CREPE PAPER CHANDELIER

I first created a crepe paper chandelier for a photo shoot last year. Unfortunately it wasn't featured, so I've been hanging out to create another for some event. Our farewell party seemed the perfect oppportunity with a cute colour palette. They're kind of my new favourite backdrop.
They are inexpensive to make and super easy to boot, and easy enough for a little boy to help out with too.
All you need are
// Embroidery hoops in various sizes
// Crepe paper streamers in your choice of colours &
// Masking tape
// Twine to hang

I suspended my hoops from a hook stuck in a ceiling beam to give me some height. Then worked my way around the hoop, taping streamers over the edge, letting them fall to the floor & then cut (this is where the toddler help came in handy passing them back up to me! - and yes, it must have been hot work :).

I alternated colours that matched my event, but you could do these in solid colours which I think would look really cool too.

I wish I'd taken a few more shots of these, but I was in such a hurry and pressed for time. They're really quite easy, but if you have any questions, just leave a comment below and I'll be sure to answer them. 
Because I made these ones shorter than my first ones, there was nothing to anchor them to the ground when the wind picked up. It meant they got caught up in the trees a little more than I'd planned, but I decided not to get hung up on such a detail but just embrace the crepe paper & leaf tangle! : )


Images // DIY by Polkadot Prints & Ice Cream table by Gerty Photography

FAREWELL PARTY IN THE PARK

This week we had to crack open my computer to print some stuff for my visa paperwork, which was actually a big 'Yay' for me. As sad as it may sound, being without my computer is like a part of me is missing - I miss my creative outlet, and my usual programs and tools to make my ideas happen! So nice to feel a little bit normal : )

It has also meant that I have access to the photos from our farewell party which I have wanted to share with you for a while, double yay!

Given we didn't have our own house and the fact we wanted to invite as many of our friends & family as we could to our farewell party, we held it in a nearby park. I had no 'plan B', so thankfully, it was a beautiful day and didn't rain!
Hot Dogs & Ice Cream were on the menu, which made it easy for a big crowd. It's times like these that I am extra thankful for a big helpful family and a chef as a brother in law (I dare say hot dogs were a little below his level, but he was very obliging! : )

I love that photo of Levi and one of his little buddies! xo

I created a new stationery design for the occasion (which will be in the shop when it re-opens), and put together an ice cream bar. Easy and always fun! We had some delicious flavours of ice cream and I tried to choose Australian style lollies along with the standard sprinkles & toppings.

I think my favourite little details are the blue glass spoon holder from Ikea, and the pastel paper doilies (thanks Chelley Bean Designs for such a speedy delivery!). My favourite hand made detail were the crepe paper chandeliers that I hung in the tree. They looked a little different than I anticipated due to the wind (didn't think of that!), but they were quick to make and made a nice impact.

We sent everyone home with a giant freckle in a glassine bag with our contact details - so there's no excuse not to keep in touch! : ) Tied with bakers twine, they looked so cute all packaged up.

We had some props set up for friends to have their photo taken too. A few laughs!

I want to say a humungous thank you also to some lovely friends who helped make this day so awesome -
// Tash from Whimsy Petite Styling for her fabulous props, games & tables - she hires these out did you know? They really made it all come together when I just wasn't feeling it.

// Jess from Gerty Photography - seriously, so thankful she was able to capture so many photos of our friends and casual fun. Evertime I looked up there she was snapping away so many memories for us.  Please check out her website and facebook page. I will treasure all her photos.

// Daneve from Ah-Tissue & Chalk-It for those snazzy chalkboard labels. Love this product, thank you for a lovely going away gift xo

// And the photobooth props were from Oh Happy Day for a bit of fun. Thank you for the last minute inspriation! : )

I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my last Aussie event. Have you ever hosted a party for a lot of people? I'm curious to know what you served for food!

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE + GIVEAWAY WINNER

I know it's been a quiet week around here this week, and you know what that means...it's been manic on the home front! : ) It's been busy here as we pack up our life here and head over to Canada. But we've had some lovely time with family and friends - very much a bittersweet time.

I started my business here in Australia a couple of years ago and really I never knew this whole world of lovely like-minded women online existed. I'm so glad I have met you here and in real life at the markets, photo shoots and other collaborations. My life is all the richer for having you all in it. Thank you for making room in your worlds for me!

And so now the time has come to say goodbye to you too...but just from this chair. There is a new chair and studio space just awaiting me (somewhere...somehow) And we have to still do the final farewells, the sitting on of the suitcases and final weigh in, the cramming in of my favourite Aussie foods, closing of accounts, last minute coat and beanie purchases....(At least it's Easter and there's lots of chocolate around the place to combat the stress!)

See you on the other side friends. Thank you from the bottom of my Australian heart!
Jordan xo

P.S It's been so much fun reading through your entries to the "celebraTORI" giveaway this week. You girls are really party people! I've announced the winner here.

Image // by Polkadot Prints (One of the positives of moving is forcing myself to use up some of my craft supplies. This thank you parcel was for a teacher of Levi's - Wrapped in Love Mae paper, The Twinery twine & Bespoke letterpress tag)

FAREWELL PARTY MOOD BOARD

Are you getting a picnic / carnival vibe? I've always loved this colour theme for a carnival; soft pastels. (And do you notice the colours are kind of similar to my new blog design too? Totally into these colours at the moment!)

I've always been a sucker for a carnival theme. I know if I don't do it for our farewell, I probably won't have the chance to do it again - a 40th carnival party is probably getting a little old!

I'm trying to keep the scale of the party in check coz really we have a lot going on with the move and all, but I'd really like to create this kind of vibe. We'll have it in a nearby park, and enjoy hot dogs, popcorn and ice cream I'm thinking - easy and totally family friendly!
You can see my carnival pin board here. I'll see which ideas I actually get around to making (who else pins way more than is humanly possible to accomplish in one lifetime?!). But I'm looking forward to planning one last party here in Australia.

What are you planning for this weekend? Me, getting these party invites out and designing Ellie's birth announcement!
Enjoy! xo

Image Sources // 1. Marquee 2. Ice Cream 3. Strawberry Shakes 4. Mini Burger & Fries 5. Lanterns 6. Macarons 7. Trestle