Tuesday 12 March 2013

Tea and Balloons

Now normally - I play along with Less is More every Saturday morning - or by that evening at the latest - but this week I am very late to the party as I spent Saturday throwing a surprise tea party for my friend's birthday.  I'm finally joining in with my one layer card featuring spots and stripes and sharing some photos from the party as I've been giving my cameo a good workout making decorations for it!



I used a couple of Hero Arts sentiments stamped in black and then added some floating balloons using mama elephant stamps with distress inks but there was only a spotted one so I added the stripes with a tiny line stamp.  I hand drew the strings.

If you're interested - then this is what has been keeping me busy....


I've spent the last few weekends scouring antique centres looking for this china - isn't it pretty?  It's from the 1950's and is by Royal Stuart Spencer Stevenson - in their harlequin range so lots of pretty mixed colours.  I have everything except a milk jug but I hope to find one soon!  I got the antique linen on ebay.  I made little teabag shaped party favours and teapot shaped menus using the silhouette cameo machine (I really don't know what I did without this great machine)


I used the same teapot shape and added a cup to make a mobile and matching wall hangings - I got all 3 from just 4 sheets of 12 x12 paper with a bit of cotton and ribbon.


I made a couple of word banners - one tea party - and one saying Happy Fiftieth Birthday Maria (awful photo as it was over the window) - the cupcake embroidery was gift for my fortieth from another friend but it fit the them so stayed put.



I went to sewing class at The Craft Den last weekend and made this lovely cup themed bunting.   I'm not known for my sewing machine skills so needed lots of help from Lynne to get it sorted but I love the finished results.  (I bought the posters)


The final handmade element was a rainbow of tissue paper flowers to decorate the fireplace - simply made with folded sheets of tissue die cut with a large scalloped circle die, stapling the centre and patiently peeling and scrunching the layers.


And a final shot of all us of in our posh frocks before we poured the tea and tucked into all the finger food.   (I'm far right front, the birthday girl is far left seated)


I made all the food too - and if you want the run down on the menu then head over to my foodie blog http://craftilicious-thecraftycook.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/posh-tea-party.html

10 comments:

  1. Oh wow, how pretty it all looks Tara! And I totally love your fab card - gorgeous colours!

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  2. Hi tara
    Stunning table ... Love the China.... You must have put alot of work into the party....
    Well done
    Hugs Sylvie xxx

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  3. Hi Tara, saw your card on LIM and thought I'd say hello and how much I love your balloon design! Great card!

    Louise xx

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  4. Hi Tara...I didnt know you were into vintage? Fabulous china...
    So are we also into vintage but we dress up in 1940's gear and attend the 1940's week ends...great fun..
    Love your table its fabulous...

    Anne

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  5. Oh Tara - you can organise a party for me antytime :) I've checked out the menu too - looks absolutely delicious! What a fabulous friend you are - this is just wonderful! Love the banners and tecup mobile. Really sweet card too!

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  6. Your card is gorgeous Tara, love the bright colours.
    Your party looks fab. The menu made my mouth water, scrumptious food. Loving the vintage tea set. Seeing as I remember most of it does that make me vintage too lol.
    Lynne xxx

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  7. Gorgeous card Tara, and wow! What alot of effort you put into your friend's party! I bet she loved it!! :)

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  8. Your card is great and your party looked amazing... what a lot of work, everyone looked as though they were having a super time.
    Thanks so much
    Chrissie
    "Less is More"

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  9. What a great idea for spots and stripes, the balloons look fab floating up up and away :0)
    You are such a thoughtful friend, the tea party looks amazing and all your effort was much appreciated I expect :0) You put your silhouette to very good use.
    Jenny x

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