf Party

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When it comes to six-year-old boys it’s fairly safe to assume they are packed with energy and LOVE to shoot stuff! My sister-in-law, Rachel, had the brilliant idea to throw her son a Nerf party for his sixth birthday. Originally she planned to have this party outdoors, but the weather in Utah in January was not cooperating! She came up with some creative ideas to make this party just as fun indoors.

To start this party off right, Rachel set out a row of Nerf guns for each attendee to take home as a party favor and use during the party. She got an amazing after Christmas deal on these babies at Target online. You could also suggest attendees bring their own guns if they have them on the invitation.

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She also purchased plenty of Nerf darts using Wish. Seriously discounted darts. No, seriously–check it out! Just plan well in advance because shipping takes some time!

Rachel and her husband, Hiro set up super fun target stations all through the house using cardboard boxes, duct tape, printed targets, army men, and balloons. So clever and the kids loved it!

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Each balloon target was worth a different amount of points.

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Check out the little spinners on these targets!

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I just love the army guys!

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Cute baby brother is locked and loaded–LOOK OUT!

I also love how everything ended up color-coordinated. Rachel stuck to a simple palette of red, blue, orange, and white. Even the guns and darts matched the party!

For food, Rachel kept it simple and ordered pizza–always a crowd pleaser!

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And for the cake, the birthday boy’s request: Vanilla cupcakes with a peach filling and peach buttercream icing, decorated with a fondant target and sprinkles (made by me!).

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In case you need a close-up of that luscious peach buttercream:

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I want to thank Rachel for sharing this special day with us! Hopefully this post inspires you for future parties and events!

Click here to download printable targets for your own party: target

xo.

Pete

Note: To avoid injuries set ground rules before the party gets going. For example, only shoot at targets, not people! –Just thought I should add that! 😉

 

 

WATERCOLOR & SALT HEART PROJECT

When I was first learning how to paint with watercolors I was taught a technique of adding salt to my painting to create an interesting design and texture. This little trick has stuck with me for years and popped in my head when I was thinking about ways to get festive for Valentine’s Day. This project is fun and simple enough to involve even the the tiniest of hands!

To make these lovely, and very versatile hearts, you will need:

  • watercolor paints (any quality will do!)
  • watercolor paper
  • scissors
  • paint brushes
  • salt
  • heart-shaped cookie cutter or stencil
  • a jar full of clean water
  • paper towels (to sop up excess water)

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To get started, allow yourself to experiment with the paint. Try using concentrated amounts of paint in some areas and watered down paint in others.

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Terese and I decided to limit the colors we used to create a Valentine’s Day palette (however, there was no limiting our helpers!).

Once you have painted an area of your paper, sprinkle the wet paint with salt.

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The salt will create the most beautiful texture:

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I recommend painting the entire paper to maximize the amount of hearts you can make!

Once you have finished your paintings lay them out to dry. When the paintings are dry turn them over to the backside and trace as many heart as you can fit on the paper. You may have some excess salt rub off of the paper, but fear not, the design will stay in tact!

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Next, cut out all of your traced hearts. **Yes, mama needs a manicure!**

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Voila! You have dozens of beautiful hearts!

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With these babies, the possibilities are endless!

Sew them together to make garland. Glue them to card stock to make a special Valentine. Affix them to bags to make party favors.

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I hope you’ll give this project a try! Let me know how it works out for you!

xo,

Pete