Pictures of my DIY projects

Table Centerpieces (25 pieces)


Folded brown folders to form a box and held them together with scotch tape. Pasted bond paper triangles to contrast the brown box. Printed images of Superman, Batman and a star on colored paper. I pasted the cut-out versions on the box. Used blue, green and white Japanese paper as added decorative pieces. Inflated size 5 balloons and propped them up using balloon sticks.

Guestbook


I used Microsoft Word and copy-pasted the twins monthly pictures and write-up. Searched the Internet for clipart designs and included them as added decorative pieces. Had it printed at Netopia and ringbinded at Jinco's.

4-tiered Cupcake stands (2 pieces)


Using cardboard, I traced different sizes of a circle using a compass w/ pencil. I cut the cardboards and wrapped them with blue cartolina. Glued them together with a glue gun. I also used glue gun to attach blue and green satin ribbons. It can hold a 7" round cake and 25 cupcakes.

As an alternative to cardboard, you can use illustration board or styrofoam. You can buy the materials at the stationery section sa department store ng SM Mega Bldg B. Mas varied pa ang styro shapes and sizes nila compared to National Bookstore.

5x2 Welcome Banner



I made the design and searched the Internet for superhero costumes. But it was actually my brother Bogs who executed my ideas using Adobe Photoshop. Had the layout printed coz I wanted it in tarpaulin material.

Pull-string piñata



For this pull-string piñata, I followed a step-by-step guide I found on the Internet. Using an old cardboard box, I cut and shaped it to my preferred size and glued them together using a glue gun. I cut a U-shape opening at the bottom and tied a ribbon (this will open the piñata). I cut and trimmed blue crepe paper and wrapped the back and sides of the piñata. For the front, I added a Superman/Batman image printed on tarp material using double-sided tape. I attached toys at the end of blue/green ribbons using scotch tape and attached it to the bottom of my piñata. I glued blue crepe paper to seal the bottom and hide the taped ribbons. Before closing the top, I dropped 80pcs chocolate bars w/ stickers and confetti. I added two nylon strings before sealing the top with a lot of glue (using a glue gun). The nylon strings will hold the piñata from the ceiling.

Balloon Burst



My modified balloon burst contained 3 numbers, 14 Superman/Batman images and a lot of confetti. The numbers and images correspond to a prize. I tied small balloons outside the big balloon and tied ribbons to complete the package. It also has a string so it can be tied from the ceiling. I forgot to make a stick, but the manager of Shakeys made one for me using a barbeque stick and she wrapped a pushpin at the end using scotchtape. I bought my big balloon at the basement of Divisoria Mall (the one with the wet market). It is a size 16 (transparent mother balloon) and it costs P25.

Coloring Sheets


I just searched the Internet for free printable coloring sheets. Brought crayons and other coloring materials from home.

Arranging of lootbag contents and Thank You cards


For the girls, I wrapped jackstones with yellow and white Japanese paper and tied it with a kikay silver bracelet. For the boys, I wrapped toys (paper airplane, rubik's cube, chess, etc) using Japanese paper. I put the candies and chocolates in clear sandwich bag, added a little confetti and stapled it so the candies will not fall out. I printed "Thank you for coming... Vito & Carlos' 1st birthday" and glued them on colored paper. I attached the TY notes on the zipper of the bags using black yarn.

Wrapping of Game Prizes


I just used plain coupon bond, lined it with yellow marker, folded it to resemble a paper bag. I then placed the contents wrapped in clear sandwich bag. The contents are the ff: 2 pcs mini Mentos, 1 Hershey's choco crispies, 1 keychain/bottle opener, 1 Batman sticker booklet. To lock the paperbag, I stapled different plastic ribbons that I've curled.

Oomph! by Party Boosters

I had a lot of DIY stuffs in the party so the chandelier balloons and entrance arch added the much-needed oomph! These were provided by Party Boosters' owner Jacque Tan. :)

I loved the entrance arch and chandelier balloons, as in tinalbugan ang mga DIY balloons ko! Shakey's is bare so the entrance arch was perfect kase pagpasok pa lang ng guests, may party-feel na agad. Pinagkaguluhan ng mga kids ang chandelier balloons when the waiters were removing them from the ceiling. Kahit ung mga yaya ko kumuha rin to bring home to their families. It made my party look sossy because of the imported shiny balloons.






Jacque is very professional and a perfectionist. She followed the party motif of blue & green. I was impressed with her tools kase talagang complete sha sa materials needed for the balloon decors. She also came in early to make sure everything will be set-up correctly. Most important of all, she is mabaet and madaling kausap. For those who are interested, you may reach her at 09178985227.

More DIY projects

Although I want to finish all DIY projects asap, there are some things that I really cannot do ahead of time, like inflating the balloons and designing the cupcakes with the toppers. In the meantime, I try to do all the little things na important pa din like curl the ribbons, cutout the toppers, etc so when the day of the party comes, pagsasamahin ko na lng everything.

Last night, I wrapped the adult game prizes. I just used plain coupon bond, lined it with yellow marker, folded it to resemble a paper bag. I then placed the contents wrapped in clear sandwich bag. The contents are the ff: 2 pcs mini Mentos, 1 Hershey's choco crispies, 1 keychain/bottle opener, 1 Batman sticker booklet. To lock the paperbag, I stapled different plastic ribbons that I've curled. I have the two yayas as Creative Consultants. "Opo, ati, maganda na.. okei.. aprub!" :)

Since I didn't re-do the piñata (i told God sha na ang bahala to hold it in place hehe), I went on to prepare the numbers and Superman/Batman images for the Balloon Burst. The numbers 1-3 are for the toys, while the images are for the 14 consolation prizes. I also curled the ribbons for the Balloon Burst. After that, I went to sleep na coz hindi na kaya ng superpowers ko... :)

DIY Piñata - check?

This is the most difficult of all the DIYs I've made so far. I was in tears trying to make this and I swore to myself I'll buy na lang next time or skip the entire piñata thing. Madaming concerns with the piñata. At the very start pa lang, Keith didn't want me to make a piñata coz we attended a birthday party before and the piñata didn't open and when the father pulled it, the entire pinata fell to the floor, Hassle. They hung it back up and the father just handpicked the candies inside the piñata. My dear Keith doesn't want any of that in our party. But I insisted, and said I can make it work. After all, I am Supermom. Mwahaha!

I decided to make a pull-string piñata and found a step-by-step tutorial on the Internet. I used an old cardboard box, cut and glued it together using a glue-gun until I got my preferred size. I had Superman and Batman image printed on tarp material, and added it on the cardboard using double-sided tape. I cut and trimmed blue crepe paper and added it using scotch tape (most tiring thing in the world). I also taped ribbons with toys, after all this is a pull-string piñata. Just as I was about to finish, I realized it didn't say how the pinata will hang from the ceiling. What do I do now?! Waaah! Ok remember - Grace under pressure. I put all the confetti and chocolates inside. Glued the top, while putting two nylon strings in place. This will hold the piñata from the ceiling. Tada, Im done! I practiced holding it up, but I'm not confident the strings are securely placed and I fear that the top will open anytime. At this point, I wanted to scream and pull all my hair out. It's already 11pm and everybody's asleep. I started to regret not buying that P150 Superman piñata I saw in Divisoria. Oh because I know it will not open!

So later when I come home, I will fix my piñata. I will make it work. I don't want it to be a disaster, waaaahhh!

Programme - check

i. WELCOMING OF GUESTS/INTRODUCTION OF CLOWN HOST & CLOWN ASSISTANT Note: Kids will be seating with parents. No kiddie chairs/tables will be provided. Guests will register as they come in and Kids will have coloring activity.

ii. Kiddie Game: MIME ACT – 5 winners

iii. Acknowledge presence of the Ninongs/Ninangs.

iv. Adult/Kiddie Game: LONGEST GREETING (Parent & Child Tandem) – 2 winners

v. Kiddie Game: PASS THE KRYPTONITE (A Kryptonite is a green mineral that removes Superman’s powers. For this game, we will use a calamansi as the “Kryptonite”. The kids will form two lines. The first kid will pass the “Kryptonite” onto the next kid using a plastic spoon. The last person will pass it back until it returns to the first kid. Then the team will say “Happy Birthday Vito and Carlos!” – 5 winners. Remember to play music so it will be more fun! :)

vi. PRAYER BEFORE MEALTIME (To be lead by ____________________)

vii. FOOD DISTRIBUTION

viii. 15-minute INTERVAL

ix. KIDDIE MAGIC

x. BALLOON TWISTING

xi. CANDLE BLOWING & PICTURE TAKING W/ KIDS

xii. Adult Game: CHAMPION WAITER – 5 winners (get parents/oldies as participants). Remember to play music so it will be more fun! :)

xiii. Kiddie Game: BATMAN SAYS - This is a modified “Simon Says” game. The host asks the children to copy his actions by saying "Batman Says do this" followed by the action (scratch your nose, stand on one leg, wave your right hand, etc). If the words "Batman Says" are not used, children are not supposed to perform the action. Anyone who does is out.) – 1 winner

xiv. PIñATA and BALLOON BURST

xv. DISTRIBUTION OF LOOTBAGS

xvi. CLOSING REMARKS / PARENTS SAY THANK YOU TO GUESTS

xvii. MORE PICTURE TAKING

Clown Host and Clown Assistant - check

I already booked our host for the party. Found them at Dad's in Megamall when Keith and I attended a party there last year. Their P3,000 package includes the ff - one clown host, one clown assistant, hosting, cd music, kiddie magic, balloon twisting, games and 30 game prizes.

I have collaborated with Bong, the lead clown, in doing the programme to fit our Superman & Batman theme. I also gave him a cd of "Low", my sons' favorite song right now. Bad trip lang kase I heard a Bisaya version of it the other day! Hahaha!

Rating will be of course after the party. Hope it turns out great! :)

Tonio's Clowns of Dad's Megamall
Mr. Antonio Camposano
09266245558
email: centuncenticlown@yahoo.com

DIY Guestbook - check

I've finished the guestbook for the twins' party. Thank God, hehe.

















I just used plain old Microsoft Word, coz I have no time to study scrapbookin sites - although that would be really cute! Anyway, I copy-pasted their colored pics and included a write-up for each month, all taken from this blog, Yesss. :)

It contained about 44+ pictures, a total of 14 sheets. I had it printed at Netopia Megamall branch for P30 per sheet (others charge P50 per sheet). They printed it on photopaper, which was a good thing because the pictures came out glossy and nice.

















Using a paper cutter, I trimmed the photopaper to fit a short bond paper size. I also inserted parchment paper in between the sheets to form as a shield or protector or what I would like to call just plain kikayness. Then I added a few blue cardboard at the end of the guestbook for all the guests' messages and birthday wishes. I also covered the front page with the same blue cardboard.

Then, I had it ringbinded and covered with acetate at Jinco's, beside OSMA. The charge was P16 (others charge P50+). I spent only P436 for this project. :)

Cake and cupcakes - check

I had a difficult time deciding on whether to just get big superman/batman cakes or do two cupcake towers filled with cupcakes. Costwise, both are the same, but in terms of work, the towers demand the most labor. Since Im a busy mommie, what did I choose? Of course the cupcake towers. Hahaha! To the max talaga ang pag-DIY ko..

My dilemma was finding a tutorial for the cupcake stands. I found one in the Internet, but couldnt find the right materials. So I ended up using old cardboards (clean, never-been-used cardboards) and bought blue cartolina and satin Ribbons from NBS. Every night I would sit and do it. I think it took me an entire week to finally finish it, leaving a dark kalyo on my middle finger - matigas ang cardboard and I had to make two kse kambal ang anak ko noh! Haha!

Finally, booked the cake and cupcakes from Shoppersville. I got two pieces of 7" round mocha - one with Superman logo and one with Batman logo. I also ordered 80 pcs chocolate cupcakes with marshmallow icing and candy sprinkles (20 pcs dots, 20 pcs stars, 20 pcs straight and 20 pcs choco chips). The taste is homemade, not the Sonja's type. For our kiddie party, it's perfect :) It costs P1,560.

The cupcake topper is another story. I had the Superman/Batman logos printed on photopaper at Netopia, P60 for two sheets with 30 logos in all. I intend to put them on the cupcakes outside the towers because I think it will not fit inside the tower. I'll decide on this on the day of the party.

Dyin doin DIY

I do the party preps after dinner, when the twins are asleep. I allot an hour each night for the DIY stuff. Hindi ako matapos tapos! After cutting out a hundred little pictures I've printed for the invitations and table centerpieces, and after pasting these hundred little pictures on the envelope or cardboard, what do I do next? I cut some more! :)

I do not know why I always subject myself to the most difficult tasks. Everytime I sit to DIY the party stuff, I always choose to add little details and end up cutting and cutting some more. Why cant I just think of simple designs, it will make my life easier.. haha!

1st birthday invitation

Yehey! Finally, the layout for our birthday invite is finished! :D















Super thanks to my very artistic brother, Bogs, for doing the painstaking task of editing the pics. The best part of it all, the layout charge is free! Hehehe.. Hooray for Ninong Bogs! :) Kisses to you, Mmuuaah! :)

I had this printed at Columbia Photo - Mega A (#6334990. Look for Gemma). They offer the cheapest digital printing - only P5 for a 4R size picture. You'll also get the prints after 30 minutes. For a busy mommie like me, that's a plus. I requested 40 copies, and paid P200. Then, I bought size 6 white envelope in National Bookstore. It costs P9.75 for a pack of 10 envelopes. My total expense for the 40 birthday invitations is P238. Not bad! :)

I am sooo happy to cross this one out from my To-do list! :D

Party planning woes

It's tiring to be a mom.
It's super tiring to be a mom of twins.
It's mega super over tiring to be a mom of twins preparing for their first birthday.

I try to keep myself from doing the talakathon with some unprofessional suppliers. GRRR. I keep reminding myself to keep it cool. I had one unpleasant experience with this cheap supplier - OMG their service sucks so bad! So the saying is true - You get what you pay for. Hay naku, if they don't deliver - Change.

Can't wait for all of this to be over! Can't be too excited. It's still a long long way to go.. If only not for my twins - I love you Vito & Carlos! :)

Divisoria 101

To make your Divi shopping an enjoyable one, here are my tips:

> do not bring a wallet. do not wear jewelry. dress simply. wear pants with a deep pocket to hide your cash and/or cellphone. secure your pocket with a big safety pin.
> bring one big bag para isang bitbit lang lahat ng items.
> magtanong sa security guard for directions para siguradong safe.
> wholesale is buying 6 items. nkkatipid eto.
> avoid stalls na maraming tao or else magiging "prospect" ka ng magnanakaw. modus operandi pag madaming tao is may didikit syo kunyari buyer din sha yun pala nka-kupit na sa pocket mo or bag.
> always be on guard when walking. sometimes may babangga syo kunyari, modus operandi din yun.
> count your change before leaving the store. modus operandi esp pag madaming tao is kulang yung change na mabigay syo.
> check the items you bought before leaving the store, esp if you bought several items in one store. you will be suprised when you get home na kulang pala yung nabalot for you.
> sometimes, cheaper ang items pag ang stall is malayo sa main entrance.
> always be alert; and lastly, dont be shy to make tawad :)

Happy shopping everyone! :)

My trip to Divisoria Mall

I finally set foot on the very infamous Divisoria Mall. Been wanting to go here for the longest time, but no one would accompany me Bwahaha! It's not that bad, really. Or maybe it was a Monday, at 10am, and it was makulimlim. Hehehe.

I was with my MIL and together we searched for party items. The theme for the twins' birthday is "Superman & Batman". All the party supplies are in the Basement (katabi ng wet market), like the party hats, nametags, balloons, invitations, etc. They also have themed party supplies na Justice League, Disney Princess, Sponge Bob, etc. Most of the toys sa 2nd and 3rd floors are great for give-aways but limited lang ang theme and most of what they have are Disney Cars, Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse.

Happy ako sa purchases super sulit na rin esp for our budget party. I was able to buy the ff:

Lootbag for the boys:
small justice league backpack - P20
rubik's cube - P7
chess - P8
snakes & ladders - P8
lighting Pokemon yoyo - P7
batman toy - P75 for 1/4 kilo (44 pcs) - This I bought on impulse. Bwahaha!

Lootbag for the girls:
small disney princess backpack - P20
jackstone - P36 for 10 pcs
silver kikay bracelet - P25 for 12 pcs

For the game prizes:
disney princess wallet - P8
jump rope - P8
water game - P7.50

For our decors, I was able to buy 100 pcs non-glossy size 5 balloons of assorted colors (P95), sticks (P35) and a hand pump (P35). A total of P160.

For the twins' costume, I was able to buy size 1 superman and batman suits for P450 (price of both).

That's P1,500 for everything. We bought them all in Divisoria Mall. It's the green building (w/ the wet market sa basement) along Tabora Street. It's our first-time here, but okay naman ang experience. Not to confuse, the New Divisoria Shopping Center is the peach building across it, with an Anding's store beside the entrance.

I also asked for tarpauline printing, pero mahal dito, P40/sq.ft. Tarp Kingdom offers P25/sq.ft (Tel No. 2477197). Mental note to self - bring a map next time! Shopping will be faster.

I wasn't able to buy cupcake stand materials cause I couldn't find the right styro size. Maybe I should try cake supply shops. Long way to go pa sa birthday preps, I only have 5 weeks to go, mejo panic mode na rin. Waaahhh.

Shakey's it is!

We finally booked a venue - Shakey's Galleria. We got them because they are accessible, affordable and accommodating. :) We availed of their food, good for 100pax. It also includes exclusive use of venue, aircon and soundsystem.

Food for the kids - chicken, spaghetti w/ garlic bread, ice cream cup and iced tea.

Food for the kids at heart - chicken, pizza, spaghetti w/ garlic bread, mojo potatoes, raisin oatmeal cookie and iced tea.

We can come in early to decorate the place. We will bring our own cake, pinata, clown and decors - no corkage fee. So far so good. Hope everything turns out well... :)

Superman & Batman, you win!

Okay, pagbigyan ang magbabayad ng party, Haha. The theme is Superman & Batman. Otherwise known as Justice League. Expect some birthday party preps soon. Budget party ito so I will DIY some stuff. Ahaha, goodluck to me!! :)

* Photo courtesy of www.theanimationartgallery.com

6 weeks 6 days

I have exactly 6 weeks and 6 days to prepare for my twins' 1st birthday party. Waaaaaahh! Until now, I can't decide on which theme to use. I want cutie themes like Tigger & Pooh, Mickey & Donald, Mario & Luigi, etc. However, Keith wants a more masculine theme. So, we decided on Superman & Batman theme. But choosing lootbag contents would limit the items to boys stuff, so I am thinking of changing the theme to Justice League. Kaya lang, Justice League is so gasgas na, and I really want a cutie theme hahaha! After all this is a 1st birthday! :P I also thought of using characters the twins can recognize like Little Einsteins, Pocoyo or Higglytown Heroes but buying the imported products would be expensive, and sadly there are no imitation in Divisoria, Haha! Other themes in mind are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Disney Cars. I am ok na with Justice League, kaya lang the twins do not know them. Hayyy what to do.. what to do?

Maybe its better if we do not have a theme.. ?!

1st Birthday Party Checklist

The twins' 1st birthday is coming up soon - June 28. I know it's still months away, but planning early has its benefits :) I have started canvassing for possible suppliers. I have also identified our budget for the party. All wise mommies know that when planning a party, you need to have a Checklist.

The cost of kiddie birthday parties for a hundred guests can range from P20,000 to P500,000. Here's a checklist of the things you need to prepare for the party of your little one:

1st Birthday Party Checklist for MOMS:

1. Venue (open or with aircon, soundsystem)
2. Food and drinks
3. Games and prizes
4. Birthday Cake
5. Decor (balloons and party banner)
6. Photographer
7. Invitations
8. Costume or Birthday attire

1st Birthday Party Checklist for SUPERMOMS:

1. Venue (open or with aircon, soundsystem)
with play area
with swimming pool
2. Food (adult and kiddie meals)
with foodcarts (sorbetero, cotton candy, etc.)
with choco fountain
3. Party Amenities - invitations, nametags, party hats and masks, thank you cards
4. Games and Activities
coloring books and crayons
game prizes (prepare about 40 pieces)
pinata or balloon burst
5. Party Host
Clown with magic tricks or balloon twisting
Magician (illusionist, ventriloquist)
5. Lootbag and lootbag contents (examples: toys, stickers, candies, etc.)
6. Decor - balloons, banderitas or swags, party banner, standees
7. Themed Birthday Cake, Cookie Lollies and Cupcakes w/ toppers (+ cupcake stand)
8. Others
Face painter
Glitter tattoo artist
Inflatables
9. Photographer and Videographer
AVP presentation
LCD projector
10. Events planner
11. Costume or Birthday attire
12. Guestbook

Whew!!

Happy preps, m0mmies! :)