Jude’s birthday is swiftly approaching and I have been collecting inspiration photos as I try to visualize the kind of party I want to do. I should probably call my friend Rachelle, party thrower extraordinaire. As usual, I want a fun, quirky, handmade party that is not so … character-y.

Peter Pan is one of my favorites, and is hands-down, Jude’s favorite. We watch the movie over and over again, and we also read the book practically every night (well, the simplified Disney version – not the full-on J.M. Barrie). The original Disney movie was styled by the extremely talented Mary Blair, the genius behind many of the classic Disney movies including Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, as well as the Small World attractions and other artwork around the Disney parks. Her art is so stylistically recognizable – beautiful saturated color, stylized people, 2-dimensional illustrations. I love them.

And this is how these sketches translated into imagery for the film – Mermaid Lagoon

What’s not to love about this story? The possibilities are endless — mermaids, pirates, indians, lost boys dressed in little fur outfits, and of course flying British children. I can’t wait.

Here are some more inspiration photos –
Pirate’s brew – how fun are these in the burlap?

I love these red felt feathers. I may have to make some of these.

I also like these stripey bags – they remind me of the sail on the pirate ship.

I definitely want to decorate our tree out front to be like the Lost Boys’ tree where they lived with Peter Pan. If the weather is amenable, we’ll try to do the party outside.

I also need to order some of these pre-cut felt leaves to decorate Jude’s costume.

Whew! I’m overwhelmed a little bit, but I think it’s going to be fun. I also want to make a teepee out of a leftover cardboard box we have in the garage. That would be a fun little addition to the yard!