Our Little Shark Turns 3!

When it came time to choose a theme for C’s third birthday, it was obvious — ocean! C is fascinated with sharks, tropical fish, whales, coral reefs, sea stars, dolphins, sea turtles, and everything under the sea! So, that was the easy part! This was my opportunity to really create something magical for him and his friends.  I rolled up my sleeves, pulled out my sketch book, and started planning.  I still get teased about it because I started four months early! It’s not easy to plan a summer themed birthday in the winter — you won’t find anything!

My inspiration all started from a kids origami book I spotted in Marshall’s. I’ve always been fascinated with origami and wanted to learn, so this was my opportunity. Plus, I’m obsessed with paper! All the under the sea party decor is made from paper — wrapping paper, vellum paper, scrapbook paper, butcher paper, tissue paper, coffee filters, cup cake wrappers, construction paper, crepe paper, poster board, and tool! I wanted every thing to be handmade — I love DIY projects! Shh, I didn’t make the cake though! I had to save time somewhere, lol! Let’s start here …

The Decor

Lawn signs — “Warning, Cayden’s Birthday, ” Beware, Sharks Sighted! Enter At Own Risk!”

Jr. scuba guests entering Under The Sea through seaweed and bubbles!  The ruffled streamers were so fun to make!

Welcome door sign — “Crab on in!”

Submarine Photo Opp! C.J reporting for submarine duty!  We made a submarine our of cardboard, black paper for the circles, black electrical tape fo the lines, and yellow paint.

Origami sea creatures hanging out under the sea! Watch out for the yellow submarine!

Friends! Friends! All aboard the yellow submarine!

The Origami Seahorse was my favorite! He was swimming deep in the blue sea with Turtle, Manta Ray, and Squid. (click on the names to learn how to fold)

Origami Tropical Fish TUTORIAL

Want to see more origami sea creatures and learn how to fold them all?

Pin-the-leg on the Octopus.

• {DIY} Pin-the-leg Octopus: I traced the head with a bowl, cut out the legs {poster board, Target, .30 x 2, clearance —yay!}, 1.5″ circle punch with construction paper in various colors for the circles.

As you enter —wave boarder sign, “Welcome Under The Sea” with bubble drops and fishing poles.

• {DIY} Wave Border: butcher paper painted blue {tempura paint, Michaels, 1.99}. I drew a wave pattern, cut it out, painted it, added chipboard letters.
• {DIY} Blue Chandelier Bubbles: 2″+ 2 1/2″ circle punch, 65lbs. card stock, assorted blues {Michaels, 2 for 5.00} sew together with long string lines.

Welcome Under The Sea!

Fishing poles with origami fish added on hook! We used real hooks because it was high enough so the little ones couldn’t reach!

The long bubble chandeliers projected the feeling of being underwater and the ruffled streamers represented waves. I used for the backdrop and the dessert/favor table.

SCUBA Flag and Paper Garland

The party wouldn’t be complete without a SCUBA flag! Our Jr. and Baby SCUBA had to prepare for the big dive! They had plenty of fluid on-hand at our scuba tank station.  Not sure they’ll like sea water, but maybe colored apple juice? Here’s our fabulous inspiration.

• {DIY} SCUBA Flag: white poster board, brown painters tape for guidance, red tempura paint, 2 coats.
• {DIY} White Paper Garland: 1.5″ circle punch, white 65lb. card stock; sew close together; middle tension {mine was 4}; medium stitch length {mine was 3}.  Then I printed some free clip-art from the internet, punched, and glued them on.

Little Fisherman’s Corner

Little Fisherman’s Corner — “Grab a Bucket and Make A Mix!” {another top favorite} I had bobbins & hooks {nuts}, crab cages {chex squares} and fishing rods {pretzels}.

The “buckets” also doubled as my fish bait pails {TUTORIAL} full of yummy worms, gummy style.  

Fishing nets have so many uses! I used a basic origami fish fold with heavy card stock and glued on large chip board letters {Hobby Lobby, 5.99} — “Happy Birthday CJ!” Luckily, the net, boat, shells, and stones I had from him baby room — we did an ocean theme {big surprise}.

Our little ocean squids watched the party from afar!

The Magical Treasure Sea Cave: Explore Hidden Treasures

This was a big hit! Grandma bought CJ the dolphin tee-pee for his birthday, so it doubled as the Magical Treasure Sea Cave — just perfect!

The kids went exploring Under The Sea for gold and treasures! I hid trinkets like beaded necklaces, bouncy balls, coins, and compasses under shiny foiled paper.  Inspiration for cave.

The Food

This was a great opportunity to play on words!

Crunchy Sea Plants —veggies & ranch dip.

PB&J Fish & Dolphin Sandwiches and Sea Shell Pasta.

 Sea Monster Hummus Dip.

Origami Boat Food Labels {TUTORIAL} with flags — Sea Urchin Salad!  

• Sea Urchin Salad — cold pesto salad with pine nuts, parmesan cheese, bow-tie pasta, & peas {courtesy of my dear friend Maytrella}.
• Squid Roll Pinwheel Sandwiches — {1} turkey, cheese, spinach, chives cream cheese {2} olive spread, chives cream cheese, carrots, cucumbers, spinach.

Goldfish anyone?

Goldfish Bar — pretzel fish, cheese fish, and vanilla fish.  Inspiration for goldfish bar.

Sea Kelp—veggie sticks.

Octopus Ring Pops.  {DIY TUTORIAL} Ring Pops

Fish Bait — gummy worm pails.  {DIY TUTORIAL} Fish Bait Pails

Jell-O Aquariums — gummy sharks, whales, & fish.

{DIY TUTORIAL} Jell-O Whale & Shark Aquariums

The Cake

I must confess, I didn’t make the cake —needed to save time! Cake : Safeway, Pirate theme minus everything that goes with it.

Bite, bite … watch out for that shark!

More yummy shark cake!

Shark and scuba diver is Animal Planet Diver Set.  I suspended the scuba tank over the cake using monofilament and eye-hook.

• {DIY}  Tags: 2″ circle punch with wave, double-sided scrapbook paper {Michaels, .79}, white 65lbs card stock, text printed from computer.

For the final cake presentation I used a wooden life ring purchased a few years ago from Michaels — added 12 b&w cupcakes with coordinating blue wrappers and sea creature toothpicks.  As an added touch, I scattered gold wrapped chocolate coins around the cake.

CJ could care less about the cake — all he wanted was the shark! As you can see, he grabbed it pre-candle blow out! I can’t complain though, he doesn’t like sweets.  I’m sure all that will change soon, but for now I’ll take it.

I tell you, this boy loves his sharks! Shark takes a tubby with him everyday!  Scuba is hiding under the couch most of the time. 😉

The Main Tablescape & Seating: Dessert, Sweets, Snacks & Favors

Now, that’s going Under The Sea with octopuses, whales, fish bait, pearly bites, and goldfish — fun!

Tablescape.

I’m definitely partial to the kids seating area; sea coral grapes are so fun! Be sure to snip the tips off the wooden skewers! Ooch! Thank you to my dear friend Sara for the grape idea!

The origami boat food labels are my favorite!

Origami Boat Food Labels. {DIY TUTORIAL} Food Labels

Baby SCUBA Favors. {DIY TUTORIAL} Baby SCUBA Favors

Jr. SCUBA Favors inside a fish bowl.  {DIY TUTORIAL} Jr. SCUBA Favors

Dolphin Aquarium Name Tags for kids seating and favors. {DIY TUTORIAL} Aquarium Name Tag

Sea Turtle Aquarium Name Tag.

Scuba Tank Station — Sea Water & Jr. Scuba Tanks.  I used apple juice and blue food coloring.  The mugs are Sip-A-Mug.  I was so excited because they’re BPA free too! We still use them; it makes drinking way more fun!

Pearly Bite Cookies.  {DIY TUTORIAL} Pearly Bite Cookies

Shark, Whale, & Fish Kabobs {this was another favorite}!  {DIY TUTORIAL} Gummy Kabob

Fun Extras

Fish candles — I love how the sun was hitting them.

Origami invitations. Want to see the other invitations?

Name labels for the back of the invitations.

Birthday Boy’s Origami Party Hat {TUTORIAL}.

Turtle Plates and Silverware Rolls. 

• {DIY} Turtle Plates: green plates, turtle leg template, glue.  Traced the turtle legs on scale-like paper, cut them out, flipped the plate over, attached them with hot glue, and added goggly eyes.

Mason jar silverware holder with wave border.

Sea Coral

Sea Coral  —dyed coffee filters, pipe cleaners, a durable paper plate, & tool.  {DIY TUTORIAL} SEA CORAL

The SHARK Birthday Boy

“I caught a worm and a boat!”

Our little shark swimming with the origami boats, worms, and Mr.Crab!

It’s a starfish! Get it C!!

Origami Boat Fishing Game

I made different sized origami paper boats {they actually float} and added large paperclips to the top of the boat.  By the end of that party it was more like soggy paper boat fishing with an invasion of CJ’s animals and gummy worms!

Shark Attack Game

Silly Daddy making the shark attack balloon! We popped in 3 times, so we switch to a ball.

Go C! We didn’t get attacked!

Yummy Food With Friends

Baby SCUBA Place Setting —star fish name tags, turtle plates, and sea life silverware roll-ups.

C’s party was so fun to design! I can’t wait until the big #4 — hmm, what to do next year? Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy all the tutorials! Happy party making! I’d love to hear all about your party experiences too!

We love toys that encourage hands-on learning and pretend play.

 

 

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