DIY Cotton Candy Garland

Ok guys, I have a confession to make. I'm a cotton candy addict. I loooove cotton candy. I know I shouldn't love it quite so much- it's pure sugar, and I'm a 27 year old woman. But something about that magical and fluffy cloud of candy tastes so good. Yes, I actually still eat it. Most people just admire it or decorate things with it, but I eat it. The only negative thing about cotton candy (besides the inevitable cavities) is the fact that the colored ones turn your mouth all kinds of colors. Then I get to walk around all day after a sporting event with blue lips, while people stare and my fiancé laughs at me. Oh well, c'est la vie. Luckily for you guys, this cotton candy won't turn your mouth any kinds of colors! Well, unless you try to eat it... I can't speak to that. With only a few steps, this garland is the cutest and easiest way to display your love for cotton candy. 

You will need:

Cotton Candy Picks (from Oriental Trading)
Ribbon (Mine was from Michael's on clearance)
Glue gun
Scissors (here)
 

1. Peel the sticks off the cotton candy picks. I recommend starting at the bottom tip of the cone, since it's the most delicate part. 

2. Cut off the tabs on the fluffy part of the cotton candy that keep it open. They're the teardrop shaped parts in the photo above.

3. Glue the honeycomb top open. Hold in place for a few seconds until the glue dries.

4. Once you've glued all your honeycombs open, grab your ribbon. Leave a few inches on the end so that you can hang it up. Then, glue the cotton candy evenly spaced out.

5. Hang it up and enjoy!

And there you have it! A quick and simple banner DIY that'll sweeten up any party. It would also make a really sweet addition to a little girl's room, your desk at work, basically anywhere you'd want to declare your love for cotton candy.

Do you still eat cotton candy, or do you have a different guilty snack you love? Let me know in the comments below!

My Sugar Sweet 27th Birthday Party

A month ago I celebrated my 27th birthday with a super fun Sugar Sweet Birthday Party. Armed with my pinterest board and list of tutorials, I created a DIY party that would satisfy any sweet tooth! I unfortunately had a really bad cold that day, which turned out to be sinusitis (and left me in bed for a week!) but I had SO MUCH fun planning this party and celebrating!

*This post contains Affiliate Links

I bought some pink balloons and made them into donuts using this tutorial. I painted the sprinkles on instead of using tissue paper to save some time. The balloons were a huge hit. Everyone loved them and was amazed by the shape, and that I made them myself!

We have some hooks in our living room that the previous homeowners had left, so I hung up some lanterns and a disco ball. The party never transitioned into a dance party like I had hoped, but since I was super sick, I didn't really mind that.

Over the fireplace, I hung a DIY tassle garland. It was super easy to make and added a fun touch.

And what's a Sugar Sweet party without a candy bar?! I kept mine small since there weren't any kids, and I knew my friends wouldn't be eating too much candy. I still have a lot left! To create your own dollar store candy bar, check out my tutorial.

I loved making this donut platter.  It was a super fun and easy tutorial, and the tray can be used again and again.

We rimmed some champagne glasses with sprinkles and added some cotton candy for a cute and a tasty beverage! Just pour some champagne over the cotton candy and enjoy.

I made the festive 27 using sprinkles, mod podge, and cardboard numbers from the craft store. Everyone thought they were edible cookies!

For some fun, we played drinking games using these donut playing cards. How stinking cute are these?!

To add some color to the walls, I hung up paper fans all around the house. We don't really have much artwork up yet, so this helped make the room more festive. It also ended up being a great photobooth backdrop!

I also got these inflatable ice cream cones that served as decor and photobooth props. They were inexpensive and well worth it! To set up the photobooth, I propped up my camera on my tripod and we hit the timer button.  I really wish my clicker had arrived in time!

I had a really great birthday, despite being so so sick. I just love planning parties! 

Be sure to follow my Sugar Sweet Party Pinterest board for more great ideas!

Easy DIY Dollar Store Candy Bar

Remember when you were a kid and you used to go in a candy store? The old-timey ones, with jars lined up along the walls of all different types of candies, sold by the pound. Your parents would hand you a bag and tell you "ok, get what you want. But not too much!" Or maybe your parents didn't trust you, so they'd ask you what you wanted and put tiny scoopfuls into the bag. Then for the next 10 hours, you were on a sugar high as you feasted on pretty much all the candy in one sitting. I loved this experience, so for my Sugar Sweet 27th birthday party, I had to have a candy bar! I wanted to do it on a budget so I could spend money elsewhere, especially since my party was all adults that don't have a big sweet tooth. I hit up my local dollar tree to find some supplies. P.S., there is some great glassware there for only a dollar!  Are you ready to make a candy bar for your next party?

*This post contains affiliate links.

You'll need:

Candy Jars with lids (similar)
Vases or Fishbowls (similar vase and fishbowl)
Candlesticks (similar)
E6000 Glue (here)
Timer/Clock
Candy (and lots of it!) (similar here and here)
*Note: I purchased all my glass items from the Dollar Tree for only $1, but the Amazon links are for similar items

How to:

1. First off, wash and thoroughly dry your supplies. I let mine dry overnight to be safe, but a good wipe and waiting a few minutes should work just as well.

2. Using the E6000 glue, rim the perimeter of the candlestick. E6000 tends to ooze (a lot) so stop squeezing near the end of your perimeter, and store it tip-up between uses.

3. Let the glue set for 2 minutes before attaching. This is so it gets tacky and sticks well.

4. Hover the candy bowl over the candlestick and try to find the center. Place the bowl down and hold it for a few seconds so it can adhere.

5. Wait 24-48 hours for the glue to fully cure. Then, pour in your candy and enjoy!

I found that the lids for the candy bowls fit well with the vase and fishbowls, even though they were not airtight. 

Candy Tips:

-If you can, use name brand candy or something you've tried before. You don't want to get bags and bags of something that ends up tasting terrible!

-Get a mix of smaller and larger candies to create a visually appealing display.

-Pick a color scheme and stick to it. If you want to get all types of candies, then "rainbow" can be your theme. Just try not to have one candy/color that sticks out like a sore thumb.

-You'll probably need a lot more candy than you think. For most of my candies I bought 3 bags/boxes and it only fully filled one container. This wasn't a big deal to me because I had adults and figured they wouldn't be eating much candy anyway.

-Dollar store bags may be smaller than the bags from other stores, so grab the circulars and see if the candy might be cheaper elsewhere. Sometimes holiday candies go on sale, which can be great for a holiday themed party!

Do you have any tips for a candy bar on a budget? What's your favorite type of candy to put in the jars? Which is the most bang for your buck? Let me know!

The 10 Best Tutorials for a Sugar Sweet Party

April is a very special for me- it's my birthday month! I'll be turning 27 soon, so I decided I needed a super fun theme to celebrate this momentous occasion. What could be better than a Sugar Sweet party?! I've searched far and wide for inspirational images and ideas. Here's a list of the BEST tutorials for throwing a Sugar Sweet birthday party!

1. Ok, what could be cuter than sending out these invites for your party?! I love that they're 3-D.  If this doesn't get your guests excited, I don't know what will!

via a joyful riot

2. These little lemonade favors bring me so much nostalgia! They would look so cute set out on your party table or placed in a giant pitcher.

Via DesignEatRepeat

3. If you're good at sewing, a few of these pillows would be super fun to toss on your couch or give out as favors. You could probably even use fabric glue instead of sewing!

via Little Inspiration

4. I would rock these sunglasses on an ordinary day! If you're having an indoor party, pop out the lenses before making them and you're good to go. Or, if you already have your own set of prescription spectacles, try this tutorial instead.

Via Studio DIY

5. I love garlands, and this one is no exception. It seems super easy to create, and your guests will love it. Oh Happy Day also has an online shop where you can find all sorts of adorable party supplies as well!

Via OH HAPPY DAY

6. Because who wouldn't want a whole STRING of donuts?! Plus they've got puffy sprinkles!

Via Beau Coup

7. If you have kids, this would be a super fun project to do with them! If you don't have kids, grab your friends instead ;)

Via OH HAPPY DAY

8. These cone hats are an adorable and cost-effective way to get everyone dolled up for the party.

Via One Charming Party

9. These balloon weights couldn't be sweeter (Get it?!)

Via Studio DIY

10. Cotton candy string lights would brighten up any party!  String them up on your party table or photo booth to make them a little sweeter.

Via With Lovely

Bonus time! here are two more must-haves for your Sugar Sweet Party.

11. This donut platter is easy to make, and costs less than $10!

via Party HarDIY

12. For an affordable candy bar, check out this DIY. Can you believe these candy dishes are made from dollar store items?!

via Party HarDIY

Thinking of throwing your own Sugar Sweet Party but need more inspiration?  Check out my Pinterest board!  

What's your favorite party theme?  Let me know in the comments!