I decided to have a ladybug theme birthday party for my 2 year old daughter. I made ladybug invitations.
Using card stock, I cut out 1 black circle (for head) and 2 large ovals, one red (for wings) and the other black (for body). I cut the red oval in half and attached it to the black body with a black eyelet. This allowed the red wings to open and reveal a picture of my daughter dressed in a ladybug costume that I bought at Walmart during Halloween. I attached eyes on the head and black felt circles to the wings. I included an insert listing the party information: Fly on over for Maya's 2nd Birthday Party, Date/Place info, Infestation time, Give us a buzz at (telephone). I also attached a rectangular piece of red cardstock below Maya's picture that said, "Ice cream, cake, now that's your clue/Our ladybug is turning two". I then used yellow envelopes to mail them. I found ladybug clipart (it's amazing what you can find on the internet) that I printed on the envelopes. The invitations took some time to make, but they were worth the effort. Everyone raved about them. For decorating and crfts, I love using www.orientaltrading.com. I found ladybug and bee beach balls. I attached yellow and red streamers to the ceiling in our basement and hung the beach balls. I used yellow tablecloths, yellow napkins, red cups, and red plates. I rented kid size tables and chairs from Taylor Rental so that the kids may all sit together and get on and off the chairs easily. Also from Oriental Trading, I ordered crafts. I made foam napkin holders that had foam flowers on the sides. I used black pipe cleaners to attach a foam ladybug (craft kit) and a foam bee (craft kit) to each holder. I used these as centerpieces. I also ordered craft kits for the kids: labybugs and bees for the girls, inch worms for the boys. They had a great time using the glue. The cake was decorated by a friend of mine. She made ladybugs and bees with wings that sparkled. She used edible, clear flakes that she found at Michael's. After cake, I read (attempted to read) a book titled, "Are you a ladybug". I used this as an intro into the next surprise...live ladybugs. I bought an insect playground (small, dome shaped) on www.insectlore.com. I bought the live ladybugs on www.ladybuglady.com. The kids were so excited. I bought them each small magnifying glasses so they may see the ladybugs in the dome. I then brought out individual test tubes that had ladybugs in them for the kids to take home. In their grab bags, I included various insect toys that I bought from Oriental trading. I also let the kids take home the beach balls. I had the kids busy the whole day. I am glad that I rented the kid size tables. This enabled them to stand and make crafts, etc. The party was a success. Not only did the kids have a great time, but so did I.