Shower moms-to-be with creative layettes

When a baby is on the way, there's only one thing a mom-to-be needs more than cute baby gear: the certain knowledge that her friends are there for her. A good baby shower surrounds a woman with love and good will -- feelings that can help her keep smiling through the sleep-deprived days on the horizon.

For a shower your guest of honor will never forget, get friends together for an embellishing party. Set the tone with pretty handmade invitations that announce the theme. On each invitation, suggest the recipient bring a different baby-gift item to embellish at the party, such as a few plain bodysuits, several cloth bibs, a diaper bag, a baby hat, blanket, etc.

To set up the project for the party, first apply iron-on fusible to a variety of charming fabrics. Using a die-cut machine and various dies, cut the backed fabrics into shapes to be used as appliques. Set the fabric shapes out on a project table along with a range of embellishments. Have an iron, ironing board and double-sided fusible nearby, so everyone can take turns ironing her appliques onto her items before adding embellishments.

During the party, everyone can show off her creations as she presents them to the guest of honor. Each time the new mom uses one of the items, she'll surely remember the fun and friendship that went into them -- the best gift of all!

Gather:

Baby items, such as bibs or bodysuits

Baby fabrics

Iron-on fusible (single- and double-sided)

Iron and ironing board

Die-cut machine (suitable for fabric) and dies

Embellishments (embroidery floss, ribbons, needle, thread, bits of coordinating fabric, felt and yarn)

Fabric pen and paint

Create:

1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply iron-on fusible to the back of coordinating fabrics.

2. Using the die-cut machine and the dies, cut the desired shapes out of the backed fabrics.

3. Layer the scraps, if desired, and position them on the baby item. Use double-sided iron-on fusible and an iron to secure.

4. Embellish the applique as desired.

If you want the decorations to be as unique as the gifts, die-cut scrapbook papers to make banners, place cards, cupcake toppers and more.

(Dena Fishbein hosts the television show "Embellish This!" aired monthly on the DIY Network. To ask her how to embellish anything, e-mail her at dena(at)denadesigns.com or visit www.diynetwork.com.)