Henry’s birthday party was on Saturday, and it was a raging success, in my humble opinion. I am still working on a massive party overview post for tomorrow, but I never had a chance to share the invites we went with so I thought I’d pop in and share those today.
I’ve been thinking about a tractor theme since Henry’s first birthday. (Because I’m insane.)
While Henry’s love for trains came into the picture within the past couple of months, tractors are one of his first loves. He actually received tons of tractor toys at his first birthday and still plays with them all regularly.
Plus, Ryan works for John Deere and both my parents retired from Deere, so we have tons of green around these parts. My brother and I grew up on the Johnny Tractor books (and we still have my dad’s first ever book – which was Johnny Tractor), so I decided to run with a loose tractor and Johnny Tractor theme.
By loose, I mean I wanted to pull a few touches of the Johnny Tractor character, but also be open to just about any tractors, too. And mostly, I just wanted to use lots of pictures of my Henry-man.
I spotted the Beaming Birthday invites with kraft paper envelopes at Tiny Prints and fell in love with the colors and simple, fun design.
I like the primary colors and love that it left plenty of room for Henry. The front included the photo I took of Henry at our property on his tractor. I hand-carved a simple tractor at craft night and stamped the envelopes, which added a tractor touch.
The back gave me another opportunity to add a photo of Henry with the Gator. And the bright colors – I love it.
I think it’s just enough tractor to set the tone for a great kids’ party. Plus, it highlights my little two-year-old. And the Kraft paper envelopes ended up setting the tone for many other details at the party.
What do you think?
Special thanks to my friends at Tiny Prints for providing us with these great invites! And thank you for supporting NewlyWoodwards sponsors to help make posts like this possible.
Did you like this post?
We'd love to send you more inspiration and encouragement for your home. When you sign up below, we'll send you our free guide to save thousands on your next home project. Because your home shouldn't own you.
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
Totes adorbs. You made one heck of a good lookin kid!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Those are seriously the most adorable invitations EVER! Love them!
Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
adorable! I feel so behind now on planning Abe’s second birthday 😉
Wendy says
I miss your non-sponsored posts. Things are starting to feel like you just use this for free stuff.
Kim@NewlyWoodwards says
I’m sorry to hear that, Wendy. I do appreciate your thoughts and it makes me sad that you feel this way. In the past year, I have accepted more sponsored posts (or in this case, received free products when I need them). But I also pass on a great many opportunities that aren’t a good fit.
In this case, I threw a party in which I spent a lot of my own time time and money and am excited to share on the blog. Because I truly love the quality of Tiny Prints and their service, I’m happy to accept invitations. I really believe that their quality is second to none. Doing this allows me to use my budget in other ways. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to share invites like these, because they are something I love anyhow.
I’ve also taken on a few other “jobs” – like my role as a Silhouette Design Team member or Behr DIY Expert – which allow me to use more of the products I’ve already been using and purchasing. (Both Behr and Silhouette are brands I’ve been loyal to for a long time.) the beauty of these partnerships is that I can actually create more projects for the blog.
This blog is a small part of our family’s income. But it’s also been a big way to document our projects and lives over the past six years. I like to believe that the reason I’m offered opportunities with brands is because I’ve provided something of value for a while.
I’m happy to partner with a company when it’s a good fit, especially when it’s a company whose products I already use or need. Working with companies also allows me to complete more projects and post more often. It’s really just a way to do more with my little corner of the internet.
I hope that you can at least understand where I’m coming from when I accept sponsored posts and free products. Maybe you don’t like it, and I’m sorry about that. But it’s just the way to maximize what I can do here.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your opinion.
deb says
Sorry to jump into this and it’s definitely NOT my business…but I just want to comment that I’m retired, have followed Newlywoodwards since the first house – not sure where I found you guys. I read and enjoy a number of blogs, and would NEVER have a blog because they are just too much work (and as I mentioned, I’m retired and STILL wouldn’t do it). So…Kim, just do what you need to do. You guys are two of the hardest working people around!
Kim Woodward says
You are really sweet, Deb. Thanks!
Wendy says
Oh I don’t mind a sponsored post here and there I just think there are lots lately.
I’ve pretty much seen a blackboard art or sponsored post on your blog each time I check now.
I just miss the sprinkling of more original content that you used to have.
I used to be surprised and delighted.
Kim Woodward says
Hm. Well, May was a pretty heavy chalkboard month, with three parties. I do love my chalkboards.;) And as they say (maybe), blog reflects life. Or at least it does around here.
Maybe someday I can surprise and delight again. Until then, I just live my life. Happy Friday! And thanks for the comments!
Katja | Shift Ctrl Art says
What a great invite. I love the pictures. The tractor stamp is such a great touch. Love it, love it, love it 🙂
Arizona Lainie says
The cutest invitations I have ever seen!
cassie says
these are adorable, and so is henry! and so are you!
Kim Woodward says
<3
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
I love the invites! Perfect for Henry
Kim Woodward says
Thanks! I was really happy with them, too.
Sarah says
So cute!! I was thinking of you guys today. Katherine and I were out and about and she was pointing at construction equipment enthusiastically saying, “lawnmower!!” I said, “No… That’s a… Umm… Scooper… thing? Oh dear. Mommy needs to study her construction equipment.” I was thinking “Kim would know this!” 😉
Kim Woodward says
Aww …. thank goodness for Ryan. I have no clue about anything. But he’s teaching me. Henry probably knows more than me about machinery.
Kristen says
Such cute invites!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
It’s perfectly normal to have the 2nd birthday all planned out mere weeks after the 1st birthday! I mean that’s totally normal right? 🙂
Kristin @ Bliss at Home says
Those are too cute! That Henry is a charmer 😉
Kim Woodward says
Thanks! He is a little charmer, isn’t he?
michelle@decorandthedog says
These invites were super cute! I’m glad the party was a success. I’m bummed I couldn’t make it!