Travel Themed Girl's Night Out- Part 2

I've explained a little about MAPquest before in my post Travel Themed Girl's Night Out. In that post you can download free map bunting and in my post DIY Pinwheel Table Numbers I have step-by-step instructions on how to make your own map inspired table numbers. =) 

The last night of MAPquest for the teen girls was actually March 20th, but I'm just now getting around to posting about it. =( This night ended perfectly and it was so lovely. The girls were so excited about the dessert table...and a special gift that waited for them on the tables!

 Red velvet cake topped with strawberries...yum yum!

 I made this one. =) It was your basic chocolate cake with Wilton's icing. If you want to learn how to do the ruffled icing visit my post: Ruffles and Calla Lily Birthday Cake

This was a triple chocolate cake...to DIE for...let me tell you!!!! 

Chocolate peanut butter cake...I don't like peanut butter, so I didn't try any. I didn't even get to bring a piece home for my hubby, so it must have been good. =)

 These cute favor boxes I recreated. Download it for free: Suitcase Favor Box

I got the idea from Nounces Designs. She actually uses cereal boxes...which is genius if you ask me, but it would have been too big for what I wanted to use these for. I was able to draw something up using her idea and then design it on the computer.

 Some instructions...

#1. Print suitcase on card stock

#2. Cut suitcase out

 #3. Turn the suitcase over and score with a bone folder at specified locations:

Measuring in from the sides you need one inch on each side...score straight down (as indicated in blue pen). Measuring from the top and the bottom you will need 3 1/4 inches on top and bottom. Score straight across (as indicated in blue pen). If you have scored correctly you should end up with 1 1/2 inches in the middle.

#4. Cut slits in the bottom of suitcase (as indicated in red)

#5. Once you've scored and cut your suitcase, glue the sides together. I used hot glue. I think it stays better then the other glues. As you can see in the finished suitcase the bottom side flaps are glued inside of the suitcase, not on the outside. 

#6. Stuff them with coordinating tissue paper with your favor inside. Now you're all finished!

 Aren't they darling?!?! I LOVE them!!!

Inside each favor box each girl received a hand assembled (by my husband and I) travel themed charm necklace! My husband and I ended up making 60 necklaces. =) I have an awesome husband! I'm so thankful he was willing to help me with my not-so-manly project. =)

What We Bought and Where:

Snake Chains, 1.2 mm, 20 inches long (necklaces): Ebay seller: dazzle-bead

Airplane Charms: BunnySunDries Etsy Shop (she did a custom order for me)

Compass Charms: Ebay seller: purpleheather10 (these came all the way from Ireland!)

Teal Glass Pearl, 8 mm: Ebay seller: jnp-variety

Because we were able to buy in bulk and buy early enough (in order to wait for some items to ship from overseas) we were able to get all of the items for pretty inexpensive. In the end it only cost around $2.48 per girl for each necklace! We were so excited to be able to give them each such a nice gift and not break the bank by doing so. All the girls LOVED them! =) We had enough necklaces that even the teachers and ladies who volunteered were able to take a favor home with them. In the end everyone was happy. =)

 I hope you'll be able to use some of these ideas for your next travel themed party. If you do end up using the suitcase favor boxes, I would love to see your party and how you used them! Go on a mission to find your own jewelry charms...to buy a complete charm necklace like that from Etsy ranges from $6 to $44!! So, it's certainly worth a little effort to find the separate pieces.

Good luck!