The Evening Siren

Monday night, 11:53 p.m.

I've heard from many parents that their children get fussy in the evening. My now 14-month old son is no exception. Luna and I call this the "Siren"; that loud, impossible wailing coming from your little angel, who, for those evening hours, makes you want to pull all your hair out.

So, needless to say it's been tough to get anything done around here. It's difficult to be productive when you are working with fussy AND toddler. You know what I mean. Despite only having a tiny bit of time to do anything at all, I had a semi-productive weekend.

One of my co-workers is having a baby soon! Another co-worker, ("Marie") and I were put in charge of the baby shower favors. Our expectant Dad and his wife are the sophisticated type...no baby blue cutesy here! Marie had a great idea: instead of doing the same, tired shower favors, why not incorporate style and function? We wrapped a washcloth (yes, a washcloth!) in paper strips and ribbon, and finished it with a monogram stamp. Skeptical? Here is what the finished product turned out to look like:


It turned out to be a hit! The favor was easy to make, useful, economical, and most of all, very pretty.

Here is an tutorial on these favors (along with a list of where we purchased the supplies):

1- Purchased a set of 15 washcloths from Costco. Set comes with 5 brown, 5 tan, and 5 white washcloths.
2- Cut cardstock and layer white cardstock (1" W x 8" L)* over tan cardstock (2 1/2" W x 8" L)*. *Measurements we used
3- Roll up washcloth and secure layered tan/white cardstock onto cloth.
4- Stamp desired initial onto Avery 1- 1/4" diameter metal rim tags (purchased at Wal-Mart--it comes in a pack of 50, but keep these handy as they are great to decorate practically anything....cards, gifts, etc!). Remove the attached string.
5- Tie the tag onto the washcloth with ribbon (Offray Dippy Dots in Turquoise/Aqua dots 3/8" wide grosgrain ribbon).
6- VOILA! Your beautiful favors are done! Thanks to Marie for such a wonderful idea!

I didn't have a chance to browse Etsy for my picks for baby shower gifts for my co-worker-- I will do so in a future post.

Since it's now very, very late, I'll be signing off. Good night!