April often brings showers — literally. While Los Angeles sees occasional rain, move up the coast and rain is practically a given. That made a Seattle-inspired baby shower the perfect theme for a Seattle native now living across the country. This wasn’t just another party: the hosts are friends, and I even contributed some handmade touches from afar. Janice of Bellwether Events and Sara of Bella Notte chose a cheerful blue-and-yellow palette and leaned into the “shower” concept with umbrellas, clouds, raindrops, rubber ducks and more. Many elements were DIY or handmade, which gave the event a warm, personal feel.
The hosts asked me to create Seattle-themed “ABC” cards featuring local landmarks and icons. I designed silhouettes for each icon — some newly drawn and some adapted from The Noun Project — and printed them on 5×7 cardstock to use as decor during the shower. Later these cards can be laminated for playtime or teething-safe keepsakes for baby.
I also designed a playful sign for the dessert area. The dessert table featured an array of themed treats, expertly arranged and topped with handmade accents. Mini donut and hamburger signs added a whimsical touch to the display, while cupcakes and pies complemented the spread.
Small details made a big impact. The paper-punched rubber ducks on striped straws were an adorable, inexpensive touch that tied the theme together. Felt clouds handmade by Janice became part of the décor, and several Etsy vendors provided delicate cupcake toppers and other specialty accents.
The cake, a tribute to Seattle, was handled by Kendall’s Cakes and captured the skyline-inspired details perfectly. Cupcakes from local favorites were featured on the dessert bar, while another bakery’s cupcakes were packaged as favors — a fun way to celebrate two beloved bakeries without choosing sides.
All photos in this feature were shot by Deb Lindsey Photography and capture the handmade details and cheerful atmosphere of the shower.
Participating Vendors
Planners & Hosts: Bella Notte and Bellwether Events
Cake and pies: Kendall’s Cakes
Cupcakes: Georgetown Cupcake and Baked & Wired
Seattle ABC cards: Studio DIY
Personal Chef: Leslie Raybuck
Seattle Sign: Lisa Barbero
Stamps: Verde Studio
Straws: Shop Sweet Lulu
Cupcake Toppers: Below Blink, Creative Party Banners and Payton’s Place
Raindrop Garland: Kate Greiner
Favor Tags: Cardtopia Designs
Planning your own shower? Consider a craft supply guide for project materials or a handmade vendor guide if you prefer to source ready-made accents.