Monday, March 14, 2011

Celebrating 2, Dora Style!

We Celebrated my baby's 2nd birthday last week.  I think I've mentioned before that we only do friend parties at ages 3, 5, 8 and 12.  On the other years we celebrate by inviting family over for dinner, cake and ice cream and presents. Of course I still like to go out of my way to make their day special and memorable.  

My daughter LOVES Dora. I'm pretty sure "Dora" was one of her first words and she begs all day to watch it. Even though I wanted to incorporate Dora into her birthday, I didn't want it to be in your face Dora. That's just not my style.

 For her birthday outfit I made subway art that incorporated Dora sayings and printed it on an iron on transfer. I added it to a clearance t-shirt and made a matching ruffled skirt. 

She loved it. 

Every proper party needs a hat. I whipped this up a couple minutes before the party. I made a cone out of card stock and glued fabric over the top. Then I added the ruffle, pom-pom, and a printed picture of Dora with hot glue. A thin piece of elastic was used for the strap.  

I couldn't believe it, she wore it all night. 

My favorite part of every party is the cake. 

I love the dora scene at the bottom but...

 the Stars made the cake. 
If you are wondering why dora is not on the cake, it never came in the mail. I ordered a Dora candle from Amazon 5 days before her birthday with 2 day shipping. When it didn't come we had to improvise- luckily we had a backpack figure in a game. We still haven't gotten the candle. I'm a little mad with Amazon.  

She didn't seam to notice. 

I wanted to make her something for her birthday as well. I knew Backpack would be the perfect gift. 

I made it in a similar way as my mail pouches. I could maybe post the pattern if people are interested. 

Sorry for the blurry picture. When she opened it she just held it up and whispered "Backpack, Backpack." It was so cute, exactly the response I wanted.  


I also wanted to share my secret for a fun, easy, and cheap party for any kid under 5. 
Fill a room with balloons. My girls were smiling and playing with them for hours. 

Check out THESE super cool parties I'll be linking to. 
at

36 comments:

  1. KJ@letsgoflyakiteMarch 14, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Oh how I love that purple corduroy backpack. What great party ideas. We just returned from Mexico so Dora has been very much on my mind, both my 3 and 5 year old still love Dora!

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  2. chrisMarch 14, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Every detail is wonderful, Kalleen! Such a thoughtful, happy way to celebrate a toddler's birthday.

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  3. AnonymousMarch 14, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    So cute. Your daughter looks so happy on her big day. My daughter is turning 2 next month and looking to accomplish something similar but with a Mickey Mouse theme.
    Jess
    jbeedelightful.blogspot.com

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  4. TamiMarch 14, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    That is one super cute backpack. Audrey loved it so much. As always, a super cute party with a few people missing :(

    Get better!

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  5. Lissa MichelleMarch 14, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    OK i am copying all of these ideas for my girls' dora party someday! so cute!

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  6. Lina - Fancy Frugal LifeMarch 14, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Oh-My-Goodness!!! I love all these ideas :) I am working on my 3 year old's Dora Party and that hat is awsome..love the ruffle idea. Thanks for sharing

    Check out my Dora backpack invites I added to this party! :)

    http://fancyfrugallife.blogspot.com/2011/03/glam-dora-backpack-invitations.html

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  7. JessicaMarch 14, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    so good. my son would go nuts for a diego version of the backpack.

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  8. ElizabethMarch 14, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I sooo needed that last little tip! I'm planning my son's party and I think the room-full-of-balloons is a great idea!

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  9. AmyMarch 14, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    I LOVE the backpack and the cake you made! I might have to copy-cat for my girlies 3rd party next year!
    GREAT JOB!!!

    Amy
    sittingatourkitchentable.blogspot.com

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  10. CharityMarch 14, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    Backpack backpack! Only you are creative enough to turn Dora into subway art. You never disappoint. I can't believe your baby is getting so big, too fast.

    Cha Cha

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  11. Melissa N.March 14, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Awesome! I love the outfit and the backpack. Way to go!

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  12. Larissa@Just Another Day in ParadiseMarch 15, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    LOVE everything. The hat is to die for. I also love the little backpack. Great job, I know a party like that must have taken a lot of planning.

    Just Another Day in Paradise

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  13. huanaMarch 16, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    This is so great and she was one happiest girl in the world! And adorable too!

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  14. seven thirty threeMarch 16, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    That cake is GORGEOUS! And I'm loving Backpack! My daughter is also a fan of Dora. :)

    Thanks for linking with Sugar & Spice.

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  15. KreanimoMarch 16, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Really cute! She looks really happy! Well done, supermom :)

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  16. UnknownMarch 16, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Love her outfit! She looks adorable!

    I am having a giveaway on my blog. $35 credit + free shipping from Paige Holliday designs to get any one custom designed trendy backpack for your little darling.
    All you have to do is leave a comment.

    http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/03/35-store-credit-free-shipping-to-get.html

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  17. LaVonneMarch 17, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    My own 3 year old would love this party! :) Thanks for sharing.

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  18. MeganMarch 17, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    very cute. I love the hat and the cake!

    megan
    craftycpa.blogspot.com

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  19. AnonymousMarch 17, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    That backpack is wonderful! I would love to have the pattern. Thank you for your wonderful party ideas!

    -Georgianna

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  20. Lindsey March 17, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    How fun! My daughter would love to have a Dora birthday party! Thank you for the great ideas! :)

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  21. UnknownMarch 17, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Oh my gosh, I LOVE the backpack! How adorable!!!

    I'd love to have you share at my For the Kids Friday Link Party! I'm sure you'll find some fun ideas while you are there! Come join the fun!

    http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-kids-friday-3.html

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  22. AnonymousMarch 17, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    That was a great Dora party. I would love the pattern for Backpack. It would be a hit with every preschooler around.

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  23. AnonymousMarch 17, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    That was a great Dora party. I would love the pattern for Backpack. It would be a hit with every preschooler around.

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  24. StepThruCrazyMarch 18, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    Holy cow I love that backpack! I got a toy version for my 2-year-old daughter for Christmas, but it doesn't have straps, so that's a bummer. I think it would be awesome if you posted the pattern for it!

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  25. Twice ThriftyMarch 18, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    Yes post a pattern, my daughter would love this back pack!

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  26. EmilyMarch 19, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    This is adorable! Love the details like the backpack, that gorgeous cake, and her outfit!!

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  27. Jessica SorensenMarch 21, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    We are having a Dora party on Saturday for my daughters 3rd birthday. Your backpack is way cuter then mine, but I made 14 so I had to keep them simple and I used felt. Love the cake to bad the candle didn't get there in time.

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  28. All About Me CraftsMarch 21, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    My daughter LOVES Dora! I would love a pattern! Thanks Karen

    kbshoe18atgmail.com

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  29. JamiMarch 21, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    What a cute party, even though Dora didn't make it. I totally agree with you on the balloon thing. My kids love them!

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  30. Heidi RouxMarch 22, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    would LOOOOVE to have the pattern for the backpack. starting to plan my littles parties and that little bag is SOOOO cute!!!

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  31. Heidi RouxMarch 22, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    my email address is heidi@roux-family.co.za thx!

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  32. UnknownMarch 23, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE post a pattern! My Dora-obsessed daughter would go nuts!

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  33. UnknownMarch 23, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    PLEASE PLEASE post a pattern! My Dora-obsessed daughter would go nuts!

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  34. Corrie LanaganMarch 29, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    I would love if you posted the pattern to that backpack...unless it is super difficult. I am not a very good sewer, but would love to attempt this for my daughter. Such a GREAT party!!!

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  35. SewSweetStitchesApril 6, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Ahhh I NEED the pattern to that backpack! I've wanted to make one for my daughter for a long time, with a laminated rolled-up map for the inside. Or an embroidered cloth one, something like that. It would be awesome if you posted the pattern!

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  36. UnknownAugust 26, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    Can i please get pattron for back pack???my daughters bday is in a month and i would like it for party favors! l.noran3@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

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