Monday, April 14, 2008

A Baby Shower Decoration

I'm throwing an upcoming baby shower and can I be totally honest when I say that some of the baby shower decorations to buy are boring. I was looking for something for my mantle and had seen some done in magazines with more of a triangle shape so I tweaked it a bit. It was super easy. Here's how you do it if you get the craft bug.


1. I went to Hobby Lobby, printed off a coupon from their website (40% off) and grabbed 3 coordinating fabrics and 3 yards of ribbon that matched the baby's nursery and shower theme. It depends on how long of a name for how much fabric you'll need. This is for a baby Ava, so the name being only 3 letters needed only about 1/4 yd. in each fabric. Double check the remnant section first, I found both the prints at 3/4 yd. each in there at $3 each. Awesome deal!! The chocolate brown I added and it was 30% off too, so I just used my coupon on the ribbon. Total: Under $8. Score!

2. Make a pattern for the pendants. I took an old file folder that was pretty sturdy, traced half a bowl (flipped upside down) and then used a ruler to make the lines and connect it. It so does not have to be perfect, so just create until you like the pattern you get (Remember, that you will be adding a stitch so if you get a size you like add a little trim around the edge for when you sew it).

3. Plan where you want each fabric to go and then go ahead and cut them out. For a 3 letter name you need 6 pendants. So I cut out 3 of each patterned print.

4. Now you need some letters. I went back to my scraps from my file folder and free handed and "a" and a "v" making it un-perfect and a little whimsical. If that scares you. Find a font you like on the printer, print each letter off at a large font and then trace it around the brown.

5. Attach each letter to a separate pendant. You can sew them on, use a glue gun or like me used a no sew binding tape that you iron on.

6. Sew the pendents together then iron to press.

7. Either using a glue gun or the no sew tape attach your 3 yd. ribbon.


And their you go. I thought it turned out really cute and will be fun to add over my mantle (sorry my mantle is a mess so I just hung it around something else) and then the mommy to be can take it home with her. I think you could so do this for a birthday party or just as a fun accent in a kid's room.

Happy crafting!

15 comments:

Heather said...

So darn cute! That's such a neat idea and something I'm sure the one being showered will LOVE!

Page said...

That is really adorable...I have no ability to make anything, but it does remind me of the banners that another blog friend of mine makes. She sells them on her Etsy shop (it's girlville on my blog). Such cute banners and yours reminds me alot of it! Happy crafting!

Unknown said...

very cute and I love the colors

Anonymous said...

Easy enough and cute!

Natalie | Make Today Great said...

Cute Cute Cute!! I think you lucked out with a name like "Ava" -- good thing it wasn't Elizabeth or something!
I love the colors!

Hipmomofboyz said...

Oh so cute...you are very talented....

The Gerster Family said...

Hi! I saw your blog on Raising Allikaye, and totally enjoyed stopping in. I really like your decoration. So creative and adorable! Thanks for the ideas.

groovyoldlady said...

Awesome!

Allikaye's Mama said...

Oh my! You crafty thing, you! I love that idea!!! Pottery Barn kids is going to be calling you up to work for them!!

Stephanie said...

That decoration is totally unique and simply fabulous! You are very talented.

Kelly said...

SO cute - you are very creative!!!

The Roaming Southerner said...

wow, that is so creative and cute I will definately steal this one!

CountryMouse said...

This is a really good idea. It looks really effective. I may have a go at this for our kids birthdays. Thanks for sharing.

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

Adorable, and I'm partial to anything with that name on it!

Neutral Dwelling said...

How cute- You are so creative--- Have you seen the table decor over at The Inspired Room's blog today? Another idea for your party!