Shiny and new is what it's all about in 2013! This year, we're introducing a number of fresh, creative content options. This first one is appropriately titled, "Crate Style". It's goal is straight forward; inform, inspire and involve the talents of the CP Gal Team directly. Crate Style is shared from the perspective of the designer. They open up about what's on their craft radar and show you how to apply it using Crate's latest collections. Included are beautiful project images, how-to's, and personal insights as to the subject at hand. Each Crate Style is expected to be different from the next. Today's is the very first; Baby Shower Decor w/Party Day from CP Girl, Marie Lottermoser.

Hello everyone, it's Marie Lottermoser here. This past weekend, I hosted a baby shower for my cousin. Since she's having a boy, I was trying to stay away from a lot of pink and pastels when it come to decorating. That's when I looked over and noticed Crate Paper's new Party Day collection sitting on my desk. Even though the designs lean toward a birthday theme, they can easily be used for any type of party, including a baby shower!

The first thing I grabbed was the new Washi Tape Paper. When you cut the paper apart, you end up with a great variety of colors and patterns of "washi tape" designs to choose from. I took the strips of tape and wrapped them around toothpicks to create tiny flags, each with individual "cupcake" names on them. 

We had nine different cupcake flavors, so I used a different color for each one.

I tried to make use of colors that would match well with the cupcake flavors; Yellow/Lemon Drop & Red/Red Velvet

I then put the cupcakes on a glass display stand and everyone had a fun time picking out their favorite flavor!

The next thing I used was Party Day's Vellum Paper. With a little help from my Cameo, I made drink umbrellas.

To hold the umbrellas up in the drinks, I attached a long skewer and put them through straws. They added a festive look to the table.

I finished the set-up off by using an assortment of Party Day embellishments and chipboard accents to make signs for the guests.

Overall, I was really happy with how well everything looked together.

And finally, because the guest of honor was too busy during the party to take photos herself, I used some of the patterned paper and stickers to make a photo folder. I plan to stock it with photos from the special day and mail it to her.

Thinking about throwing a party, or have one on the way? Give some of these ideas a try! Happy Celebrating!