When it Rains it Pours (Or More Shower Photos)

It is literally pouring outside as I write and will continue to do so for the next week. This brought to mind the shower that I talked about last week and how I still had not shown you the rest of the crafts that we put together for that special day.  I was going to spread the photos out over the next few weeks, but there are so many fun times ahead and other ideas to share that I am going to go ahead and post (or "shower" you with photos!).  No tutorials this time, but if you would like some instruction or tips, please feel free to email me or leave a comment below. 

First, we had to set the scene.  One of the biggest ideas in any party these days has got to be the photo booth. Every one has to have a space for group pictures and selfies!   My daughter (the hostess, not the bride!) was prepared to put together one of those frames for outside, but it was super hot that day and everyone would have wilted before the cameras could even get the shot. 

So we set up a photo booth over the window seat in my kitchen.  Unfortunately, the lighting was not the best, but it got the job done in a much cooler setting. We used the sheers that I got for the original photo booth (from Walmart- not sponsored, but made for photo backdrops) and placed curtain lights behind them.  I got those from Target (again, not sponsored!) on clearance last spring.  I noticed that they have them in the college section this year.  I can imagine using them for a lot of occasions and they look really neat behind the sheers! 

I made the garland with files from Cricut.  I was dreading putting the garland together, but it went quickly.  The Peonies make a big statement and are super easy! 

I added this teddy bear bride that I made. Years ago, before my children were born, I made a lot of teddy bears for gifts.  Once I had the girls I did not have time to make them anymore.  I got the idea a few months ago and after having sewn nothing but easy quilts for decades (and after buying a new sewing machine), I made this sweet bride as décor. She was a big part of a lot of pictures! (In case you are interested, I used Simplicity 8155 for the pattern and adapted the outfits to a simple "wedding gown".)

This cute cake is a pattern from SVGCuts.  Not only does it make a beautiful centerpiece, but it is also three gift boxes!  Unfortunately I did not have time to make the beautiful cake stand that comes with it, but it looks pretty on this "real" stand. The little tea light lantern is also a part of the file and I can see that it will be remade as part of holiday tablescapes!

We are not big game players in our family, but wanted to have a little conversation starter, so we made this "How Many Kisses for the Mrs.?" guessing game.  The winner took home the chocolate candy in the jar. The box is from the Dollar Store, as are the pens.  I painted it and decorated it with these stickers also from the Dollar Store.  It was a big hit! 

Some other crafting- 

"Diamond" drink makers for the mimosa "glasses". (Seen here on my Cricut mat as I was working to get the right size.)   We used plastic in case anyone went in the pool area.  

I also used the "Diamonds" as picks to make the donuts into engagement rings! (It was a brunch- therefore donuts!) 

One of the most special ideas was the framed pictures of the bride and groom's parents' weddings that we put on the food table.  We wished that we had thought of it earlier and gotten wedding photos of grandparents and other family members but it was truly a last minute project just to get the in-laws'! I am not posting pictures of those for privacy reasons, but these are little touches that make family members a bigger part of the celebration. 

Going back through the pictures on my camera I realized that I do not have any pictures of the completed piñata! Yes, piñata!  Apparently they are not just for children anymore.  When my daughter started planning the shower, she discovered that couples are actually having them at weddings!  That will probably not happen at this wedding, but why not for a shower!  If I find some pictures, I will share the instructions and pictures in a later blog post. 

The best part of the day was being with friends and family again, as well as meeting my daughter's future in-laws.  It was so good to hug people again! 

Well, I definitely "poured" some pictures on you!  Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope that all of your family celebrations are just as fun! 

~Cynthia