Browsed by
Category: holidays

customer love – American theme party!

customer love – American theme party!

Sometimes your custom order requests are just the little extra “push” we need to create a new product, and sometimes we end up loving the new thing so much that we carry it full time in our shop.

This a story of one of those things. :) We started offering our Hanging Paper Stars {see them here} about 3 years ago, and found that many of you really enjoy using them for your events and in your homes! However, because they are large and a bit fragile, they have been a total bear to ship, and the shipping fees can be a bit high. So, John and I have talked on and off about creating a DIY Kit version of the stars with the idea that you would be able to purchase all of the materials needed, all of them pre-folded so that you would only need to assemble them {meaning, very little skill required!}. But life was busy, the shop was growing quickly, and it was something that kept getting set aside for “when things slow down”. Until – someone in Australia emailed to ask about possibly getting 12-20 of the white stars!

American themed party decor | the Path Less TraveledShe was in charge of her corporate Christmas party, and they wanted to have an American theme to it – and have a bunch of our stars hanging from the ceiling! We knew that shipping that many of the stars to Australia {a location where shipping fees from the US were already high} would cost an enormous amount, and realized that this was the push we needed to finally get the kits made.

American themed party star garlands and decor | the Path Less TraveledThe gal sent us these photos to share after the event, and it looks like it was a terrific party! She also used our Red, White and Blue Stars Garlands in custom 60 foot lengths to string across the space, bunches of our Red, White and Blue Star Dessert Toppers in little glass vases as centerpieces on the tables and our Star Cupcake Picks in Patriotic Colors to top the desserts – it all came together so well!
Servers in costume at a Vintage America theme party | the Path Less TraveledSo there you have it! An idea that was stuck in the concept phase for far too long was brought to life {and now is a top seller! you can find them here} by a customer’s special request. You guys really are what keep our little shop going, in so many ways!

Do you have photos that you’d like to share? If so, you can either email them to me at elizabeth@pltmarket.com or tag them with #thepathlesstraveledmarket on Instagram – we’d all love to see your ideas! Also, I often send “thank you” coupons to the lovelies who let me share their photos with you – so if you’re looking for a coupon for your next order, sharing photos is a great way to get a discount!

 

<3

Items featured:

Large Folded Hanging Paper Stars

DIY Hanging Origami Star Kits

Red, White and Blue Stars Garlands

Red, White and Blue Large Stars Garlands

Red, White and Blue Star Dessert Toppers

Star Cupcake Picks in Patriotic Colors

add a little LOVE

add a little LOVE

Are you looking for the perfect finish to your Valentine meal, a way to set your wedding dessert table apart from the rest, or remind your spouse of your love?

DSC_0002 Just add a little LOVE to the top!DSC_0004Our Monogram Syle Dessert Toppers can be ordered in any configuration of letters to spell whatever word your heart desires (perhaps “WE DO”? or “MARRY ME”?), and we were smitten with the idea of a customer to spell out LOVE – just so perfect!
DSC_0006 DSC_0007What would you use them to spell? A special name? A word? We’d “love” to hear!

 

<3

 

It’s beginning to look like Christmas

It’s beginning to look like Christmas

or at least, it did while I took these photos :)

One of the things our cookie cutter {but absolutely wonderful for us right} house does not have is a fireplace, and I miss having a fireplace. Not just on rainy days, snowy days, days when I really don’t want to get out of my jammies, but also on days when I really need to get some product photos for our shop taken. So, I came up with a solution – create a faux fireplace/cozy area!

creating a faux mantel in your home With all this coziness, you almost don’t notice that the actual fireplace isn’t there :)DSC_0040 DSC_0041For me, a cozy fireplace spot is made up of a great chair, complete with welcoming warm throw and cushy pillow, a spot for a warm drink, soft glowing light, and a mantlepiece {and, of course, a fireplace ….}.DSC_0019 Notice I was able to pull together all but the fireplace? The photos I needed were for some new Christmas products so I added in some garland, a tinsel tree and lots of candles. Candles have been my answer to not having a fireplace for years {here and here}! DSC_0020 I just love how the luminaries glow, and how the light reflects off of the gold shimmery banner!DSC_0021 DSC_0022 It was so fun to put this little area together, and as soon as I can get our Thanksgiving decorations put away, I’m going to put all of this back up. :)DSC_0027 And of course, having a bottle of wine to share with your love as you get cozy together is wonderful! {and with our new leather gift ties, they’re a pretty fun hostess gift, too!}DSC_0066 DSC_0033What do you think? Do you have a fireplace that you’d like to cozi-fy a bit? Or do you need to create a faux fireplace in your home, a place to get cozy and rest in the midst of the holiday hubbub {and winter chill}?

 

 

merry christmas

merry christmas

DSC_0160 DSC_0161 DSC_0162 DSC_0163

 

May your Christmas celebration be filled with true and lasting peace and joy. May you take time from the bustle to savor the treasure of this moment {that will not come again}. And may you celebrate Emmanuel truly this year.

Eph. 3:14-21

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you <3

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9: 6
a last-minute Christmas Gift DIY roundup

a last-minute Christmas Gift DIY roundup

Well, hello again! This past {almost} month since I posted last has really flown by! You all have blown me away with your support of our shop {from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, to each and every one of you} and you’ve also been keeping me busier than ever before. :)

If you’re like me, chances are very good that you’re looking for a few quick, cheap *eh hem* inexpensive Christmas gifts that you can whip up before Christmas morning {tell me I’m not the only one!}. Today I’m rounding up a few of my favorite tutorials I’ve posted here over the years –  most of them can be made from materials {or ingredients!} you already have, and all of them are quick, simple, and sure to be loved by your nearest and dearest. :D

These fabric posy pins are quick to whip up, and are a huge hit as stocking stuffers {or could double as package toppers!}!

Or how about some handmade tea-towels {always a lovely gift, and endlessly customizable to suit any personality and home!}

Or perhaps an cute ironing board cover for the newly-weds in your life {or maybe your mom who has had hers for 20+ years}?

Or maybe you need a special something for the foodie in your life? In that case, homemade Lemon Curd is delightful!

For the newest additions to the family circle, these embellished onesies here

and here are beyond adorable,

and cute-ified burp cloths are always appreciated!

Up-cycled crayons are perfect for your junior artist,

and if you have more than one little girl in your life, little matching skirts are quick, adorable, and might even start a tradition!

As I said, these are just a few of my favorites from the peat few years – have you made any of them? Or do you have a favorite {or two!} of your own to share?

Hugs to you all <3

THE 36TH AVENUE
some of my favorites

some of my favorites

Here we are, near the very end of November with Thanksgiving tomorrow – about time to post a round up of some of my favorite Thanksgiving printables!

There are some lovely versions to frame for your wall {or to use to decorate your Thanksgiving buffet with}, some beauties to use as tags to express gratefulness to the ones we hold dear, prompts to help us to remember the bounty we have been blessed with, and even a fun project for the littles at your gathering. So, if you need some lovely last minute pretties to add some festive color to your Thanksgiving celebration, look no further – you can print them off to use immediately {and they’re all free!}, too!

via a bird and a bean

via Jones Design Company

via Jones Design Company

via Honey & Fitz

via She Wears Many Hats

via Nest of Posies

via Nest of Posies

via Tom Kat Studio

via A Night Owl

via A Holy Experience

via I Heart Organizing

and something just for the kids’ table {or maybe the grown ups, too!}:

via Whatever Dee Dee Wants

 

our 4th

our 4th

Our 4th of July celebration was a bit low key this year, but we sure did celebrate!

4th of July fun

Olivia in the wading pool4th of July spreaddeviled eggs with patriotic starsa Jello flag yummy food and happy kids all tuckered out from celebratingsparklers darling girl darling girl darling girl the two of usDSC_0072 DSC_0075 DSC_0102 DSC_0119 DSC_0109

John had to work for most of the day, so the kiddlets and I enjoyed a quite day at home – PB&J for lunch and some wading pool fun! Olivia played in the pool for the first time ever and really enjoyed herself :)

After late naps {to ensure cheerfulness for a late night of fireworks!}, the kids and I met John at his parents’ home where we spent the rest of the evening. We had some delicious BBQ and a full spread of summer foods – even star topped deviled eggs! Olivia was worn out by all the fun and put herself down for a pre-fireworks nap :)

Ian got to experience his first sparkler {he LOVED it!} and Emma Grace kept asking when it would be dark, and at one point even asked if I could “set the timer for it to be fireworks” – darling girl! It’s so hard to wait when you’re 4 {or 27 :)}.

The fireworks were well worth the wait – in Indiana you are allowed to shoot off some really fun ones! Emma Grace and Ian were excited to wear some ear protection {Em: “mine are pink!”} and we sat around a bon fire as my brother-in-laws masterminded the show.

All in all, it was a quiet, relaxing day. I thought a bit about freedom – how it is so easy to allow it to be eroded until the the very word is only a hollow husk, and how both as a nation, as individuals we must be vigilant. And how I am extremely grateful for those who have sacrificed for my freedom, for the One who died for me to be forever free.

How about you? Did you have a chance to celebrate this weekend?

Follow on Bloglovin

flowers for mother’s day

flowers for mother’s day

In case you haven’t heard, Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday! And of course, flowers are a classic gift {I love receiving them – do you?}.mother's day flowers via the Path Less Traveled I’ve been blessed with two sisters-in-law who are mommies, as well as a mother-in-law who lives nearby. I know it’s not always customary to give gifts to moms other than your own on Mother’s Day, but I enjoy doing it – it’s kind of a fun, low stress time of year to bless the other mothers in your life, and it always brings them joy! This years gifts are the sweetest little pots of African Violets that I found at Lowes, topped with some of my Butterfly Dessert Toppers and White Heart Dessert Toppers. By the way, did you know that the heart dessert toppers are a perfect size to write a short note on?DSC_0066I’m adding these sweet cards from Recipe For Crazy {and saving one to frame for myself – I love this print!} and I know that they will love them. Do you give gifts to mamas other than your own on Mother’s Day? Do you give matching gifts? Mix it up with gifts tailored to each mom? I’d love to hear :)

 

<3

 

May Day

May Day

Happy May Day!

May Day giftsAren’t these kiddos just the cutest you’ve ever seen? ;) Of course, I might be just a little bit biased!

May Day gifts May Day is quite close to the end of our semester of Bible study, and I had the bright idea of combining a May Day goody with a teacher appreciation gift {two in one! score!} Yesterday the little ones made up some jumbo rice crispy treats {such a simple recipe that allowed them to “help”} to give to their teachers this morning, and then this morning I helped them package them up in some sweet little bags and sign their name to a note that I had written. As a finishing springy touch, I tucked a Butterfly Cupcake Pick in each and it was just the extra bit of color and “special-ness” that the gifts needed.

The goody bags were a hit! Of course, it would be a bit hard not to be thrilled with anything these cuties handed you {try not melting at those smiles, I dare you!} :)

Do you celebrate May Day? I’d love to teach our children about May-poles and posies next year – do you have any traditions or memories that you’d like to share?

 

<3