I thought it would be nice to share some tips regarding using dies to plan and decorate a baby shower.  You might think you need several dies to pull off a great shower, but you can really pull it off using only 3-5 dies give or take.  Here are the steps I would take when choosing what dies to use for a shower.

1. Choose your favorite set of Nesting Dies:  You can do so much with a Nesting die.  Mount a menu or invitation, make a garland, create a tag, make confetti, ect.  The options are really endless!

2. Choose an Alphabet Die you like: Alphabets come in handy when creating garlands, tags, monograms, wrapping gifts, ect.  

3. Pick a Box Template Die to create a favor: This isn't necessary, but the Box Template dies make for great party favors. See them all here.

Now let's take a look at this adorable circus-themed bridal shower. The party planners illustrate here how just a few essential dies to help them create a few, simple decorations for the event. 

The Garland: The party planners used the Nesting Doily Circles die, Nesting Circles die, and Blue Sky Alphabet die to create this garland. I love the way the oversized ribbons add a finishing touch.

Pinwheel & Rosette Decor Pieces: The Rosette die and Pinwheel die make for darling accent pieces that can tie together your color scheme.  You could also use these pieces as a cake/food topper. 

Cake Topper: The Celebrate Alphabet die is so fun. I love the way they made it into a cake topper by connecting the letters with brads and attaching it all with two striped straws.  A perfect cake topper! 

Favors: Tying perfectly into their circus theme, they gave popcorn boxes as the favor.  To add a tag, they put the Nesting Doily Circles die and Nesting Circles die to good use again.  Handwritten on each tag was the phrase "ready to pop!"  A fun little something for the guests to snack on throughout the shower or to take home later. 

Using a few basic dies can really make a huge difference! The best part? You can re-use them for your next shower.  Just choose a different color scheme, paper, ect. and you'll have a completely original shower all over again.

Photos via Lindsay

Are you looking for something to make to enter the I Made This Challenge?  Consider making something for a baby shower you have coming up.  Whether it's for the decor or gift, there are so many fun things you can make using Lifestyle Crafts dies or letterpress. 

1. Make a Garland: Using the Nesting, Alphabets, and Flower ides, you could make a garland to hang in no time!

2. Decorate the Food. My favorite dies to use when planning food for a baby shower are Cupcake Liners (for wraps and picks) and 12 inch Border dies (to wrap around soda or water bottles).

3. Birth Announcement.  For your friend having a baby, offer to help her with birth announcements! This announcement by Carissa Wiley is elegant and easy to make with the help of the L Letterpress! She used the Petite printing plate for this particular announcement.

Once you've made something fun, be sure to upload your project to the Community Gallery to be entered to win!