Tiny Treats: Birthday

Yo Ho! Yo Ho! It's a pirate's life for me!

Seriously. Ya'll think I'm joking? We don't take it to extremes like that one family on Wife Swap, but I have dedicated one room in my house to all things Pirate-y.  Much to Hank's delight, it's the theme in the kid's bathroom. Ye who enter, abandon all hope. Every night at bath time, you are guaranteed to find some swashbuckling going on it in the tub. ARRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

So, I was super happy to see a little pirate boy in the new Tiny Treats: Birthday set from Papertrey Ink being released this week. Just a month before Hank's 3rd birthday too. I jumped on that assignment like I was jumping off a plank. 

I always try to use my projects that I make during release week in real life. Multi-tasking. Once I got to thinking about the assignment, I thought it would be fun for my little buccaneer to wake up on his birthday and find a treasure hunt waiting for him.

The clues are made with the new lunchbox note die. So easy. The numbers dies (being released as well) were a cinch to cut with just one pass through my die cut machine using some Black and White Basics paper and matted on the new Limitless Layers dies. A cute little sentiment will greet the birthday boy. On the inside, I used the journaling lines from the new Way to Go, Kiddo! and stamped my pirate boy in Hawaiian Shores ink.

With help from Mom, Hank'll decipher the clues all the way around the house. The Pure Poppy and Hawaiian Shores cardstock are sure to catch his attention.  And I like how he's practicing his counting while he's having fun.

Where is his final stop? The pirate's cove itself, of course. I already have this decorative jar full of pirate paraphernalia in there. He'll be delighted to see that a fun birthday treat has appeared overnight along with his gold doubloons.

As for the booty, my kid LOVES balloons. His little treat, with the saying "Get Your Party On", is six pirate balloons to be blown up. After all, it isn't a party without balloons. Ah, to be three again, and have your whole day be made with a few balloons.

On the packaging, I cut Mat Stack 2 and stamped with the Mat Stack 2 Collection in Pure Poppy ink. The little pirate guy that he's been following throughout the house is finally in color, thanks to some Copics. Not coincidental that he looks like Hank. I like how the Dotted Swiss ribbon in True Black matches the paper used on the numbers.  Coordination makes me deliriously happy.

Off topic, but related, I though it might be fun to show a little behind the scenes of my photo shoot today. I have a little angel on my shoulder giving stamping advice. Ever wonder how I get it all done? Now you know. My little papoose is very happy back there.  Best $5 garage sale find ever.

Hope you were inspired to get some treasure of your own. Arrgggghhh! Be sure to check out the lovely creations from my esteemed colleagues. The crafty ladies will certainly have you itching to stamp. And will we be back tomorrow night with another group project? Certainly seems to be the trend, doesn't it? Thanks for stopping by.

Nichole Heady
Jessica Witty
Betsy Veldman
Dawn McVey
Debbie Olson
Heather Nichols
Lisa Johnson
Melissa Phillips
Michelle Wooderson
Niki Estes
Maile Belles