This is NOW.
This was THEN.
Mom and her mother and father. Her father used to call her “Gal”. Her mother lived to 101 years old and was always ready to go anywhere. she loved being busy, too, just like Mom.
We were thinking about the party and my daughter came up with the them of “Camping in the 1930’s” since Mom was such a great camper. So we tried to think of things to put on the tables like apples, old lanterns, old crocks, bowls, fresh picked hydrangeas and roses – things that have been around a long time.
And things that they may have had on the picnic table in the 30’s like pickles in canning jars.
Here is one of the tables. Oh, and the American flag… patriotism was high in the 30’s. Is it high today? I hope so.
I used red and white checkered tablecloths and put old fashioned candies in canning jars also.
I had bought an old wooden soda bottle box at an antiques store a few years back and decided to fill it with real bottles of soda.
We set up Mom at a round table.
I made momentoes to celebrate the 102nd birthday using the old camping picture as a starting point. I cut out the upper parts of the people and put a fabric “tent” in back of the cutouts to make it give the whole thing a three dimensional look. I used that favorite stuff of mine – Double sided Pellon Peltex. It is so thick, it acts like cardboard but you can iron fabric on the fack and the front without any sewing involved. So then I printed out words on fabric for the printer that can be ironed on also and that went quick. I glued on a string for a hanger and some more three dimensional stuff – shells.
On the back I wrote a little story about the camping days as told to me by Mom. I printed it out on the fabric/paper that irons on and I swished on a strong tea solution to give it a more aged look. Then I ironed it on the back.
My nephew came around and said, “Why not make a real tent?” I said, “How?” and from there these wonderful tents evolved. Mike made the tents, I supplied the materials.
I bought some old looking duck fabric at Joann’s and some 2 x 2’s for a wooden support base and Michael made up the two tents in no time. And did the kids have FUN!!!!
The campfire was added to mimic the old campfire in the picture. Someone put corn on the cob in the pot for effect.
Mike even used sticks for the posts of the tents just like Dad used on the tents of old. The ropes were added for effect, too.
Here’s one of the tents filled with kids…
It doesn’t look as nice as if this whole thing were on the beach….
Oh, this is neat. My daughter came up with the goody bag for the kids….
HOBO Bags. She put the goodies in a handkerchief and tied them on a stick. They were a big hit.
Here’s a little hobo.
Some pictures of Mom…
We took some pictures of Mom in front of the tent. Mike had the idea to put up a blanket in the back as a backdrop. So glad he did because this has a more authentic feel to it.
Mom by the water…
It was lots of fun planning this party and being creative to recreate a 1930’s camping on the beach picnic.
Hope everyone enjoyed seeing these pictures. Best wishes, Mom, for a Happy Birthday year and many more…
Love
Linda and Carol
Partying at:
Very Merry Vintage Style
Tea Rose Home
Life in My PJ's Party
Helicopter Mom Party
Hope Studios
Sugar Bee Crafts Party
Think Pink Sundays at Flamingo Toes
Sunday showcase party at Under the Table and Dreaming
Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk Interiors
My Romantic Home
Chic On a Shoestring - Flaunt it Friday
Chocolate Party
Fingerprints on the Fridge Party
The Shabby Nest Frugal Friday
Whipperberry Party
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Fireflies and Jellybeans
Transformation Thursday at Shabby Chic Cottage
The Trendy Treehouse
Somewhat Simple Party
It's a Hodge Podge Party
504 Main Street.
Easy Peasy Grandma
Oh my goodness this is an awesome idea!! How wonderful to be able to celebrate 102 yrs of age and she looks so young,but to be able to have your Mother that long is such a blessing. Yes you must tell about her life.The camping photo is great,I adore vintage photos like that.
ReplyDeleteI wish you'd known about my little etsy shop I make felt campfires...and beach campfires.Stop by my blog if you have a minute.
Rebecca =)
What an amazing post! Your Mom looks fantastic and full of life, how wonderful! I bet having her loving family to celebrate with her gives her some of that joie de vie.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to still have your Mom at 102.
ReplyDeleteThat is a milestone.
Happy Birthday to your Mom.
Melinda
What a blessing to have your mother around for so long!
ReplyDeleteKristina
What a beautiful party and an even more beautiful mom. The pary is full of ceative ideas. I am pinning this on my Pinterest board you can see it here
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/charityj/fab-ideas-i-love/
Cha Cha
Please tell your mom happy birthday from Texas. That is awesome and what a wonderful birthday party.
ReplyDeleteAvery happy b'day to your mom! Beautiful party. Love your blog..fresh and unique:)
ReplyDeleteHope to see you on my blog:)
This might be one of the best parties I have ever seen. I cannot help but smile. So sweet!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading your post!! My goodness -- your mom doesn't even begin to look 102 . . . more like 72!! She is beautiful! How fortunate you are to have such a vibrant, fun-loving mom even at 102! Your party and decorations were outstanding -- what great memories you created for everyone! Thanks so much for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe your Mom is 102. She looks great. I don't know how but she must have found that elusive fountain of youth. That party sounded like it was great. What wonderful memories were made.
ReplyDeleteSo WONDERFUL!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!! I love the pictures!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR MOM!!!!
Your mom is beautiful!! Wish her a happy birthday. I hope she is blessed with many more. Great party!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible and it MADE MY DAY! :) I am so inspired by people like your Mom. I am amazed at how young she looks. This camping party theme was the PERFECT idea. I really appreciate all the details you did, especially bringing in the old photo of her from the 30s. I am happy I found this post. <3
ReplyDeleteI also added a link to this blog post on my facebook account.
What a FABULOUS celebration for your mother! She looks so vibrant and beautiful! Love the mementos you created for your guests too!
ReplyDeleteWow! Happy Birthday to your mom. It was a wonderful day for her, you can certainly tell by her smile.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great old photo! She does not look 102!My grandmother is 93 and her mother lived to 85. I have a great aunt who is over 100!Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteBenita
You mom looks fantastic! What a blessing! Your mom enjoys such a long life and looks beautiful, and YOU get to have your mom for so many years. Happy birthday to your lovely mom!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I absolutely LOVE your embroidered header! Did you design and stitch that yourself??? LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations and Happy Birthday to your mom and what a wonderful way to celebrate! Thanks for sharing at this week's BFF Open House!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your Mom; you look FABULOUS!
ReplyDeleteAMAZING. Your mom looks so good and she looks so healthy! I LOVE that old picture of her and your grandparents!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your mom! She is beautiful - I love that smile. :) You all thought of wonderful ideas to celebrate her birthday. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteTotally love this post- Happy Birthday to your mom!!! What a great celebration! Thanks for sharing this at FNF :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your beautiful mom!! Fabulous theme! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable thing to do...congratulations to your Mom! That is fantastic...in fact, I can tell she is fantastic! What a lucky family!
ReplyDeletethat is unbelievable! what a wonderful party you made, and what a wondeful and young lady your mom is. she looks fantastic!
ReplyDeletewhat a great story, and a great party!! your mom looks great!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! I found it through Tea Rose Home. It made me so happy. Your mom looks wonderful. I love the picture of her smiling! I am following your blog now and would be honored if you would come visit my blog and follow me back if you have a chance!
ReplyDeletewww.cookieandclaire.blogspot.com
Hi, I am a new follower from today's hop. What a great post and thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ourbananamoments.com
http://www.facebook.com/ourbananamoments
Marsha
I am so happy to catch up with you girls. I remember when you were making all the preparations for your mother's 100th. It looks like you had a wonderful time. I hope your Mom will have a blessed year.
ReplyDeletePretty, pretty and lovely!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour Mom is so young looking that I can't hardly believe she can be 102! You are so lucky to have your Mom and she looks fantastic! Maybe we need to know her secrets??!! Wonderful post, thanks for linking up. Please come back again this weekend!
ReplyDeleteI wish your mom a happy birthday! She has very beautiful smile. :)
ReplyDeleteYour Mom is beautiful and it is amazing how young she looks! Wonderful party, too, and love the theme, so creative. I am now following your lovely blog and I wish your Mom a Happy Birthday and many more!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet mom you have! I have to say, she really doesn't look that old at all! :)
ReplyDelete