Isn't it amazing how things work out. . . how one fun event can lead to another?
Such an experience occurred when my husband and I took our little grand girl to the 70th Anniversary of Oz Exhibit held at the Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri, in February. She became so much a fan of The Wizard of Oz that her mom thought it would be fun to have that as the party theme for her upcoming third birthday!!
The party plans officially started when my DIL took a couple of her friends (one who is a great photographer), their kiddos, and our grand girl back to the exhibit for a little photo shoot. One of the pictures ended up being the basis for the birthday party invitations my DIL created!!
Our grand girl was dressed in a Dorothy outfit during this visit to the exhibit--complete with ruby slippers. In this picture, she was standing on The Yellow Brick Road. Beneath the ribbon is the script that told the party info.
I thought we needed an additional set of "ruby slippers" to add to the party decor, so I bought a "previously owned" pair of shoes at a local thrift shop. . . don't you just love the sweet scuff mark? :)
First, I covered the soles with that great friend of ours---blue painter's tape, then. . . .
sprayed away!!!
When the paint was dry, I applied Martha Stewart Glitter glue (thinned with water) and sprinkled on lots and lots of red glitter!
My daughter-in-law was on a Wizard of Oz roll with all sorts of great party ideas---one of which was to create some "ruby slippers" for the Wicked Witch!
She found the perfect shoes at a garage sale, then I painted and glittered them, too! (They started out tan!)
I purchased paper mache' O and Z letters at Hobby Lobby (on sale!) then painted and glittered them Emerald City Green!!!
My DIL used "Dorothy Dress" blue gingham fabric for the dessert table! This was actually the same fabric that my friends had used on the tables at the bridal shower they hosted for her a few years earlier----it meant so much to me that we could reuse it for our grand girl's birthday party!!
We didn't have Lollipop Kids, but we found big candy lollipops at Dollar General to add to our decor!!
My DIL ordered The Yellow Brick Road cake from a local Hy-Vee grocery store....half white and half chocolate and oh so delish!! She had them create a rainbow on one side and poppies on the other.
I found the number three candle some time ago at a local surplus shop for a quarter. The Happy Birthday crown was purchased at the Dollar Tree. The little characters were part of The Wizard of Oz series given away at McDonald's some time ago!!!! My DIL actually purchased the entire set off E-bay for a birthday gift for her little princess!! What a perfect party memory.
My DIL created the cute signs for the front door and entry. . . . you will also see the darling food signs she made on the 3rd and final Wizard of Oz post.
She used paper that was left from the invitations she made FIVE years ago for their wedding!! Again, how perfect that it fit with the party theme!
She wanted flying monkeys, so we used what was on hand---a stuffed Curious George and some pink fairy wings, some nylon cord and----
a Nana who suspended the monkeys from the overhead stair rails in the entry and
we officially had Flying Monkeys!! You'll see another shot on the next post that shows the other winged simians!
This sign greeted little party guests and their parents as did. . . .
this one which was placed just above. . . . .
a little Toto on a picnic basket!
This is how The Wicked Witch appeared once the house landed on her---just before the Ruby Slippers became Dorothy's! We used the garage door for our pretend "house".
A melted Wicked Witch was outside the front door. We created this little "vignette" with my daughter's college graduation robe and a Halloween witch hat. The pail was borrowed from a friend and the broom was one I had purchased at a garage sale last summer. I'd planned on using it in a Halloween display, but I LOVE it that we used it for the OZ Party!!
My pal Bonnie donated this great Wicked Witch poster (it had actually belonged to HER daughter-in-law who no longer wanted it---lucky us !). We placed it in front of a vintage piece of Hallmark poppy wrapping paper we attached to the walls!!
I set up a Yellow Brick Road spray painting booth---what do you think about my shoe savers?
Some time ago, my son and DIL had removed these pavers from around their concrete patio (they had been placed there by the previous owners). With a little yellow paint, they were transformed into the perfect "road" to the Emerald City.
Here we were--- ready and waiting for The Wizard of Oz Party guests to arrive!!
THE STONE RABBIT loved the party invitation......he could hardly wait for the fun to begin!!!!
There will be one more post about the party---hope you will come back!! DANA
What a great party theme. I'm sure the grandgirl had the best birthday party ever. Love the flying monkey, he is so cute.
Posted by: Sandy | June 29, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Now, that is some awesome. Your little grandgirl must have been in Oz heaven.
I love it all. You girls did a great job.
Now, where's my lollipop?!
Posted by: Beverly | June 29, 2009 at 08:22 AM
What a perfect birthday party for a little girl...
Posted by: Becky | June 29, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Loved this one Dana! Isn't it great when the creative juices start flowing & everything falls into place? Great pictures - now let's see the rest of it! ☺ Diane
Posted by: Diane | June 29, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Oh my!!
This is fabulous!! I love how the shoes turned out! ANd the yellow brick road... soo cute!
Posted by: Terri | June 29, 2009 at 09:40 AM
I love all the detail you created. This looks like so much fun. Every Halloween my orthodontist (yes, I was an adult with braces)goes all out with a theme. One year it was The Wizard of OZ.
Posted by: karen | June 29, 2009 at 11:56 AM
This is amazing, Dana!! Just fantastic. You and your daughter are very talented! I bet the girls were so excited:)
Happy Monday!
Linda C
Posted by: Linda C | June 29, 2009 at 02:56 PM
You are "OZ-some"!!!
Posted by: Joan @ Applejack Lane | June 29, 2009 at 03:58 PM
There is definitely some creativity "brewing" over there in your neck of the woods! I LOVE IT! I think it is a great idea for a little girl's party. Hmmmmmmmmmm.......
Posted by: Jillian | June 29, 2009 at 05:08 PM
Dana you are an AWESOME Nana!!!
I can't wait to see the rest of the party!
There's No Place Like Home!
Hugs,
Angela
Posted by: Angela | June 29, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Dana, you all thought of everything. This must have been an amazing party! Such clever ideas...
XO,
Sheila :-)
Posted by: Sheila | June 29, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Dana, you are just fantabulous!
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Birthday Bash Reminder
July 1st - Baby Photo
July 2nd - Movie Star Party
Official Guest List Posted at Timeless Things.
See You There!!
Deanna :D
Posted by: Deanna | June 29, 2009 at 09:00 PM
What FABULOUS ideas!!!!!! Love everything! You are "wicked" with a can of paint. I just wish you would have posted this on Saturday before my movie! I could have had a melted witch as well :)
Posted by: Donna | June 29, 2009 at 09:44 PM
OH.MY.GOSH Dana....you are just TOO creative!!!! What a fun party!!! I bet everyone LOVED it!!!!!
Posted by: Darlene | June 30, 2009 at 08:13 AM
wonderful party idea... you know.. you could actually do this as a big girl party too couldn't you! you guys are soooo creative with the shoes and all the decor!
amazing!
Posted by: Dixie | June 30, 2009 at 08:15 AM
Guess my blog name lets you know I have had a lifelong love for the Wizard of OZ. This is so cute I can hardly stand it---me without a grandchild in sight. Somehow I don't think my shih tzu would fully appreciate it! Can't wait to see the rest!
Posted by: susan | June 30, 2009 at 07:40 PM
GREAT JOB with the post about the party! Can't wait to see post 3 of 3! :o) Thanks for ALL of your OZ-SOME help with the party. You are one amazing MIL, mom and Nana! We all love you tons and are super lucky to have you!
Posted by: Carla | June 30, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Everything is just amazing. Those little shoes you glittered are the cutest things ever and what a great idea. Loved the monkeys and the squished witch but my favorite has to be the invitations - they are just darling. I hope the grandgirl had as much fun as grandma! This is just super creative. xoxo Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | July 01, 2009 at 05:12 AM
Dana! What a FANTASTIC party.
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | July 01, 2009 at 02:59 PM
I can hardly wait for Part 3; hurry up and share... I
just love it. You guys are the best GREEN party people I have ever "Met". LOL! B=)
Posted by: Brenda | July 01, 2009 at 09:25 PM
Oh my gosh...you are SO talented and creative. I love this!
Posted by: John Deere Mom | July 07, 2009 at 05:43 AM
This is the bestest!!! Great job!!!!
Posted by: Kim V | July 08, 2009 at 08:42 PM
what a darling party! i've been searching wizard of oz ideas and am doing a wizard of oz post tomorrow, and would love to feature some of your photo's and tutorials...giving you all the credit of course. hope that's ok! congratulations!
Posted by: kara's party ideas | May 06, 2010 at 09:49 PM
So many clever ideas!! I have to admit, my favorite things is the "Ding Dongs the Witch is dead!" LOVE IT!
Posted by: Brittany | May 07, 2010 at 01:22 PM
You did an amazing job! I am planning my daughter's 2nd birthday with the Wizard of Oz theme (my most favorite movie in the world!). I am using some of your ideas and will give you full credit. Thank you so much!! I'll let you know when I post them on my blog but please stop by--I'd love to have you!! Brooke
http://mylittlehappies.blogspot.com
Posted by: Brooke Menoni | March 11, 2012 at 05:58 PM