Thursday, April 30, 2009

Birth Announcements

Anything worthwhile deserves to be announced. Who doesn't want to share the news of their new baby with everyone they know? The birth of a child is one the most memorable and enjoyable events of a persons' life. Personalized photo birth announcements are my personal favorite and are a thoughtful way to convey this special occasion to family and friends. The photo birth announcement is can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Besides, it has exactly what you and your friends are really after in an announcement – a picture of the BABY!

You can easily make a photo birth announcement yourself. It also can make a wonderful gift to the new mom.


I chose a photo-holder tri-fold card. Unfolding the card I punched a small hole in the first fold and inserted a matching yarn to wrap around the front of the card. This way the card will still open! I punched 1” squares out of white cardstock, stamped a little foot (stamp is from Stampin' Up) onto it, wrote “I’m Here” across it, and matted it with matching cardstock. I glued the completed square to the front of the card.

The cards can all be pre-assembled, just waiting to insert the photo after the big day. The birth details can easily be printed and inserted inside, leaving room for a personalized note if the mom so wishes.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Baby Shower Favors

Baby shower party favors are one of those nice touches at the baby shower. Favors do not have to be complicated and can be virtually anything. They can be edible, useful, or sentimental, just be creative as much as you can. The only limitation is your imagination!

I made this bookmark for my sister’s baby shower. The baby stamp is from Stampin’ Up. I printed off the quote and then stamped the image and used colored pencils to decorate. I inserted the bookmarks into a clear plastic sleeve. Guests can add their own bookmarks later and use over and over. I purchased the sleeves here. The tassels are sold separately.


The quote says: "I’m really glad that you could come to my mommy and daddy’s shower. Sit down, relax, enjoy yourself and chat with one another. Sorry I can’t be with you, but you see I’m very busy because I’m growing more each hour. I’ll be arriving shortly. I’m happy as can be, so after I’ve been home a while – please come visit me!"

Other favors I have made include:
Tea Bags – make your own paper wrappers with the words “A Baby is Brewing!” Add the date and name of the mother.

Popcorn – make your own paper wrappers with the saying “Baby (Last Name) is Popping in!”

Candles – make labels for the top of a tin that holds a candle. You can often find these for $1.00 each. Or wrap ribbon/yarn around the outside of the tin. Add a tag with the date and name of the mother.

Seeds – place wildflower seeds in a tiny envelope. Make a label that says, “Please plant these seeds and watch them bloom, just like baby (Last Name) who will be here soon!”

Bookmarks – avid readers always appreciate bookmarks. Print your own with the saying, “This bookmark is given to remember (Mom’s name) new chapter in life. Thank you for sharing in this special day!”