Minnie Mouse Birthday

A Minnie Mouse Birthday Party!

The three-year-old is turning four!  Where did the time go?

Wee One requested a Minnie Mouse themed party and I was happy to oblige.  Who could turn down this sweet face?

Since school was finally out for summer, I had a little time to prep.

Invitations

We had a little photo shoot in the front yard.  It was difficult to choose the cover photo.  I petitioned my family to vote for their favorite.  This was their choice.

I printed the pictures at Costco and used the Cricut to cut out a little phrase to place on the front of the card.  I think they turned out cute.  Don't you?

Decorations

I used the Cricut to create a birthday sign.  I did not wish to spend the high price on a new cartridge so I used what I had.  I cut out circles in 5-inch and 3-inch sizes to make the mouse silhouette.  I also found a butterfly shape on my garden cartridge and used it to make Minnie's bow.  I just cut off the body and glued it into place.

Pinata

I made my own pinata to fit with the theme.  While it was a LOT of work, I am very pleased with the result.  So was Wee One!!   You can find the tutorial here!

Party Hats

Party hats were made for the younger guests.  Of course they had to fit the theme!  You can find the tutorial here!

Games

In addition to the pinata, we played "Pin the Bow on Wee One".  It was a cute game and I found it on Pinterest.  Where?  I can't remember but if you are the one who came up with the idea, you are BRILLIANT!

Cakes

What is a party without birthday cake?  Rather, what is a party without chocolate cake?!  I made the Minnie Mouse cake by baking one rectangle cake and one round cake.  I cut two circles from the rectangle cake to make ears.  I placed together to form the iconic silhouette and frosted the entire thing.  I then added a bow shaped box lid which I found from the dollar bin at Target.  Perfect!

We also had Minnie Mouse cupcakes (thanks to Pinterest for the idea).  I made strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and adorned them with one standard Oreo and two mini Oreos for ears.  The bows were cut from a sheet of sugar purchased at Michael's.

I thought about using my mouse ear cookie cutter the moment I knew we were having a Minnie Mouse party.  These sugar cookies were tricky to make as the ears kept breaking off!  What you see on this platter is the best of the bunch.  Although they did not turn out as expected, they were delicious!  The recipe for the cookies and the icing can be found at these links.

Goodie Bags

I used the Minnie Mouse heads I cut out with the Cricut, to decorate white paper bags.  I filled each one with summer time treats!  The kiddos were very excited about the popsicle molds.  I also added a thematic coloring book to each bag.  I made it by downloading black and white graphics from Google Images.

Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time... even in the 100 degree heat.

Happy 4th birthday, Wee One!  

We love you soo much!!

 

Homemade Pinata

Minnie Mouse Pinata 

Having gone to a few of her friends' birthday parties, the Wee One learned she LOVES pinatas.  To make sure her birthday pinata matched her desired party-theme, I chose to make a Minnie Mouse pinata.

Nice, huh?!  I can proudly say, I have made a pinata.

I will likely never make another.

It is a lot of work for something you smash with a bat!!

Here is the process:

1.  Gather the materials:  cardboard (use thinner cardboard), pencil, scissors, overhead projector, desired shape, masking tape, glue, tissue paper and any embellishments.

2.  Place the shape onto an overhead projector and trace it onto the cardboard, to the desired size.

3.  Cut out two identical sizes of the same shape.  Make sure one has notches on the sides to make for easier attachment of the sides.  These do not need to be pretty or perfect.

4.  Fold up the sides of the notches and affix with masking tape to strips of cardboard of desired width.  I used the flaps from a box, cut in half.  I found it worked perfectly.

5.  Add the other shape to the top and attach with masking tape, forming a box.  Leave a hole at the top for filling with candy and prizes.  Reinforce the top with tape to make sure it doesn't tear during the beating.

6.  Reinforce the seams with masking tape, to ensure the candy and prizes do not fall out prematurely.  I may have gone a bit overboard with my taping but the pinata did break so I guess it was okay!

7.  Cut the large sheets of tissue paper into long, even strips.  Then, cut fringe 3/4 of the way into the strips.  Using glue (I preferred liquid glue to glue sticks), attach the fringe all over the 3-D shape, covering all visible cardboard.

8.  Attach a hanger to the top of the pinata.  I used some pink yarn I had lying around.  I reinforced it to be certain it would hold the weight of the pinata once filled.

9.  Continue gluing the tissue paper until the entire box is covered.  Trim any long, stray pieces of fringe to ensure the shape is clear.

10.  Embellish with any additional details.  I cut two bow shapes using the Cricut system and glued them into place on each side.

11.  Fill the pinata and hang in a safe location.

12.  HAVE FUN!!!  Be certain to keep kids away from the swing zone.  Give them bags to fill during the scramble.

I must admit, the Minnie pinata turned out pretty cute.  I may just make another for the boy... 
when he discovers he LOVES pinatas too.