Friday, April 19, 2013

Ninja Throwing Stars


Well, the Birthday Party is tomorrow!!! I have been so busy with work and catching up with everything else around the house that I haven't had time to put up any of my recent Ninjago projects!

Today I want to share with you the Ninja Stars I made for the kids. I remember making many of them as a kid but have since forgotten. Click here for the pictorial I used to make mine. There are also a lot of YouTube videos on them as well! Hopefully, we will have time to play a little game with them. If any of the kids at the party want to learn how to make one themselves I will take some extra paper with me to teach them how.  

Ninja Throwing Stars

Up next ...


Have a great day and thanks for coming by,
Happy Crafting :)

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

DIY No Sew Ninjago Headbands

Hey all!!! I hope you're not all bored to death with all this Ninjago Party planning of mine. All I want is to make my son's birthday memorable, and maybe inspire some of you with ideas when planning your next party! 

Today I'm going to share with you how I made the Ninja headbands. Really easy, I promise!!!

DIY No Sew Ninjago Headbands

I didn't want to spend any time sewing. My solution....  ribbon! I bought a 1.5-inch wide ribbon that I found at Micheal's. Cut it to the desired length, for as many as you need.

DIY No Sew Ninjago Headbands

The only problem with ribbon is that it frays :(
TIP: I used my heat embossing tool to heat the ends and slightly melt them. No more fraying! Probably could do the same with a candle,  but be very CAREFUL if you do!

Next, I printed the kid's names out and taped the paper up on my kitchen window. I then took the piece of ribbon that I had cut and found the middle. I then aligned it over each name and secured it to the window with more tape. All that is left to do is trace it with a sharpie. Super easy, right?!?

DIY No Sew Ninjago Headbands

These will make a great keepsake for the guests to take home, and even if they are thrown out you won't feel so bad because it was that easy!!!


Up next ...


Have a great day and thanks for coming by,
Happy Crafting :)

Monday, April 15, 2013

Ninjago Cupcake Toppers - Free Print and Cut Silhouette File


Hey everyone are you tired of Ninjago yet? I'm getting really close... It feels like I've been eating, sleeping, breathing all things Ninja! I can't wait to see it all come together already! :)

Today I want to share with you the Ninjago cupcake toppers I made. I'm still not sure I will be using them like that. I may just use them as food picks and sporadically place them on the food trays.

I created them again using the Silhouette software. I printed them and then cut them out on the Cameo. Here is what they look like once they were cut out.

Ninjago Cupcake Toppers - Free Print and Cut Silhouette File

They come together in a matter of minutes. All that is left to do is fold and glue them down onto a toothpick. I just used a dab of hot glue and pinched the two pieces of paper together onto the toothpick. Really easy!

Ninjago Cupcake Toppers - Free Print and Cut Silhouette File

The image I used comes from here. Make sure to stop by, she also had some great ideas on the theme. If you have a Silhouette machine and would like to have a copy of this file click on the link below :)

Before you download...
My free files RULES!!!

  1. If you choose to download all I ask is you become a follower.
  2. Note my files are for personal use only! (Personal use means... only for you to use (no trading, or sharing of my files... let me do that!) 
  3. If you want to share, send your friends over to my blog for the download. 
  4. I'm OK with people sharing my files on their own sites as long as there is a direct link back to this blog...Give credit where credit is due! (a message to me would also be appreciated)

Ninjago Ninja Cupcake Toppers - (Silhouette - Print and Cut) .studio file

If you would like to donate, (click the đŸ‘‰DONATE button on the sidebar) I will happily accept any amount you see fit. No pressure at all either :) It will just make my day that someone wants to support my passion.

Coming up...


Have a great day and thanks for coming by,
Happy Crafting :)

 Sharing this with my Crafty Peeps!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

DIY Ninjago Birthday Party Photo Booth

Now that you have seen the photo props, it's time to show you how I made the background for the Ninja photo booth, which will also double as a signature board keepsake. 

I first joined two pieces of poster board and taped them to each other, leaving a seam down the middle. I used the seam as a guide and just penciled the drawing in first.

DIY Ninjago Birthday Party Photo Booth

I then just painted the picture in with a paintbrush and some red acrylic paint. You could also probably use a marker if you didn't feel comfortable painting. Here's a closer look... not bad for not being a traced image!  

DIY Ninjago Birthday Party Photo Booth

I added thank you to each side so that when our guests receive the picture it will also be a thank you to them as well! I am also hoping to get each guest to sign their names on it. This way Tomas can keep it as a keepsake from the party! It folds in half very easily and can be rolled up for storage.

DIY Ninjago Birthday Party Photo Booth

Here is Tomas once again posing with his weapons... 

DIY Ninjago Birthday Party Photo Booth

and his sister Maia telling Tomas he's "Dead Meat!" Oh, can you feel the love!

DIY Ninjago Birthday Party Photo Booth

I got my inspiration from here, please make sure to stop by and see all of the amazing ideas from her sons' Ninjago Party.

I hope you're enjoying all the Ninjago fun as much as I am!

Up next...


Have a great day and thanks for coming by,
Happy Crafting :)

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Ninjago Balloon Stickers - Free Silhouette Print and Cut Studio File


Ninjago Balloon Stickers - Free Silhouette Print and Cut Studio File

Here is a really quick and simple project I made for my son's Ninjago party. I created the Ninja eyes with the print and cut feature of the Silhouette software. For those of you with a Silhouette machine, all that is left to do is Print and Cut. 

You can print it onto an adhesive lined sheet of paper and just stick them on your balloons. I didn't have any adhesive paper, so I just printed them out on regular card stock and taped them to the balloons! You can use these eyes on pretty much anything for your party! I'm sure I'll be using them for a few more things! Just have fun with them :)


Click on the link below for your free file!

Before you download...
My free files RULES!!!

  1. If you choose to download all I ask is you become a follower.
  2. Note my files are for personal use only! (Personal use means... only for you to use (no trading, or sharing of my files... let me do that!) 
  3. If you want to share, send your friends over to my blog for the download. 
  4. I'm OK with people sharing my files on their own sites as long as there is a direct link back to this blog...Give credit where credit is due! (a message to me would also be appreciated)
Ninjago Bday Balloon Stickers (Silhouette, print and cut) .studio file (image came from here)

If you would like to donate, (click the đŸ‘‰DONATE button on the sidebar) I will happily accept any amount you see fit. No pressure at all either :) It will just make my day that someone wants to support my passion.

Coming up...


Have a great day and thanks for stopping in,
Happy Crafting :)

 Sharing this with my Crafty Peeps!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Ninjago Themed Photo Props - Free Silhouette Files


Continuing on with the Ninjago themed Birthday Party...

Here are some of the Photo Props I have created for some fun pictures that night! I got some of my inspiration from here, make sure you stop by their blog to see more wonderful ideas!
Again, I will be sharing all these Silhouette files for those of you interested :)

The Ninjas are all frowning, they actually look kinda scary... I think it's the hole in the eyes, creepy! Hopefully, they won't scare anyone too much! Might make for some interesting photos ;)

Ninjago Themed Photo Props - Free Silhouette Files

Here are some fun bubbles I made too!

Ninjago Themed Photo Props - Free Silhouette Files

I also made a prop container simply by wrapping a mason jar with the lantern file. Notice I also made some cool Ninjago weapons, I'm sure those will be popular with the boys!

Ninjago Themed Photo Props - Free Silhouette Files

Here is the Birthday boy, Tomas posing and testing out Sensei Wu's Props. So serious Sensei Tomas! He didn't like that I was laughing at his new look, not pleased at all can you tell? LOL!

Ninjago Themed Photo Props - Free Silhouette Files

Click on the links below for your free files!

Before you download...
My free files RULES!!!

  1. If you choose to download all I ask is you become a follower.
  2. Note my files are for personal use only! (Personal use means... only for you to use (no trading, or sharing of my files... let me do that!) 
  3. If you want to share, send your friends over to my blog for the download. 
  4. I'm OK with people sharing my files on their own sites as long as there is a direct link back to this blog...Give credit where credit is due! (a message to me would also be appreciated)
Ninjago Bday Photo Props (Silhouette) .studio file
Ninjago Bday Bubble Props (Silhouette) .studio file
Ninjago Bday Weapon Props (Silhouette, print and cut). studio file (images came from here)

If you would like to donate, (click the đŸ‘‰DONATE button on the sidebar) I will happily accept any amount you see fit. No pressure at all either :) It will just make my day that someone wants to support my passion.

Ninjago Birthday Party Lanterns - Free Silhouette Studio file


Today I am going to share with you how I made some little lanterns to go with my son's Ninjago themed party.

Do you remember making these in Elementary School??? I sure do! I really like how these turned out and how quickly they came together! 

Since I wanted to make a few of these lanterns, I thought rather than cutting them out by hand I would create a file for them with my Silhouette program. Now I can share it with you all!

Before you download...
My free files RULES!!!

  1. If you choose to download all I ask is you become a follower.
  2. Note my files are for personal use only! (Personal use means... only for you to use (no trading, or sharing of my files... let me do that!) 
  3. If you want to share, send your friends over to my blog for the download. 
  4. I'm OK with people sharing my files on their own sites as long as there is a direct link back to this blog...Give credit where credit is due! (a message to me would also be appreciated)

Click here for the Lantern (Silhouette) .studio file

If you would like to donate, (click the đŸ‘‰DONATE button on the sidebar) I will happily accept any amount you see fit. No pressure at all either :) It will just make my day that someone wants to support my passion.

Ninjago Birthday Party Lanterns - Free Silhouette Studio file

Here is a quick pictorial on how simple they came together. Pretty self-explanatory I think!

Ninjago Birthday Party Lanterns - Free Silhouette Studio file


Easy right?  Coming up...


Have a great day and thanks for stopping in,
Happy Crafting :)

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Ninja Table Backdrop and Banner - Free Silhouette Studio File

Ever since I found out about Hostess with the Mostess, I haven't been able to set up a party table without somehow making it pretty! May not be HWTM caliber, but at least I give it a good try ;) 

Since I won't be hosting the party at our house this year,  it will make set up a bit tricky because I will only have 30 minutes prior to the party to decorate. To help me visualize it all, I have set up a table in my basement so that I can easily replicate it all on an actual day. That, and this way there will be a visual reference on how I can have one of my helpers set it up for me... now that's smart planning! *wink, wink*

For the Ninjago table, I thought it would be cool to create some Japanese looking screens. Here is where I got my inspiration from. 

For these screens, I used 3 sheets of foam board 20x30 inches, a ruler and black tape. I found the foam board at the Dollar store, and the tape is actually electrical tape. Who knew hubby had some hidden craft supplies in the garage!

Ninja Table Backdrop and Banner - Free Silhouette Studio File

I then just eyeballed the tape placement. I used the ruler more as a guide to keep the lines somewhat straight.  I then cut out my son's name for the middle screen using my Silhouette Cameo.  For the side screens I wanted to incorporate his age so searched Google for the Japanese character nine and traced it in the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition. I did the same with the small little ninja stars. The font I used is called Shanghai and is a free download from dafont.com.

Ninja Table Backdrop and Banner - Free Silhouette Studio File

I also created the banner that I strung on the table with the Silhouette software and cut it out with the Cameo. For those of you planning a Ninjago Party and have the Silhouette machine, I will be sharing all the .studio files I've created!

Before you download...
My free files RULES!!!

  1. If you choose to download all I ask is you become a follower.
  2. Note my files are for personal use only! (Personal use means... only for you to use (no trading, or sharing of my files... let me do that!) 
  3. If you want to share, send your friends over to my blog for the download. 
  4. I'm OK with people sharing my files on their own sites as long as there is a direct link back to this blog...Give credit where credit is due! (a message to me would also be appreciated)

Click HERE for the Ninja Birthday Banner .studio file (For personal use only!)
(The file includes all the letters of the alphabet and numbers, so that you may personalize it for yourself. Just in case you don't have the font installed on your computer!) 

If you would like to donate, (click the đŸ‘‰DONATE button on the sidebar) I will happily accept any amount you see fit. No pressure at all either :) It will just make my day that someone wants to support my passion.

Hope you like my Ninjago like table so far... stay tuned for posts coming up on...


Have a great day and thanks for stopping in,
Happy Crafting :)

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Planning a Ninjago Birthday Party - Invitation Tutorial


Hey all... it feels like forever since my last post, probably cause it has been a while... no worries, you're going to get post overload here soon!

So my son turned 9 yesterday. Last year he asked for a Star Wars-themed Party (it has actually been one of my most popular posts.) This year he asked if he could have a Ninjago themed party, "Of course" I said... but, in my mind I was kinda panicking, all I know is that they are little LEGO ninjas that my vacuum loves to find!

Well, no worries I thought, I'll just go to the Party place and buy the Ninjago party package... I couldn't believe they don't have such a thing (at least here in this city!) I have seen so much online I didn't think this would be a problem. Well, it's a good thing I'm crafty, lol!

So I thought I would start by sharing how I made my son's Birthday Invitations. I found this image just by doing a Ninjago search on Google images. Click here for the exact site. 


I have Photoshop, but haven't really tried using it yet... so I stuck with things I already was familiar with. I opened up Paint on the computer and pasted it on to the work surface. Since I needed a bigger surface to write on, I sized the picture to the length I wanted. Then I clicked on the paint button and colored the bottom portion black. All that is left to do is add your text. The font I used is called Shanghai. Once you are finished save your image. Open it up in whatever program you like and print it. 


Planning a Ninjago Birthday Party - Invitation Tutorial

I then used Word to create the rest of my invite. I really wanted something quick and easy to make especially for his little school friends. So I thought I would just print it all out on one sheet of paper. To do that I divided my page into 4 sections. On the bottom 2 sections of the page, I included a map and party details (see picture below). The top right section of the page I placed the image I created above, only flipped upside down. Fold the page in half and then in half again. Now they are ready to stuff in an envelope! So easy right? 



I also used these images and sent them over the internet to our friends and family! So much easier than hand-delivering ;)

I hope you like this quick tutorial on how I made these invites. Maybe next time you will make your own too :)

Stay tuned for posts coming up on...


This is at least what I have planned... we shall see much I can actually get done! 

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Crafting :)

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

Hi Everyone!

I finally had a chance to put together some pictures of our trip to Peru to share with you all! Not my usual kind of crafty post, but I think photography is an art and I love to practice it when I can. I tried to capture our experience, the people, the culture and of course the breathtaking views. Here are some of my favorite shots. 

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

The worried man. Sitting outside a church... wonder what's on his mind? 

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

This poor man was passed on the steps - One too many Pisco Sours!

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

Peruvians have their bases covered... Rooftop offerings both Gods! 

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

This beautiful lady showed us how they weave and make their very colorful lama and alpaca yarn.

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

Rescued Ox! Jose our driver stopped the van to untangle this Ox from the fence.

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and stayed during our trip. Arawana Sacred Valley Hotel.

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

Another one of my favorite pictures... when I took this picture I never noticed the man sitting in the bush!

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

Prickly pears... so delicious, had no idea they grew on a cactus!

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

Beautiful Bloom!

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

The three Caballeros...
put on a traditional horse show and dance for us!

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

Peruvian Moma and her baby at the local market! Aren't they gorgeous!?! Love the colors!

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

Can you tell we are a bit excited! That... or we chewed a few too many coca leaves, lol! 
Thank you to our friends Luis and Isabel for the fun times and wonderful memories!

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

One more checkmark on our Bucket List!


Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

Machu Picchu the highlight of our trip! Literally breathtaking!!!

Vacation Pictures of Peru | Travel

I hope you enjoyed my very condensed version of our trip... 1500 pics thought might be a bit too much for you all... If you really want to see more I recommend you go visit this majestic place!