Ray was suspicious.

“Who’s this party for, anyhow?” he asked, as I dragged in yet another bag of materials for Annabelle’s birthday party, launching them onto the already-overflowing dining room table.

I bristled, but of course he was right — the party wasn’t just for Annabelle.

She had a hell of a time, though. My vindication came about halfway through the event yesterday, when my mother pulled me into a corner to stage whisper that Annabelle had just announced, “This is the best birthday party ever!”

Even Ray had to admit it was pretty cool. Project Annabelle was a success.

True, there were some sad younger siblings. We only included kids Annabelle’s age (plus Sophie), a change from the free-for-all parties I usually favor. And by the end of the day I was calling it Project-What-The-Hell-Was-I-Thinking as I removed sequins from all sorts of places around the house. Still, all in all, a big thumbs up.

The concept was simple: Invite seven girls over, put them around the dining room table (safely protected with oilcloth, naturally) and let them create an outfit. Then, a fashion show for the parents, and cupcakes.

The execution was less simple. It involved multiple trips to SAS Fabrics, Michael’s, various dollar stores and Target, and even at that we had a last minute run to Walgreen’s for more accessories and hair gel. I piled a table with notions — everything from tiny ribbons to oversized rick rack, patches, fabric remnants, beaded trim, fabric markers, fake fur — then added glue, scissors, a Bedazzler and, as it turned out, eight adults.

The idea was to surprise the parents, so my friends (along with my mom and one of Sophie’s babysitters) graciously volunteered to help hot glue, cut, stitch, curl, lipstick and accessorize. (The girls all had their own ideas; but we didn’t want them handling sharp scissors and needles or hot glue and curling irons. Or mascara.) Three hour laters, we had a fabulous runway show, eight delighted girls and eight exhausted adults.

I wish my pictures were better. The assignment was to create a Back to School outfit using a white tee shirt. Sophie was precious in a Bedazzled tee  tied at the shoulders in silver sequins and finished with a purple polka dotted Snoopy “skirt”. One party guest trimmed and tucked her shirt into a two piece tube top and fringed mini. Another covered hers in fake roses. Kathleen (pictured above) manned the hot glue gun for hours.

Annabelle’s outfit was lovely, if I say so myself (and not because I helped her with it — I’m useless in the sewing department; that was all Trish), with a simple design nipped in at the sides, trimmed with beaded fringe, fake yellow fur and a big jeweled applique. She finished it with a sequined hat and purse (the Dollar Tree’s finest) and someone even straightened her hair.

I can’t figure out just what it is that’s so satisfying about the Do It Yourself, arts and crafts movement. I pore over Martha, shop on etsy.com, and when the documentary “Handmade Nation” came to town, it was a near-religious experience. Whatever it is, Annabelle gets it. (And she’s even good at it — far better already than I ever was.)

We’re not alone. Everyone’s favorite gift yesterday was created by 7-year-old Teadora, who embroidered a dog dreaming of a cupcake, painted it, then decorated it with sprinkles. Her mom Gilda framed it for her.

“NO WAY!” Annabelle screamed in delight. We’re looking for just the right place to hang it.

This morning, when I ran back to her room to grab some socks as we headed out the door, I noticed Annabelle had placed her tee shirt dress in a place of honor, draped over the chair where her American Girl dolls sit.

And the season’s not quite over. Since my sister and her family live out of town, they weren’t able to come yesterday. So it’s been decided we’ll have a Project Annabelle sequel on our beach trip later this summer. Luckily I  have plenty of materials left over.