Sunday, October 28, 2012

Brave themed birthday party

Ever since my little girl saw the movie BRAVE, she has been in love with Merida! So it was no surprise what kind of birthday she wanted this year... It was such a fun movie and I was super excited to make it into a party. There are alot of ideas on pinterest that helped spark some thoughts as well!
For the party there were little Will-o-the-wisps leading to a castle entrance into our backyard.
To create the Wisps I used blue cellophane, twist ties, and a wood skewer to hold them in place.
For the activities I based them off of Disney's Highland Games at Epcot for the launch of the Brave movie.
When guests arrived they spun a wheel to see what family they would represent for the games.
I recreated a wheel by covering a cardboard game spinner with pennants I made using good old photoshop.
Once the kids spun the wheel they got a sash and a button with that clan's symbol.
I printed this poster of all the characters to hang by the wheel.
Clan Dingwall
Clan DunBroch - Avery just turned the wheel to Merida :)
Here where each of the buttons and sashes I made for each clan.
The first activity was archery...
I created a target with a fabric back drop, the arrows could shoot through the center so the kids knew when they hit the bullseye. 
For the next activity I combined Disney's Haggis Flip and Cake Toss games. 
The haggis was made by filling nylons with beans.

For this game we got a board from the hardware store and my sweet hubby cut out the holes. I sketched and painted the triplets on the board and added vinyl names and scores.
Last was the Caber Toss
We used some old cardboard pillars left over from my son's pirate birthday party last year that worked great. They were light enough for the kids to toss but tall enough to make it a challenge.
After the games we all headed inside for some treats...
My sister inlaw works at a movie theater and just happened across these adorable triplet props from the movie just a few days before the party! SWEET! Just LOVE them, they were absolutely perfect for the dessert table!  
 
We stacked the treats on various heights of tree rounds and added greenery to keep with the whole Scottish forest feel from the movie.
 Arrow cupcakes
  Bear Claw Brownies
Celtic Knot Cookies
Cotton Candy Wisps
Scottish Sweet Buns
 
...the triplets absolute favorite!
For drinks we served Witches Magical Mystery Brew
After the refreshments the kids headed over to The Crafty Carver to make bear claw necklaces.
 
The triplet bear cubs were just too cute :)

   Well that is all of it! Thank you for checking out our Brave themed birthday party and sticking through all the pictures! The movie is so cute and we had so much fun playing and recreating some the elements from it! I hope this helps inspire any of you for your own BRAVE celebration.

Vendors:
Party Design and Photographs: Sweeten Your Day Events
Merida Costume and Stuffed Bear Cub Triplets: Disney Store
Bear Claw Necklace Kits: Corps of Re-Discovery
PVC Pipe Bows and Arrows: Backwoods Toys
Castle Corrugated Paper and Cardboard Pillars: Shindigz
Brave Poster Download: Disney

Recipes:
Celtic Knot Cookies: Sprinkle Bakes - 
I couldn't find all the ingredients for that particular recipe, so I just used a sugar cookie one and it worked out great!
Bear Claw Brownies: Spoonful
Scottish Sweet Buns: C'est Maman Qui L'a Fait 
English download for the recipe is at the bottom of the post
Witches Magical Mystery Brew: My Recipes


70 comments:

  1. Super cute as always Jen! We went to see Brave at the drive in. With a 10 month old at the time I missed A LOT of the movie. I really need to see it again. And by the way, congrats on the new baby!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jen, this is so dang cute! I LOVE all the themed activities & goodies!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my gosh, that is sooo cool. Like best mom ever cool. You could write a party book you know.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I visited your blog for the first time and I ve spent about half an hour watching it. I'm so impressed, everything what You ve prepared is made with such a perfection, all designs, shapes, themes, they are so perfect. And all of that cakes, cupcakes etc..

    I was wondering if you could suggest me maybe some good receipe for raspberry muffin or cupcake?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for checking out my blog! I have actually been looking for a good raspberry muffin recipe for an upcoming party as well :) This was the one I was going to give a test run but have not yet:
      http://southernfood.about.com/od/berries/r/Raspberry-Nut-Muffins.htm
      If you do before me than let me know what you think!

      Delete
  5. Where did you find the buttons? My daughter wants a Merida birthday and I think the clan buttons are such a nice little detail!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your inquiry. I found images of the clan symbols online and got some 'make your own button' kits from the craft store. Let me know if you have any other questions.

      Delete
  6. Wow, what a great party in each detail! we've just seen Merida for the first time, and my daughter quite liked it, so I suppose, I'll be stopping by here a few more times :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. You make me want to have another Brave party for my daughter;LOVE all of your awesome ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm having trouble finding the download for the Scottish Sweet Buns in English. Can you help?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you go to the link, then towards the bottom of the post there is a download for english/american measurements and recipe. Hope that helps :)

      Delete
  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I looove this party and would love to make the Swedish sweet buns they look delicious may I have your recipe?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Where did you find the bear claw and beads for the necklaces?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here you go:
      http://www.corpsrediscovery.com/products/Necklace-Kits.html
      You can buy them in bulk or individual amounts.

      Delete
  12. Oh my ! That is one awsome birthday do ! Love it all, it takes a lot of hard work and love to create such a magical day ! Thank you also for the link to my recipe. Its the greatest of compliments. And once again well done for throwing such a wondeefull party.

    ReplyDelete
  13. OMG!!!! love all you did, where did you get the backdrop of the three boys for the goodie table?

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is awesome...what did you do with the triplets movie backdrop? Are you willing to sell it? And how did you make the tree stands for the treats? Thanks so much Lisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The triplets were given to me by my sister inlaw who works at a movie theater. I had to give them back, so I wouldn't be able to sell them, sorry! The treats were stacked on just tree rounds, cut from an actual tree. I just called a local tree removal place and they sold them to me for a very good price. I would recommend looking online or in the phone book for a local place and see what they can do. I hope that helps and thanks so much for checking out my party!!!

      Delete
  15. Having trouble find the clan images for the buttons. Can you help me out? We are planning a Merida party for March

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Send me your email address and I can send them to you.

      Delete
  16. Hi Jen!
    What recipe did you use for the sweet buns? Other sweet buns recipes don't end up looking so exactly like the movie. Love your blog - such cute stuff!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The link to for all the recipes are at the bottom of the post :)

      Delete
  17. I love your idea, I am wondering if you made the bows? and if you could give a bit more detail on the target thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did not make the bows but have seen tutorials online. Here is the link to where I ordered them from though:https://www.etsy.com/shop/BackwoodsToys?ref=seller_info

      Delete
  18. Thanks for the darling ideas! I incorporated some of them into my daughter's birthday that I just did. I especially loved the table setup with the logs.

    -Juli "Something Quite Domestic"

    Brave birthday: http://somethingquitedomestic.blogspot.com/2013/03/brave-birthday-party.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for sharing your darling party! So glad I could give you some inspiration :)

      Delete
  19. Love looking at your inspiration. We're having a Brave themed party in April and this is all good stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Were did you find the tartan material for the sashes?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tip for willow the wisps to make them glow insert glow sticks from a craft store or dollar store

    ReplyDelete
  22. So awesome and THANK YOU for posting links to all of the places you got the things!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi there. i love all the great ideas. Can you tell me where you got bow and arrows? And how did you make the target??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a link to were I bought the pvc bows in the vendor list at the bottom of the post.

      Delete
  24. This has spurred my creativity. I'm one week away from my daughters 4th birthday and of course she picked Brave as her theme. Love lots of your ideas! Thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love your ideas. I am planning a Merida party for my daughter's birthday in June. I'm having trouble making the pennant with pictures for the spinning wheel. How did you create it? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please feel free to send me your email address and I can send you the files if you like :)

      Delete
  26. my daughter will be delighted if she gets a perfect Brave Party! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Never comment in these boxes, but I am planning a Brave party for my little one. You honestly made everything so beautifully! Very inspired! Now off to find some wood slices... ;)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Jen, Thank you for the offer. My email address is berylcpotter@gmail.com. Thanks! Beryl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just sent you an email, be sure to check your junk folder as well :)

      Delete
  29. Can I please get a copy of your clan files too? rita.mangum8@gmail.com
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just sent you an email, be sure to check your junk folder as well :)

      Delete
  30. Hi there! I'm planning my daughters Brave party and boy, did you inspire me! Do you sell the spinner wheel pendants you made? I would love to add this element in if you don't mind. Please feel free to email me at Emily.liles@gmail.com.
    Thanks!!!
    Emily

    ReplyDelete
  31. Great Ideas! SAFE Archery would make a great addition. safearchery.com has foam tipped arrows... safe for kids and yet, still fun for adults.

    ReplyDelete
  32. These ideas are fantastic! I am using lots of them for our party this weekend. I have purchased fabric and buttons but can't located the clan symbols online. Would it be too much trouble to ask if you could email them to me as well? Thanks so much. alicemwalker@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Your party was amazing!!!! My daughter really wants a Brave birthday party for her 8th birthday. Could I ask you to please forward the spinning wheel designs to my email, its jessibencomo@hotmail.com

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Awesome party! If you don't mind can you send me your files of the spinner and the clan symbols! Email address is ecardy25@yahoo.com

    I'll greatly appreciate! My daughter talks about her upcoming party even in her sleep! She's so excited.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am also throwing a Merida party! Thank you for the inspiration! This looks like the best party ever! What did you use for the cabers? Where did you get the fabric for the tartans?

    Also, i would LOVE it if you would share those files with me, as well. Can you tell me/send the file for the tapestry too? I am willing to pay! My email is aimee.mcdaniel@gmail.com

    Thank you a million!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am doing Brave theme for my daughters birthday and love everything you did for your daughter. Do you sell your images for the spinning wheel and buttons? I would love to purchase a copy for our party.

    Tashiebaby5@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Do you sell your Brave files on your Etsy shop? My little girls wants a Brave Party and I just love the spinning wheel and clan button idea. I am more then willing to pay for them. My email is Tashiebaby5@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love your photos, we have used a ton of your ideas. My daughters party is next weekend and I bought the bow and rows but am perplexed by what material you used for the targets since the arrows have eraser ip on them? Can you let me know what you did? Caseyquinn00@gmail.com. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For the target I cut a large cardboard circle and then a smaller hole in the middle. I then glued some quilting batting on the donut shape. I got some tan canvas material and covered the whole thing, cutting and gluing around the inside edged and outside. Next I painted a green ring in the middle of the donut and then took some red fabric and hot glued one edge on the backside so it would freely hang and the kids could shoot through it. Those are some pretty vague instructions but I hope that gives you an idea...

      Delete
  39. Where can I get the triplets poster to print it? I visit the Disneysite and I didn't find it. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The large triplets cutouts were from a movie theater promo, sorry!

      Delete
  40. Hi!

    Do you think just any sugar cookie would work for the knot cookies? Maybe even refrigerated dough?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used a sugar cookie recipe, refrigerated the dough, then rolled and shaped, and then popped them in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes.

      Delete
  41. I love this party theme you did! My daughter wants a Brave party for her birthday in March. I can't find the poster that you printed on the Disney site or the spinner characters. Can you direct me or share the files? Thank you! barryzgirl75 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I, as well as everyone else here..LOVE your details. I would also LOVE it if I could get a copy of your brooch file and spinner file if it's not too annoying! Also I didn't see any response to where you got the fabric for your sashes..I not coming up with much on my own. If you have any ideas that would be great. THANKS so much! aymeeray48@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love your ideas. I am planning a Brave party for my daughter's birthday in March. Can you share the pennant with pictures for the spinning wheel and the buttons files. Excellents tips for all the party... Thanks!
    arosvi@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Do you still have the Brave triplets props? My family is Scottish and my daughter really wants to have a Highland games birthday party and those little guys would be perfect. If you have them could I buy them from you? Please respond.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Do you still have the Brave triplet movie props? My daughter really wants to have a Highland Games birthday party and I think those little guys would be perfect. If you are willing to sell can you please email me and my contact post. I would really appreciate it!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Do you still have the images used for the buttons and spin wheel.....well anything you are willing to share for that matter..LOL

    Thank you so much for being so kind and sharing your ideas with us :-)

    My email address is Jillhill25@hotmail.om

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi! I love everything you did and was hoping to incorporate as many of your ideas as possible to my lil ones upcoming brave party. IS there any way you can email me all your printable images? I would love to make the buttons, spin wheel, and the character poster if possible. Any help would be great. Thank you so much. My email address is mabec82@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hope you're still checking this thread! Planning a Brave party for my little princess and would love the images as I cannot find them online either. You have so many great ideas, thanks for sharing!. jcrosley@centurylink.net

    ReplyDelete
  49. Are you able to send your image you made for the spinner? That would be AMAZING!

    ReplyDelete
  50. this really does make the kids feel like they have achieved something as they unlock the next sections of the game, Brave Bear Pictures

    ReplyDelete