Wednesday, July 30, 2008

A Baby Footprint Frame Makes A Unique & Special Gift

If you're a proud new parent struggling to come up with gift ideas for your parents or in-laws this Christmas, then a baby footprint frame is a great option. Using a baby footprint kit, it's incredibly easy to take ink prints or impressions of your little one's tiny feet and hands. You can then display these any way you like in a decorative frame, making a beautiful personalized keepsake that is sure to be cherished. Added to this is the fact that baby footprint and handprint crafts are inexpensive to buy, and you're sure to enjoy spending time with baby making your prints. So - you get to save money on expensive gifts, amuse your baby and keep the relatives happy all in one go!

Baby footprint kits are specially made to be baby-friendly, and will include all the materials you'll need, such as non-toxic wipes, acid-free paper or baby-safe impression clay if you choose to make casts of your baby's prints. It's so simple to buy an affordable kit online or from a craft store, there really is no excuse for not taking the time to preserve those tiny prints for posterity. A baby keepsake footprint will be a treasured gift that any close family member will be delighted to receive.

You can have lots of fun making your prints or impressions, and how you choose to present the final results is entirely up to you. Frames come in a range of sizes, colors and finishes. For a bold impact, you could display a single footprint or handprint in a small frame. Alternatively, you could mount a favorite baby photo in the centre and use a series of prints to encircle the picture. Another option is to include a specially-chosen poem that sums up the joys of parenthood.

Once you've made your baby footprint or handprint frames, they make adorable gifts and will be sure to take pride of place on granny's mantelpiece or daddy's office desk!

Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to MyBabyFootprint.com - helping you make the most of your baby keepsake footprint kit, including ideas for using baby handprint and footprint poems, tips on making baby ink footprints and much more.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Smith

Day One With Your New Baby

Today is the day. You are heading home with your brand new baby. You have been waiting nine long months for this moment. Your bundle of joy is wrapped up and ready to go. You are too, accept for the fact that you just realize that you really are taking this baby home. The nervousness sets in and you wonder if you truly know how to take care of a newborn. Everyone gets these feelings, but as long as you can get through day one, then every day after that will be a breeze.

There are a few necessities on day one though. The most important thing is the car seat. The hospital won't even let your baby come home if you do not have the right car seat. You must bring it into the hospital. They have to check it over and make sure that one; it is in good condition and two; you actually know how to strap your baby safely into it. They will not let you out of the door until you have proven to them that you can do it. Remember that the baby goes in the car seat backwards.

You must make sure that you have formula for your baby on day one also. You may have started breast feeding in the hospital, but babies are finicky and anything can change. You wouldn't be the first mother that brought their baby home and the baby quit latching on and eating your milk. Have bottles and formula ready to go in case this happens.

Diapers are a must. Make sure you stock up on plenty of diapers before you even go to the hospital. You may have gotten different sizes at your shower, but having enough newborn and size one diapers around the house would be a great idea. They go through at least nine a day, so you want to be ready.

It is also important that you make sure that you have provided everyone with a time to come and see the baby. Day one is not that day. Both of you will be very tired and unfortunately, many people will not realize that and will be knocking on your door. You and the baby need rest and he or she does not need everyone picking them up. Make sure to follow these suggestions and your first day with your baby will be easier than you thought.


Kennedy Brown is a mother of five. She is a regular contributor to Baby Gear Product Reviews. Check out the website it has Car Seat Reviews, Baby Monitor Reviews and advice on similar products.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kennedy_Brown

Baby Gifts Need to Impress Mom Too

Baby gifts are most often purchased for the intent of being given to a mom-to-be at her baby shower. While many people mistakenly believe that anything goes for a good baby shower gift, this is simply not the case. While there aren't any truly defined lines for baby gifts and gift giving etiquette, there is one suggestion you should follow closely: don't pick a baby gift that the mom-to-be might find embarrassing or insulting. While most baby gifts are appreciated, some should not be given unless you are absolutely certain they will be welcomed, and even then it should be given privately. Examples of these types of baby gifts include breastfeeding supplies, stretch mark creams and ointments, and personal care items for the mother herself.

Those aside, most baby items you'll come across make good baby gifts. Even the mundane items like diapers, baby wipes and onesies will be appreciated, because they're the everyday items that mother-to-be and daddy-to-be will find themselves reaching for the most.

Try not to stress over what type of baby gift to bring to a baby shower. A baby shower is a joyous event, and as already mentioned earlier in this article, most baby items make great baby gifts. So, where to start with choosing a baby gift? Well, if you know the gender, you'll already be able to narrow down your selection of baby gifts to girl items or boy items. You'll find an abundance of baby gift sets that come in color schemes appropriate for boys and girls. If you don't know the gender, then look for baby gift sets that come in neutral colors such as white, green and yellow.

SandboxCouture.com has a great selection of baby gifts available. The items listed have been chosen specifically for moms-to-be and their bundles of joy in mind. You'll find that the baby gifts are categorized under boy gifts, girl gifts, gifts under $200, $100, $50 and $25, and a "what's hot" section to help you choose a trendy, must-have baby gift. If you don't find something any of these sections that appeals to you, considering offering mom-to-be one of Sandbox Couture's gift certificates. The generous amounts loaded on the gift cards ensure that the mom-to-be will have her pick of almost anything available at Sandbox Couture. And you can rest easy knowing you chose the best baby gift of all: the one that the mommy-to-be in your life can pick out for herself!

As a personal shopper, Kimberly Green has developed an acquired taste for finding gifts for all occasions from unique baby gifts, to personalized baby gifts Kimberly offers tips for selecting the best.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Green

Using A Baby Hand And Footprint As A Gift?

I am sure that you have been in a situation where you didn’t know what to get for your parents or your mom and dad in law. Maybe it was their birthday or maybe it was for Christmas or maybe you just wanted to give them a present. Nevertheless it can sometimes be a challenge to find a gift that is affordable and one that they will be glad that they got.

If you are a parent yourself (preferably if you have a child of age 0-6 years) then you now have an easy to do, affordable and yet valuable gift to give. And the best part is that you can spend time with your child and he/she will think that it is fun to do.

The gift is to create a unique baby hand and footprint (or a child hand and footprint if your child isn’t a baby). It is easy to do if you choose to buy a keepsake kit from a local store or on the internet. If you’re going for the internet then be aware that it takes time for the shop to ship the kit to you.

Once you have the kit at home you’re ready to start making a baby handprint, a baby footprint or maybe even both. Use your imagination and let your fantasy run wild. Use colors if you’re the artistic type or keep it in plain colors if you’re the more conservative type.

They great thing about a handprint or a footprint is that it will always be unique. No one can create a print that is exactly the same as your baby’s hands and feet are very unique. Secondly I’ll bet that your parents or your mom and dad in law will be thrilled to get a little keepsake memory of their grandson or daughter.

If this is the first time that you have ever done a handprint or a footprint you might want to buy more than one kit. It isn’t difficult to do as most kits have an explanation inside but if you do something wrong you’ll have to run to the store to get another kit or buy another one on the internet (and wait for it to arrive).

A kit is just one way to do a handprint or a footprint but there are other ways that are more creative, fun and unique. Actually the kit solution is kind of “the easy way out”. If you feel that you could do more than just a kit print then I invite you to come to my site to see some of the other options that are available to you.

No matter what route you choose to go I can assure you that the baby handprint or footprint will be a gift that the grandparents will want to hold on to for the years to come.

Unique-baby-footprint.com provides you with information on all kinds of baby keepsake related issues like baby handprint picture, baby footprint and more. Come take a look at http://www.unique-baby-footprint.com.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mikael_Rieck

Monday, July 28, 2008

A Baby Footprint Or Handprint Is A Unique Keepsake Of Those Happy Days

Making a baby footprint or handprint is a wonderful way to capture the joy and wonderment of your baby's early life, and create a permanent record of just how tiny and adorable those little toes and hands are. Your little bundle of joy is sure to grow all too quickly, and most parents find those first few months in their newborn's life pass by in a flash. This is all the more reason to make baby footprints and handprints, so you have a lasting reminder of those precious days.

These days the internet makes it really easy for parents to buy a baby footprint kit, so there's no excuse for not having time to buy the materials! You can order a complete kit online, at the click of a button, and have it delivered straight to your door. What could be simpler? There are various types of baby hand and footprint crafts. Making ink prints is popular. Another common way of making a baby keepsake footprint is to make an impression in clay, or even make a 3D cast.


Making your baby footprints and handprints can be a lot of fun, and by using a specially designed kit you can be sure that the materials are all non-toxic and totally baby-friendly. Once you've made your prints, you can let your creativity loose. For instance, you could display them in a baby footprint frame, either individually or with a special poem to express your emotions of becoming a parent, or with a favorite picture of your newborn. Alternatively, you could paste ink footprints into a scrapbook or album, or use them as a unique way of recording your baby's growth. It's up to you!


An inexpensive baby footprint kit enables you to have a play and come up with all kinds of uses for your baby's cute little prints. It makes a great present to give at a baby shower. Baby footprints and handprints can be used in a multitude of ways from beautiful gifts for proud grandparents, to decorating christening invites. However you use your baby hand and footprints, you can be sure that they will be cherished and will become treasured keepsakes for years to come.


About the Author
Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to
http://www.mybabyfootprint.com/ - an online resource offering a selection of baby footprint kits.
Published At:
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Sunday, July 27, 2008

Encapsulating Fun And Joy With A Baby Footprint

In those first few months following the birth of a precious newborn visitor to this world, the parents are often too busy to recall much of those first special moments in a child's life. If it's their firstborn, they are often full of the worries of parenthood, wondering whether they can do things better, wondering how other parents manage to do all the things that need to be done. If it's their second or third child, they are also busy looking after the other children, or perhaps relieved that they have elder children to look after their latest arrival; and relieved that they have a few moments to grab a rest. Of course, many parents will be clicking away on a camera or letting their camcorder whir away to record any precious moments for posterity. It's a part of life that parenthood occurs for most of us at the busiest times in our life. We have so many other things going on, and so little time to look after those things that are more precious to us. It always seems that we wish we had time to do those extra meaningful little things; things we will look back at when we are older and wish we had done; time seems to rush faster and faster. If we are out shopping, we try to reduce the number of shops we go to; keeping to buying the basic supplies.

Whether people like to acknowledge it or not, access to the Internet is proving more and more useful. People find that they can trust and buy many products on the Internet while simply at home; perhaps with their newborn baby on their knees. It can actually be enjoyable to browse the Web now, as search engines are becoming more efficient at finding what they need. When the little baby has finally fallen asleep, there are so few shops are open. It's a good time to browse; to catch up with the fun of life; catch up with precious little moments of life.

One of those simple little joys and that you can share as parents and child - or as a larger family, at a family gathering perhaps - is a simple making of a baby ink footprint. This has the great advantage of not taking up too much time and getting the result that is decorative and attractive, that can be framed and that will mean so much later in life – a real little heirloom. Many of us have little fears of growing old which stop us from investigating what it will be like for us. We see our parents and grandparents getting old, but don't really believe it will happen to us that quickly - it will be different for us. Alas no! When we are old and the children have left the home, we may search our memory and find little there. It will be at these times perhaps that we will feel some regret that we didn't spend more time with our precious offspring; didn't share more special moments with them.

It's quite surprising how many different baby handprint crafts there are that can be revolved around making a baby footprint. It can even be a handprint. You can get creative. You could try making a collage of your baby's different creations as he or she grows up. Just imagine that your child has just painted some beautiful flowers and it’s Mothers’ day or Fathers’ day coming soon. If you already had a little handprint of your child, you can scan or photocopy it combined with the drawing of the flowers; something very simple, but meaningful to parents.

There often seems to be little meaning in life, but for the simple pleasures - a few moments of happiness here and there. The tiny handprint or baby footprint reminds you of earlier joys experienced and just how small your child was so long ago - how much joy you got. You can look at the lines on a hand and wonder what they mean. You may find a friend, or even develop an interest yourself, in hand reading later and be fascinated to see all those little scrawls and whorls of lines. It was many years ago that I met Hungarian gypsy who fascinated us with his descriptions of different people's lines on their hands. I even bought a book on palmistry to while away the hours on an Indian train journey, and even got insights into my own personality. I came to learn that the lines on hand change, that they are not fixed. Many people are fascinated by the future, what the future holds in store for them and their children. It can be a source of wonderment when, later in life, you're able to look back at your own hand and with a knowing sigh say, “Ah yes, I thought so!”


About the Author
Julian Pollock is a parent, writer, composer and poet who has a deep appreciation of family values and their importance in modern society. He has a new-found joy of composing baby footprint poems for the creation of baby keepsake footprints. This composition was inspired by
http://www.baby-foot-print.com/ Article Source: http://www.isnare.com/
Published At:
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Pictures Of Baby Footprint




It is so sad when you look back, see the footprint of your child, and realize that she or he is turning twenty. However, it is so great to have a keepsake to remind you that your child was once so little. With the picture of a baby footprint, you can prove to them as they grow how small they once were, but then grew into a strong, independent young adult.

When it comes to the picture of the baby’s footprint you can get that from the hospital. Usually, at birth, the hospital will take a printing of a foot or both with the hands of the child. Many hospitals do this keepsake. However, you can do it to if you would like to. All you have to do is purchase some finger paint and smear it on their little feet and toes and then standing them up on a piece of paper or press a piece of paper into their paint covered foot.

However, you don’t just have to do a footprint. Many people want their memories marked in stone. Meaning, you can purchase kits that will allow you to make cement, which easily washes off, and then make an impression with their foot. You don’t just have to do their foot, but you can also do their hands too.
They are great keepsakes to share with their children and to remind you of how the good times that you have witnessed. Many jokes and sentiments will come to mind when you look back, but it’s okay because you can reflect and enjoy their youth for a couple more minutes.

The pictures are also usually done for children who are stillborns or whatnot. You don’t have to keep the pictures, but you may want to place them in a box until you are able to come back and reflect without all the pain. It’s hard to loose a child, especially, one that you have just carried under your heart for past months. However, sometimes it’s okay to remember. It takes years to get over the pain, and you never fully get over it. However, with the keepsake you can hang it in your sewing room or private room and keep them close your heart.

It the hospital gives you an ink picture of the baby’s foot or hand, you will want to frame it or place it in their baby book. A wonderful keepsake fits perfectly in a baby book or photo album. However, some people will get it framed and place it in the family room as if it is a portrait. To preserve the ink picture you will want to frame it and keep it out of the sun or you will want to place it in a baby book so that the sun doesn’t ruin your keepsake.


Lena Hilltorp is a freelance publisher based in Sweden. She publishes articles and reports and provides Baby footprints resources on http://www.baby-footprint.net/pictureofbabyfootprint.html and http://www.baby-footprint.net/babyfootprintgraphic.html
Published At:
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Need To Buy Or Create The Picture Of A Baby Footprint?

To be blessed with a little baby boy or baby girl is a miracle. It doesn’t matter whether it is your first child or number five, it is still a fantastic feeling to hold that little human in your arm.

Some point in time you might want to share this special feeling with family and friends and you are therefore thinking of having a party to celebrate. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion for inviting family over to show them their new family member.


When inviting you can naturally get on the phone and call them. It is fast but not very creative and surely it is not a thing they’ll remember for the time to come.
Another route that you could take was to create an invitation for this party or get-together. To decorate this invitation what would be better than to actually make them unique and personalized by your baby. That would surely be a memory to keep for the grandparents.


A picture of a baby footprint would be a unique and personal way to decorate the invitation. But why stop there? You could easily apply that to lots of other things. Put a footprint on a cup, the plate, the candles etc. Only the imagination sets the limits.


Now you might think that it is easier said than done and that is true. But that doesn’t mean that it is hard to create a picture of a baby footprint. It is actually quite easy to do when you know what to keep in mind before you start the process.


If you’re not a creative person or you done feel that you have the time to do the unique pictures or baby prints you’re in luck. More and more sites around the internet and in local stores sells pre-made decorations and invitations.
While they still look great and cute and are still affordable they are not unique and your friends and relative will surely not keep them as a memory of the party you held for your newly born child.

So whether you go one route or the other is up to you but if you choose to create your own unique invitations and/or decorations then make sure that you think the whole process through. Even though it is a simple process there are still a lot of things to consider when creating a picture of a baby footprint.

About the Author
Unique-baby-footprint provides you with information on all kinds of baby keepsake related issues like baby handprint picture, baby footprint and more. Come take a look at
http://www.unique-baby-footprint.com/
Published At:
www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=65325&ca=Family+Concerns

Baby Shower Footprint Invitation Design

You're having a baby shower? Congratulations -- now one of your first jobs will be to let your guests know about the happy event!

A very popular design for baby party invites is a baby shower footprint invitation. It's a charming way to celebrate the imminent arrival of a new member of the family -- and, as an added bonus, it fits in with almost any theme you may choose for your festivities.


As with any party planning, it's a good idea to think well ahead. Your guests will appreciate being given adequate notice of the shower and if it will help them have a better chance of being able to attend. You'll also save yourself the headache of preparing for the party in a rush! It's usually a good idea to send out your invitations four or five weeks in advance.

The baby footprint theme provides an excellent motif for many aspects of the shower, not just the invitations. One simple image communicates the ideas of innocence and sweetness that everyone associates with the birth of a baby boy or girl. You can extend it to decorations, shower favors -- even place settings at the table.

You'll often find the baby footprint design in commercially produced invitations and party supplies. But some people like to make their own shower invitations, in order to lend a more imaginative touch. If you want to do this, a simple footprint motif is quite easy to create at home -- and handmade, personalized baby shower invites suit the beauty and style of baby shower well.

Here are some simple design suggestions:

* footprint outlines or cutout shapes
* footprints as a background to text
* a footprint 'trail' -- just as if the baby had walked across the invitation!

Keep the concept simple and ensure that colors of the motif and text complement background shade of the paper or card stock that you choose. If you wish, you could base your invtiations on traditional colors -- blue for a baby boy or pink for a girl. And if this seems a bit too traditional for your taste (or if you don't yet know the gender of the baby), why not go for other pastel shades such as green or yellow?

If you're planning to make your own invitations, ask for rubber stamps of baby footprints at your local craft supply shop -- or you can do an online search. Experiment with different color inks and patterns to find a look that appeals to you.
Once you've decided on a design, you could extend this theme from the invitations to other items such as game prizes, thank you cards and so on. It's a great way to create a unique look for your baby shower party.

About the Author
Jane Hennessey is a regular contributor to
http://babyshowerdom.com -- visit http://BabyShowerDom.com for ideas, tips and supplies to help you plan the perfect baby shower.
Published At:
www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=58117&ca=Family+Concerns

Ideas On What To Do With A Picture Of A Baby Footprint

Thousands of people come online every week searching for pictures of baby footprints and ideas on how to use these pictures in a creative and special way. The reasons and goals can be many but most have one thing in common and that is that it has to be unique (homemade).
So if you’re one of the people coming online looking for ideas on using the baby footprint pictures here are some ideas that might help you create the keepsake, shower invitation etc. that you have in mind.

Firstly it is important that you decide whether you’re going to use a picture of a baby foot taken from your own baby or whether any picture will do. If you decide that any picture will do then the internet is a good place to start.

Using Google’s image search can help you find the type of picture that you’re looking for. However before you use the pictures you find you have to make sure that you are not violating any copyrights. I suggest that you send an email to the webmaster of the site from where you’re going to copy the picture.

If you will go for a picture of you own baby’s foot then get your digital camera and start shooting. An ordinary camera can also do the trick but you have to have to photo shop create the digital picture for you. It doesn’t cost that much but it might take a few days to get it done. I suggest that you borrow a digital camera if you don’t own one yourself.

Next thing you’ll need is a piece of software called a photo editor. If you don’t have one already you can download a lot of free editors on the internet. I suggest that you search on Google for “free photo editor” and you’ll have plenty to choose from.

If you’re new to editing pictures it might take you a few hours to get it right but it is time well spent. Another idea would to have a friend or family member help you to edit the pictures to get them just as you want them to be.

Once you have the baby footprint picture as you want it you can use it time and time again. Some of the most common items to create are baby keepsakes. This can be baby poems with a picture of the baby’s foot and a date. You can do imprints in clay and frame them together with a picture of the foot or you can use it for a unique baby shower invitation.

The possibilities are almost endless. A cure idea that I’ve heard some people are using is that instead of measuring your child’s height you can see the growth through a series of pictures of their feet. With a little creativity this can evolve into a true piece of art.

The ideas above are only a fraction of what you can do. You might already have great ideas of your own. However if you want to use a pic of a baby footprint you first decision has to be what type of picture to choose. Standard or unique.

About the Author
http://Unique-baby-footprint.com provides you with information on all kinds of baby keepsake related issues like baby handprint picture, pic of baby footprint and more. Come take a look at http://www.unique-baby-footprint.com/
Published At:
www.Isnare.comPermanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=73626&ca=Family+Concerns

Friday, July 25, 2008

A Baby Footprint Makes A Great Baby Shower Invitation

If you are like many peo0le you can easily get stuck when it comes to the baby shower invitation. Finding the location, creating the guest lists and buying a cake can seem easy compared to picking the right invitation. The baby shower invitation will be the first impression that the guests will have of the event. It is therefore important to convey a message through the baby shower invitation. One really fun and very popular way to do this is use a baby footprint in the invitation. It is hard to resist the charm of a tiny little baby footprint. Baby shower invitations with a footprint are so irresistible be will just have to come to the shower.

So here are some creative ideas that you can use in creating your own baby shower footprint invitation.

1. Printed - A simple printed baby footprint can be a ton of fun. You can use a silhouette of a baby footprint to make the design. This will show the heel, toes and side of the foot. It will look as if a baby stepped in ink and then stamped the card with their feet. You can find clip art online by searching, use a stamp, use a real baby or even just freehand draw your own.

To put a little action into the baby shower footprint invitation you can make a series of footprints and make them decrease in size from large to smaller. This will give the illusion that the person leaving the prints is walking into the card. This is a great way to draw the attention of the viewer into the card and then place your important text information right above this.

2. Stamps - Stamping has become a very popular craft and is use widely among printers and crafters in the business of making invitations. You can easily purchase baby footprint stamps of varying sizes from your local craft store or on the Internet. These can make a fun and fancy decoration to the invitation. There are so many things you can do by varying the colors, size of the stamp and the paper the possibilities are really endless.

For example pick a cute pink (for girls) or a blue (for boys) ink pad and stamp a tiny border made up of footprints all around the invitation. Don’t worry to much about making them all straight or in line just have fun and stamp at random. This will give the invitation a light fun feeling.

As an alternative you can purchase a large stamp and simply stamp a big filled in silhouetted image smack dab in the middle of the invitation. Then you can creatively with fun colored pens write all around the footprint following the outline of it. This makes another fun creative and even whimsical invitation.

3. Embossing - This is where the baby footprint is raised from the page. There are two types of embossing. The first is by using a professional printer and paying to have the cards done. A printer can actually emboss the paper and have a raised footprint right in the paper. A baby footprint embossed onto a beautifully textured pure white piece of paper can look very elegant!

If you are the do it yourself type it is very easy to purchase an embossing powder in stamping or craft store. These come in all kinds of fun colors but often gold or silver embossing powder can look very elegant! With embossing powder you will need a stamp and some ink. You start by stamping the invitation with the baby footprint stamp first. Then before the ink dries you poor some of the embossing powder on the stamped area. The embossing powder will stick tot he wet ink. You can then hold the piece of paper over a light bulb or use an embossing gun to heat the powder. Once it gets hot it will melt and adhere to the paper. This makes a fun and easy way to have a very elegant gold embossed baby footprint shower invitation.

4. Cut Out - With this technique you will want to find some stiff paper. Then you will pencil in an outline of a baby footprint and cut it out. You can also make a simple stencil suing a file folder and then quickly trace around the stencil and cut out to speed up the process and make the results more uniform. Then on the baby of the cut out footprint you can write all of your important baby shower details. Where it will take place, RSVP information and so forth.

Either way that you choose the important thing to remember is to have fun in creating the baby shower invitation footprint. Get some friends to help you if you plan on making your own invitations as this will speed up the entire process. It can also be more fun with a group of girlfriends around a table talking and having a good time then cutting 25 baby shower footprint invitations all by yourself.
As an addition to the fun, baby shower footprint invitation, it can be lots of fun to continue with the footprint theme in decorating for the part. You can use the same stamps and decorations that you used on the invitation in other places to decorate for the shower.


Published At: http://www.isnare.com/Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=30474&ca=Family+Concerns

Unique Newborn Gift Idea - Ban Baby Shower Blues With Ideas For A Newborn Baby

A unique newborn gift idea, given with thoughtfulness and a generous spirit, often becomes a life-saver for frazzled new parents and a mom still struggling to recover after the pregnancy. So often this whole new adventure can seem daunting and overwhelming during the first few weeks of the newborn baby's life. Taking care when choosing a unique newborn gift idea may enable you to give something that will lighten the load, entertain the newborn infant for hours on end, or create a treasured keepsake such as a baby footprint or handprint.

Baby Will Love Cloud B's Animal-theme Unique Newborn Gift Idea
This scary, strange new world will feel just that bit better with a fluffy Sleep Sheep friend. This cuddly creature by Cloud B's baby sleep experts, hugs a sound box with tranquil nature sounds and mom's reassuring heart beat in the background. This unique newborn gift idea will shoo away scary night time noises and replace them with calming, recognizable sounds that will help the newborn infant to let the Sandman in.

Your baby gift idea comes with the sound of spring showers, mesmerizing ocean surf and delightful whale songs. The fluffy sheep fastens with velcro to the crib or cot bed, keeping it close by. After 23 minutes it switches off automatically.
Unique Newborn Baby Gift - Stimulate Baby Vision With Infant Stim-Mobile
The Wimmer Ferguson Manhatten Baby, with more than four decades of infant vision research, has become synonymous with quality baby goodies. In the Infant Stim-Mobile they have a unique newborn gift idea that will provide hours of entertainment for any newborn infant. Simple and complex graphics give a newborn baby the opportunity to focus on areas where light and dark come together. The graphic cards are cleverly reversible, allowing parents to create new, interesting variations of the patterns as the baby develops.

This award winning unique newborn gift idea comes with 10 black and white cards, and the sturdy, upright stand. The set now also includes bold color cards to brighten things up. Any baby will benefit from the scanning, focusing, tracking and orienting eye activities.

Baby Discovers Reading With Double Sided First Book As Unique Newborn Gift Idea
This is a clever baby shower or newborn gift idea. The ordinary crib bumper becomes baby's first introduction to reading. The Infant-Stim Tiny Love Crib Bumper Panel and Book is reversible, bright and colorful. Change tummy-time niggles into a time of visual stimulation and delight with this unique newborn gift idea.

A newborn infant will benefit from the high-contrast black, white and red illustrations. Three to six month old babies will adore the reverse side with more complex three dimensional figures and activities. The proximity of this colorful display encourages neck and shoulder exercise and movement. The bumper-book can also be used in a baby stroller or playpen.

Wrapping A Baby In Love With A Fluffy Unique Newborn Gift Idea
Contribute a beloved keepsake by giving one of the many soft baby blankets as your unique newborn gift idea. If you find a way to transform it into a uniquely personalized baby blanket, so much the better. A pinwheel weave baby blanket always looks and feels great. These 100% cotton receiving blankets made by such folk as the skilled artisans of Churchill Weavers in Berea Kentucky, are machine washable and kind to delicate baby skins. A wide variety of colors are available.

A Gund Comfy Cozy Puppy Makes A Delightfully Unique Newborn Gift Idea
These adorable security blankies will be taken everywhere. The softest plush that begs to be hugged comes with a cute puppy character. All the embroidered begging eyes ask for, is lots of love and cuddles. The underside or this unique newborn baby gift idea comes with satin pads. The puppy ears are made for chewing and gnawing. The Gund Comfy Cozy Puppy is machine washable. It comes in many other character variations. This will always be a comforting gift idea for a newborn baby.

Unique Newborn Gift Idea - White Noise Helps Parents Survive And Soothes Baby
White noise is a sound frequency that sounds like a 'hiss', similar to radio static or ocean sounds. The creators of a white noise sound CD series, generates white noise by adjusting sound frequencies until they have a soothing sound signal that can be used for sleep and relaxation. The full frequency spectrum used in this case is the reason behind its success. This technique can be used very effectively for newborns and adults alike. With these unique sets of CD's at home, you don't need a white noise machine.

Especially colicky kids or babies with infant acid reflux will benefit from this unique newborn gift idea.

Choose the New Baby 8 CD gift pack to give a restless little one (and his or her exhausted parents!) blissful sleep and relaxation. The set includes:
Night Night Time - Soothing lullaby melodies against a background of mom's heartbeat

Baby By The Sea - Let ocean waves lull the infant gently to sleep.
Baby By The Brook - Nurturing nature sounds and lullabies bring sleep on.
Sing-A-Long Lullabies - Moms and babies alike enjoy this bonding CD.
Baby's First PWN - Soft, calming white noise sounds for newborns.
Baby's Fan - The mesmerizing purr of a fan takes baby softly into sleep.
Baby's Vacuum Cleaner - The white noise frequencies of a vacuum cleaner are very popular with newborns.
Baby's Blow Dryer - Blow a fussy baby's mind with the white noise from a hair dryer.

Also available as a unique newborn gift idea, is the New Parent Survival Pack. These CD's include sounds like rain, pure white noise, waves, lullaby songs, and bubbling brooks.

Tiny Baby Footprints And Handprint Kits In Clay With Unique Newborn Gift Idea
Another winner in a newborn baby gift basket is a baby handprint or baby footprint kit. One option is a clay keepsake baby handprint kit. This unique newborn baby gift idea will enable parents to create treasured keepsakes for themselves, grandparents and other family members. Use a heart clay tile and follow the instructions to create a perfect baby footprint of your newborn's tiny feet. The self-drying Mexican pottery clay makes it really easy to create numerous baby footprint keepsakes and baby handprint memento's. Or opt for the Angel Baby Handprint Kit or an adorable Teddy Bear Baby Footprint Kit
Always remember the other siblings in the family and take along something special for them as well. Chosen with care, your unique newborn gift idea can bring pleasure and happy memories for years to come.

Cribs-for-Babies.com - With a spot-on gift idea, this is the reaction you might see: treat yourself to this extremely popular hilarious video clip of a laughing baby. For more information read Baby Handprint Footprint Ink Keepsake Kit - Tiny Toe And Footprint Frame Craft at Cribs-For-Babies.com - by Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com, where you will discover the number one online legitimate home based business opportunity. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.
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Baby Room Borders - Creative Ideas for Fun Baby Nursery Borders

When decorating your baby nursery, you may want to use a border around the walls. But don’t feel that you are limited to buying and using wallpaper borders in the baby nursery. Here are some ideas for making interesting baby nursery borders for your baby’s room:

Stencil a border around the room using items that match your baby nursery’s theme. For example, if you have a Winnie the Pooh nursery theme, you can create a border by stenciling Pooh, honey pots, bees, etc. around the room. For a Beach themed baby room, you could stencil a border of palm trees, beach balls, seashells, or beach buckets.


If you have a car themed baby nursery, create a race track border by painting a road around the room with a dark gray paint. If you want, paint a finish line somewhere on the border. When the border has dried, use a hot glue gun to attach race cars (matchbox or hot wheels cars work great) around the race track border. For a train themed baby room, a similar border could be created by painting train tracks and gluing toy trains on them.

An alternative to a growth chart is to create a handprint border. You can use your baby’s handprints to create a border around the room. Get some non toxic latex paint in a color or colors that you want. Use a sponge or a foam brush to lightly coat your baby’s hand with the paint and then press the hand on the wall where you want the border. It is best to mark off where you want the border ahead of time. Also decide how far apart you want the handprints to be. If you want, you can do a set of handprints and footprints every month as your baby grows. It would be a unique spin on a growth chart for your child’s room.

Another idea for a border is to use wall decals. They could be of the alphabet, nursery rhymes, animals, or items related to your room’s theme. Place them equally spaced apart all the way around the room to create a quick and easy wall border. When it comes to decorating your baby nursery, remember to let your creative juices flow freely. You may surprise yourself with what you are capable of creating!

© Copyright Rebecca Johnson, All Rights ReservedRebecca Johnson operates Decorating-Your-Baby-Nursery.com, a website that provides ideas for decorating a baby nursery. Visit it for more nursery decorating ideas including tips for
decorating a nursery on a budget and more ideas for decorating the baby nursery walls.
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Baby Handprint & Footprint Crafting Ideas Make Fantastic Personalized Gifts




These days more and more people are looking for personalized gifts to give that someone special, no longer content with the mass produced junk, thrust at us with every piece of junk mail, catalogue or advert.

Today people want to give gifts that have a little of them attached to it. A gift that will invoke fond memories, thoughts of happy times. Now there is nothing more personal and thought provoking than a perfect 3 dimensional replica of a baby handprint footprint casting.

Follow these easy steps and you to can make the perfect personalized gift.
Prepare the alginate as directed by the manufacture when the alginate mixture is ready for molding it should be of a smooth and creamy constancy. Immediately pour into the molding container. The material sets within about 1-2 minutes so you need to work quickly during this step.

Once the material has been poured into the container, immediately insert the hand or foot into the mold. Wiggle around for the first 5-10 seconds to allow the material to penetrate all areas. Babies and small children usually do this with out help.

Keep the hand or foot in the mold until the material sets and starts to separate from the wrist. The material sets from top to bottom, so just when you think it is ready wait another 15-20 seconds before removing the hand or foot to be on the safe side.

Wriggle the hand or foot to break the suction and then slowly and carefully ease it from the mold. There is no need to rush this step as the mold will not get hard for hour or two, so take as much time as you need to complete this step. Next, drain any excess water from the mold. You may do this by turning it upside down give it a gentle shake and then leave it to drain while you go on with the next step.

Prepare the casting plaster as directed by the manufacture. It should be thin enough to easily run off the spoon in one continuous pour. It should not fall off the spoon in clumps. If it is not thin enough, it will not fill all the tiny fingers & toes, etc. Fill the mold about 1/3 full with casting plaster. Rotate the container to line all areas of the inside of the mold.

One of the most effective ways to prevent air bubbles and to fill all the tiny fingertips or toes is to rotate the container upside down and allow the plaster to run back out of the container. You may even use a small paintbrush to brush along the inside of the mold to break up any surface air bubbles. Then begin refilling the mold little by little. Stop and tap and tilt the mold to release air pockets with each pour. Keep adding the plaster a little at a time being sure to stop between pours tilting and tapping the container as you go.

If you would like to, you can also keep pouring plaster up and over the mold to form a base about ½ inch thick. Once the plaster has hardened, you may begin removing the plaster cast from the mold. Normally, the mold and cast will slide right out of the container, but in the case of an integrated base you will need to break the container away from the top section where it meets the plaster base.
Begin tearing away the mold being very careful around fingers or toes. Tear away the mold in small pieces. Don't hold the casting by the delicate fingers or toes. Now you just need to do a little sanding on the base (once the casting has completely dried out) to give it a more professional look.

Katrina Harper
Author-crafter-site owner
http://www.katrinasbabyhandprintcrafts.com/Traditional_Baby_HandPrint_Crafts/
Now there is nothing more personal and thought provoking than a perfect 3 dimensional replica of a baby hand print or footprint casting!
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Baby Handprint Footprint Crafts




Baby handprint footprint crafts fall into two categories.
  • The first is the crafts that you do with your baby or toddler for fun that uses their own handprints and footprints.
  • The second is the crafts you do using your baby handprint footprints as keepsakes.

Baby Handprint/Footprint Crafts for Fun

My personal favourite idea for fun crafts that use your a baby handprint is finger painting. I started finger painting with my son Jamie when he was about 20 months. Now at two years old he loves nothing more than to be stripped down to his nappy and given the finger paints and a big piece of paper to play with. The first few times I needed to help him finger paint to ensure the paint went on the paper and not in his mouth, but now I just sit with him while he explores with the paints and colours by himself.

Baby Handprint Footprint Keepsakes

The main ways to preserve your baby's footprint or handprint for future prosperity are:

  • Ceramic Painting Keepsakes
  • Ink Handprint Keepsakes
  • Impression Material Keepsakes
  • Baby Journals

Ceramic Painting Keepsakes

I'm sure once you see your baby's tiny hand and foot for the first time you will be just like I was and want to preserve it for life. My husband and I decided to take our baby to a Ceramic Cafe to capture his tiny wee footprint and had a totally enjoyable family craft morning together. The cafe has all sorts of ceramic items you can choose to paint, all while you have your coffee!


We chose a cute pair of ceramic flip flops and once our baby was asleep we put him in the front pack and were able to paint his feet and press them onto the ceramic flip flops. We used paint to write his name and his birthday on each one. We also made a plate each for his grandmothers and gave it to them from their grandson for their Christmas present. They of course totally loved them and we all treasure this tiny ceramic footprints.

Ink Handprint Keepsakes

You can also use a non-toxic ink pad to capture your baby's hand and foot prints. You can purchase baby handprint kits which have all that you need in them.

Impression Material Keepsakes

It is also possible to use impression material that you can purchase specifically for making a baby hand or footprint. You can get kits that do not require mixing, baking or gluing and can be used right out of the box and air dried overnight.

Baby Journals

Many Baby Journal Books also include a space for you to put your baby handprint and footprint.

Baby journals will also help you to totally document your baby's first year.

To learn more about

baby handprint footprint crafts go to Baby Books Guide the ultimate resource site for parents. It is where you can find books both for your baby and about your baby.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008

Using A Baby Hand And Footprint As A Gift?



I am sure that you have been in a situation where you didn’t know what to get for your parents or your mom and dad in law. Maybe it was their birthday or maybe it was for Christmas or maybe you just wanted to give them a present. Nevertheless it can sometimes be a challenge to find a gift that is affordable and one that they will be glad that they got.

If you are a parent yourself (preferably if you have a child of age 0-6 years) then you now have an easy to do, affordable and yet valuable gift to give. And the best part is that you can spend time with your child and he/she will think that it is fun to do.

The gift is to create a unique baby hand and footprint (or a child hand and footprint if your child isn’t a baby). It is easy to do if you choose to buy a keepsake kit from a local store or on the internet. If you’re going for the internet then be aware that it takes time for the shop to ship the kit to you.

Once you have the kit at home you’re ready to start making a baby handprint, a baby footprint or maybe even both. Use your imagination and let your fantasy run wild. Use colors if you’re the artistic type or keep it in plain colors if you’re the more conservative type.

They great thing about a handprint or a footprint is that it will always be unique. No one can create a print that is exactly the same as your baby’s hands and feet are very unique. Secondly I’ll bet that your parents or your mom and dad in law will be thrilled to get a little keepsake memory of their grandson or daughter.

If this is the first time that you have ever done a handprint or a footprint you might want to buy more than one kit. It isn’t difficult to do as most kits have an explanation inside but if you do something wrong you’ll have to run to the store to get another kit or buy another one on the internet (and wait for it to arrive).

A kit is just one way to do a handprint or a footprint but there are other ways that are more creative, fun and unique. Actually the kit solution is kind of “the easy way out”. If you feel that you could do more than just a kit print then I invite you to come to my site to see some of the other options that are available to you.

No matter what route you choose to go I can assure you that the baby handprint or footprint will be a gift that the grandparents will want to hold on to for the years to come.

Unique-baby-footprint.com provides you with information on all kinds of baby keepsake related issues like baby handprint picture,
baby footprint and more. Come take a look at http://www.unique-baby-footprint.com/.
Article Source:
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Preserving Baby's Memories Through Personalized Baby Gifts



Whether you've just had your first baby, or second or third, chances are you'll want to preserve every little detail of her babyhood for beautiful memories with personalized baby gifts. After all, babies grow super fast and your quiet little angel will grow into a playful toddler in just a year's time. As her physical features change, you'll love looking back on what she used to be like.

Thankfully, you have a wide variety of choices as far as personalizing your child's memories go. One of the oldest and most charming ways of preserving baby memories is to preserve baby footprints. Till a few years back most hospitals would give you a little footprint of your baby to take home with you. Although fewer hospitals follow the procedures now, you can easily find readymade gift kits that enable you to create baby handprints and footprints for memories' sake. These baby handprint and footprint gift kits are easy to use, and come with detailed instructions. They are an excellent way for the whole family to get involved.

First time Daddies who might otherwise be too nervous about sharing in baby's day to day caring routine won't have a problem using a personalized baby handprint and baby footprint kit to preserve their bundle of joy's marks on the sands of time. Siblings can also be asked to join in, and this will help alleviate any feelings of jealousy or rivalry.

A personalized baby book is another way to preserve special memories that go beyond taking photographs and pasting them in an album. A personalized baby book allows you to preserve not just photos and capture your thoughts, but also different milestones in her life including her very first word and the date of her first step to mundane activities like baby's first solid food. These also help give an insight into the culture and society baby was born in. For instance, you could note down a popular song at the time baby was born, or a major movie or book that came out, important personalities who were shaping events in the country and around the world and major events that occurred. When your child's old enough to read these baby books and understand these happenings, it will give her a feeling of being rooted in a community that's bigger than her immediate family or circle of friends.

A baby book is also a terrific gift to give your kids when the time comes for them to leave the nest!

Caroline Miller lives in Flemington, NJ with her husband and 3 month old daughter and is an expert contributing author for a luxury
baby gifts boutique offering variety of baby shower favors, baby gift baskets, handprint footprint kits and more. Babygiftstation is also dedicated to providing valuable and informative articles on childcare, baby safety tips, pregnancy health, parenting training and more.
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How To Do A Baby Handprint Poem



It can be a lot of fun creating a baby handprint poem keepsake. As it involves paint and a child it can also very quickly get very messy so be sure to do it at a place where you can easily clean up after you’re done creating the keepsakes.

Before you get started you will need to find a poem that you can put place the baby hands on. There are a lot of poems available on the internet that you can borrow. Be sure to read any disclaimer or copyright information that is posted along side the poem that you choose. I always recommend that you contact the author (if possible) to make sure that it is okay to use the poem they created.

Most of the time they are only glad that someone likes their poem. They might even have more poems that you can use for additional keepsake ideas that you might have.

If you haven’t got the time to look around for a poem to use then here is one that you can print:
Sometimes you get discouraged

Because I am so small

And always leave my fingerprints

On furniture and walls

But every day I'm growing

I'll be grown some day

And all those tiny handprints

Will surely fade away
So here's a little handprint

Just so you can recall

Exactly how my fingers looked

When I was very small
-- Put a date here --
Love, -- put child's name here --

Be sure to print out a few copies in case the first handprint isn’t perfect.

The other ingredients that you will need is: Your child in play clothing (obviously), a small photo (not necessary), water based paint (or finger paint), a bowl or similar to hold the paint, a sponge or a brush to apply the paint to your child’s hand, paper towels to easily clean up your child’s hands afterwards.

Now you apply the paint to your baby’s hand and place the hand on the paper with the poem at the exact place that you want it to appear. It might take several tries before you get it right so be sure to bring your patience.

When you have finally made a baby handprint poem that you like be sure to clean the hands (and the rest) of your baby before moving on to anything else. Otherwise you might end up getting paint all over the place.

Now you’ll have to wait for the paint to dry and if you want to you can glue a little picture of the baby to the handprint poem. To add a final touch you can frame it to make it last for years to come. Be sure to add the baby’s name and the date to the handprint poem before you frame it.

Unique-baby-footprint.com provides you with information on all kinds of baby keepsake related issues like baby handprint picture,
baby footprint and more. Come take a look at http://www.unique-baby-footprint.com/
Article Source:
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Baby Handprint Poem: A Story of Butterfly Gardens, Fantasy Fairies, and Affirmations of Love


Growing up my parents had a pair of bronze shoes. Yes, these were my baby shoes. I LOVED those baby shoes of course.

A box years later was unpacked by my mother holding yet another pair of my baby shoes. "Wow' I thought, "They must have really love me!"

One day when I was about 16 we visited my Grandmother. She came out of her bedroom with yet another pair of bronzed baby shoes. "Here" she said to me, "I believe these are your bronzed baby shoes".

I look puzzled and I guess a bit upset. How many baby shoes could one baby wear?

The truth had to come out!

Turns out my parents tried their hand at bronzing baby shoes, wanting to start a little cottage industry. NONE of the baby shoes were mine. WAAA!

"Baby Handprint Poem"

I listened for your breath held my head close to yours as you lie sleeping Soothing sounds as my whimsical angel dreams.

I will tell you stories of butterfly gardens puppies and kittens legends of mermaids fantasy fairies and affirmations of love.

An image of your tiny baby handprint I will keep inside a book dear and sweet memories held close to my heart.

I smell the sweetness of you the softness of your skin. Sweet miracle and blessing to my life. Mommy loves you treasures your handprint I hold your little hand show you the way as rainbows sing your song.

My dear and treasured angel just beginning your life I will watch you on your way your little footprints deciding your path I will catch you before you fall.
Oh my tiny angel I will gather moonbeams for you give you everything a baby needs and as you grow older I will encourage you to be steady your feet.

10 Dec. '06
--------------------------

Kathy Ostman-MagnusenFantasy Art Woman

I am a figurative artist and illustrator living in Hawaii. Most of my work is painted in oils. I also do sculpture. I illustrated for Hay House Inc.,"Women Who Do Too Much" CARDS taken from Anne Wilson Schaef's book. I also illustrated for Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. My paintings are collected worldwide.

In every single one of my paintings my objective is to 'know them'. To let character reveal their own vision or message. I am often astounded as their presence unfolds and I am met with who they are. I then realize that who 'they' are defines me as well. My hope is that my paintings & sculptures relate to you, and that legends of mermaids; whimsical angel pictures; and tooth fairies fantasies give you the message you need for your own heart and soul.
http://www.kathysart.com/ and http://kathysart.blogspot.com/
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Why is it that a Baby Handprint Picture Might be Right for You?


Since you’re reading this article I guess that you have already done some initial thinking about creating a baby keepsake in the form of a baby handprint and maybe you have already created a few.

If you’re still uncertain of what baby keepsake to create or even how to do it, I strongly recommend that you spend some time reading the articles and information at my site as there are a lot of things that you’ll need to consider before getting started.

It might save you some time and agony and make sure that you do it right the first time around.The first time you think of creating a baby keepsake it might seem overwhelming to you. I agree that there are a lot of things that you need to consider but once you have structured the process it isn’t a big task. It is pure fun most of the time in fact.

If you have already created the baby handprint in clay, mold, bronze or maybe a baby ink handprint on paper, then you’re ready for the next step.
A baby handprint created in clay or any other material is a great way to keep a memory of your baby, but it is difficult to share with friends and family if then don’t come around often.

Creating a baby ink handprint however, will have you ship the keepsake just as easily as if you had taken a picture of the baby handprint in e.g. clay.
One thing that you will have to make sure though, is that the ink you use has to be the right one and that the paper you put the baby handprint on is of the right quality. Otherwise you’ll risk loosing the keepsake in a matter of a few years and thereby loosing the special memory.

The best way to create an easy to ship baby keepsake that’ll last for a long time is to take a picture of it. When you have created the handprint in either material you can easily do a baby handprint picture.

It doesn’t matter whether you use a normal camera or a digital camera to take the picture. If you have both to choose from then I would recommend that you use the digital one as you’re then able to edit the picture.

Taking great pictures of objects are not an easy task and therefore it might cost you a little time and a lot of photos to get it just right. Be sure to have enough light at the keepsake so that the baby handprint picture will show all the little details that makes it so special.

Unique-baby-footprint.com provides you with information on all kinds of baby keepsake related issues like baby handprint picture,
baby footprint and more. Come take a look at http://www.unique-baby-footprint.com/
Article Source:
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