A Birthday tradition continues

Birthdays are a big deal in the Covey house. And I have my mom to thank for that. She made sure that we knew we were loved year round - but the week surrounding our birthday was extra special. As our birthday cards would start to accumulate in the mailbox (since we lived far away from family), the celebrations would begin. My parents didn't spend tons of money on our special day.

We didn't have parties with 25 of our closest friends at the skating rink (yes, I realize I just dated myself). It was celebrated with family and a few close friends, and it was memorable.

Please notice my stone-washed jean shorts...and apparently I thought these 8 candles required a lot of air.

Our cards would always be displayed on the buffet for a week or so.

I believe this is the birthday that Chicken Pox showed up...I am looking a little sickly.

Little gifts would appear as our day grew near. And the birthday tablecloth would come out. It wasn't anything super grand. It was a vinyl tablecloth with "Happy Birthday" and balloons all over it.

But it signified that someone special was being celebrated. Even to this day, the tablecloth comes out. Last year, mom even took it on vacation to celebrate Amy's birthday. As you can see, I have a "special" family.



Here's a more normal one - except I don't know why I'm bending down. I'm really not that short.

For Christmas, I decided to make Amy a birthday tablecloth of her own.

Embarrassingly enough, I just finished this project today. She was at least able to open it half way finished. I think I took on too many hand made projects this Christmas (Thank you, Pinterest).

Amy has always been a lover of color- as a child, she was the little girl who "Bedazzled" her pajamas. She wore rings on every finger, and her favorite outfit included hot pink shorts. When I decided to make her this project, I knew she would appreciate bright patterns. From Hobby Lobby, I picked 5 fabrics in vibrant colors (1/4 yard each). I also purchased a simple white table cloth from Walmart.

Using pinking shears, I cut the prewashed fabric into triangles. After arranging the bunting, I used Heat n' Bond to secure the fabric to the tablecloth. (Much like the project featured here.)

I used an embroidery hoop to secure my fabric as I stitched around the bunting.

It was fun to create the "strings" at the beginning and ending of each row.

After my tablecloth was complete, I had some triangles left over. Using white bias tape, I created some simple bunting to complement her tablecloth.  I followed this tutorial.

I used spray starch to stiffen the fabric a little.

Then, placing the triangles in the desired order, I pinned the fabric to the bias tape. A quick zig-zag stitch secured the fabric permanently.

I am now able to give Amy her Christmas present...it's only 2 months late.

I must admit, I am contemplating making myself a "Party Pack" to match my kitchen.