Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Octonauts! Birthday Party

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Octonauts!

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Themed Party

It's been a while since I've posted anything on the blog, so this is a bit of a flashback.  Well worth it, nonetheless!  We did an Octonauts theme for my son's 4th birthday celebration.  For those of you who don't yet know the Octonauts, they are creature guardians of the seas- a fairly new addition to the Disney channel & Disney Junior channel.

In researching party ideas, I found quite the lack of anything Octonauts available in the U.S. and found many other mommies voicing the same disappointment online.  I took this as a challenge to get creative!
 

I was able to find a few choices on Etsy for party invitations, but nothing was quite what I had in mind.  So I used a template for a party invitation in Word, added my info, & copied and pasted an Octonauts image I found online into the pre-made template.  Printed, stamped and mailed.  I really do enjoy the old snail mail method for party invitations.  Besides, who doesn't feel extra special to receive a fun party invitation in the mail?


Also on Etsy, I was able to connect with Julie at CakesAndKids who does amazing & adorable work with fondant!  I approached her about doing some "Octonauts Inspired" cupcake toppers & boy, did she deliver!  I would encourage you to take a peek at her shop on Esty CakesAndKids, as she really does have something for any type of party one could imagine, and she was lovely to work with.





For more Cupcake toppers, I found some more Octonauts images online, copied & pasted into a word document, printed them out on cardstock, cut them out & taped them to striped paper straws.  The straws were also ordered from an Esty shop and were fairly inexpensive.

     
    
    

The food was a special creative challenge and treat!  
I did quite a bit of surfing online and found some great inspiration for underwater themed parties. 

 
First, I made some heart-stealing & adorable Oyster Cookies.  I used store-bought shortbread cookies, pink frosting inside, yogurt raisins for the "pearl", and ready-made eyes in the cake decorating aisle.






Also, I made a trio of bell pepper octopus on plates of dip, with black olives for eyes. Another snack was a stalk of celery, dipped in peanut butter to "fish" for goldfish crackers on a plate.



The most substantial snack we offered was "mini-sub" sandwiches.  To make these I made simple sandwiches (with deli meat and sliced cheese) on hot dog buns, bendy straws for the "periscope", and cheese cubes on toothpicks inserted along the sides to look like portholes.


Since Octonauts party decorations are non-existent, I printed some coloring pages that I found online and strung them together with ribbon to make a banner.  Also, we hung some green paper streamers to look a little like kelp.




Below are the coloring pages I used:
 Black and white picture of Peso
 Black and white picture of Kwazii
Black and white picture of Dashi 
Black and white picture of Shellington
Black and white picture of Inkling
Black and white picture of Barnacles
Black and white picture of TweakBlack and white picture of Tunip

88 comments:

  1. Where did you find the template for the invitation?

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  2. Hi Lori-

    The template was just one of the generic ones in Microsoft Word. Open Word> File> New> Office.com templates> Invitations> Party Invitations> Select "Child's birthday party invitation flyer (with age)". Then I edited the info, adjusted spacing and such, saved an Octonauts image that I found online and inserted it where the photo would go.

    In the interest of simplicity, I would be happy to email you the file I used if you'd like!

    Thanks for stopping by :)
    -Stacey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Could you email me the copy of the file as well? I am planning my son's 3rd birthday party and he loves the Octonauts!
      rebeccan@aspirus.org

      Delete
    2. Hello there,

      Thanks for so many brilliant ideas! Could I be cheeky and ask if you would mind sending me a copy of the party invitation too? Been trying to make one and it doesn't look anything near as good. Thanks in advance!
      My email is bonbon1072 at yahoo.com. Very best!

      Delete
    3. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, would you mind sharing your template with me as well? Currently planning my little guy's 3rd birthday party - and I love the invitation you created. Thanks so much in advance!!

      My email is brandi.lamb33@gmail.com.

      Blessings to you & yours,
      ~ B.

      Delete
    4. Hi there! Your invite is lovely! Please could you email it my way as well? Many, many thanks,
      Lynne
      Lynne.artus@btinternet.com

      Delete
    5. I dont think I need to say to much as the aforementioned requests are testiment to the quality of your efforts. If at all possible, I would like to also have a copy as I also have two little ones who adore the Octonauts are are having a joint party later in the month. Many thanks and well done.
      Kath
      sphbase-3@yahoo.com

      Delete
  3. Hi Stacey!

    I think the invitation you created is an amazing one, the best I've seen thus far for Octonauts. Wondering if you would mind sharing with me?? My Son Lucas is turning 4 next month and I'm throwing him an Octonauts themed party at our nearby reservoir beach. :)

    -Liz
    Sousa67@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liz, I am sending it now- hope it isn't too late. I profusely apologize for the delay. We have been in the throws of a big move from Colorado to California, and it has turned out to be much more involved than anticipated :/
      -Stacey

      Delete
  4. I love all these ideas! So cute! I'd love a copy of the invitation you made, if you don't mind sharing!?

    Joy Blocker
    joyblocker@mac.com

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  5. These are fantastic ideas! My son is turning 5 in about a month and is so excited for an Octonauts party. I too love your invitation. Would you mind emailing it to me?

    Much, much appreciated!
    Coryn
    cgehlich@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Coryn! I will send it your way now :)

      -Stacey

      Delete
  6. Oh my gosh - I am so happy to have come across your site as I'm planning an Octonaut's party for my son and there's not much out there. If it's not too much trouble would you mind sending me the invitation also? Thanks so much!
    Christine
    christinecheatham@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found me! Sending the file your way now.

      Delete
  7. I'm about to embark on an Octonauts party for my 3 year old son too. Such great ideas - love the oyster cookies!
    The invitations look fab!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Laura! I'm glad I could help inspire you :)

      Delete
  8. I am searching the internet for octonaut invitations and found yours. Do you mind sending me the template, too! Thanks so very much for your time. They are wonderful!
    Amy
    amyriehl@hotmail.com

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  9. Dear Stacey,

    I absolutely love love love all your ideas you have put on here for having an Octonaut Party. My son's 5th birthday is on the 6th of September and the theme (of course) is Octonauts. (Second year in a row now).

    Please, if you don't mind, could you email me your party invitation template too.

    Thank you very very much,

    sblommaertbotha@yahoo.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Stacey,

    Like the above posts, I too have been looking for an Octonauts invitation and yours is by far the nicest I've come across. Would you mind sending me the template as well? Thank you, it is much appreciated!!

    t_longpre21@hotmail.com

    Tracy

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  11. Hi Stacey!
    I absolutely love all of your ideas! We are throwing a party for our soon to be four year old son in a few weeks and I would love to use your invitation if you're willing to share! My email address is carriechojnowski@yahoo.com
    Thanks so much - I really appreciate it!!
    Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Stacey,
    Im so glad to run into your post. Thanks for the great ideas. We are planning of celebrating my son's 5th birthday and he wants to have octonauts theme. Like all the other moms who have admired your invitation and asked for a copy, would you mind sending me one as well? Sorry to add to your to do list. Thanking you in advance. It will be of great help to me. Goodluck and more power to your blog.
    Sonia
    sj552@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for all your sweet words! Sorry so, late. With this giant move for our family I've been a little absent from my computer. I sent it to you this morning. :)

      Delete
  13. Hi Stacey,

    I've been looking all over for Octonauts party supplies and finally came across your invitation! My daughter turns 3 in September and loves Octonauts. I'm looking at the Word templates for invitations but none of them are blank where I can just paste an Octonauts picture onto it. Can you tell me which one you used or send me the file too?
    Thanks so much!
    Emily
    EmilyBarto4409@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. http://office.microsoft.com/en-au/templates/results.aspx?qu=invitations&queryid=c61dfd29%2Dd08f%2D4477%2Dbbf5%2Db27a19ce2c1f&vtags=Party#pg:3|

    Here's the link for all those wanting the invite template... Stacey directions were very easy to follow

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Stacey!
    Your Octonauts party is great! I don't have the new Microsoft Word on my computer so I can't make the invitation =( Would you mind emailing me the template you used as well? I would greatly appreciate it. You're a lifesaver!
    Thank you,
    Helen
    helen25atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Stacey,
    Your invitation and party Ideas are awesome. I was wondering if you could also send me a copy of the template too? I've had a tough time searching for supplies here in Canada, we have nothing as well.

    thanks
    Melissa
    tsnchick@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi Stacey, could you send the invitation template to me? So adorable! Jkanders5@yahoo.con

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi, wow the invitation looks super! Could anyone share it with me? My son Alfie turns 4 in January and wants an octonaut party!
    louise.bridges@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And another to a little Aussie Octo-fan
      C/o stephkrunic@gmail.com

      Delete
    2. Thanks Stacy.
      We posted our invitations today!
      :) We are all so excited.
      Thanks for sharing! I can't wait to make the dips! :)

      Delete
  19. Love the invite! I am also hosting an octo-party for my 4 year old. Could you please share the invitation template with me? Much appreciated! Thanks.
    rasnicar@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would love the template as well. My son is turning 5 and we are doing an octonaut party next month. Super cute ideas!!

    scootsuofm@yahoo.com

    VRD

    ReplyDelete
  21. Do you mind sending me the template for your very cute invites! My son turns 4 next month! And I love all the great food ideas! Thanks, Kristin
    Kc@vtcon.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Dear Stacey, my daughter is a huge Octonauts fan and is planning her Octonauts Party, she will be 5 on 1 December. So I am looking for some invitations and love your ideas. If you could email me the template for the invitation that would be wonderful. Also if you have any recipes handy for any of the feast you prepared that would be much appreciated.
    Many thanks Debbie from Tasmania, Australia
    dsuhr@mrt.tas.gov.au

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I sent the Word doc file to you today. As far as recipes, I'm a little ashamed to admit that most of the food was based on store bought ingredients, then just arranged as pictured (dips, sandwiches made with hot dog buns, frosting added to purchased cookies, etc.). Have fun!

      Delete
  23. stacey could you please email me the invitation template its awesome you dd a great job!!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love all of these ideas! My son is turning 3 in January and I want to do an Octonauts themed party for him as well. Would you mind sharing the invitation you created? He is going to LOVE this stuff! :)

    Racheal
    racheal_buffalo@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi! This is SO FANTASTIC! My son just recently got interested in the Octonauts, and wants it as his theme for his bday. I see that you have shared your invite with others - are you still willing to do that? My email is marydelgado329@yahoo.com - if you can. Thanks for all the GREAT ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  26. My son Linc is crazy over Octonauts too! Its his theme for his bday next month. If you are able to share the invite, that would be awesome! Laatv14@yahoo.com. Thanks for the great ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi, Love you work! My 5 year old daughter is insisting on an Octonauts party and your post gave me so many good ideas. Could you please send me the invitation template too? Many thanks!
    sonja.dargan@tribalgroup.com :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi there! Are you still willing to share your invite?
    That would be wonderful! My 4 year old is in LOVE with Octonauts and is also requesting an Octo Party! Your ideas are awesome and extremely helpful!

    annleedavi@hotmail.com

    Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. My daughter loves octonauts if u could share your template with me as well I would greatly appreciated it

    Shamekalwade@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Can you send me the invite please love all the ideas! Musket83@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello! We are having an Octonaunts Birthday next month! Could you also email me your template for the invitation? We love all of your ideas!! THANKS!!

    mjriad@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm planning an Octonauts party for my son and would love the invitation template as well. Can you email it to: korbysatow@yahoo.com.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing the invitation template.....My daughter is turning 3 and she so loves Octonauts, and I love your invite!! Thanks Vicky
    vicky1wedding@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Great party ideas! Do you remember where you found the coloring pages? I like how you strung them together.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Would you please email me the template for the invites?
    kcarter@winsouth.com
    I loooooved it

    ReplyDelete
  36. thankyou for all your ideas - the template would also be very much appreciated here. clairem5@yahoo.co.uk

    also do you have the pdf file of dashi dog unable to find it from google. thanks for your help

    ReplyDelete
  37. The food, décor and invitations are lovely!!! You have done a great job creating an octonauts theme all by yourself. I am sorry to add to the long list of requests to share your invitation template. If its not too much trouble, could you please send it vakula1@gmail.com? We are planning my son's 4th birthday next month. He is a huge fan of octonauts. Thanks a lot!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow, all your ideas are so beautiful! Your little one has a very clever mummy!! As my Angus's mummy isn't quite so talented, I wonder if I could bother you to please share your invitation template with me for his upcoming party?! My email address is sadgewalker@hotmail.com. Many thanks in advance, but I understand if you're bored of sharing now! Best wishes,
    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are too kind! Sent it your way just now.

      Delete
  39. Hi,
    I just came across your page and found your invitation. It's my little girls birthday really soon and her and her brother are obsessed with The Octonauts !!! and am also but secretly. If at all possible would you mind sharing your fab invite? It's amazing x

    gingeraff@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi, Am looking for Octonaut inspiration for my sons' combined birthday party & your ideas are the best so far! Could I please have the invitation emailed to me? peachi_sunrise@yahoo.com thanks very much in advance!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi,
    My name is Maria,I'm so sorry but I don't speak English.My child is turnning 2 years old and He love the Octonauts.I would like to tell you a lot of thinks about your fantastic work and ideas but I'm afraid that I need more vocabulary to tell you that you are a great person for join your beatifull and creative ideas thank you for that.
    So, I don't know if it's posible to send me the invitatitons and everything to print them pleaseeeeeee.I'll really appreciate your help.
    My email is techidh@yahoo.es
    Thanks again,and all the best for you.
    Maria Diaz


    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Stacey! I agree, these are super creative octonauts party theme. My son also wants Octonauts theme for his 4th birthday party. Could you also email me a copy of the invitation and templates for the characters? I would greatly appreciate it and would make my son really happy. My email is e_dc2002@yahoo.com. Thank you so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love your ideas.Planning my son's 3rd birthday and you've provided lots of great ideas. Would love it if you could email me the invitation template. My email is pammie221@hotmail.com

    Thanks,
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hiya, I know this is very later since you last wrote, but if there is any chance you can send me the invite if you stillhave it, it would be much appreciated :-)
    TIA Tracie

    sillers@hotmail.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi, thank you for this blog. Wondering whether it is possible to email us the invite template.
    Email: sharonfu@gmail.com
    Thank you very much.
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  46. Would it be possible for you to email us the invite template also? Email address: beniecia@gmail.com
    Thank you so much. It's our son's first birthday.
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  47. Awesome ideas! Would you please email the invitation to me also? My email is wandahjennings@windstream.net.
    Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi there,
    Could I be cheeky and ask if you mind sending the invitation template to me, if you still have it? My email is buckleysiobhan@hotmail.com.

    Thanks,
    Siobhan

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Stacy
    I really love that you have taken the time to do this. My son Quinn loves octonauts and this has been a great help. could I ask for the templates please. many thanks
    wendy woobosley@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi Stacy!
    Thank you for leading the way with your Octonauts party planning! My little guy turns 4 in November, but I always like to get a head start on party planning:) If you are still willing to send the invitation template, I would greatly appreciate receiving it. My email is mariaoelke@yahoo.com
    Thank you in advance! I will also be putting these coloring pages to use well before his party:)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi, I came across your blog with all these wonderful octonauts birthday party ideas.. My son turns 5 and I'm organizing his birthday party..Could you please email me your invitation template to reemos8@hotmail.com.. thanks in advance!

    Reply

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  52. Hi, I am planning my boys birthday party can somebody share the invitations template please :) thank you in advance!
    You can email me to sayduvis@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi, your invitation is so adorable. My son is turning 3 in a few months, and he loves octonauts. Would you please share your template? Thank you so much! You can email me at dragonflais@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi there,
    I would love your invite as well!! My turning is turning 7 (hope that's not too old) and such a big fan of the Octonauts it seems wrong to go with anything else.
    Thanks so much in advance!
    Sarah
    sarahhosking@yahoo.co.nz

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hello,

    I don't think my previous comment posted, but I would love the email template for your invite if you're still sending it out! I love your creative ideas and can't wait to throw an octonauts party for my 3 year old! Thanks so much!
    Tammy
    tammychi@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. The link for your coloring pages doesn't work anymore. :(

    ReplyDelete
  57. Where did you get the coloring pages. I can’t see the ones you published

    ReplyDelete