Made by a Princess Parties in Style

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Essential Irish Dance Wig Supplies

Welcome to the world of Irish Dance wigs! If you’re new to this side of Irish Dance then you are probably feeling a bit overwhelmed. This whole glam side of dancing is a lot to process but you’re not alone…don’t worry, I’ve got you, friend! Let me start by saying every “Dance Mom” has their own way of doing things and you will figure out what works for you as time goes on. My biggest piece of…

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How to Make Layered Rainbow Jello with Condensed Milk

Ever wondered How to Make Layered Rainbow Jello with Condensed Milk? It’s really easy…let me show you how! 

Have you ever seen a pic of a layered Jell-O dessert and wondered, “How did they do that?!” It’s really not as difficult as it looks…I promise! No special skills are needed…anyone can do it! It can be made a couple days ahead of your event so one less thing to worry about the day of your…

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Cute Girly Llama Party Ideas

Cute Girly Llama Party Ideas

We’re livin’ la vida llama and you’re invited! Find out how to throw a fabulous and fun fiesta with these colorful llama party ideas.

Hey birthday girls…it’s fiesta time! Grab your amigas and get ready to party like there’s no manana.  Find out how to throw a colorful and fun and llamazing event with these simple and easy llama party ideas.   

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Back to School 2020 Cricut Ideas

Back to School 2020 Cricut Ideas

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

Whether the kids distance learning or going to class in person, it’s important to be ready for the day. I’ve rounded up some of best Back to School 2020 Cricut Ideas that will help you and your kids stay on track and organized!

It’s beginning to look like a new school year! Back to School 2020 is looking…

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Cricut Back to School Ideas: Personalized Face Masks and Umbrella

Cricut Back to School Ideas: Personalized Face Masks and Umbrella

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

Get ready for school with Cricut Back to School Ideas. Create face masks to match school uniforms and design your very own custom umbrella!

We’re headed back to school…are you ready?! Even though this year looks a bit different than other years, we can still make it cute. Since masks are here to stay for the…

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Create fun and easy Cricut Joy projects in 15 minutes or less for the grad in your life! Complete step by step tutorials for making a graduation card, coffee mug, and custom face mask below!

What’s compact, portable, crafty, and super cute? The Cricut Joy of course! Join me as I show you how to make 3 easy Cricut Joy projects perfect for the grad in your life.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

*post includes affiliate links

3 Easy Cricut Joy Projects

I’m so excited to be sharing this brand new product from Cricut with you! Today we’ll be making a graduation card, coffee mug, and custom face mask using the products shown below.

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What is a Cricut Joy?

Cricut Joy is a powerful new cutting machine that can help you create a birthday card, custom mug, or a gift in minutes. It is about half the size of the Cricut Explore Air 2 and is cute as a button. It’s fun, functional, and really easy to use.

My mom stopped by earlier this week and I made a card in minutes while we were talking. It’s so easy to make quick projects with this machine! I could see this easily becoming my DIY best friend.

You can even create your own custom insert using a Cricut Joy pen.

Compact and Portable

Aside from being ridiculously cute, it’s also compact and portable. It comes Bluetooth ready so you can take it from one room to the next, on the coffee table or kitchen counter, by the pool, in an RV, at a campground, or on your deck overlooking the ocean. All you need is a power outlet and an internet connection. 

In addition to using a desktop or laptop, as long as you have the Cricut App, you can design on your phone or iPad.

Use the carrying case to store it and to take it on the road with you. If you are a member of a craft group, mommy group, wine club, etc…you can easily pack it up and take it with you. Impress your friends with custom wine glasses made on the spot! 

Mats are Optional

One of the best things about this little machine is that you don’t need a mat. Yes, you read that correctly…you don’t have to use a mat! The Cricut Joy uses something called Smart Vinyl which allows you to create a vinyl decal up to four feet long! It’s pretty amazing.

I created a graduation garland to put on our front door for my son and was able to cut 4.25″ letters spelling out “CONGRATS GLENN” using one roll of Smart Vinyl. The graduation cap was made with black cardstock and my Cricut Explore Air 2. You could also use a Cricut Maker.

Cricut Joy Setup

Set up for your new Cricut Joy is so easy. Plug the machine in, choose “Cricut Joy” under machine selection, follow the prompts, and start creating.

Next, you will be prompted to create your first project. I chose the crown because it goes pretty well with my brand. Your brand new Cricut Joy comes with some materials to play around with so you really can plug in your machine and create something in about 5 minutes.

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You can design on a desktop or laptop as long as it is Bluetooth capable. My computer does not have a Bluetooth option so I had to purchase a Bluetooth Dongle. Plug it into a USB port and you’re all set.

What All Can the Cricut Joy Do?

The Cricut Joy can do so many things! After I made my tiara test cut I immediately started making labels using the Smart Label Writable Vinyl. I updated my home office a bit last week with cube storage from Target and the pegboard system from IKEA. I made labels for the pegboard cups, the paper organizer, and my glitter cabinet. (Yes, I have a glitter cabinet because I’m obsessed with glitter!)

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Some of the other things you can make with the Cricut Joy are:

Custom T-shirts (perfect for family trips to Disneyland!)

Cards (including addressing envelopes)

Planner Stickers

Labels for Organizing

Jewelry

Banners

Farmhouse Signs

Photo Props

Gifts

Party Decorations

Coasters

The possibilities are endless! I’m going to share three little Cricut Joy projects I made for my son. He is graduating from high school so I made a graduation card, custom mug (filled with candy and money), and a custom mask to wear in the drive through graduation ceremony. 

How to Make a Greeting Card for Graduation

Can’t get to the store to buy a graduation card? You can make your own in less than 15 minutes! To make a card you will need the following supplies:

Cricut Joy Card Mat

Insert Card (choose from a wide range of card packs)

Cricut Joy Starter Tool Set 

Cricut Joy Pen (if your design choice calls for it)

Open Cricut Design Space and search for a graduation card.

Once you find the design you like, slide one of the pre-folded cards between the layers of the Card Mat. Remove the mat protector (don’t throw it away!) and press the top of the card onto the sticky side of the mat. 

Back in Design Space, click “Make It” in the lower right corner of your project. 

It will ask you how you will load your materials, choose, “On Card Mat” then click the “Insert Card – Cardstock” option under Material Set, load Card Mat into the machine, and then click “Go”.

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      There are no buttons on the Cricut Joy so once you insert your card the machine will automatically grab the mat. When it’s done cutting, click, unload the mat, and using the spatula, gently pull off the mat.

Now, slide your insert card through the corner slots…you’re done! If you like you can use a glue pen to make sure the insert doesn’t come out.

How to Make a Cricut Mug Using Smart Vinyl

Making a coffee mug with vinyl is really easy and makes a great gift. I designed a mug for my son using his school colors and school mascot. This whole Coronavirus quarantine thing has really changed how we celebrate our grads this year but I wanted him to have something to remember this moment in history so instead of “0”s I used a toilet paper image.

Here’s what you need to make this Cricut Joy Project:

Clean White Mug

Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl

Cricut Joy Transfer Tape

Starter Tool Set

You can choose from many different designs in Cricut Design Space or you can create your own. One of the first things you need to determine is how big your image needs to be because you don’t want it too big or too small.

Once you have your design ready, click “Make It”, choose “Without Mat”, then “Smart Vinyl – Permanent”. You will be prompted to load your material and once you do click, “Go”. The Cricut Joy rollers will grab the vinyl and start cutting. 

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When your decals are done, weed the image and get your transfer tape ready. Cut a piece of transfer tape slightly bigger than your image, remove the backing, and place it over your decal. Use your Cricut Joy Scraper to remove bubbles and to ensure the vinyl has adhered to the tape. 

Now transfer your image to the mug. Use the Scraper Tool to smooth the vinyl and slowly remove the transfer tape. If you are layering, make sure to put the bottom layer down first.

How to Make a Custom Face Mask Using Vinyl

Unfortunately, all traditional graduation ceremonies have been canceled due to COVID19 but that doesn’t mean we can’t still honor our grads. Thankfully, my son’s school did a drive through graduation. One of the rules was that everyone in the car had to wear face masks so I decided to make one for my son that matches his school colors and cap and gown. If you are into sewing you can make your own contoured mask as well using the same pattern I used from SewOside.

For this Cricut Joy Project you will need the following:

Cotton Face Mask

Cricut Joy Smart Iron On 

Cricut Easy Press Mini

I used basically the same design for the face mask as I did for the mug but I did adjust the size. When creating a custom face mask image it is imperative your design does not impede your breathing. Your design should be limited to the outer edges of the face mask.

While Cricut has a whole collection of products made specifically for the Cricut Joy, you are not limited to using those materials. You can use Cricut Everyday Iron On vinyl with the Cricut Joy as long as you use the Cricut Joy Mat. I did not have Smart Iron On in white so I used a bit of Everyday Iron On and it worked perfectly.

Make sure to choose the “On Mat” option along with “Everyday Iron On” before loading your materials in the machine.

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Once your vinyl is ready, carefully weed the image, and turn your Easy Press Mini to the medium setting and lightly press for 25 seconds. Check the Cricut Heat Guide for more setting options.

  Let cool and carefully peel off the transfer tape. RBV class of 2020 graduation…you did it!

Do I Need a Cricut Joy?

Yes, you absolutely need the Cricut Joy! I think you will find that the Cricut Joy is the perfect craft companion. It’s small, compact, portable, super easy to use, and has a wide range of tools and materials available to suit all of your crafting, decorating, organizing, or gift giving needs.

How Much Does the Cricut Joy Cost?

The Cricut Joy is under $200. You can purchase the machine on Cricut.com, at Joann Fabric, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby. 

Which Cricut is Best for Beginners?

You really can’t go wrong with any Cricut products. My mom has gotten into card making lately and I told her she should check out this machine. She doesn’t have any experience using something like this but I’m confident she would be able to get this setup all on her own. The Cricut Joy is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

[mv_create title=”Essential Cricut Joy Tools” key=”127″ type=”list” layout=”grid” thumbnail=”https://www.madebyaprincessparties.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cupid__0004_cupid_front_closed.jpg”%5DI hope you enjoyed these three easy Cricut Joy projects! What do you think of this powerhouse of a machine?! 

More Cricut Crafts, Tutorials, & Ideas

5 Things I Love About My Cricut Explore Air 2

How to Use Cricut Easy Press 2

How to Use Cricut Explore Air 2 for Beginners

Cricut Pop Event at The Grove, Los Angeles

3 Easy Cricut Joy Projects DIY Graduation Gifts Create fun and easy Cricut Joy projects in 15 minutes or less for the grad in your life!

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How to Make Rainbow Frosting Cupcakes

Ever wondered how to make those beautifully swirled rainbow frosting cupcakes? It’s a lot easier than it looks! Find out how with my easy Rainbow Frosting Tutorial! 

You’ve seen them on Pinterest and Instagram and wondered how they make those pretty rainbow swirl cupcakes right? It’s actually a lot easier than you think with my easy to follow frosting guide. 

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It’s Hug Time! Get ready to party with Poppy and sing, dance, and hug the day away with these Trolls Birthday Party Ideas!

The trolls are led by their fearless pink leader Princess Poppy who believes the world is made of cupcakes and rainbows. Trolls love to dance, sing, and hug so make sure you leave lots of time for dancing, singing, and Hug Time at your Trolls themed party! Grab your karaoke machine, dust off that disco ball, and get the Trolls party started! Check out all my Trolls Birthday Party Ideas including easy rainbow food fit for a pink princess!

*post contains affiliate links. Amazon Prime members can take advantage of that free shipping too!

Trolls Birthday Party Ideas

I styled this party back in October 2016 for Birthday in a Box when the first “Trolls” movie came out and thought it was time to share all my Trolls Movie party ideas. If you haven’t seen “Trolls the World Tour” I highly recommend it because all of our favorites are back singing, dancing, and yes, hugging. We can’t decide which “Trolls” movie we love better because they are both so good and the music is so darn catchy!

This “Trolls” birthday party was styled with Princess Poppy in mind so it’s very girly and pink. It’s probably no surprise that Poppy, the preternaturally peppy and pink troll, is my favorite. Poppy also loves scrapbooking and glitter so I’m pretty sure we’d be best friends in real life. 

Trolls Party Invitation

Since every party begins with an invitation why not make it really stand out? Add some hot pink confetti to give it a little something extra when your guests open the envelope! 

Trolls Birthday Party Decorations

Rainbows are a big part of the movie which makes decorating even more fun. Attach sparkle balloons with matching streamers to a grass rug to create a stunning backdrop. 

Small balloon flowers can be made out of water balloons and attached to the backdrop and the table for added color and whimsy. If you can’t find water balloons you can also use giant paper flowers.

More Trolls Party Ideas

Keep your table simple with Trolls party supplies from places like Party City or Birthday in a Box.

Cups are great for holding crazy straws, napkins, favor bags, and treats.

Trolls Birthday Party Food Ideas

My favorite part of any party is the food. It was easy to go a little crazy with Trolls party food because there is so much you can do with rainbows! 

Rainbow Brownies

Rainbow brownies are surprisingly easy to put together. Want to know how to make these colorful brownies? Check out my post for the full tutorial. 

Rainbow Jell-O

Ever wondered how to make layered Jell-O? It’s not hard but it does take awhile. Once you see the looks on your little guests faces when they spy these rainbow Jell-O cups you’ll know it was totally worth it. Learn how to make perfect Jello layers with my easy to follow tutorial.

One of the best things about rainbow Jell-O cups is that you can create them in just about any colors you want!

Rainbow Cupcakes

Would you believe me if I told you these took me about 15 minutes to decorate two dozen cupcakes? Creating rainbow cupcakes is a lot easier than you think. All you need are bowls of different colored frosting, plastic wrap, and a frosting bag or plastic zipper bag. 

To make a rainbow swirl, create lines of frosting on a sheet of plastic wrap in the order you wish your rainbow to appear. For instance, here I did dark pink, light pink, yellow, green, then blue and repeated this one more time. Once your lines of frosting are done, roll the plastic wrap like a sausage, and twist the ends. Snip one end and drop it in a pastry bag or Ziploc bag then start decorating your cupcake. Finish with some edible glitter.

Rainbow Fruit Cups

Use fresh fruit to create a cup of rainbow color fruit. Some ideas for rainbow fruit cups snack mix include:

Red Fruit: raspberries, watermelon, strawberries, cherries, dried cranberries

Orange Fruit: oranges, cantaloupe, apricots, peaches, mango

Yellow Fruit: pineapple, yellow kiwi, pears, bananas, dragon fruit

Green Fruit: kiwi, green grapes, honeydew

Blue Fruit/Purple Fruit: blueberries, elderberries, grapes, blackberries, dried raisins, plums, currants

These should be prepared the day of the party if possible. If prepped too soon the juices from fruit will collect in the bottom of the cup and it just won’t look as fresh.

Custom Trolls Treats

I typically make almost all of the food for my parties because I love to cook and bake. I do however, know my limitations and that includes custom boutique cookies and cake pops. Luckily, I know some really talented people to call on to make me the perfect party treats.

My friend, Katherine, made these uh-mazing custom Trolls cookies for me and they are positively perfect! 

Creek, DJ Suki, and Branch cookies…

Princess Poppy, Biggie & Mr Dinkles, and Guy Diamond cookies…

  Is this not the cutest box?! Charm Baked did such a great job with these cake pops! Which one is your favorite? Guy Diamond, Poppy, or Branch? I just love the expressions on Poppy and Branch!

Rainbow Slushies

I made these rainbow slushies for the kids but the day of the party I decided to go in another direction. What you don’t see from these photos is that it was raining buckets outside. This photo shoot was planned for my backyard. The day before we had gorgeous weather, the sun was shining, it was nice and warm, perfect shoot day conditions. As our friends arrived the sky opened up and ruined our outdoor plans. My friend and neighbor two doors down was kind enough to offer up her home because, unlike our house, she had great lighting. 

My friends helped carry the table, the food, and all the decorations down the street, in the rain. They were amazing. By the end of this photo shoot the girls were hopped up on sugar and completely over being photographed so I grabbed a bottle of champagne and poured it over the slushie cups. I had a jar of Fireball Whisky cherries that had been marinating for about a month so decided to throw that on their too. The straws I think came from the dollar store? Maybe? 

Cheers to awesome friends who helped pull this off!

Trolls Party Favors & Trolls Birthday Party Activities

Poppy really loves to scrapbook so creating a scrapbook is a great activity. If you have a portable printer like an HP Sprocket you can print pictures on the spot and give each child a picture to remember the day. 

Kids love crazy straws and they make great party favors.

Small bags of cotton candy are also great party favors…you can call them “Troll Hair Wigs” to stay in theme.

Give each guest their own “Hug Time” bracelet and necklace set. At certain times during the party call out, “Hug Time!”…it’s pretty cute and produces lots of giggles.

Hair chalking is also a really fun activity and one that the kids can do for each other. These five year olds were having lots of fun!

Poppy would approve.

Pinatas are always fun! If your guests don’t want to hit the piñata you can always choose the pulling string type. At this party in an effort to avoid any hurt feelings the girls were told to pull the strings at the same time. They loved this idea! No one knew who broke it and everyone ends up winning.

I hope you enjoyed my Trolls Birthday Party Ideas post!

Have you seen “Trolls”? Who is your favorite character? Tell me below!

Trolls Birthday Party Ideas for Girls It's Hug Time! Get ready to party with Poppy and sing, dance, and hug the day away with these Trolls Birthday Party Ideas!

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Valentine's Day Breakfast with Heart Shaped Waffles

Valentine’s Day Breakfast with Heart Shaped Waffles

Start your day on the sweet side with a Valentine’s Day breakfast filled with love…and heart shaped waffles!

Make your day a little sweeter with these easy Valentine’s Day breakfast ideas. Pink milk, heart shaped strawberries, and red velvet waffles made in a mini heart shaped waffle maker are the perfect way to start the day with your loves.

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Make Your Own Gingerbread Liqueur

Make Your Own Gingerbread Liqueur

Nothing smells and tastes like the holidays like gingerbread. Make your own gingerbread liqueur with fresh ginger, spices, and vodka and enjoy the tastes of Christmas whenever you want.

Do you love the smell and taste of gingerbread? It is my absolute favorite holiday flavor. This year I created a gingerbread infused vodka to enjoy with all of my favorite gingerbread treats and it is delicious!…

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Hot Cinnamon Candy Red Hot Liquor Recipe

Hot Cinnamon Candy Red Hot Liquor Recipe

Wondering what to do with leftover hot cinnamon candies? Use it to make infused vodka! This two ingredient Red Hot liquor recipe is so easy you can make it tonight! 

If Fireball cinnamon whiskey is a bit too strong for you but you love the taste of hot cinnamon candy this is the recipe for you. It only takes two simple ingredients to make this Red Hot Liquor infused vodka. You can make it for…

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5 Things I Love About My Cricut Explore Air 2 + Christmas Crafts

5 Things I Love About My Cricut Explore Air 2 + Christmas Crafts

Make adorable Christmas crafts with Cricut this holiday. I’m sharing 5 Things I Love About My Cricut Explore Air 2 along with some Christmas craft ideas you can make today.

Have you been thinking about getting a Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker? You are definitely going to want to move this cutting machine to your must have list because it is amazing! Here are 5 things I love about my Cricut…

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Toasted Marshmallow Vodka Recipe DIY

Toasted Marshmallow Vodka Recipe DIY

If your favorite part of s’mores is the toasted marshmallow then you will love this toasted marshmallow vodka recipe. Real marshmallows toasted with a kitchen torch make this concoction rich, creamy, and delicious!

You’ve heard of marshmallow vodka right? Well, how about toasted marshmallow vodka with actual toasted marshmallows? It takes a little work but it’s so worth it! Make this decadent…

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How to Make Candy Cane Vodka

How to Make Candy Cane Vodka

Looking for something to do with leftover candy canes? How about make your own flavored vodka? Two ingredients and a jar are all you need to make this candy cane vodka at home.

Once Christmas is over you probably have a bunch of leftover candy canes lying around don’t you? Don’t be so quick to toss those out. Make homemade candy cane vodka and spread a little more holiday cheer in the coming…

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Creme de Menthe Infused Vodka Recipe DIY

Creme de Menthe Infused Vodka Recipe DIY

Can you drink Creme de Menthe straight? Well yes you can! You can also make your very own creme de menthe infused vodka right at home. With just a few ingredients you can make homemade creme de menthe tonight!

Whether you enjoy it on ice cream, on the rocks, or in a Grasshopper, Creme de Menthe is simply delicious. You can make your own Creme de Menthe Infused Vodka for yourself or for gift…

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Soft Gingerbread Cookie Recipe for the Holidays

Soft Gingerbread Cookie Recipe for the Holidays

Looking for the quintessential holiday cookie? Try this soft gingerbread cookie recipe! These triple ginger gingerbread crinkle cookies are perfect for gift giving and cookie exchange parties.

Nothing smells like Christmas to me than gingerbread. It’s my absolute favorite holiday scent and flavor. This triple ginger soft gingerbread cookie recipe is just what you need to add to your holiday…

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Custom Button Up Baseball Jersey for Dance Competitions

Custom Button Up Baseball Jersey for Dance Competitions

Tired of ruining your hair at dance competitions? Try a custom button up baseball jersey! When you wear a cute personalized baseball jersey you can show off your school pride and not mess up your hair at the same time!

Hey Dance Moms…can I let you in on a little tip? If you’re tired of ruining your little dancer’s hair (that you spent forever doing) by pulling a t-shirt over her head, try a…

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