Planning a Dora the Explorer birthday party - part two

Dora the Explorer is such a popular children's birthday party theme, thank you for the e-mails in this regard!  I decided to post an update of how my planning is progressing.  I am definitely not a cook or baker of mention, so this is just my humble efforts.  You are welcome to make suggestions, I would certainly welcome any help!

Here is the color scheme: purple, orange and pink.

I used the cooky cutters I found in a local Clicks store.  Unfortunately they had six point stars as opposed to the Dora stars which are five point stars.   I even used the simple cooky recipe, and it work quite well.   All that I can add is, if the dough is too soft (I think there was too much butter in my batter) add some more flour and refrigerate until it is easier to handle.

I used the smallest fondant stars I had previously made, and pasted it unto some of the cookies with icing sugar (mixed with water).

I used clear wrap cut into squares to individually wrap the cookies.

I also made some larger star cookies.  The middle was filled with clear sweats that were broken into small pieces.  You can find the recipe for these star cookies on the Nick Jnr. website under Dora the Explorer.  (There are also loads of other fantastic ideas for Dora birthday parties!) However, do not put plastic lollipop sticks in the oven, they will melt.  Rather impress one on each cooky before you bake, and while the cookies are still hot, press them into place.  (If there is a better way, please share!)

The other thing I have been working on, is the Backpack treat bags.  I tried a nice little backpack that you can make yourself, but it would not stand upright :-( .  So, I searched high and low for some purple gift bags.  I then duplicated the backpack face piece by piece (the eyes and brows by printer, the mouth I had to trace on red cardboard) and cut them out individually.

This is the first draft of Backpack.  Next I will be working on Map which will be adhered to Backpack.  Do you think I need to make a flap on the front and straps on the back?

Something I need another opinion on is Backpack's eyes.  Should stick on those little bobbly eyes or just use the original?  Please let me know what you think.

Now, this is how far I have progressed.  The biggest worry I have, is getting the cake right.  I don't have high expectations in this regard.  It has to be pretty, but I doubt if it will be spectacular.  So hold thumbs please!

Here are some inspirational images I found on the web:

My favorite Dora cake

Another one, which might be more on my capability level:

I like these stars:

I also still need to make the star pockets.

If you would like to spare yourself the trouble of making templates for the Backpack face, comment on this post and send me an e-mail to which address I will forward you my templates.

Happy partying!

S.

PS: Here are some more links to posts related to our Dora party:

Dora the Explorer birthday party - Delia's 5th birthday
Planning a Dora the Explorer party - part 1