As one of three friends who were giving a baby shower for a dear friend of ours (who was expecting her first grandbaby) we decided to build the shower around children’s story books. It seemed the appropriate theme to go with since the young mother-to-be is a librarian at an elementary school. My role was to create a “personalized story book” about the young couple to coincide with our “story book” theme. So I decided to use my own Christmas gift from my daughter-in-law as my inspiration.
She bought these book pages and rings at Hobby Lobby (they are located in the craft paper section, by the way). And, she added some embellishments to the front like this….
And different craft paper prints cut to fit on the inside with sweet notes from family and friends.
Isn’t it great?
So I copied her – tweaking it to our baby boy’s theme…
.
And used baby-esque craft paper…
Cut to fit…
And, continued this throughout the book. I purchased 3D baby-themed stickers and placed them randomly throughout the book as well.
Then I made little card holders for gift cards and little notes for mom like this.
I attached a card holder to each page. Most of these held gift cards to her store of choice from guests and the others had notes with quotes for mom-to-be.
I typed up the story and cut out paragraphs with my fun, funky shaped scissors to spread throughout the pages…
And, it turned out like this.
In case you’d like to read the little story here it is:
Once upon a time there
was a dashing, handsome
young prince named Chris
who roamed the land.
He was a pleasant fellow,
filled with a quiet charm and
a friendly, warm personality.
He knew his life to be good and was grateful for his
many blessings. But, deep in his heart there was a
gnawing inside – for he longed for his “one and only”
to share life with.
Someone who would walk with him on his path through
life and share in life’s adventures. Aaaah, but Chris was
a choosey lad and knew she would have to be just the right fit.
He searched high and low to find “the one”, but,
alas to no avail.
Just when he was about to give up all hope –
along came the woman who turned his head and brightened
the light inside his heart. He knew instantly she was “the one”.
Yes, this young woman, Carolyn, was the one to share in his
kingdom and he knew that life could only be better if joyfully yoked with her.
So, quite happily,
they got married and
set out on life’s journey
together. It was a pleasant
time as they created a cozy life
in their kingdom;
and once again they
joyfully counted their
blessings.
They often shared a smile
and hug and were very
grateful. Until one day
they realized that deep
in their hearts there was
a gnawing inside – for a
baby to join them in their
path through life.
And, so began plans
to add a beautiful little
prince or princess to
their fold. It mattered
not whether
it was a girl or a boy –
for they would welcome either
one of course.
After many months of
planning and waiting
they soon discovered
they would be welcoming
a little baby prince into
their kingdom.
Excitedly,
they set about busily
preparing for their little
one’s arrival.
As Carolyn’s tummy grew oftentimes she and
her prince would share a smile and a hug and
feel very grateful.
And, now…..as the story continues Prince Chris and
Princess Carolyn, along with their family, friends and
entire kingdom
eagerly await the arrival of their precious
baby boy and future heir to the throne.
Then I added this little embellishment to the back.
In addition to a special little gift it made a great little table decoration.
A fun, personalized gift for baby and parents-to-be.
Happy Decorating!