Here's a peak of what went on behind the scenes of Mr. Milky's first birthday. I'm so thankful to have such wonderful family and friends. They all came together to pitch in with the execution. Knowing that I would be crazed the day of the party. I wouldn't have pulled it all together if it wasn't for them. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts!!! For all your endless support and love that you show our family.

I decorated these 40" mylar balloons with cut out paper and acrylic paint. Inspired by Flynt's milky stashes. It made me laugh as I was painting on the details.

I had so much fun collaborating with Sweets by Grace. Honored to say that Grace is one of my talented cousins. I guess it runs in the family, wink* I messaged her one evening with this bogus idea of creating a unique treat for my guest. A Mr. Milky Nutella mousse filled cakelet with his signature face. Of course I had to choose the most challenging design and most delicate of ingredients. I fell in love with Kawaii Sweet World's bomb cake. This girl makes the cutest desserts. ​

The brainstorming session happen within moments after the message went out . We were both so excited and up for the challenge. I was jumping with joy when she invited me into her astonishing chef kitchen. I got a chance to bake with Grace herself and create the look from scratch. What a dream! ​

I always cherished this Korean traditional ritual called Doljanchi. During the child's first birthday there are 5 objects placed in front of them. Depending on which object they choose will determine their aspirations for their future. 
1 origami bill folded into a shirt and tie symbolizing finance
2 brush for an artist
3 eagle globe and anchor for the Marine Corps following in daddy's footstep
4 pencil as a scholar or journalist
5 foam mic as an entertainer 

Here's a little video I put together. Enjoy!!! 

Many of you have been wondering what's in the Mr. Milky milk carton that I designed. Surprise items are always so much fun to receive. Especially when the kids get to unwrap something. The cartons contain various objects and I also had the challenge of age appropriate gifts.

For the younger kids::
1 Wind up light torch:: Kids gets to learn about energy with this toy. The coolest thing is when the kids charges up the torch by squeezing the handle. The energy is stored and batteries are not required. 
2 Temporary tattoos:: I had a hard time finding images that I wanted to share with my guest. So I decided to print my own. There was a mixture of images that I created as well as a collection of images borrowed from pinterest. I used photoshop to create a layout. Each kid got to take a sheet home. I also had some random ones cut out and placed on the table at the restaurant so that the guest could entertain themselves. It was a hit!

How Mr. Milky came to life::
When Flynt was born the nurses rushed him over to the warming lamp. The first thing I notice when I turned around was his oversized mouth. Letting the world know that he's arrived. The first thing that came out of my mouth was "Wow, he has such a large mouth." Throughout his first year I've really grown to love that face. That initial moment when he's about to cry. His mouth widens in silence before the tears start to roll down his round little cheeks. That's the signature Mr. Milky face. With his wide mouth full of teeth. ​He love's his bottle and the best part is when he leaves a milk stash or a beard or little freckles of milk traces all over his face. ​

I give it to those polymer clay experts. They make it look so easy. Maybe because I decided to challenge myself by adding flush magnets to the back side to make them more useful. Sculpting cylinders, balls & cone shaped pieces was fine but blending them together was more difficult then I anticipated. None the less I'm quite happy with the results. You can tell they're not some cookie cutter figurine. Each with their own variation from size, shape & symmetry. Giving each one of them a unique personality.

Stay tuned, tutorial to follow!

Music: http://www.bensound.com