Few things are more special or rewarding than creating a personal gift for a newborn just entering the world. And fortunately, making gifts and creative handmade keepsakes doesn't always have to be difficult or time-consuming.

This book will give you the techniques to expand your horizons and enrich your own life. Using these designs for inspiration, and being patient with yourself you'll be surprised by what you can accomplish. With practice and a willingness to try something new, youre on your way to creating one-of-a-kind treasures youll enjoy giving as much as making.

Introduction

Getting Started
Tools
Materials
Crafting with Computers
Choosing a Color Palette
Tips and Techniques
Techniques in Action

A Is for Announcements
Diaper Card
Matchbox Announcements
Photo Announcement
Footprint Announcement
Onesie Announcement
Vellum & Rickrack Card

B Is for Baby Book

C Is for Customized Disc

D Is for Decoupage
Personalized Step Stool
Bath Bucket

E Is for Embellished Clothing
Appliqud Onesies
Embellished Tees

F Is for First Shoes
Ribbon-Trimmed Shoes
Classic Mary Janes
Boy Booties

G Is for Growth Chart

H Is for Hangers
Monogrammed Hangers
Rubber-Stamped Hangers
Papered Hangers

I Is for Iron-on Transfer Pillow

J Is for Journal
Paper-Covered Journal
Fabric-Covered Journal

K Is for Keepsake Box
Fabric-Covered Wooden Box
Papier-Mch Memory Box

L Is for Lampshades
Dressing Up Panels
Reinterpreting a Classic
Common Lamps Turned Chic

M Is for Mobile

N Is for Night Light
Fabric-Covered Shade
Paper-Covered Shade
Ribbon-Wrapped Frame

O Is for Organizer

P Is for Personal Stationary
Note Cards and Envelopes
Custom Bookplates

Q Is for Quilted Blanket

R Is for Reversible Bib
No-Sew Rickrack Bib
No-Sew Bib with Pocket

S Is for Storybook Pages

T Is for Tag Collage

U Is for Ultrasound

V Is for Vintage-Style Frames
Fabric-Covered Frame
"Vintage" Paper Frame
Patchwork-Paper Frame

W Is for Wall Frieze

X Is for Xtra Storage

Y Is for Your Name
Padded Papier-Mch Letters
Hanging Name

Z Is for Zoo Animals

I meet people all the time who express the desire to make something by hand. Just as quickly as that desire is uttered, the words, "but I'm not very crafty," inevitably follow. The good news is that you don't have to be gifted to create a handmade gift or keepsake. By learning a few basics techniques, using the designs in this book for inspiration, and being patient with yourself you'll be surprised by what you can accomplish. Successful crafting is less about talent and more about practice and a willingness to try something new.

Even though I make my living as a craft designer and stylist, I still crave the gratifying experience of making a gift by hand. It satisfies something very basic -- the need to connect with the recipient by carefully creating something meant only for him or her. I'm hardly in the minority, as women (and men) have practiced such hands-on creativity, alone and in groups, over hundreds of years, lovingly crafting special items that are both useful and beautiful gifts.

B Is for Baby came about because of a baby boom in my circle of friends and family. For a long while it was just a list-a list of all the gifts I wished I'd made instead of sending the gift I had purchased. "Wouldn't that be cute," I'd muse, conjuring up a mental image in my head that conflicted with the wrapped gift I was sending. I'd jot it down and think, "next time." Eventually, that list grew very long; and over a serendipitous lunch during a cold winter, the seeds were planted for this book.

Making gifts and creative handmade keepsakes doesn't always have to be difficult or time-consuming. The simplest techniques can yield beautiful and useful items that can't be found in any store. It's my hope that you'll use this book over and over, for all the little ones who come into your life. But I also hope that you'll use the techniques you learn to expand your horizons and enrich your own life. Many of these projects can easily be adapted for personal use, not just for a baby.

Above all, have fun! Gather a couple of friends together, put on a pot of coffee and some music that makes you feel happy, and enjoy being creative. Don't pressure yourself to be perfect. As you become more and more familiar with your tools and materials you'll be delighted with the way your imagination takes flight and the lovely things that will come from your own two hands.