Party Tutorial Contest #2: Second Place

Our judges had these flattering words to say about the crafter and tutorial that took second place in the Party Tutorial Contest:

~ A true "crafter" here, very apparent by her knowledge of scrapbooking supplies. Loved her honesty and candid nature about not refilling/threading her bobbin, and the fact that she showed the finished product with treats inside was terrific--full follow-through beginning to end.  I enjoyed how she used a common household item (brown paper bag) and created her own stamp with a very current trend of "subway art". The stitching added a wonderful artistic handmade feel to it, showing the thoughtfulness of her treat bags. Also, she writes from the heart, a very fun blog to read, a genuine style many people can relate to. 

~ Simple, unique and eco-friendly!  I love it and will be making some soon!!!

I am so happy to announce that Heather of Did Someone Say Party is the winner of the custom designed party pack from Love Party Printables. Her Subway Art Treat Bags tutorial was one of my favorites too. Heather's creativity and originality is undeniable. Just check out some of her other tutorials and recipes on Did Someone Say Party, a blog that she shares with fellow crafter, Gretchen.

I'll be back tomorrow with the final contest post. See who's getting a $50 shopping spree at Love the Day.

Party Tutorial Contest #2: First Place

I'm thrilled to announce that the winners of the second Party Tutorial Contest have been selected! What an honor it was to have Kate of Kate Landers Events, Lacey from Le Box Boutique, Paula of Frog Prince Paperie, and Candace of Candy and Cake as our guest judges. Thank you so much ladies for being a part of my one year blogging celebration. The entries were judged on creativity and how easy they were to follow. And the top prize goes to...

Julie over at So This is Julie for her Crepe Paper Flowers tutorial!

Here is what some of the judges had to say about her tutorial and why it chosen as the winner.

~ Vibrant colors were EXCELLENT for the tutorial. She immediately drew me in with the two-tone fringed crepe paper flowers. I also appreciated all the images of the supplies, and being honest about how it can be tricky at first. She shared inside-tips on making it easier by not using the frige scissors, as well as where to cut top-to-bottom to decrease chances of there being rips (shows for a good teacher). She also showed that you can hang on a garland, or put on bamboo skewers (more than one use for the finished product) which can then tie the theme across many decorative elements--this stood out to me the most in terms of creativity. All required supplies were inexpensive or likely something you had at home already, making it more accessible to a wider group. And how great that this decoration/project can be used for parties (not limited to birthdays) and celebrations of all sorts, and even used as home decorations after an event.

~ I like the simplicity of the materials and how do-able this tutorial is for the average person; that and the impact it makes in a party's decor make it a winner!

Julie wins a $50 gift certificate to Bird's Party, plus 3 months of sidebar ad space on her blog. Congratulations! Be sure to check back tomorrow to find out who won the custom designed party pack from Love Party Printables valued at $80. Ohhh...the suspense.

Did Someone Say Party Giveaway Ends Tonight

Did Someone Say Party is bringing "handmade" back into parties! Don't miss out on your chance to win 60% off any of their handcrafted party packs. This fabulous giveaway, valued at $57, ends tonight at 11:59pm EST. Click here to find out how you can enter.

Did Someone Say Party Giveaway

I'm ecstatic that Did Someone Say Party is sponsoring our first giveaway of the year! Once you meet Gretchen and Heather, and see their handcrafted party packs, you'll understand why I've become such a huge fan of this talented duo.

We're two working moms and long-time friends who created Did Someone Say Party in an attempt to help bring "handmade" back into parties. We’ll use any excuse to throw a party, but we know that convenience also needs to be a big element of the party equation in today's busy household. 

Did Someone Say Party's Etsy shop offers handmade party packs for all occasions to simplify celebration without sacrificing appeal. Our packs provide virtually everything you need to throw a fully coordinated party, from invitations to party decor and favors. Our store carries a variety of designs to complement any occasion, including birthday parties for the little ones, bridal or baby showers, and other themed events including holiday celebrations and food exchanges. Our blog offers a forum for easy ideas and unique touches for celebrations big and small.

Cupcakes and Sweets Party Pack

Space Birthday Party Pack

We believe in providing convenient solutions so that hosts and guests can relax and enjoy the party…because good company, good food and good times are what it is all about!

Gretchen and Heather are generously offering one lucky winner 60% off any party pack. That's a $57 value! And until March 5th, receive 20% off by entering the coupon code IHEARTDSSP during checkout.

There are seven ways to enter this giveaway:

1. Visit their Esty store and comment on your favorite pack on this blog post.
2. "Like" Did Someone Say Party on Facebook, then let us know by leaving a comment on this post.
3. Become a follower of Did Someone Say Party's blog, then let us know by leaving a comment on this post.
4. Follow them on Twitter, then let us know by leaving a comment on this post.

For three additional entries, mention this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page, follow our blog, and become a fan of Pure Joy Events on Facebook. Please be sure to leave a comment on this post for each entry. Giveaway ends Monday, February 28th at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will be randomly selected and announced the following day. Good luck!

Exciting Announcements

Happy Valentine's Day! We have some really exciting things in store for the next couple of weeks! First off, we're sponsoring two inspirational party blogs, Birthday Girl and Bird's Party. Be sure to visit and show them some love.

Then stop back here on Wednesday for a phenomenal giveaway from Did Someone Say Party?. You won't want to miss it. Their handmade party packs are the answer for busy households looking for both convenience and style.

In early March, I'll be officially launching my new Etsy store with another incredible giveaway. Now you'll be able to shop for some of the handcrafted projects that you've seen here on my blog, like the paper goods from the Transformers party, and the oh-so-popular pink owl costume. Please stay tuned.