So, aside from my declaration that I am no longer a participant in the working world, I'd shown the WWW nada. I'm not as lazy and unproductive as this blog makes me look, I've actually been using crafts as a way to unwind at night when I get home from work.
My biggest endeavour has been my sister-in-law's baby shower. While I co-hosted with my other SIL, I took the reigns on a lot of the details.
We threw a book-themed fete that took place at a cute little library that had been converted into a restaurant. I really couldn't have asked for a better venue (thank you to my father-in-law and SIL for thinking of it)! For invitations, we found a neutral-themed floral invite from Tiny Prints that was striking, but also merged well with our book theme. I really wanted to use a library card invite with coordinating pocket that I'd seen floating around Pinterest, however, my opinion was overruled. I wasn't thrilled to not have the theme of the party incorporated into the invitation, so, in an attempt to revive the rapidly disintegrating book theme, I created my own library card and pocket by using my Silhouette Cameo. I used the card to include additional information on the shower. I loved the idea of actually making my own templates! So here is what we ended up with.
Side note (my completely unsolicited opinion): Tiny Prints was AWESOME to work with! Not only was I blown away with the final product, but I really, truly felt supported along the way. At the time I was ordering, they were offering up to three free samples, which arrived in the mail just a few days later. Once I had decided on an invite, I was a little worried that I was using a font size that was too small, so I used their live chat and was instantly assured that the size I was using would still be legible, but if it didn't look right, the designers would correct it! Who could ask for better service!!!!! I'm not a huge online shopper, purely because I like to see, in-person, what I'm buying, so ordering invitations can be a little perplexing for me. Tiny Prints took the stress out of the entire situation and allowed me to focus it on other aspects of the shower!
For decorations, I wanted to steer clear of the traditional "baby" ideas and continued to focus on books. I went to used book stores and Goodwill and bought children's books that I could turn into flowers for centerpieces. Some of these really took me back to my childhood; it has been so long since I've read The Pain and The Great One. I found myself wanting to find more Berenstein Bears stories for my son, and secretly wishing that I had an excuse to buy more Fancy Nancy books. My Silhouette Cameo really got a workout because, not only did I used it to cut out the flowers, but I was also able to find some great files at their online store to help make a banner/sign and embellishments for the favors and centerpieces. My apologies for the bad photos, they are from my phone. All in all, I wish I'd had more time to dedicate to the details, but in the end, I think it turned out well.
Feel free to contact me if you'd like to know which files I purchased from the Silhouette store.
How did you make the welcome baby stella sign?
Posted by: aj | 10/19/2013 at 12:15 PM
I used a variety of designs that I purchased from the Silhouette Online Store for each element. If you are interested, I can get you the names of each.
Posted by: Kiersten | 10/19/2013 at 05:01 PM