Burlap

I've had a recent obsession with Burlap. It started with this tutorial from Design Mom on wrapping up Christmas presents in a monochromatic color scheme. I was inspired to make my own little Christmas decorations for my tree and presents.

So my imagination is tickled again with this idea for a burlap wreath from The DIY Showoff. A good way to use up the remainder of my burlap garland (minus the starfish). What occassion could I use this for? Hmmm.....

Baby Shower games

I have hosted (or co-hosted) five baby showers and am currently planning two more, so I have had a lot of time over the years to think about baby showers. I've decided that I don't like baby shower games. And I'll even go out on a limb here and declare that I've decided that no one likes baby shower games. The games are embarrasing (poopy baby food diapers? Guessing the mom-to-be's tummy size? not saying baby words or crossing your legs for fear of losing your clothes pins?) and the prizes usually suck anyway. 

But the question always comes up when planning a shower. Should you plan games? So here is my little concession. Because this "game" is cool. Especially if the mom-to-be hasn't shared the gender.

It's a matrix where guests can place their guess on where they baby will land- boy or girl? More like mom or like dad? It's quirky and fun and potentially something that can become a keepsake for the parents.  The idea is from Sah-Rah's un-baby shower.

(PS: The only other shower game I can tolerate is the baby shower bingo where guests fill out bingo cards with presents they think the mom-to-be will receive and then mark them off as she opens them. I only like this game because it gives the guests something to do while the presents are being opened.  We played this one at my own shower.)

Also, I LOVE this idea from Jordan Ferney at Oh Happy Day.  We're going to do this for our next shower, I've already purchased the black contact paper.  Like the matrix above, it's not really a game - but it's something fun for guests to do.  We'll have guests write out a little well wish or funny saying and then take pictures of everyone and compile it into a book for the mom-to-be. Better than a guest registry don't you think?

Easter pinatas

These crepe paper pinatas were created by Ruffled, a wedding planning and inspiration blog. They used them as little favors for a cinco de mayo themed reception.

Wouldn't they be great for a creative easter basket? Or a baby shower favor?

 I love the simplicity of paper mache - anyone can do it with some newspaper, a form (in this case some ballons) and paste (water and flour is the simplist version). 

Let the base dry overnight and then layer with graduated shades of tissue paper. They popped the balloon and then stuffed the inside with candies. A clever stopper was made by tying a ribbon onto a large salt water candy hanging off a monogrammed tag. 

Full Tutorial here.

wooden slat doormat from Martha Stewart

I don't always love the projects Martha Stewart comes up with- sometimes they're a little over worked for me.  But I LOVE this one. A simple wooden slat mat. All you have to do is cut down the 2x2s to a uniform size, drill holes and string.

Some comments on the post included using cedar boards (imagine that yummy smell!) and instead of tying knots with the rope, using clear plastic rings as spacers between each board.

Crepe Paper carrots

It's an odd way to start my first post on this blog- but we'll see what happens.

Miranda from Just Drink a Coke shared a cute idea on making crepe paper carrots.  You can even stuff them with little goodies. Just in time for easter (or a spring baby shower!)

It just takes a very small amount of crepe paper and a hot glue gun. Full tutorial is here