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The Makerista

I'm Gwen, a modern traditionalist who isn't afraid of color. Kansas City.

The Makings of a Party: Xander’s Woodland, Frightfully-Fun, Friday the 13th Bash

I’ve been anxiously awaiting the day that I could share Xander’s birthday with you.  A few weeks prior to his party I was approached by a former coworker who edits a local parent magazine and she was hoping I could help her put together a Halloween party for their October issue.  I told Susan that I probably did not have time for that, but that she was more than welcome to come shoot Xander’s Friday the 13th party, which would have a very similar feel.
While I’ve been really excited to share the evening with you, something was laid on my heart this weekend that I really wanted to address first.  I know I’ve seen it or something similar before, but as I was in the midst of editing and selecting these pictures, it really struck a chord with me.  If you don’t have time to read the article, I can sum it up rather easily.  The title is “5 Ways We’re Making Parenting Harder” and 2 of those listed are “the expectation of kid’s parties” and “Pinterest.”
I’ll admit to being guilty of both of these, but to be honest, I really love them.  I love making a pretty party, to the extremes of staying up way too late and doing crazy things like spending 5 hours to ruffle crepe paper garland in my sewing machine.  When I am in the midst of planning an event, I get up thinking about it and go to bed brainstorming and “to-do” listing.  I don’t do these things to “keep up with the Joneses,” I do them because I truly enjoy it.
I hope that my documentation of such things on this blog will inspire you to take one element of a party and make it your own.  But if putting together a party totally stresses you out and you get hives just thinking about it, you should be OK with it not being your thing.  It should be fun and if it’s not, you shouldn’t feel the need to go all out.  Party planning, decor, and the little details are some of the things that make my heart sing and give me warm fuzzies.  I pray that you know what does that for you.  If someone asked me to play a sport or cook for a bunch of people, I would not be down…I’m getting itchy just thinking about them.
I’ll get off of my soapbox now…
Speaking of cooking, I am really blessed to have a sister and sister-in-law who did most of the food.  That took a lot off of my plate and allowed me to do what I enjoy, not what I totally stress out about.
I made the big canvases for the gallery wall for almost nothing, and plan to do a tutorial on them soon.  I really wish I would have gotten more pictures of the food.  That is the downside of trying to be in charge of a party, enjoy the party with your birthday boy, and be the photographer…I often miss things and don’t realize it until well after.
My in-laws live on some really beautiful property, and they were kind enough to let us have the party there.

Xander, the gnome, and Micah, the mad scientist.

 

We used some tombstones and an old gate to create a “gift graveyard.”

Serving up some black hearts and kidneys.

A s’more station using an old hutch my in-laws keep in their barn.

The magazine really wanted me and Micah to dress up (we’re both always game for a fun costume).  This little dress and headpiece and the dress I wore on the cover of the magazine are from a local designer named Hadley.

If you have any questions, I’d love to answer.  It was such a wonderful time, and I am so grateful for all of my family and their help and hard work.  I could have never done it without them.  I am thankful, as well, to Susan: for the feature and everything she contributed!

More Friday the 13th Birthday Party Ideas here.

I’m also over at Sarah M. Dorsey Designs today with a fun little Q&A session.  Hop on over to learn some of my favorite things and what I consider to be my biggest DIY fail.  If you’re visiting from Sarah’s blog, welcome and thanks for stopping by!

 

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Keep on reading...
The Makings of One Party and the Revealings of Another One
Halloween Curiosities
Post Party Flowers

Comments

  1. Julia Konya says

    Wow your kids are lucky! Love the theme and how you made it come to life. So fun
    I just did a creepy sleepover party for my daughter but it was indoors 😉

  6. Autumn Beach says

    Oh my goodness…LOVE. Your mad styling skillz + that fabulous setting = one spooktacular party! And it's so crazy…I read that same article via Emily's blog and have been thinking/talking about it all weekend. It cracked me up yet was so incredibly thought-provoking all at the same time.

    • [email protected] says

      Thanks, lady! I know…I totally agree with it, but at the same time I feel like I should do my thing. On that note though, we don't have an elf on the shelf and I don't plan on guilting myself into that. 🙂

  7. brookewood says

    loveLOVE, gwen. so grateful you've started to document your projects, parties, and passions 🙂 awesome that you are using your gifts and really enjoy seeing all the creative ideas!

  9. Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says

    I love that you put this out there. I totally agree with you, too…to each their own and together as women we should encourage each other and not be afraid to do what makes us happy! I love the party you put together and everything was styled so well! Very picturesque and those masks! Did you order those online or find them locally? I love the vintage feel to them! Gorgeous!

    • [email protected] says

      Thanks so much, Jesse! I appreciate the feedback about my little rant. 🙂 We got those at a local store, aren't they so cute? Thanks so much for your kind words…hope you have a great weekend!

  11. Sarah Bauer says

    This is amazing– I stumbled across your blog linking from Little Green Notebook. So happy I did, this looks fabulous, I have been pinning up a storm!