Monday, January 30, 2012

Pinwhirls Themed Party Papers

Whether you're planning a sophisticated spring birthday or an elegant summer wedding, we've got some gorgeous papers in the Pinwhirls shop to inspire your event's decor. Use these papers do design custom pinwheels, banners, invitations, thank you cards and more at Pinwhirls.com.

The Breeze Set

View on Flickr
This collection contains twenty light and pretty designs you can mix and match for the perfect color combination.

Suggested Uses:
  • Sweet 16 Birthdays
  • Bridal Showers
  • Wedding Showers
  • Weddings
  • Engagement Parties
  • Baby Showers


The Nautical Set

If you're looking for something cute and fun but less feminine, the Nautical set features bolder summer colors and fun prints including anchors, whales, and waves. 

View on Flickr
Suggested Uses:
  • Graduation Parties
  • Retirement Parties
  • Baby Showers
  • Engagement Parties
  • Weddings
  • Going Away Parties



The Mod Set

Another bright and colorful collection, the Mod set features bold patterns with a retro feel and even contains custom prints for a very special first birthday party.

View on Flickr
Suggested Uses:

  • Boys' Birthdays
  • First Birthdays
  • School Parties
  • Parties with a Retro Theme

Thursday, January 26, 2012

6 Handmade Valentine's Day Projects

We're just a couple of weeks away from Valentine's Day! If you're looking for some great gifts that won't break the bank (or even if you just prefer to give handmade cards and crafts this time around), you'll want to check out some of these great resources.

There is a little something in this collection for everyone from the paper crafter to the baker to the seamstress.

6 Crafty Valentine's Day Projects

101 Handmade Valentine's Day Ideas: This collection is huge and features tons of links to fun projects for everything from shoe clips to candy dishes. Definitely a post worth bookmarking.


7 Valentines Day Handmade Gifts: On Craftionary you'll find crafts for kids, tag cards, bookmark ideas and more. You can even learn to make roses with nylons and wire.

DIY Mini Pinweels: At Pinwhirls, we offer a little something for the do-it-yourself crafter. Be sure to check our custom printed paper options. Most DIY kits ship within 7 business days.

How to Make Homemade Conversation Hearts: If you think conversation hearts are fun, but want to add more personality and flair to messages, you'll love this tutorial for making your own Valentine's Day conversation hearts.

Sew Crafty Valentine: This reusable Valentine's Day envelope is so adorable. It's a great project for those who love embroidery. (Includes materials list and tutorial.)

Valentine's Day Cake Pops: Cakes pops are always a huge hit, and Bakerella has a cute recipe for Valentine's Day pops shaped like bears. These would definitely be a hit with the kids!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Old Fashioned Butter Cookies Valentine's Day Recipe

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's time to start thinking red and pink!

We've got a great cookie recipe for you.

It'll make a lot, depending on the size of your cookie cutter. We ended up with about two and a half dozen heart cookies from this recipe.

That's a perfect for taking to a school party, the office break room, or to share with neighbors and friends.

They're perfect for parties and entertaining.

Old Fashioned Butter Cookies


1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs, beaten
4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt


Cream butter and add sugar and vanilla. Beat eggs and add to butter mixture. Blend well. Mix salt with flour and add to dough. Chill 20-30 minutes in freezer. Roll out on a well-floured surface and cut with cookie cutters. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet at 400° for 8 – 10 minutes. Let cool completely before decorating. Store in an airtight container.

As for the frosting, we just used a simple mix of powdered sugar and water until the mix was the right consistency. Start out with 2 c. of powdered sugar and add your water 1 tablespoon at a time until you get it just right. Then add food coloring to dress them up a little.

If you prefer, use a ready made frosting and add your favorite sprinkles and other decorations.