What better way to ring in the New Year than with a new baby shower post. Nothing says new beginnings like the birth of a baby. My dearest friend, Julie, is expecting her first child in late February. We decided to throw a little “Welcome Baby White” shower for her and her sweet husband, Danny.

Julie and Danny decided to let the gender of the baby be a surprise, so a “white” themed shower was perfect. (Not to mention their last name is “White”…how cute!) We enjoyed homemade sugar cookies and cupcakes with winter white frosting. As a special surprise for the couple, I made custom birthday notecards for the first 18 years of “Peanut’s” life. Each guest picked a year, wrote Peanut a birthday wish and sealed it in a handstamped envelope, not to be opened until that corresponding birthday. You know how I love the sentimental stuff!

Congratualtions Julie and Danny!

Tec Petaja Photography

Probably one of the most fascinating pieces of my wedding day attire was the intricately, handcrafted Flower Garden necklace. Hand sewn fabric flowers, delicately placed buttons, feathers, and even a tiny bird charm adorned the necklace. It was a true summary of all of the wedding elements and captured the very theme of homemade elegance.

Tec Petaja Photography

A special, hidden treasure included in the necklace was one of my Grandmother’s doilies. The doilie served as the backbone of the necklace, holding all of the beautiful pieces together. When I was a little girl, I spent countless hours with my Grandmother creating beautiful flowers for Flower Garden quilts. (Well, she did most of the creating while I scattered the fabric flowers on the floor and danced around on them.) We loved looking at the different patterned materials, deciding which colors went best together. She now has hundreds of flowers that will one day make their way into a quilt.

Tec Petaja Photography

The beauty of this necklace is a tribute to her. She has taught me to appreciate the “treasures” of the past, the quaint loveliness of handmade pieces.

Bonnie “Mema” Griffis

Nothing puts a smile on my face like receiving a handmade gift. For my birthday, my sweet and very crafty friend, Shea, made this adorable felt owl ornament.

Photos by Chris Janos

I just love the big owl eyes and sweet hand stitching. The owl even has cute little eyelashes, very chic! With the owl she included this adorable message:

“Happy Birthday

to my friend hoo

is always a hoot

to be around!”