Dynamic Diaper Cake

I LOVE baby showers but what I don't like is waiting for all those pages of the registry to print out at the store and then going up and down the aisles trying to find the listed items. I recently was invited to one of my former students (HEY LAURIE!) Superhero Baby Shower. Now I have to say I was impressed with the invitation and even more so with all of the decorations that Laurie and mainly her husband had created.

Now Facebook is the highlight reel of our lives and I came across a friends pic of a diaper cake. I actually asked someone if she could find something in the superhero theme and make one for me... as I began to search for a back-up option, I kept coming across diaper cakes but I knew that I wanted to have something unique and that's when i came across some very creative diaper cakes. LIGHT BULB!!!!!

I found a tutorial for a diaper tricycle diaper cake and but decided that I would make a Batmobile motorcycle. With the date quickly approaching, I had to settle for a Superman bib and make it a Superman motorcycle (yes I know he flies lol).

The steps to create a tricycle/ motorcycle cake are quite easy.

You will need:

• Box Diapers (at least 60)
• Rubber Bands
• Ribbon (1/2' in & 1.5")
• 2 Receiving blankets
• 1 Bottle
• 2 bibs
• Baby socks (booties)
• Scissors
• Lighter
• Baby Powder (optional)
• Cake pan
• Tape (Double sided optional)

If you're working on a superhero theme then find the bibs that have capes attached. I bought a superman bib and bootie set that came with socks and a cape attached from JoAnn's.

Step 1:

Line diapers in a circular pattern inside of the cake pan. As you overlap the diapers about 3/4 inch will not be overlapped. You will need approximately 20 diapers per wheel.

Once you have filled the cake pan, stretch about 2 rubber bands over the diapers to secure the circle.

 Adjust the diapers as needed.I rolled a diaper in the center of the circle to help maintain the shape (that'll be removed later).

Repeat 3 times

Step 2:

Cover the rubber bands with the ribbon of your choice. Remember to heat seal the ribbon so it doesn't fray. Secure the ribbon with double sided tape.


For a Superhero theme- check out this cute "Wham Pow Character Satin Ribbon" also from Jo-Ann's.

Step 3:

Align the three wheels side by side. (Don't mistake that I made... be sure that the circular patter is going the same direction.) Push the middle wheel slightly forward. Wrap 1 receiving blanket around your thin ribbon into a complete roll. Next run your blanket/ribbon through the first and third wheel then run the remaining ribbon through the middle wheel. Depending on the length of your blanket you should have just enough fabric to reach the center wheel. Trim the ribbon and heat seal it.
(To secure the formation- I stuck a bottle of baby powder between the two back wheels.)



Step 4:
Roll another receiving blanket into a thin roll. Then run it through the middle wheel.

Step 5:
Place one of the bibs over the front wheel. If you have a cape set, you can lay that over the middle of the back to wheels.

Step 6:
Attach the bike light... a.k.a. the bottle.
Place the bottle with the bottle facing the front on top of the front bib. Then bring the two sides of the receiving blanket up and over the bottle. You will use a rubber band to secure the bottle in its place and hold the two blankets sides together.


Step 7:
Pull the two sides of the blanket in opposite directions and place the socks over the ends. This will form the handle bars of the motorcycle. Use the leftover ribbon to form a bow or just to cover the rubber band on the blanket in the center. (Never mind the Yorkie in the background...)

I adjusted the back cape to cover the bottle.

Now according the number of diapers that were in the box you purchased, you may find (as I did) that you have quite a few leftover diapers.... Well I certainly don't need them so I decided use the additional diapers as a platform for the motorcycle. I cut the diaper box into a tray shape and inserted the package of remaining diapers. Then I took the leftover diapers from the package that I opened and lined the box with them for a more presentable look. I used double sided tape to keep the diapers in place. Then I took some of the thin ribbon and wrapped that around the entire thing. I bought a multi-pack of receiving blankets and I stuffed the remaining blankets between the back two wheels to create the illusion of pipes. I also ran an extra string of ribbon through the back to wheels and tied to the package of diapers so that it wouldn't slide off. Zoom! Wham! POW!

Super Motorcycle diaper cake completed!

How to plan a kids birthday party in 6 easy steps!

To begin planning for a party I searched Pinterest like a hawk and found a lot of valuable resources and ideas. Here's a link to the Monster High Party board I started in case you are planing a Monster High party too. I'll post about that party soon.

Party Plan:

1. PARTY SIZE: Decide if you are planning to have lots of guests or if you are going to keep it small. For the last two birthdays I kept it simple and had under 15 guests. This year I decided to go bigger and invite her entire class along with family and other friends.
2. SET THE DATE: I am not a fan of having parties before the actual birthday- so if your child's birthday falls during the week, plan the party for the weekend after. Keep in mind that if you are having the party at a venue, you may want to keep your options open about the day and time. Sundays are usually less pricey than a Saturday afternoon.
3. LOCATION: Once you decide what your guests limit will be, you'll need to select a location. We opted for a park this year. I was hoping to get a pavilion at a park close to home but booking only 5 weeks out limited my options. BOOK AT LEAST 6-8 weeks in advance. Be sure to consider the weather in your area. It usually rains a lot during my munchkin's birthday month. Alleviate stress about weather by thinking ahead.
4. PARTY THEME: Let your munchkin play an active role in deciding the theme. As parent we often go overboard spending a big portion of the party budget on themed decorations. As a result we either shy away from a particular theme or go overboard. Pinterest and Google are a big help when searching for "Do It Yourself" decor. The birthday cake or party gifts table can be in the actual theme and the rest of the decor can be color coordinated. 
5. ENTERTAINMENT: Does your child like face paint? Clowns? Bounce Houses? Ask friends and family for referrals. Be sure to ask the entertainment about their insurance and equipment used. When hosting a party at a park make sure to ask if vendor approval is required. It's a good idea to ask for the company's Facebook or website. Make sure that the entertainment dresses appropriately and has good a rapport with kids. 

   

   Ask about the uniform/attire that the entertainer wears!

6. HELP: Ask for help, you'll be glad that you did. Enlist teenagers in your family to do things like take photos or lead the games. Don't forget to designate someone to help with set-up, food and drinks. Most importantly designate someone to take pictures or hire a photographer. Create a list of photos that you definitely want to take before the party is over.

Photo credit Pixabay and WarmSleepy

I'm baaaacccccckkkkkk!!!

One thing I have learned is that you can be a jack of all trades and a master of NONE!

Image courtesy of http://www.clipartbest.com/clipart-KijyMakiq

 My last post was almost 3 ago. During the time off, I have competed a second masters degree, bought our first home and changed jobs twice. The only portion of my business that I kept up an running was the face paining. Well I am not planning on changing my day job any time soon and my school books are list on half.com for sale!!! When we moved, I was forced to face all of the buying and lack of sales, in the form of boxes and containers filled with ribbon, tulle, elastics and the list goes on. Now that I have some time and clear vision about what I want in my business, I am back to give this another try. Future posts about parties, tutu's, face painting and y ups and downs as  working mom with a dream that just won't go away... so let's make the dream come true!!!



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