Laura's Boy

My dear friend Laura, is expecting a Boy in May.  Natalie and I recently hosted a baby shower for her at Natalie's gorgeous circa 1920's home.

We were a small party, but a special one.  Laura's Mom (wearing green) flew in from Illinois, and joined all of us Sewing Circle Ladies.  It was so nice to see her again.

Laura's Mother-in-law (wearing pink) was there too.  I've only met her a couple of times, but every time I do, it's delightful. 

Natalie brought out some of her gorgeous tea ware, and set an elegant table. 

Her tea and coffee were the finest.

I made a couple of mossy, nest inspired centerpieces.

I also made this Hummingbird Cake.  It's a very rustic cake, so I brightened it up a bit with some early spring flowers I found in Natalie's yard.

We enjoyed an assortment of good eats.  Natalie made mini, savory, tomato quiches, and colorful, glazed petit fours.  Another friend, Caroline, brought delicious olive-nut tea sandwiches...I'm kicking myself for not asking her for the recipe.

Oh...and then there was cheese.  Laura and I both have a HUGE love (call it an obsession) for assorted cheeses.  More often then not, when we get together for lunch, we can be found munching on cheese and crackers, possibly with a side of fruit or olives.  This time, for the special occasion, I "dressed up" the cheese, putting little numbered flags on them that corresponded to each of the white cards you see above.  Written on the cards was the name of each type of cheese.  I did this more for my sanity than anything...there was no way I was going to remember what each one was.  I guess I was in a very indecisive mood that day, because I ended up selecting seven different types; a couple of different types of goat cheese, a Swiss, an Irish, aged Cheddar, a smoked Gouda, Parmesan, and a delectable leek and morel jack cheese.  Mmmmmm....my mouth is watering just talking about it.  Did I mention I love cheese?

We only played a couple of traditional baby shower games.  One of them was a memory game.  I filled a basket with baby related items.  Laura passed the basket around the room, and guests were given only five seconds to look over the basket.  The basket was taken away, and then the guests were asked to list what they could remember.  The winner of the game was the one who remembered the most.

I made two terrarium inspired prizes to give to the winners of the games.

I wanted them to be live terrariums, because Laura is a lover of nature, but finding the live miniature plants and mosses needed for this kind of thing was nearly impossible around here in late February when I made them.  I think the 'fake' terrariums didn't turn out too badly though.

No...this picture isn't meant for a separate post.  Besides being a nature lover, Laura is also a fan of literature, specifically fairy tales, folk tales and mythology.  I know that she's planning on decorating Boy's room with both nature and folk tale type objects.  I wanted to make something special for Laura and Boy.  So, I found this adorable little felted gnome on Pinterest, and decided to try to emulate it.

One night, while watching an "I Love Lucy" episode, I began making the little old guy.  It only took about two hours from start to finish.  I doubt I'm making it like a 'real' felted creature would be...but I don't care.  I started with a basic gnome body shape, made out of strips of terri cloth, and then pieced together the face, hands, trousers, boots, hat and coat (in that order) out of felt. 

In the end, I used a needle to loosen up the felt, giving it a slightly more fuzzy texture, and glued on the beard and eye brows.  I know that Boy won't be able to play with this little gnome for quite a while, but some day, with a little bit of persuasion from Laura, I'm sure he will learn to appreciate it 

Laura and I have been friends for about 13 years now...has it really been that long?    I wish her all the best in this next chapter of her life story.  I can't wait to see what lies ahead for her and her husband Jon...and for their little Boy.