Strongman

To celebrate Matty’s second birthday we hosted a Vintage Strongman themed birthday party! Matthew himself inspired the theme; he is both freakishly strong for a two year old, and aged beyond his years.

My paper products designs, DIY projects and tablescape were heavily influenced by vintage carnival sideshow posters and actual photographs from the 1930’s and 1940’s. I wanted to play up the dark side of the carnival, but still have it be appropriate for a two year old, so I incorporated some bright, traditional carnival patterns, and “children’s toy” accessories. I used the iconic strong man moustache, and weights as additional design elements to enhance the theme.

The menu was influenced by traditional carnival food: popcorn, cakes, cotton-candy, and salty snacks! There were a few guests who reported a noticeable “sugar high” (oops!). The treat bags held loot inspired by the carnival, the strong man, and his moustache.

Many of the design elements were generously donated to me, and I was very thankful to receive such lovely gifts. Many women in my life helped out with crafting, cooking, and set-up/take-down, I am lucky to be surrounded by so much help and creativity. This was the first party that I got to utilize my brand new Silhouette Cameo for, and all I can say is wow! This lovely machine and I (I’ve named her Joan), have a lot more projects in our future. I can’t believe how easy it made everything. We had a fantastic afternoon with our friends and family; the birthday boy was spoiled with so much love (and many treats!).

And now, the pictures!

Menu:

Cotton candy barbell cake pops

Marble, tri-flavour cake

Vanilla cupcakes

Assorted macarons

Red velvet cookies

Bite size desserts

Mini strudels

Mini angel food cakes

Rice Krispy treats

Vanilla push up pops

Moustache sugar cookies

Salt water taffy

Kettle cooked ripple chips

Summer fruit

 

Cherry and grape soda

Apple juice

Water

Lemonade

 

DIY Crafts:

Paper flag bunting

Snow cone bunting

Peanut and popcorn swags

Moustache and star bunting

Silver plated animals

Vintage cupcake pan cake stand

Paper poppies

Moustache crayons

Peanut jars

Crystal cake stands

 

Loot bags:

Circus theme pencils and stamps

Moustache shaped crayon, soap, and mini candies

Salt water taffy

Old fashioned peppermint stick

Popcorn

Bubbles

 

Sources:

Cake Barbells: Schur to Please Wedding and Specialty Cakes

Cupcakes and cake: Cakes by Beth-Ann

Macarons: Bon Macaron Patisserie

Moustache cookies: Marcia Sedola (contact information available upon request)

Red velvet cookies, bite size desserts and mini strudels: Thrifty Foods Bakery

Washi tape, and paper straws: The Stationary Room

Press Printing, and stickers: Metropol Print Shop

Digital Paper Design: Artbitz Designs

Strongman Clipart: Madame Decolage 

Carnival theme pencils, treat bags, paper plates and napkins, sparkly foam moustache and star shapes, moustache duct tape: Michael’s Craft Store

Popcorn machine and cotton candy machine: Fun Time Inflatables

Present Tent and circus drum: A Thymble Full (contact information available upon request)

Moustache Soaps: Squeaky Clean Soaps

Paper poppy template: Silhouette Shop

Photography: Jessica Bender Photography and Design

Beverage labels, toppers, invitation, popcorn containers, snack containers, lolly labels, and circular stickers: Jessica Bender Photography and Design

Party Styling: Jessica Bender Photography and Design