The Roaring 20's / Great Gatsby Inspired 30th Birthday

So I had just finished reading the Great Gatsby before my 30th birthday and I instantly fell in love with the era. So as a goodbye to my Roaring Twenties (and as I entered my own great depression of becoming 30) I decided to make this my theme. My beautiful invites were made by my wonderful friend Roxy from MKR

I used cardboard (that I up-cycled from a box) painted it black with my little acrylic paint and printed black and white photos of my life. A good friend of  mine made my cupcakes, while I made the mini cheesecakes in a cup and the chocolate dipped strawberries. The cookies were store bought and the cake was a custom order. 

My fabulous flapper cake was not only fabulous but also delicious . My sweet friend and baker Cyntia. created a pistachio white cake, with raspberry filling and white chocolate frosting. 

My DIY bar was my favorite. I made my personalized Speakeasy sign with cardboard, black and white acrylic paint. 

I decided to personalize my drink menu with parts of my name for fun. To keep costs low, I decided on champange, mojitos and sangria. My DIY sign was made out of Dollar Tree items (pearls, frame) and computer paper. 

After perusing the Salvation Army on their 40% off day, I came across the candle holders ($7 for the set of 10). Because Mason Jars were used for moonshine in the 1920's , I found them appropriate to use as my vases. I found the silver trays at the Dollar Store as well as the faux pearls. I decided on pearls as they remind me of flappers.
I got really lucky with the black lace. My mom had an entire roll in her garage. As for the flowers, red carnations were my top choice as they are not only red and vibrant but cost effective. 

My DIY PhotoBooth was done with items that I had around the house. I already had the two Chiavari chairs which I purchased at the Swapmeet for $2 dollars each. I found my vintage table at my sister's garage sale. My backdrop (which is my personal favorite piece) was purchased at the fabric store for $2 a yard (I only used a yard and a half). My props were all handmade. I did not want to spend 8 dollars at Oriental Trading plus shipping. So instead I used black card stock, found a free template online, bought glue dots and skewer sticks (Dollar Tree). Viola! Instant DIY props for less than five dollars. 

The feathered, sequined headbands were also a DIY project. I bought about 2yds at the fabric store, feathers at Michaels (with a 40% coupon) and used my glue gun. I made a few of these in the event that guests didn't dress up. 

Dollar Tree frame. Can you tell I'm obsessed with the Dollar Tree? 

Although my food table doesn't look very fancy I decided to share it with you. To keep costs low, I purchased frozen lasagnas from Costco, baked them and served them. I also purchased the bread rolls and salads from Costco. My sister made a big pot of spaghetti while my mom made a pot of shrimp fettuccine.  The food costs were under $150 for 50 guests. Not bad, for being on a budget, huh?!

So I was running out of time and I had forgotten to order my long cigarette to accessorize my outfit. So I went to Party City and bought a pack of  fake (but look super real) cigarettes. I used a pencil and painted it black (with acrylic paint) and used silver tape to hold my piece together.  

I had my husband spray paint a cardboard box black (Spray paint was the cheap one from Walmart, less than $3). He cut a small rectangle for a peephole. I was trying to go with the whole SpeakEasy vibe upon entering the party. 

I loved that (without planning on it) all my guests wore black or red and I was the only one in white!

As for my dress, I found it at Ross for $16.99. I made my own headpiece with an old scarf, gold ribbon and feather from Michaels and an old vintage brooch.  

I honestly couldn't of pulled this event off without the wonderful help of my family and friends. I am one blessed, 30 year old , gal. 

A Budget Savvy DIY Elmo Party ...

Olivia was obsessed with Elmo, but then again, who isn't at age 2?

Sugar cookies were made from scratch ....since I had the items already...a total of $0 (but really, even if I didn't have the items at hand, the most that I would've spent might have been about $5-10)

Simple vanilla cupcakes with homemade buttercream frosting. The little sugar Elmo faces were purchased at Vons for about $2-3. I melted orange chocolate to make the O and 2 on the cupcake.

My cake was a bit challenging to frost and turned out looking more like an Angry Bird. Major Fail. But at least the flavor was a success. It was Nutella frosting, cheesecake filled chocolate cake. I kind of regret adding the skittles around the face. As it did take away from the flavor of my cake if and when it was accidentally consumed. 

To stay on budget, I purchased the red baggies at Walmart for no more than $2 dollars. Isabella wanted to help me so I had her cut out the nose, eyes and to place a dot on them. Even though Elmo's eyes came out looking a little batty, it was a great experience for Isabella to assist in planning her little sister's birthday. 

So I purchased the bowls, ribbon and blue gems at the Dollar Tree ($11 for everything) and the gold fish at walmart (.50 each)  grand total of $14 for my centerpieces. I used my hot glue gun, tied a ribbon and in the center used old crayons that I found around the house. (Sorry, I wish the vase was facing the camera). In between the fish bowls I placed Sesame Street books for decor/reading pleasure. The books were purchased in Target's dollar section. 

I found a new love (and addiction) for acrylic paint ($.69-$3 at Michaels) and cardboard. Yes, cardboard! Any cardboard works. I believe this cardboard was from the box that Olivia's Little Tykes car came in. I simply cut it and painted it. Side Note: I found that sponge brushes work best. 

I was feeling crafty and (or obsessed with painting anything and everything) decided to make a sign for the parents with the leftover cardboard and paint. Lets just say this was placed above a cooler. Hiccup.