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Aylah Turns 2 ~ A Farm Themed Birthday

  1. Melissa says:

    Hi there!! I was wondering if you could share where you purchased the animals for beautiful play mat? Your party came out beautiful.

    Thanks,
    Melissa

    • Hey Melissa,
      I have searched and searched through my purchase history and cannot find the invoice for those little animals. I definitely got them online, and they were in bulk because it was way cheaper that way since I needed so many of them. Wish I could be of more help. I’m kinda annoyed with myself for not keeping better records. 🙁
      xoxo,
      Melissa

  2. Ami says:

    Hi, Melissa!
    I looooved your party; it was so perfect and wonderful! I’m doing the personalized mason jar for my son’s party. Did you use the hole punch for the top of the mason jar?

    • Hey Ami,
      Yes, I just used a normal single hole punch. You’ll notice that the hole isn’t in the very middle of the circle, that’s because the hole punch would only go that far … turned out to be a blessing in disguise though because it gave me more room to write the names how I wanted to. 🙂 Regular hole punch is the perfect size for a paper straw to fit through!
      xoxo,
      Melissa

  3. Rina says:

    Wow! This is amazing! I have been searching for a way to make a barn backdrop for my son’s 1st bday but I am not having much luck. Was the backdrop easy to do? Could you let me know where you found the board for the barn backdrops? Thank you!

  4. Maria Mendiola says:

    I was just wondering if you have a video or a more detailed blog on how you did the barn invitation? I have a Cricut but I don’t have much time to play with it.

  5. Maria says:

    Hi, I was just wondering if by any chance you have a blog or video on the process of making the invitations. I would really love to see that. I loved everything

  6. kodi says:

    Id love to know where you got the materials and maybe a bit of a breakdown for how you made that awesome barn backdrop!

  7. GLADYS says:

    Genial!!! I loved it!! It’s exactly what I’m looking for my granddaughter’s birthday, and it’s very easy to do

  8. Tahmina says:

    Your party is inspirational and the attention to every detail is exceptional. Can’t wait to see the next one!

  9. Sabrina says:

    This is the most amazing party I’ve ever seen, and an incredibly thoughtful breakdown of your secrets. You are my internet hero! I am so inspired by your creativity, craftiness, and generosity to share your ideas.

    • Thank you so much for your kind words Sabrina!! You are too sweet!! 🙂
      Stay tuned for my the blog post on my daughter’s 3rd birthday party. It was back in November but we just moved so the blog post was put on the back burner for now. Under the sea theme … you won’t wanna miss it. 🙂
      xoxo,
      Melissa

  10. Kayla says:

    Party looks amazing! How did you make the backdrop for food table? What did you use? Also would you be willing to sell any of this?

    • Hello Kayla,
      The big red barn is just made out of bristol board. 🙂
      And sorry, it’s all already sold …
      xoxo,
      Melissa

      • Kayla says:

        Ooo darn! Question with bristol board did you get a huge piece and cut it to shape or did you stick a bunch pieces together? Jw how you made it I’ve never worked with bristol board before.

        • Bristol board is big … approx. 3’x4′. I did have to attach a couple of pieces together though because I wanted the barn to be huge. 🙂

          • Jennifer says:

            This barn is amazing. By any chance would you be able to share the exact dimensions the barn ended up being? We are trying to recreate something similiar and trying to figure out sizing based on your picture. Thanks so much!

          • Hey Jennifer. The barn backdrop was quite large … I don’t have it anymore so can’t measure for you exactly, but if I had to guess I’d say about 3.5 feet wide and 4 feet high. 🙂

  11. Jennifer says:

    Thank you Malissa for this information. The barn backdrop and entire farm party set up you did is awesome and so inspiring!!

  12. Mandy says:

    Hi Kayla,

    Your link has been one stop shop for me. It was soo helpful.
    – I really liked the felt play mats. Did you use adhesive cut felts and stick it to a large felt? or cut the felts individually and sewed it to something? what was the base material used.
    – Secondly, for the animal tissue pom poms, how did you make the animal faces (with eyes etc) ?

    • Hi Mandy,
      I cut all of the felts individually … stuck them with tape runners to hold in place, and then hand stitched around all the edges with embroidery floss. Base material was just a piece of plain felt.
      The features on the animal poms were just cut out of construction paper and stuck on with hot glue. 🙂
      xoxo,
      Melissa

  13. Samantha says:

    I found a link for the animals that look almost identical. Hope it helps

    http://www.ustoy.com/category/animal-figures/farm/cartoon-farm-figures-1-51a3ad2e1170127332cf4df7e69e17c1

  14. Maria says:

    I’m simply in love with what you did – so beautiful and thought through 🙂 I was wondering if you can share some tips on how to make the little animals using the Cricut Express. I don’t own one but am thinking of buying after seeing your post. But as I understand, the machine cut the animals and different pieces of the animals and then you glue/build it together, so you have multi-colored animals?

    • Hello Maria. I have the Cricut Expression 2, though I’m pretty sure the Cricut Express would work with this cartridge as well. The cartridge is called “Create a Critter”. Here is a youtube video that will help you better understand how the die cut machine works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzZxwuUxMmA. Happy crafting!! 🙂

      • Maria Santos says:

        Thanks so much, Melissa 🙂 Which kind of paper did you use to make the animals? How thick were they? Here in DK they have different names, so I wanna be sure I get the right ones, so they are stiff enough without being too hard 🙂

  15. Shannon Speelman says:

    How did you make the pop up portion of the invite?

    • Hey Shannon,

      If you’re referring to the bottom where the grass and fence is I just folded the bottom of the card a couple of times like an accordion and then stuck the die cuts onto the folded part. 🙂

      xoxo,
      Melissa

  16. Amanda says:

    Absolutely great party, and even a better tutorial of how to do it! Super mom! So glad it turned out amazing for her and YOU

  17. […] is one great blog by Aylah’s mom. Aylah turned two this last November and her mom decided to share with us how the farm themed party […]

  18. monica says:

    I loved the theme . would help me with templates for animal poms poms and if are round shape varies
    thanks
    Monica

  19. Hosana says:

    The larger milk bottle with handle, where to buy? Can I buy online. Congratulations, the most beautiful festival in the theme I have ever seen.

  20. Megan Pego says:

    Did you buy or make the animal pompous?

  21. Valina Rudolph says:

    Do you have an Etsy shop? I really want to give the same favors at my daughter’s party but I’m not crafty and I don’t have the machine. Would you consider making them to sell?

  22. Svenja R says:

    Hi!! Thanks for such a detailed blog. I am planning my daughters 2nd party and using this for ideas. Where did you get the signs for food. Also, do you remember the size of the animals for the food signs?
    Thanks!

    • The little chalkboards on the sticks are from Michael’s (craft store in Canada). If you’re in the States I’m sure Hobby Lobby would have something similar. The animals on them were 1.5″.

  23. Jill Farrel says:

    Hi, just curious who did your cake pops and cookies? Thanks!

  24. Helene says:

    Hi, on the cricut machine, do you happen to remember what size you made the barn for the invitation and for the animals that were with the chalkboard sticks?

  25. Kristy Naski says:

    First, this whole ensemble is amazing!! It’s so beautiful and very well executed!! I have several questions. How wide is the burlap ribbon used to support the photos on “The Last Year” photo display? Also what is the large photo in the center mounted on?

    Questions regarding the ‘main food table’ display. How big is the chalkboard easel depicting your menu? Where did you purchase the burlap tablecloth and the cow print fabric overlay that is situated in the middle of the table – what are the dimensions of each? Also what type of burlap coaster is resting beneath the tub holding the growlers of milk – is it a large square burlap placemat – did you make it yourself? Are the tags for your lemonade and fruit punch dispensers made out of paper? It appears the inner part is black card stock, but it’s difficult to tell what material is backing it – almost looks like wood. Did you make the tags for your metal tub holding the milk growlers, lemonade and fruit punch with your Cricut? If so what cartridge did you use? How did you get the corners of these tags to have that beveled/scalloped/ticket-like corner? Did you use the Cricut to make all your pennant banners? Do you recall the dimensions of the triangles/flags on the small cake pop banners mounted on dowels, popcorn banners draped in the front of the small crates and large banners strung up on the railing and mantle? Do you recall the length of these banners too? How wide is the ribbon that’s threaded through the cake plate? Last, where did you find the shirt that says, “Two” with cow face embroidered on it that your daughter wore for the photo shoot? I know Etsy has various vendors that make these. Wondering if you used a specific vendor. Please let me know as I am currently planning my little one’s first birthday in this same theme.

    • Hi Kristy,

      Wow, that’s a LOT of questions, lol. I’ll do my best to answer as best I can.
      Burlap ribbon is about 4″ thick and from Hobby Lobby. Center photo is mounted on a burlap board that I found at the dollar store. Came in a package of 3 (different sizes) … which is also what is under the milk jugs on the table.
      Chalkboard easel is 5×7. “tableclothes” are just fabric. Burlap is from FabricLand and cow print is from Hobby Lobby. Doesn’t matter what size mine are, you’ll need to measure your own table.
      Beverage labels are not paper, they are chalkboard labels that came with the dispensers. Chalkboard paint on wood.
      Yes the drink labels were made with the Cricut … doodlecharms cartridge. The edges of the wood came like that … they are pre-purchased signs from a craft store, not paper.
      Pennant banners were measured and cut by hand, not Cricut. Small ones are probably about an inch high. Large ones are 6″. And again, I’m not sure the relevance of the length of the banners. You’ll have to measure for yourself what you’re putting them on.
      Cake plates came from Home Sense … holes for ribbon are about 3/4 of an inch I’d guess.
      Shirt with two on it was completely hand sewn by me. Same cow fabric that was on the table, red felt for the “w” and googly eyes for the cow. All hand stitched on. 🙂
      Hope that helps!
      Happy birthday to your little one!
      Best sure to check out my daughters other party posts for future inspiration … she’s 4 now. 🙂

      xoxo,
      Melissa

      • Kristy Naski says:

        Thank you for your prompt response and taking the time to answer my questions. Wow, you are certainly talented! I admire your work and share your passion for the arts (photography, decorating, creating and the like)! I do realize the length of my banners and linens/tablecloths will be custom to the measurements of my banister, mantle and table. I asked because I was trying to get an idea of how many yards and/or inches were needed to cover your decorative spaces 😉 Back to the banners – did you find or create a template for the triangle flags/pennants for both mini and regular size versions? Also, how did you perfectly manage to create the slots to thread the twine through? Did your footed cake plate come sold all as one piece, or two separate pieces in which the pedestal needed to be adhered to the plate? Wow, it’s amazing you know how to sew, and that you created your daughter’s shirt! Did you create the cow too or buy a decal/embroidered cow to sew on? How long did it take you to gather all the materials for this particular party? You’re very detail oriented as am I. I know you mention you planned it way ahead of time. It certainly shows. How do I locate your other party posts. I decided upon a farm animal / farm theme and happened to stumble across your blog. I’m so glad I did as your very inspiring. 🙂 ~Kristy

        • Kristy Naski says:

          Whoops, couple of grammatical errors in my response above. Don’t mind me. I’m so short on sleep lately between my teething toddler and husband who’s under the weather.

  26. Courtnie Estave says:

    Hi! Your party was adorable! My son is having a farm 1st birthday party on April 8th. I have most everything I need together, but CANNOT find cute farm animal figures. I have looked everywhere desperately and googled for hours with no luck. Most of the options are very dull looking and I want lively looking cute animals. 🙂 Any chance you can help me with the link that you used to but the animals or can send me a picture of the box, etc. I am running out of time and really need them because they are my cupcake toppers. Thank you!!

  27. Britt says:

    Wow! Thank you for such a detailed blog post. My son’s 2nd birthday isn’t until November, but came across this post browsing petting zoo party ideas! Your approach is MUCH more elaborate than my style (& budget) but I’m hoping the live animals in our real barn on our actual farm will make up for my lack of craftiness (which, thankfully, my son loves animals more than crafts!) I wish I had the time & talents to devote to such endeavors & cannot wait to see the under the sea party! Great job mama!

  28. Ana says:

    Hi how are you? Love this theme I’m actually doing it for my daughter 2nd birthday. I was wondering where can I buy a photo back drop faith farm animals or farm animals standee?

  29. Silviya says:

    I see I am not the only one who is planning her daughter’s birthday six months in advance. 🙂 I came with the idea for a farm birthday party for the 3rd birthday of my daughter which in in November and since yesterday I am all over the Internet searching for decorations. You party is perfect, so much inspiring!!! I hope you won’t mind taking some ideas from you.

  30. Sri says:

    Hi Mellisa

    A big big congratulations to you for organizing such an impeccable party for your daughter’s birthday.

    I have organized a party for my son’s third birthday 2 days ago last weekend and I have taken and learnt almost everything from the details you have given in this blog about your party.

    But I have not exactly mimicked rather tried do it my own way where ever possible.

    I was feeling extremely restless and I figured out the reason for that is untill share this with you its not going to ease.

    I have drawn huge inspiration for what you have done for your daughter and how much you love her.

    Coming to my party it did not come so perfectly like that of yours.

    Many reasons
    I am not so adept like you at crafts but I learnt during last six months and I should say without cricut I have done my best.

    We relocated from India so could not spend enough money.

    I have gone into minute details spent a lot of time during crafts much ahead of the party.

    But owing to migratine on the party day and day before that when I started decorating and next day on which I gave the party led to not so perfect arrangement and slight shabbiness which is seen in pictures.

    I am planning to do a photo session like the way you have done next weekend .

    Also that photos arranged on the burlap ribbon is very good.
    Will do that as well slowly though I could not do it on time.

    I would like to share my birthday party pictures with you if you dont mind spending few minutes looking at them

    2 things I could not make out from your pictures.

    The way u could arrange Cow print and and red polka balloons on both sides.
    I tried to do same way and somehow I could never get that.Mine looks shabby.
    And your backdrop in brown color behind the red barn …how did you get that big paper.

    I bought most of the stuff from hobby lobby and I got poster only half that height i belief.
    I too used red barn approx 3X4 feet I believe but I trimmed it instead of attaching more white borders.

    Regards
    Sri

  31. Sri says:

    Hi melissa

    Sri again

    I have checked and found the cricut cartridges you have mentioned in amazon and now I am aware of the cartridges.

    But still struggling to understand where and how ask for a cricut printer.I am not even sure as to whether I need a printer or some other machine.

    I have been doing my best to understand what is available in USA and how to reach out to them.Relocating to a new country and learning where to go for what is also a reason for not being able to do so perfectly like you have done

  32. Meital says:

    hey Mellisa, beautiful birthday party! stunning! ן took a lot of ideas from you 🙂 thank you very much 🙂

    Meital from Israel

  33. Dahlia says:

    Hi Melissa,

    Where did you buy the bristrol board from?? Please let me know, thank you so much!Amazing party!!

  34. Erin says:

    Love everything about this!
    What kind of labels did you use for the water bottles? Did you use any special programs to create the template?

  35. […] Source: Moments By Melissa Miller. […]

  36. Dede says:

    I dont have cricuf….any other way to make same invite??

  37. Katrina Prince says:

    Did you have any accidents with the “glass” jars?
    I was thinking maybe plastic might be a better choice for 2 yr. olds (and some adults!) What do you think?

  38. Lorraine says:

    Hi Melissa, I’ve tried reading most of your blog but I thought it would be easier to just ask you. How long did it take you to prep and buy all of these? And making the foods you actually made? I’m trying to keep my stress level down. LOL.
    Thank, you , Lorraine

  39. Jenette says:

    OMG I just love all that you did! Truly inspiring and amazing! I’ve been searching Pinterest for awhile now as I’m having a farmed themed 2nd birthday for my son and came across your blog! So glad I found you lol it’s exactly what I wanted… to-the-tee!!

    Couple of questions

    The fence on your envelope- I can’t seem to find the fence in Cricut! Did you slice it to make the fence wider?

    The barn backdrop – you mentioned using Bristol board and taped them together. How many red boards did you use? It seems they are 3×4 each. And what tape did you use? Where I will be having my dessert table with barn backdrop, there isn’t a wall so I’d need something to hold it up… I’m having the table under my gazebo and could possibly anchor in the grass. Was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to anchor it?

    For the pictures “ the last year” did you have them printed Polaroid or did you use cricut?

    For the playmate you made your daughter. I read the other women’s blog… did you use the same backing as her or something different? Also she used a sheet for something but I couldn’t understand what it was for?

    Ok enough questions lol

    Thank you so much for sharing and explaining everything… your amazing

    • Hey Jenette,

      The fence was made with the Cricut cartridge “Everyday Pop Up Cards” … it’s the fence that has the sheep jumping over it. I just layered two on top of each other so the pickets would be closer together.
      I believe I needed 4 red sheets of bristol board to make the barn. I just using packing tape on the back side to attach them together. If you can anchor it in the grass I would probably make a really simple frame with 2x4s to attach it to. Bristol board isn’t very strudy, so I’d be worried that the wind would destroy it in minutes. You might consider using red foam board instead which would give you a much better thickness right out of the gate. 😉
      I created the polaroid effect in Photoshop (I’m a professional photographer) and then I just got them printed as regular 3×4 inch prints. You could also cut the white part out of cardstock though and basically use them like a matte. Hope that makes sense.
      I just picked a plain brown linen type material for the back of the playmat … it’s purpose is really only to hide all of the stitching. Ignore the sheet, I don’t know what she’s talking about either, lol.

      Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my blog. 🙂
      xoxo,
      Melissa

  40. Katie says:

    Let me just say… AMAZING! From a person that loves to create and it obsessed with big birthday parties… you out did yourself! We are having a farm party in August, yes I’m already researching! I will definitely come back to your post! Outstanding!

    • Thank you SO much for your kind words Katie! It really is a labour of love (a crap ton of work) … But crafting is one of my “hobbies” so the elaborate parties give me a good outlet.

  41. […] Source: Moments By Melissa Miller. […]

  42. sandra says:

    Wow, amazing work…I was going to ask how long did you work on this party start to finish but I read one year. omg….I’m starting a month before. Note to self, plan now for next year. Thanks for sharing your work. You have a talent!

    Best

  43. Leslie says:

    What cartridge did you use for the grass on your invitations?

  44. […] tray was purchased at HomeSense for Aylah’s farm party years ago and the kraft cupcake wrappers are from […]

  45. Sharon says:

    Hey there! It’s beautiful! Just wondered how did you make the hay stacks? They’re adorable! X

  46. […] project, I scoured Pinterest for visual eye candy and tutorials on how to make a play mat. I pinned this post by Moments by Melissa Miller which is full of swoon-worthy ideas for this as well as many […]

  47. Madison says:

    Love love love! I’m doing this for my sons fist birthday!!
    Where did you get the white fencing? I can only fins tiny fences.

  48. Kari says:

    Hi Melissa! I don’t believe anyone has asked this yet. But what kind of paint was used to paint the number 2 candle? I found the paint adhesion, so that’s all set, but couldn’t make out the label on the black and white paint that you used. And I’m assuming it was safe to light the candle afterward? Thanks!

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