Over the Top Studios

Hey There Little Red Riding Hood

Recently I ordered a variety of Italian wrapping papers based on classic fairytales. Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and Little Red Riding Hood to name a few. My first thought was, these would make awesome party hats for themed birthday parties. Little Red Riding Hood is one of my favorites. The original story can be a bit scary but the images on this paper are truly sweet and even the wolf is timid.

I like to add elements from the story to my hats that add three dimensionality and a whimsical flair. I thought about the forest and all the trees and leaves on the floor of the woods and I decided to make a trim to the hat made of glittered leaves. It wraps all around base of the hat.

I was also reminded of the flowers she picked along the way. Drawing from the paper itself, a little bouquet of vintage wildflowers intermixed with cotton spun mushrooms and a ladybug  are tied together with white and red baker’s twine.

Little baskets hang from the twine and the top is adorned with a “poof” of red. I even made a little slide box that can be used for favors or a place to store a special little something. In this case the box comes with a miniature pair of spectacles just the right size for the box.

I wanted to see what other ETSY artist were doing with the

 “Little Red Riding Hood”

theme and found some wonderful items to help you plan your own “Little Red Riding Hood” party.

To start, send out these fun invites to get everyone in the right mood for the party. They are available here.

Simple decorations that incorporate your child’s name always personalize a party. This banner can be designed to say anything you like and is available from this site

I am a fan of  DIY, do it yourself! With a little bit of computer savvy you can buy an entire printable party for a fraction of the cost of buying each item individually. I do believe in investing a few extra dollars for one great item, let’s say a party hat perhaps, but most items will get tossed at the end of the day. Why spend a fortune. This sweet printable party is available here

While searching for ideas I found this great blog post. The only thing missing from this party was an Over the Top party hat. Love the little baskets. Check out the entire party here.

Another great party favor you can print yourself. Fill the jars with home made jam or just strawberry candies.

These cake pops are a clever idea. I like the idea of anchoring them in a piece of wood that has been drilled to receive the pops.  I couldn’t find the exact source but they were just too cute to leave out.

Candy apples can be made for any occasion. They fit the Red Riding Hood party well but would also make a great Halloween or a wedding favor. Find the recipe here

All in all I hope you enjoyed your virtual trip through the woods to grandma’s house. There are so many great ideas out there to help you throw a truly memorable party. I know I was inspired not only by the paper I used to make my party hat but the original ideas I found out there in blogland. Thank you, all you creative people for inspiring me every day.

Amada

Easter Parade

What’s new? A lot actually! I haven’t been blogging much lately because at some point you just need to make a choice where to spend your free time. As many of you know we are building a new house and we are still in the process. Note: When the builder says 9 months, he really means a year. So we are at a year and still counting. I hope to post lots of pictures of the new house when it is no longer covered in plastic and tarps. In the meantime, I am constantly adding to my ETSY shop despite my cramped quarters. This Easter I have added a new piece to my line based on one of my favorite musicals,

Easter Parade.

There is just something about this movie that gets me tapping my toes and singing along to the tunes. I wanted to pay homage to the movie with a special Over the Top centerpiece that captured the essence of the movie.

 

This piece is rather large, around 12”.It is covered with German glass glitter. The top hat is fashioned after the one Fred Astaire wore in the movie. It is made of crepe paper and Dresden trim. The white Easter bonnet  is a replica of the one Judy Garland sported on 5th avenue.

 

 

 

 

Lots of little details really make this a fun piece and worthy of the movie which inspired it. I really love it and made a few extras to sell locally here in Washington.

You can find this creation at Common Folk Co in Bellevue.

Drop in this weekend for their annual Spring

Open House March 9th, 10th and 11th.

Kathryn has brought in lots of wonderful items for the event and always has wonderful snacks and drawings throughout the weekend.  What a wonderful way to usher in Spring!  So nice to be bloggin’ again. I missed it and I am looking forward to doing more of it again.  Until then friends, keep creating!

Amada