DIY 101 Dalmatians Birthday Party

For my son’s third birthday, we stuck with a dog theme for the second year in a row by bringing one of his favorite movies to life. He loves dalmatians and all things “101 Dalmatians”! It was fun and easy to create this theme because it is mostly spots/polka dots. I was able to find a bunch of stuff at local stores. This is ultimately what I did to make the theme come to life.

Photo Backdrop

Supplies You’ll Need:

• White construction paper
• Red marker
• Scissors/hole punch
• Twine
• Red ribbon/fabric
• Pawprint ribbon/fabric
• Tape

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Using the red marker, write out letters that spell “103 Dalamation Pawty” (or 104 for a 4th birthday party, etc.) on the white construction paper.
2. Cut a circle around each letter.
3. Use a hole punch to punch a hole at the top of each circular letter (you can also use scissors or a pen to poke the hole too if you don’t have a hole punch).
4. Cut the red fabric and paw print fabric/ribbon into strips. I used red and paw print cotton fabric from a fabric square and also paw print ribbon. The fabric I cut was about 2 inches thick. The ribbon was already set at 1/2″-1 in.
5. Weave the letters through the twine in order.
6. Tie the ribbon/fabric every other one between the letters on the twine.
7. Tape the twine strings on the wall.

Birthday Outfit

Supplies You’ll Need:

• White t-shirt
• Red, black & pink fabric paint
• Paintbrush

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Paint a black outline of Patch the Dalmatian on the t-shirt. I painted mine by looking at a photo on Pinterest that I thought was cute. Let it dry.
2. Paint a red outline of the age number beside Patch. Let it dry.
3. Paint black spots on the inside of the age number. Let it dry.
4. Paint black spots on Patch and fill in his eye patch and ear in black. Let it dry.
5. Paint Patch’s tongue and inside of ears pink. Let it dry.

Cupcakes

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Cake mix
• White icing
• Oreo crumbles
• Candle

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Make cupcakes or use cake mix in cupcake shapes. I used an Oreo cake mix from the store, so the cake part was black.
2. Cover the cupcakes with white icing.
3. Sprinkle Oreo crumbles on top of the icing.
4. Put a birthday candle on top of the cupcake.

Balloons

Supplies You’ll Need:

• White balloons
• Black Sharpie marker

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Blow up white balloons.
2. Draw black spots all over the balloon with a Sharpie marker.

Dalmatian Plantation

I collected all of our Dalmatian stuffed animals, a Dalmatian blanket, a basket, and a sign to make our own little mini Dalmatian plantation. My son loved it, and it was adorable for pictures!

I hope these ideas help inspire you to create your own 101 Dalmatian-themed party and have a pawsome time with it. Happy creating!

Fort Macon State Park

I came across Fort Macon State Park while exploring in Eastern North Carolina. It is right beside a Coast Guard station and near some coastal islands.

At first glance, it seems small, but it has plenty to offer! You can easily stay busy for a whole day or more. You can take a guided tour or do a solo self-guided tour. It is right by the beach, so you can see some pretty coastal views while walking around.

Note:

The main areas (main level of base, vistor center, restrooms, bookstore) are handicap accessible but the upper and lower levels of the base is only accessible with stairs.

We enjoyed walking around the base at our own leisure. The upper level of the base gave some pretty coastal views and an up-close look at some cannons.

Note:

Be careful if you go with little kids. Some parts of the base (especially the upper level) don’t have railings and there are some steep drop offs. Proceed with caution and don’t let little ones just run freely on their own.

Quick facts:

• Open daily (closed on Christmas Day)
• Visitor Center with a coastal education center & bookstore
• Bathhouse area with restrooms
• Cannon and musket demonstrations
• Guided tours
• Fishing, swimming & picnicking areas
• Hiking: over 1.5 miles of beach hiking trails and other nature trails with over 300 types of birds or maybe dolphins playing in the ocean
• Fort Macon State Beach with big bathhouse, snacks, picnic areas, swimming, beach area

Fort Macon State Park is located at 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512. It is about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Raleigh, NC, and 35 minutes from the beach town of Emerald Isle, NC.

If you are a history fan, a state park fan, or just enjoy checking out new places, you won’t want to miss this stop. There is a little something for the whole family to enjoy here!