Each child looks forward to their birthday celebration all year long, and every parent wants to do what they can to make it memorable. However, throwing a party to commemorate their special day can be both tricky and expensive. Coordinating it all can be a lot to manage, too – particularly while trying to corral a troop of little ones at the same time. If you’ve got enough room to spare, why not opt for the comfort and convenience of your own home? The birthday boy or girl will feel more relaxed on their own turf, you’ll know where to find everything you need, and you can save some money – while having a lot of fun – making the decorations yourself. This cheerful candy-coloured theme, inspired by the ubiquitous rainbow marshmallow lolly, looks good enough to eat. Plus, each of the projects are quick and simple for you and your child to make together using Resene testpots. time Left: Walls in Resene Splat (bottom) and Resene Kandinsky (top), trestle table legs in Resene Smiles, stools in Resene Smiles, Resene Splat, Resene Ethereal (for an alternative try Resene Soothe), Resene Alabaster and Resene Kandinsky, chairs in Resene Smiles and Resene Ethereal, floorboards in Resene Smiles, Resene Splat, Resene Ethereal, Resene Alabaster and Resene Kandinsky, table runner in Resene Smiles, Resene Splat, Resene Ethereal, Resene Alabaster and Resene Kandinsky, Make-a-Wish wooden cake topper in Resene Smiles. DIY circle garland This simple garland is cute enough to keep up long after the celebration has ended. you will need: • Sheets of heavy white cardstock • Your choice of Resene testpots - we used Resene Smiles, Resene Splat, Resene Ethereal, Resene Alabaster and Resene Kandinsky • Paint brush • Twine or thin cord • Round drinking glass • Scissors or circle punch step1 Paint one side of heavy cardstock or poster paper in each of the theme colours. Leave to dry for one hour. step 2 Trace circles by using a drinking glass as a guide then cut them out with scissors. To speed things up, you can use a large craft punch instead. step 3 Measure out the length of twine or cord you’ll need to drape across the area you’ll be decorating (our garland was 3 metres long). Lay the twine flat on a table and place the first circle under the twine. Then, glue another circle on top of the bottom circle so the twine is sandwiched in between them. Repeat the process for the whole garland, leaving a 5cm gap between each circle. confetti tablecloth Avoid a nightmarish clean-up by painting the confetti right onto the tablecloth. Using a round sponge brush and Resene testpots, create a randomised polka dot pattern all over the tablecloth by alternating each of the theme colours. dipped effect cutlery Wooden cutlery only needs a quick coat of paint to make it festive. Just measure 5cm up from the bottom of each utensil, mask it off and paint with your child's favourite colours using Resene testpots. striped table runner Layer your table with a sturdy runner to add extra colour. Using a ruler and pencil, measure and mark ten stripes, each 12cm wide, down the length of a 120cm x 30cm MDF board. Mask each section as you go and use Resene testpots to paint each stripe in colours that match your theme. Use a longer panel or multiple panels to suit the length of your table. Resene Kandinsky Resene Alabaster Resene Soothe Resene Romantic Resene Splat you're invited... to download these fun and free invitations! Find them at www.habitatbyresene.co.nz/party-time. Resene Smiles party time! party time! party time! 28 | | 29