Thursday, November 21, 2013

Sunshine Kids Craft Corner - Super Fun American Girl DIY Party Idea

Our crew has had the blessing of celebrating more then 8 family birthdays over the past two months! This was a super fun DIY party idea that the girls and I worked on together and they are so cute! These little guys can be used to so many ways from centerpieces, party favors and more! Save those cans and set down with the little one's for this one. This is a great and easy way to add a little extra fun as a Thanksgiving Table Idea too !

Supplies: Empty Cans All Shapes and Sizes
 Your Favorite Paper Modge Podge
 A paint Sponge 
Ribbons Embellishments of Choice 

Tips: Make sure and use an Edge Can Opener so there are not sharp edges left on the can. Also a great trick to getting those labels off the cans is to run them though the dishwasher first~ Once they come out any label left will peel right of. 

Step 1: Measure your Can Size Height and Diameter and Cut Your Paper of Choice to the appropriate size

Step 2: Using your Paint Sponge Cover the Entire Can with Modge Podge 
Step 3: Wrap the can with your cut paper 

Step 4: Repaint the entire can with paper with the Modge Podge. 

Make sure to cover it good. 

Step 5: Set aside to dry 

Step 6: Embellish your fun can with Ribbons, Rhinestones or other Die Cut Shapes. This sample was made as a party favor for an American Girl Themed party. 

We added a little hanging ribbon on the top and it's just the perfect size to hold all those fun Doll Brush and Hair Accessories



This one is a Great Idea for a 75th Birthday Party!  These were crafted as  Floral Vases to hold flowers for a Daisy themed party. Add a little Personalized Table Confetti FromBeths and its a super cute, inexpensive and fun craft to add just a little something handmade to your event. Don't be shy! Save those can and give them a try.

You will have so much fun!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

How to make a personalized invitation from a digital template


How to make a personalized invitation from a digital template

So, as an ol’ photoshop pro, I sometimes am guilty of not considering how the other half operates (seriously how do you survive?) I recently ran into this problem head on when a client ordered one of my instant download invite’s – only to discover she had no idea what to do with it! Unfortunately I was out of town and was not able to respond or help her, thus losing a client and having to issue a refund, not to imagine the frustration on her end… I have decided to turn this bad experience into a learning opportunity for others.

Now, as anyone can tell you there are 100’s of ways to add text to an image and customize a file. For the purpose of this tutorial I am going to pick an easy (and free) method’s to edit one of my invitations (this one here). At the end of the tutorial, I will mention a few other sites/programs (also all free) that are great to utilize.

I actually discovered Fotor today for the purpose of this tutorial. I like it because it is very easy to use, completely free, and I didn’t have to sign up or download anything to use it!

Step 1: Go to http://www.fotor.com/ and click on “Open a Photo”




Step 2: On the right of your screen go to “Add Photo” then “Computer”, then select your previously downloaded invite template.


Step 3: Add text! First click on the “T” in the green circle to get to your text area, then scroll through the font’s in either “Local” or “Online”. Once you find one you like, click on it and hit “Insert Text”



Step 4: You can use the tools to edit its color, size, ect. The color eyedrop tool is my favorite because I can use colors straight from the invite! Don’t be afraid to play around so you understand what these do before you move on. At any point you can edit your text by clicking on it.



Step 5: Repeat step’s 3 and 4! Just keep adding text until you are happy and have everything you need.


Step 6: If you are feeling extra adventurous check out their other tools, add clip art, ect Oh! And it will ask you to apply your changes before switching tools, always do so.



Step 7: Save! Go to the share icon and save as a jpg, highest quality on the slider bar.


Step….. YOUR DONE! At least with the design work. Now you can upload to facebook, print at home, or at a store.


Now, some other online programs that will allow you to add text (and do other awesome things as well):

Some companies, online and storefront, that you can order prints from (and also edit):


I hope you will find this tutorial helpful, please comment below about your experience with any of these programs (or others). And if you are on the hunt for some invite templates feel free to check out my etsy shop (insert shameless self promotion)
-Chelsey