These Kisses + Confetti poppers for weddings, baby gender reveals, birthdays and more are great used as favors or popped open as part of a celebration. I like to call them hand-held piñatas! *wink*

Simply change out the color of the confetti, Hershey's Kisses, Ribbon and Tissue Paper to match your specific celebration!

I created mine for the "Kisses + Confetti" themed baby gender reveal party I recently styled for Hershey's. They are so easy to make and so fun as a centerpiece, party favor or reveal idea!

So let's get to the how-to...

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Push Pop Containers with flat lids - there are dome lids out there which would prevent your poppers from standing up on their own.

Confetti - I used some leftover white and gold crinkle cut packing from the order I placed with Paper Crush as well as some ivory + mint square tissue confetti - part of my order from Paper Crush.

Hershey's Kisses  - I used light green Hershey's Kisses

Gold Polka Dot Tissue paper - Hobby Lobby

Gold Ribbon - Hobby Lobby

Scissors- for trimming tissue paper and ribbon 

P.S. I love my fancy gold scissors, but of course any pair of sharp scissors will do. *wink*

Although I'm sure you can totally figure it out from the photos, I'm sharing some written instructions as well...

DIRECTIONS
Stuff some crinkle cut confetti in the bottom of each push pop.
Add some Hershey's Kisses - I used 3 for each container.
Add some colored tissue paper confetti.
Top off with more crinkle cut confetti.
Snap on the lid.
Wrap a square piece of tissue paper up around the filled push pop and tie a ribbon around it to secure.

HINTS:
Each tissue paper wrap for the outside of the push pops was approximately a 10" square.
My ribbon pieces measured about 12" long - but that was after I trimmed them down so give yourself some extra for tying purposes. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR POPPING
Using one hand, hold the popper away from your face, (and away from the faces of others), with the stick pointing towards the ground. Use the palm of your free hand to apply force to the bottom of the stick to eject the confetti and kisses into the air. (it's the same motion you would use to serve a volley ball). *wink*

TIP: There are plenty of tutorials out there to make confetti poppers. Most all of the ones I saw did not use the lid to the container. I'm not sure if it was because the lids they had weren't flat or if they didn't think the poppers would work with the lid on. I tested my poppers with the lids on and they worked just fine. 

These are so easy and fun to make - even the littles can help!!
If you haven't tried them out already, I hope you will!!

xoxo,
Jessica

KEEPiNG iT REAL
You should seriously order something from Paper Crush just to get some of the cute crinkle cut paper she includes in her packaging! *wink*

STYLING | Spiders + Spirits Halloween Dessert Table (for adults)

BOO! Have I got a "treat" for you today!!
I was recently approached by one of my favorite retail stores, Tuesday Morning, to come up with a blog post for the Tuesday Morning site. All I had to do was pick and use some things from their high-quality designer products, (at close-out prices, by the way), using the theme they'd chosen: Halloween-inspired adult treats.

I literally had TEN days to put this all together but I was completely up for the challenge.
Although I don't drink alcohol, my mind went immediately to creating a "spiked" desserts table for adults, thus inspiring the "Spiders + SPIRITS" theme. Pretty clever, right?

I hope you'll hop on over to the Tuesday Morning Blog and check out the full details on the set up as well as to get the scoop on the wonderful products I found and used as part of the dessert table. (Like these realistic-looking old doors that are really just two beautiful canvases I used as the backdrop). LOVE them!!

Feeling inspired for Halloween now?
I've also been pinning some fantastic Halloween ideas to the "Haunted Halloween" Tuesday Morning Pinterest Board so definitely check it out for more inspiration.

Stay tuned to the Pen + Paper Flowers blog because I'll be posting more about the Pumpkin Bourbon Milkshakes, Kahlua + Cream cupcakes and the Whiskey Caramel Glazed Pumpkin Bars that were used on the table.

And...for anyone interested in recreating this, I'll be posting the Chalkboard Signage + labels too!!

Do you love Tuesday Morning too and need to find a location close to you?
Use the Tuesday Morning Store Locator !

Keep up with Tuesday Morning and their fabulous home decor products by following them on their social media platforms:
Tuesday Morning on Facebook
Tuesday Morning on Twitter
Tuesday Morning on Instagram
Tuesday Morning on Pinterest

Want to receive Tuesday Morning emails? Just sign up!

Now...are you ready to throw that Halloween party you've been talking about?
I hope you've been inspired, friends!!!

xoxo

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THIS IS A SPONSORED POST BY TUESDAY MORNING STORES.

PEN + PAPER FLOWERS HAS RECEIVED COMPENSATION AND/OR PRODUCTS 

IN EXCHANGE FOR CREATING CONTENT AND SHARING PRODUCTS.
  AS ALWAYS, FRIENDS + READERS, I ONLY WORK WITH BRANDS 
AND SHARE CONTENT I'M INSPIRED BY AND THINK WILL INSPIRE YOU TOO!

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KEEPiNG iT REAL

The 10 day turnaround was crazy to meet but working with Tuesday Morning products was a blast.
My daughter Ema (16), actually did some shopping and brainstorming with me and I think we nailed it!! My studio is an absolute disaster - I'm not even kidding!! Just ask my family!! *wink*

CELEBRATE | Sparkly New Year's Eve Food Flags

Two days until Christmas everyone!!
Are you ready? I've still got a few more presents to get, how about you?

While you are finishing up your last minute Christmas preparations, be sure to pin this cute idea for your New Year's Eve celebrations that will surely sneak up on you! (or am I the only one that happens to?)

You really don't want to get caught without some sort of sparkle for your NYE plans!? Am I right?
These sparkly food tags I'm sharing on SNAP! today are so easy you can whip these up in less than 30 minutes! And of course - you get the FREE printable too!!

See you over on the SNAP! Blog!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
No lights on the house this year but let's focus on the positive:
We did go to Santa's Christmas Tree Forest again this year (about 3 weeks ago) to get our tree. (although as we were trying to leave, Clara and Ema decided they were too old to go this year which really upset me.  Determined to make them regret their choice for not going, I was all set on coming home with the most scraggly "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree ever but I ended up just settling on a small tree. I also tried to have Ella and I eat the entire bag of kettle corn, (one of my favorite parts of the whole "picking out a christmas tree" process), before we got home so I wouldn't have to share any with the Clara and Ema!) Ha!
The Christmas tree is fully decorated.
Stockings are hung.
Almost all of the presents are wrapped.
Stuart has been popping up in unexpected places every day…keeping an eye out on all of us.
We had our annual Cookie Baking with my aunt Susan and cousins Kalie and Beau. I missed my mom joining us this year because she was up in North Carolina helping out her sister, my aunt Joyce, who's husband had a stroke in October.
The girls and I went to see the Nutcracker together this weekend. (although the mood was almost completely ruined by a heated discussion Ema and I got into right before we left - ugh!! AND this year's performance was called "Clara's Dream" and it actually seemed like more of a recital than an actual "production" PLUS there was never one mention of the Nutcracker? Not even one? Unless you count the nutcracker garland Clara and her mom hung on the tree together? Weird.
We also took Ella to see a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Musical on Saturday afternoon. She LOVED it. It was actually much more entertaining and impressive than the Nutcracker. Hmm?

PARTY PREPS | Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Party Invitation

I'm having a hard time deciding on which invitation to go with for Ella's upcoming "Rainbow Unicorn" birthday party.
She's got her favorite and I've got mine.

Although I have never revealed the invitation pre-party before...
I'm thinking this is such a FUN idea to get you all involved in the voting process...
so if you have an opinion...let me know which version you prefer:

                             Chalkboard Background vs. White Background

Looking forward to your feedback and input!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
This whole "Rainbow Unicorn" theme Ella picked is totally cracking me up.
I remember everything being all rainbows and unicorns at one point when I was growing up!
I've still got a unicorn statue a friend of mine (Missy) gave me for my birthday in elementary school.
It was from the Hallmark store - back in the day when shopping for pens and stickers was totally THE shopping experience all girls craved!
I have no idea how the porcelain unicorn has survived without any chips or breaks all these years?
Ella has it in her room now and LOVES it!
Maybe I'll use it as the cake topper for her party? Ha!!

ANNOUNCING | The Pastry Pedestal Platform - PRE-SALE Launch

It's time to celebrate a day I thought might never happen…

and yet here we are!!!

I'm am so thrilled to announce pre-sales for The Pastry Pedestal Platforms!!

The PP Platform is a clear, lucite stand for displaying The Pastry Pedestal in an upright manner. 

This versatile platform is a fun way to showcase your petite pastries on dessert tables, at parties and

PRETTY PARTY SKEWERS | Cupcake Toppers

Hello friends!!
If you thought the Pretty Party Skewers I just recently launched are only for creating cute party kebabs...think again!!

I LOVE how beautiful they look as a CUPCAKE TOPPER on this Snickerdoodle Cupcake!

(delicious cupcake from Cupcake Delights)

Just tie on a little fabric (or not) and add some cute printable party flags (or just one).

Instant CUTENESS!

The best part? Aside from how chic they look...

Pretty Party Skewers are REUSABLE!! 

No more throwing away the lollipop sticks you keep buying for cupcake toppers & cake bunting!

Create place settings too - just add a party flag with the name of your guest!!

I hope you love how these turned out!!

Can you tell I'm gearing up for Fall with my fabric and color scheme selection!?

KEEPiNG iT REAL

If you missed it, I was fortunate enough to be published in this month's issue of All You Magazine as one of two of the bloggers selected to participate in this month's craft challenge!

I've received some WONDERFUL support with the voting so far...

but I'm STILL behind and would love it if you would take a minute to vote for me, if you haven't already.

Just go to the All You Magazine FB Fan Page.

Select the "Pick Your Fave" tab at the top. (It will appear if you have "Liked" the All You Fan Page).

Once you click on that you'll be directed to the "Take This, Make That" page where you'll find me and the "VOTE" button! *wink*

Thank You! Thank You! I so appreciate those of you who've already voted!

And I'm sending advance thanks to those of you who are heading there right now!!

SHOPPE | NEW Party Collections

I think people (including myself) automatically assume once kids go back to school there will be
more time for work-at-home moms to actually get things done.

It doesn't work that way. At least not at first. And at least not for me.
This week has eaten more of my time adjusting to new schedules, taxiing kids around and trying to figure out what routine will actually be the most productive. (for myself and the kids)
What looks good on paper doesn't actually always work in the real world.

At this point....I'm wondering if I'll ever get anything done around here! Ha!

I'm choosing to focus on the few wins I've had this week.
Take for instance finally loading some of the Signature Silhouettes into my shoppe.

Also, I'm happy to say I've also got a couple of new party collections available too!
Take a peek...

"Growing Up" Party Collection - Invitation

I designed this Giraffe themed invitation for one of my very favorite customers!! (Hi Toni!!)

Sports Jersey Party Collection - Invitation

A requested design from a diehard Football Fan family!

Fun in the Sun Party Collection - INVITATION (Customized)

Created at the request of Made by Morgan to coordinate with some cute towels 

and custom party favors she was making for a party...two years ago! Eeps!!

And yes...I know Summer is pretty much over so why bother posting the Fun in the Sun Collection at this point?

First because I couldn't stand to have another year pass without getting this in the shop.
Second, because it's still hot here in Florida so pool parties are still very much welcome.
Third, because I want you to benefit from my procrastination of making this collection available
by having a "Goodbye-Summer" SALE!!

Today through Sunday, enjoy 50% off the entire "Fun In the Sun Collection"...

Fun in the Sun Party Collection - INVITATION (Fill-In)

Fun in the Sun Party Collection - MINI PARTY PACK

Fun in the Sun Party Collection - DESIGNER PAPER PACK

Fun in the Sun Party Collection - PARTY XTRAS - Bundle 1

Fun in the Sun Party Collection - PARTY XTRAS - Bundle 2

I hope you love it.

I know the colors and mix of patterns in this collection totally make me happy!

I hope you're inspired to throw one last "Hoorah" as we get ready to welcome Fall!

If not...scoop up this collection NOW for some crazy savings and then save it for next year!

Or PIN IT for inspiration later!!

Enjoy the 50% OFF today through midnight on Sunday!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Will someone pull me out of this pot of molasses I seem to be swimming in!?

This is what my days feel like lately:

Work, interruption, work, distraction, one more interruption, work, distraction, distraction, distraction.

End of day: everything is 1/2 done or completely UNDONE!

This creative girl with a brain that doesn't stop has a hard time focusing as it is...

interruptions and distractions are not helping me out in the least!! *wink*

HOLIDAYS | 4th of July Watermelon Centerpiece

Happy Birthday America!!

I hope you enjoy your 4th of July barbecues and celebrations!

I used the NEW Pretty Party Skewers to create the festive fruit kabob centerpiece

for our Neighborhood Bike Parade this past Saturday.

I absolutely love that the party skewers are recyclable!!

Happy 4th of July everyone!!

THE SHOPPE | NEW!! Rooted In Love Chalk Art Printables

So...
the winner for the MarthaCelebrations Pin Party I participated in last week was announced yesterday...
and as I much as I'd love to shout out the winner was ME...
darn it all...it wasn't. *frown*

BUT...
I have to say...there were a lot of other talented bloggers that contributed and I was thrilled to be among the ones that were hand-picked to participate in helping to launch the fun new party products from Martha Stewart! It was an honor! (See my party submission here - just in case you missed it).

I'll be doing a follow-up post with all of the details on the other fabulous party themes...including the fun ideas from the blogger chosen as the winner.

In the meantime...the rest of you will feel like winners!
You know the hand-drawn Chalkboard Poster shown in the party?
as well as the matching Chalk Art Food Labels and Parfait Potting Station Sign and labels?
Well I finally finished loading all of those INSTANT DOWNLOAD printables...into the shoppe.
The printables will make it super easy to create your own version of the...

"Rooted in Love" themed party I styled

Snapshot of the INSTANT DOWNLOAD Rooted in Love Collection

I hope you are as excited about printing them as I was about creating them!

Again...

if you missed the full party details...Click Here!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Summer is flying by already...

somebody please put the brakes on this bus!! *wink*

RECiPE RADAR | Infused Water

Spa Water...

Herbal Water...

Citrus Water...

Fruit Water...

Botanical Water...

Whatever you choose to call it...

I've been toying with the idea for some time now...
to get out one of my pretty drink dispensers...
fill it up with some water...
and infuse the water with some citrus, herbs and/or fruit.

With Summer approaching...
the idea sounds more and more appealing everyday.

Not only will it look pretty on my countertop...
it'll be a great way to encourage myself and my family to drink more water!

I decided to do a little search on Pinterest to see what I could find...
and I thought you might be inspired to create your own in your favorite flavor combos.
There really are no rules!

Here are a few of my favorites...

Lemon Mint Cucumber Water

by Sweet Designs