Baby Shower Invite Samples

While the average project lends itself to my making up to three samples for the customer to sift through and figure out what they're looking for, sometimes I find myself willing (and wanting) to make more. 

These situations usually arise when the customer is willing to pay more, has extra time or has given me a project that I feel will expand my own collection and experience. 

With a simple desire for a "baby shower invite for a shower with no real theme but will have be on Valentine's weekend and will have the color scheme of pink and chocolate" I had a whole realm of possibilities on my hands. The result is the following: 

(All samples were designed to be 5x7 JPEG files that the customer can print on their own)

Sesame Street Gymnastics Party!

5x7 JPEG Digital file the customer can print on their own. 

Color scheme and age can be changed. 

Often when customers have an idea of what they're looking for they don't have exact specifics. 

If this is the case, I like to make their lives easier and give them a few options to look at and help us figure out exactly what they want. Here is an example of one of the samples I sent the customer before reaching the final design : 

A Blueberry Pie Experience

This was the first year I have ever spent the 4th of July at home. 

Growing up, my family always went camping with my mom's side of the family over the week of the 4th and had a fun celebration around the campfire or watching fireworks. And since I've been married, we've spent the day at my Husband's grandparents house celebrating with a big family-filled cook out. 

Yet this year, thanks to our busy traveling schedule and lack of funds, we spent the day at home. 

While I missed everyone and hope to jump back in to old traditions next year, it was really nice. 

And having hours to fill however we pleased I was able to decide to make a pie at the last minute! 

(We were being joined by some good friends for a little dinner cook-out that evening.) 

When deciding which pie to bake, I realized the most fruit I had were frozen blueberries and, since I had never even tasted a blueberry pie before and it seemed a patriotic choice, blueberry pie it was! 

(And after all that, I needed to buy more blueberries anyway... but it was worth it!) 

I found a simple recipe on-line here and made it my own! 

After measuring out the berries, I laid them out to dry.
I used 6 cups of berries instead of 4.

For the pie crust I used my favorite pie crust (adding only cinnamon & a little extra sugar). 

I also used frozen blueberries, so I rinsed them in warm water, drained them and laid them out to dry while I made the crust. 

I prepared the crust in the pan and prepared the top crust.
(Picture taken before I used small star cookie cutters for the shapes
this was done here before putting on top of full pie).

After preparing the crusts, I whisked together the rest of the filling ingredients to pour over the blueberries. 

I used 5 Tbsp of corn starch to ensure it stayed thick.

Once all of the filling was mixed, I filled the pan and covered it with the top crust and a few extra star shapes for a decorative look. Next, I brushed it with milk and sprinkled the top with sugar!

Placed on a baking sheet and with the edges covered, it's all ready to go in the oven! 

It came out beautifully! 

I was glad I made the decision to forego the lattice top crust and try something different, 

it felt much more appropriate for the holiday.

Everyone enjoyed it and I think I found my new favorite pie! 

Since I've made this I've been craving it and have almost baked another one about 3 times... 

unfortunately we haven't had any guest over and I just know I'd have no trouble eating it all myself! 

The pie was served about 2 hours after it came out of the oven. While it held its shape nicely, by the end of the evening there was no juice leaking out at all. This is a great pie to make a day ahead of time!