party inspiration: baby shower

Almost all of the photographers I know–myself, included!–are avid DIY-ers and like to create as much as they like to photograph the creations of others. I recently hosted a baby shower for a dear friend and her soon-to-be-here little girl. Perhaps it can be a little inspiration, if you have a similar event to host in the future!

I decorated entirely with tissue paper pompoms, made following this Martha Stewart how-to. In addition to full sheets of tissue paper, as the tutorial shows, I cut the paper into increasingly smaller squares to make varying sizes, including teensy ones for the cake (I just wrapped the wire around a toothpick to make them stand up).

Guests each filled out a card of “Wishes for Baby,” that we then gave to the mother. I made these based on the one created by Melisa of The Lil Bee blog (the original link where I found it is broken, but I was able to find a photo of her original creation here). If you’d like the file, send me a note and I’ll pass it along!

Then, since this little lady will be this mama’s fourth and she requested no gifts, we made hairbows for her to have for the baby. I purchased some pre-made flowers and other pretties to put on headbands and hairclips, and those who wanted to get a little more crafty made bows according to this tutorial. People seemed to have a great time, and them mom-to-be ended up with a whole bag full of bows for her baby.

Lastly, favors were candles in candle holders that I had wrapped in matching ribbon, so that, when we hear that she goes into labor, everyone could light their candle and send a thought or a prayer her way.

Thanks, Kassie, for allowing me to host a time to honor you and baby Jayla–we can’t wait to meet her!