DIY: How To Make Birthday Centerpieces

Today at work, I had the task to recreate a My Little Pony Centerpiece using the items we had in the store.  I really thought it was going to be impossible.  We already printed out the pony that we needed but I had to cut out foam paper to stick it to and syrofoam to use as a base.  Here are some pictures to show you what I used and how I used it.

I cut out a piece of styrofoam from a block that we had in the store.   The easiest way for me was just to saw it off with scissors.

I used this aqua color border to wrap around the block.

Since the border was scalloped it showed some of the white edges of the foam.  I wrapped the border around the foam 3 times to hide the top white edges

This was the result. I liked the finished look of doing that.

I used a total of 6 sheets of each color to complete 2 centerpieces.  I  folded the tissue paper about 4 times and traced a circle using the border that was still in the roll.

As you can see, the circles are as wide as the base, which is what you want  because it makes it look more fluffier.

I used pink and yellow tissue paper.

Before you start gluing the tissue paper, poke a hole in the center of the foam.  This is where your character will be placed.

I used a Sharpie to give me a bigger fluff. You can use a pencil but the fluff will be much tighter.

Add hot glue to the bottom tip of the paper and stick it to the base

Just follow around the edge of the foam until you are back to the beginning . The first few pieces might look weird but that's normal.  It will look pretty once you finish.

This is the finished result

I had to use adhesived foam paper, so there was no room to make mistakes. We only had 2 prints of the pony and we needed 2 centerpieces.

I wrapped a plastic balloon stick with ribbon to make it look cuter

I then hot glued the stick to the pony 

I put hot glue in the hole that I made earlier and stuck the stick in there.  I put more hot glue around the base of the straw and held it in place until it dried to avoid a crooked centerpiece

After the glue is dry, simply glue about 4-6 more tissue paper to cover up the center.

And...this is the finished result.  

The one in the right was the one I used to copy from.  The person who made that one used a piece of  wood as the base.  She also had wider unscalloped border which she wrapped only once around the wood.  Instead of using foam paper she used Styrofoam.

You can use any character you want to use and any color.  For example you can use black border and red and blue tissue paper for a Spiderman theme. These are cute to use at birthday centerpieces for the  tables. If time allows make enough for each guest to take home as a small thank you for coming to the party.

Vera Bradley Pleated Tote

Vera Bradley Pleated Tote
African Violet

Top zipper closure for extra protection

one big side zippered pocket

My tablet fits in perfectly

The side pocket is pretty deep as well

3 side pockets.  They are all the same size but unlike the Get Carried Away Tote. The pockets are not mirrored. So one zippered pocket on one side and 3 open side pockets on the other side.

Whats in my purse?
crochet hook
3 different colors of yarns
2 incomplete crochet projects
family size trail mix
kotex envelope
sanitizer
protein bar
gum
pen
personal size filofax
toilet paper

each side has a pocket 

I can fit 2 meal replacement shakes on one side

On the other side I can fit a  refillable water bottle and a small water bottle

This is so much better than the Get Carried Away Tote.  I think that one was more for travel.  Even though this bag is full, it does not feel heavy. I love it.

My husband was so kind enough to exchange my Get Carried Away Tote today.  I gave him the name of the tote that I wanted and the top 5 choices that I wanted him to get. My first choice was African Violet which the one he got.  This one is less expensive that the Get Carried Away Tote.  This was $68.00.  I love that it is full but not as heavy.  I think this is perfect for work and to take to my sons practice to carry my crochet stuff.  

Get Carried Away

My bag finally came in today.  I ordered to last Sunday and received it today which is Monday.  I love the color and pattern of the bag but it is way too big.  I think I would look ridiculous to use this as my everyday work bag.  This tote would be much better to use as a travel bag.

Huge box was left at my front door step

Nicely packaged with tissue and bubble wrap

Canterberry Magenta

 Get Carried Away Tote

Double straps with cushioned  adjustable pad

retail price $92.00

Pocket in the front and back

This is the envelop my invoice came in.  I used it to measure the length of  the pocket.  As you can see it is very deep. My tablet is easily  swallowed by it.

There is also side pockets on each side.  It is not as long as the front pocket but you can easily fit a  water bottle or even a Special K drink and a Red Bull in one pocket.

Zipper top closure

small gaps on each ends after it is zipped.

Vera Bradley tag

I just used the envelope and 2 cards that where inside the box to show how many pocket it has.  As you can see it has 3 pockets and 2 pen slots in each side of the tote.  So total 6 pockets and 4 pen slots in the tote.

I tried to get a good picture of the inside side pockets.  There is one on each end.  They also have a plastic lining to wipe it clean if it gets dirty.

This tote is so big I can easily fit my sons backpack and laptop.  I could probably fit our PS4 in it as well.

The bottom of the tote seems sturdy.  It feels like a thick cardboard,


Sadly to say I am definintly going to return this bag.  The color and pattern is perfect but just way to big for what I intended it to be used.