Monday, December 30, 2013

Party Decor

I love a great party!  I have to give credit to Pinterest first and foremost.  I had found a post for a graduation party and used the model from that and it took off from there. 
 
This party was in fact a baby shower.  Mom-to-be (Taylor) had informed all of us that she was in fact having a boy and that his name was to be Tatum.  So we incorporated that information within the design of the table and so forth. 
 
The key to making this work is color match and height differential.  I started with a great color palette by choosing green, light blue and white.  All of the serving dishes I used were clear glass, which allowed the accent colors to shine through. 
 
 
I had been fortunate to have most of the serving dishes on hand.  The boxes in the back were wrapped with heavy duty white wrapping paper with matching blue ribbon placed along the top of the boxes.  The vase was set on the center box, this would become the backdrop for Tatum's name\mini banner.  The two narrow wrapped boxes were actually floral block that we would later poke holes in to use for the cake pops.  The rest of the cake plates, including the three tiered centerpiece would be used for cupcakes.
 

Using melted chocolate in matching colors the group had made lollipops shaped as bottles and "It's a Boy" pops.  The mason jars were stuffed with matching ribbon and later decorative ribbon would be tied around the neck of each jar.  The crew also made a variety of other baby related shaped candies in matching colors.  These molds were picked up at Hobby Lobby, in the Wilton section. 
 
 
 
The mini banner was placed in a mason jar using floral block, left over lollipop sticks and moss left over from the main flower vase.  The Cricut machine was used to make the lettering for both banners. 
 


 
  
 
 
 

 
 The drink table also doubled as the popcorn bar, which we used clear cups with matching cupcake liners.  The punch we served was green (lime sherbet with lemon lime soda).
 
 
 Its party time!!!!


 
   
Uh oh!!!  Is that chocolate melting?  The sun was a little warmer coming through that window, so we changed a few things around....

 

 
 
 
    
 
Close ups of the table.....
 
 
 
 
   
 
We finished off the table with fresh flowers in coordinating colors.  Tip: Only put a small amount of water in these little bud vases, just in case they get knocked over, not too much of a spill. 
 
This was mainly the dessert area.  We served a variety of finger foods in the great room.  The cupcakes were vanilla almond velvet with cream cheese frosting.  The cake pops were red velvet covered in chocolate left over from making the lollipops..so good. 

Sunday, December 29, 2013

2013 Wrap Up

Hey there!

Sorry I haven't been on here in a long time..one year almost.  Well quick update to wrap up 2013.

Made a lot of jewelry, planned and executed a few parties, learned how to bake some new and different types of cupcakes...have a few recipes to share, went to San Francisco and Chicago, changed jobs and moved back to Salina, went back to school again (this time for CT) and continued to make more jewelry...whew.

So this week I want to share some new recipes and party pictures.  You may be able to use some of the ideas for your next party.   So more on Monday!

Enjoy your Sunday afternoon. 

Barb

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

TSC Happenings

Hi Everyone! 

Happy New Year.  The Sterling Charm is getting a new "look" this weekend.  You will have to stop in and let me know what you think.  I'll post the links. 

Also just a little something to pass on.  If you visit the following blog you can be entered to win a free I Do/I Did necklace from The Sterling Charm.   Visit RoseBakes.com by clicking on the link below to be entered and while you are there check out her mad skills in cake decorating.  By the way she shares her recipes too.  My personal favorite is the Italian Cream (cake) cupcakes.  Enjoy!

http://rosebakes.com/5-days-of-giveaways-day-2-personalized-hand-stamped-i-do-necklace-55-value/

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Craft Fair Schedule

I love going to craft fairs and the farmer's market.  I am happy tell you that I will be at the following fall festivals and craft fairs.  So if you are like me and enjoy these kind of events come out and have some fun, get some holiday shopping done or just get out and enjoy the weather walking around and getting out for the day.  Hope to see you there!

 
Saturday, October 20th, 9:00-4:00 p.m.
 
Fall Fest 2012

Mankato City Building

(Old Armory Building)

217 S. High St.

Mankato, KS
 

Saturday, October 27th, 9:00-3:00 p.m.

Beloit Holiday Fair

Municipal Building

119 N. Hersey

Beloit, KS

 
Saturday, Novemeber 24th, 10:00-5:00 p.m.

Trego County Christmas Bizarre

Trego Co Fairgrounds

116 N. 13th Street

Wakeeney, KS

 
Saturday, December 15th, 9:00-3:00 p.m.

Hays National Guard Armory

200 Main Street

Hays, KS


There are few more locations I am considering.  Stay posted for more info on those locations.  Hopefully I'll see you soon.

Barb


 

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Sterling Charm: Bracelets

The Sterling Charm: Bracelets: Leather Wrap Bracelets: Check out the newest addition, Shades of Green (shown here with a copper flower).   Matching Bling Rings are avail...

Bracelets



Leather Wrap Bracelets: Check out the newest addition, Shades of Green (shown here with a copper flower).   Matching Bling Rings are available and sold separately.
Posted by Picasa

Necklaces


Posted by Picasa

New for fall are the sterling silver washers.  Can be used for weddings and family necklaces.  Also wanted to show some of the different shapes I offer.  If you have an idea in mind or have seen something you would like to see made contact me through my blog or via The Sterling Charm Facebook page. 

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Football Season Around the Bend

Whether it is the professional level......






The College level




 


Or even the high school level......


One thing is for sure...we love the boys of fall. 
(can't get that song out of my head...hence the post thanks Kenny Chesney)





Wedding Season


I just wanted to say congratulations to all the new brides from this summer!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend

Any big plans this weekend? 

This weekend I am staying close to home.  I am determined to learn how to properly use my camera.  I am going to figure this out.  I have many new items that need to be photographed and added to the website and etsy...so stay tuned for those. 

If anyone would like to host a 2-hour open house for TSC credit let me know. 

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Odds and Ends

Items from the Sterling Charm can now be found on http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSterlingCharm  I have found that it is easier updating those listings than it is on the website.   Evenutally all items will be updated to my website, it is just going to take more time. 

I hope everyone is having a great mother's day and congratulations to all the graduates...job well done.

Any summer plans?  Share them on here. 

Thank you,
Barb

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Out With the Old, In with the New

I have decided to revamp a few things....

Eating habits, exercise habits, work habits.....I don't know have I left anything out? 

Okay so it is March 3rd and I'm a little late for New Years resolutions so we won't go there. 

Currently, on the health front I have decided to make better food choices and healthier meals.  I have been logging into MyFitnessPal.com to track my daily intake.  Knowing is half the battle in some cases.  Secondly I have started a workout schedule.  Rome wasn't built in a day but I'm making it part of my daily/weekly routine.  It is not easy but it is worth it.  If anyone decides to join myfitnesspal.com add me "tscbarb".  This website has a lot of great material and support as well as a good food/exercise tracker.  Plus if you have a smart phone can use their mobile ap. 

I have been a little stuck in the creativity department lately.  When things are cluttered around me I am overwhelmed and blocked.  I recognize this and have decided to focus on one part of my product line at a time and clear out everything else.  So over the next several weeks you will see new items that I've been working on.  Also I have decided to use Etsy.com, which in the past I haven't because I have my website.  I figure any exposure is good exposure.  In addition to this I will be doing a few craft fairs starting in April going into the fall.  I love meeting and talking to customers face to face.  When dates are more set I'll keep everyone posted. 

Friday, January 20, 2012

The Sterling Charm: So Not With It!

The Sterling Charm: So Not With It!: I am okay with change... to an extent. It is just my opinion but I believe social networking technology should at least stay the same for 6...

So Not With It!

I am okay with change... to an extent.  It is just my opinion but I believe social networking technology should at least stay the same for 6 months.  What I am referring to is Facebook, Twitter, and Blogging programs both for the computer and smart phone mobile aps.  Everytime I adapt to the new features, accept the things that I don't like about them and basically just give in, these entities have the audacity to change EVERYTHING!  What is timeline all about anyway?  Tweet deck?  Google Chrome and +1?  Don't even get me started on the mobile app side of these issues because that side of things is even more fickle.  So what is a girl to do? If any of you have any ideas I would love to hear it.  Obviously sticking my head in the sand isn't going to get the job done.  However, I may be a little bitter about this so I think I'm just going to make jewelry this weekend and forget social networking for today.  Have a great weekend!!! 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Four Gift Rule

Hi-
The last Christmas I was home in NJ it literally took over 4 hours to open gifts. In attendance were 6 children and 10 adults. The adults had drawn names, which by the way was rigged...(you know who you are and you know what you did), so the adult portion for opening gifts was quick. However, the kids took up the majority of this time as it should be. Let's just say I knew we were in trouble when grandma had to get help to "unload" the car. My sister's dining room was nothing but bags of wrapped gifts wall to wall. Plus every aunt/uncle bought something for each one of the nieces/nephews as well.  So the craziness ensued. The noise level was deafening. My poor husband..he is so not used to it, but in case you didn't know it NJ people can be loud.      

Well recently I had seen this thinking it would have been nice to have this as a guideline for my family for gift buying.  Being the Aunt that I am I feel this overwhelming guilt if I don't get the kids this perfect gift.  For crying out loud...I'm the Aunt not the parent.  Wow. Coordinate with the parents if you must otherwise pick one thing and go with it.  Grandma really needs to pay attention to this...

So here it is:  (I had seen this on a facebook status--I don't remember whose-sorry)

The Four Gift Rule:
1-gift they want
1-gift they need
1-gift they wear
1-gift they read

Quite honestly, slow down, enjoy this time of year and simplify.  Less stress=happy people.

Merry Christmas
Barb

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Labor Day Weekend

So first and foremost, Labor Day Weekend is upon us, which means end of summer is here.  For those of you that do have to work this weekend I wish your work day goes quickly with very few issues.  I have to tell you though, I have been patiently waiting for this weekend to arrive!  On Sunday for the first time, I get to see not one but two of my favorite bands in the same night!  Train and Maroon 5 are together in Kansas City at the Starlight Theater on Sunday night!  Okay to say I'm a LITTLE excited would be a gross understatement.  Pics will be coming later. 

Now for a little update regarding The Sterling Charm...
Customers will now be able to order the charms of their choice and mix and match them however they would like.  The site is to be updated this week after that you can check out the charms tab for more information.  I'll keep you posted as new items are added.  One last thing, if you have a design idea you would like stamped in sterling silver but are not sure if it is possible, let me know and we can design it together.   

Have a safe holiday weekend and enjoy it!

Barb            

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Perfect Cocktail Party

Hello Everyone,

Recently I was asked if you have a cocktail party or birthday party how many different hor'derves do you serve for say a 3 hour party if that is the meal also.  I love these kind of parties.  So here is what I know works.  Rule of thumb is go by guest count.  If you have 6 guests need 36 pieces, 12 guests 72 pieces, 24 guests 144 pieces.  If I am having 6 guests I may choose 3 different hor'derves, 12 guests 4 different hor'derves and 6 different hor'derves for 24 guests.  This is in addition to 3 dips (i.e. crab dip, yogurt fuit dip and spinach vegetable dip served with crackers, fruit and veggies.  I will also pair up 2 or 3 signature drinks.   I will also do either brownies, cake or cupcakes.  Sometimes I will get clear boxes similar to the chinese food containers and fill those up with a treat for them to take home...sort of a party favor or you can get boxes for your guests to take their dessert home with them.  Another fun and inexpensive treat are fortune cookies.  I typically wrap the party around a theme of some sort and tailor the food for that theme.

Lastly, believe it or not...the closer your guests are the more likely they are to interact with one another and have fun.  Don't worry about if your place is small have the party anyway.  Also music is very important.  Look at the demographics of your guests and chose accordingly.  Make a 3-4 hour play list on your MP3 player.  The first hour make it low key, second hour upbeat and fun, third hour upbeat and fun turning toward wind down but feel good.  If you need help with the music selection I can help just let me know.  Most important thing to do is have fun!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

The Little Speed Bumps of Web based Business

Hi Everyone,

Well we are beginning to see light at the end of this tunnel.  Finally!  There are so many little details to creating a website if you miss one it grinds the whole thing to standstill.  I really don't like it when web builders for the DIY's tell you it is sooo easy...they are soooo lying.  There is nothing easy about this.  I would like to bury my head in the sand and just create jewelry and have the website magically present itself up their for the world to see, but apparently this is not how this works.  All-in-all it is a learning process.  If any of you reading this need a website built and have questions I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. 

On a fun note, so far in the line I have necklaces, earrings and rings.  Bracelets are next on my list, as well as some gifts for the men in our lives, I can't leave them out.  Thank you for the tremendous support and encouragement from all of you.  It means a great deal to me. 

Barb  

Friday, June 17, 2011

What's going on?

Well since I am not going to Colorado this weekend...as planned.  I am going to work on new pieces of jewelry.  I will post a few pics on here later and link them to facebook.  The website is STILL being worked on.  Who knew it would be this difficult?  I sure didn't.  Any fun parties coming up?  I think once the website goes live I want to do a launch party.  Sort of a grand opening....but mainly just a party.   Lol...okay so this is where the party planner kicks in and goes haywire.  I would rather plan a launch party than deal with product descriptions for the web designer....grrr.  Party planning on hold.   

Friday, May 20, 2011

New Website Coming Soon...

In starting this business I have learned a great deal of things.  Most important thing I have learned is "just start somewhere".  Oh and that feeling of not being ready, well it is what it is.  This is a process and one that I am enjoying.  It is a little daunting at times but I believe this is the fun part...the challenge.  The website is being built this Saturday.  Will be adding product pics through the week and hopefully we will launch Memorial Day Weekend.  I just wanted to say a big thank you to my family and friends for the encouraging words and advice.  Your support means the world to me.