Keeping with my previous format, I'm separating the party pix into two posts. Each time I look back and see how many pictures I showed before and end up adding a few more to the current party. Pretty soon you'll be looking at hundreds of images from one event.
Well, I think I mentioned, Theo is crazy about race cars. And checkered flag finish lines. (And railroad X's, but that's another story) So the theme this year was a no brainer.
I'm just going to let you enjoy all the gorgeous images, and I'll add some of my sources for those who might care. The next post will have the events of the day, but needless to say, a great time was had by all.
Photography: Christianne Ebel
Invitations and graphics: Kara Thauer (my sister, she doesn't currently sell them, but could probably be convinced...)
Vinyl number and stripes for car: custom by Janey Mac Press on etsy
Large fabric banners and table runner: me
Matchbox car plywood race track: me. If there's enough interest I could make a little tutorial for this, but it's pretty straightforward. I originally saw several online, including one here.
Hubcaps: walmart @ 4 for $16 (and a few a friend had)
Theo's mechanic outfit: me and it was a mash-up of patterns. I took shirt and pants patterns and combined them adding a few detail. The patch was from here.
Drink station: poland springs water dispensers and funnels with labels I made (The idea came from a friend of mine. I suggest you laminate your labels or buy water proof ones). I constructed it out of a bakers rack we owned.
Red place setting cars: $5 from walmart (brand is Jada) I had to visit probably a dozen different walmarts to gather enough red ones because they come in a variety pack and you can be sure what colors they'll have.
favors: trinket bags inspired by this tutorial by Amazing Mae with 3 matchbox cars in them
"Real" race car: borrowed from a friend and vinyl numbers and stripes added. I tried everything to rent a red convertible (particularly a mini cooper) but around here it's just not possible.
Cake and cookies: me
What an awesome party! Great job, Mama!
Posted by: Rhyah | September 26, 2010 at 10:30 PM
AMAZING!! Everything is so clever. You really outdid yourself. I LOVE IT!
Posted by: Tanya B | September 27, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Wow, Jess, your parties always blow me away!
Posted by: Doris | September 27, 2010 at 03:40 PM
This has just overtaken the construction party as my favourite of your parties! You have such attention to detail!
Posted by: Jordan-PolkadotPrints | September 27, 2010 at 07:39 PM
just tuned into your blog tonight, and what a precious post! look forward to reading more.
Posted by: ashley | September 29, 2010 at 09:56 PM
Jessica-You have outdone yourself yet again!! Have you ever thought of doing a book about children's parties? Your themes and ideas are so creative!!!
-Amy
Crafting by Candlelight
Posted by: Amy | September 30, 2010 at 03:32 PM
GET OUT!
I just need to borrow your brain for a couple of days. I promise to give it right back :-)
Posted by: Rachael | September 30, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Hey, what in the world do you do with all those birthday banners and letters? Just wondering.:)
Awesome.
Posted by: Lyz | October 05, 2010 at 11:56 PM
Absolutely incredible party!! I'd love to share on my blog pretty please? :) Email me at [email protected]. I got some error message when I clicked on the link to email you. THANKS!!!! Love your site! :) ~Nancy~
Posted by: Nancy Pfeifer | October 25, 2010 at 05:39 AM
What a cool party with great ideas. Best of all I can adapt the cake for my 22 yr old petrol head son!
Posted by: Petrina | October 28, 2010 at 02:54 PM
OMG, this is such an amazing party. So creative and original. I love the idea of using the hubcaps as decorations. I would be thrilled if you would link it up to my link party: http://phubie.blogspot.com/2010/11/sassy-photo-creations-giveaway.html
Posted by: Christine @ Following Phubie | December 09, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Wow, what a party, it sounds like the ultimate party for a boy. I told my kids about this party and they want party like this too.
Posted by: Cars Party Supplies | March 19, 2011 at 03:29 AM
Hello! For the life of me I can not find a tutorial for the matchbox car racetrack online - would you mind sending me the link that you used - we aren't very crafty around here so we need step by step instructions/materials used etc. We are having a race car party for my son's 4th this weekend and LOVE your ideas!!! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Christina Spencer | May 08, 2011 at 12:41 PM
That is really outstanding! I love race car themed birthday parties.
I'm gonna do this to my son's next birthday.
Posted by: garage equipment | June 07, 2011 at 06:02 PM
Oh wow, this is a very wonderful idea! I like this birthday theme so much, since my young son also loves cars. At four years old he already owns a model car collection that would put Jay Leno to shame, hahaha. I would like to do this for his birthday next year. Thank you very much!
Posted by: Leisa Dreps | June 17, 2011 at 02:13 PM