Baby Custom Boutique

I want to start making custom wedding and birth announcements... what computer program?

Hi all!
I'm pretty creative, and I have found that I can make some pretty cute (yet simple) custom birth, wedding, bridal/baby shower announcements with Excel...
I want to step it up a bit. I want to be able to make something that looks like it was bought at a high end stationary boutique...
What computer program would I buy to do this?

While you can use word processor software or even a spreadsheet program, I believe you really are looking for something in the line of a Desktop Publishing program.

At the high end of the scale Adobe, Quark, and Corel are considered professional quality programs with rather large price tags. These are very powerful programs with a rather steep learning curve which may require a Graphic Artist coarse to get the full benefit from the software.

At a more reasonable price the SOHO (small office/home office) programs you might check out are Serif PagePlus or MS Publisher or GreenStreet Publisher. The newer versions even permit you the option of using a professional print shop and not just a desk ink jet to get your design on paper.

I have found my old Serif software to have clearer help files and better tutorials built in to get you up speed quickly.

You should also check out http://desktoppub.about.com for more info on DTP and links where you can purchase or download software. You might also check out the articles concerning paper selection as was mentioned in an earlier post.

Boutique Teddy Bear by CafePress $18 w/logo Boutique Teddy Bear Our plush bear is a cutie in his own message-bearing t-shirt and festive red and blue ribbons. Here's a great gift for Valentine's Day, baby showers, birthdays, get well-wishes, a pair of wedding bears, or any reason you dream up. Put a smile on someone's

Boutique Jr. Spaghetti Tank by CafePress $22.5 Our spaghetti tank from American Apparel will keep you in style year round. Made of soft 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this tank provides the perfect silhouette.5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cottonSize up Boutique Jr. Spaghetti Tank Our spaghetti tank from American Apparel will keep you in style year round. Made of soft 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this tank provides the perfect silhouette.5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton. Size up

Boys and Arrows Dorothy the Doctor Bottom in Baby Blue $46.2 Beach babe. The Boys and Arrows Dorothy the Doctor Bottom in Baby Blue is ready to make waves. This little basic is anything but with its Brazilian cut. Made from the finest Italian fabric in the USA.

Boys and Arrows Blythe the Babe Top in Baby Blue $58.8 Beach babe. The Boys and Arrows Blythe the Babe Top in Baby Blue is ready to make waves. Flirty fringe steals hearts while making a statement. This suit also features ties at the neck and the back that are rounded for a more comfortable wear. Made from the finest Italian fabric in the USA.

Wildfox Cherokee Heart London Baby Doll Dress $92.4 Mad love. A sweet mini dress with long sleeves is combined with an of-the-moment graphic from the famed collection. The Wildfox Cherokee Heart London Baby Doll Dress is sweet and sassy and a certain style fave. Wear with tights, wedges, booties and even skinny denim if you’re daring.

Swag Like Us Ice Ice Baby Cloak Tee-SALE!! $42 Stop - collaborate and listen! This top has a brand new mission. With its super soft cotton combined with a loose, drapy cloak shape, this tee is made with an extra wide neck and three-quarter sleeves. The Swag Like Us Ice Ice Baby Cloak is the 90's in all their glory.

Melinda Maria Baby Mosaic White Diamond CZ Earrings $65.1 As seen on Shenae Grimes, the Melinda Maria Baby Mosaic White Diamond CZ Earrings are perfect for any occasion. These drop earrings are made of a large teardrop white diamond CZ topped with a cluster of smaller white diamond cz's in a variety of shapes. Available in white diamond with gold setting or white diamond with platinum setting.

House of Harlow 1960 Jordana Sunglasses in Baby's Breath $87.5 As seen on Nicole Richie...and Ryan Seacrest?! It's hip to be square! These vintage-inspired House of Harlow Jordana Sunglasses are an amazing throwback to old glamor and nod to designer Nicole Richie's famed boho chic style. Lenses fade from dark to light to exude a Hollywood Starlet vibe.

Boutique Baby Photography (Paperback) $39.99 Acknowledging that there is much more to building a successful photography business than taking great pictures, this manual shows how to build and run a thriving boutique baby photography studio. All aspects of the business end of a studio are explained, from designing an advertising campaign and planning a successful sales cycle to establishing effective operational and customer service processes. In addition to the back-office details, strategies for creating stunning images—including working with emotional moms-to-be, nervous first-time parents, and finicky babies—are clearly presented. The low-volume, high-dollar nature of a studio specializing in baby photography can be challenging, but this road map to success will keep photographers working with clients from the first pregnancy shot to the first day of school and beyond.

Brazen Hussy T-Shir Boutique Jr. Raglan by CafePress $28.5 You Say Brazen Hussy like it's a bad thing Boutique Jr. Raglan Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton. Size up

Boutique Baby Photography (DVD) $49.41 The innovative format of this enhanced audio book series is designed to present information in a way that maximizes the viewer`s experience and retention. Audio narration and a carefully timed progression of step-by-step photos demonstrate the principles of photography in an effective and seamless way that makes it easy for the viewer to understand and internalize the information. Designed to be a companion to the printed book or used as a stand-alone learning tool, each audio book presents highly visual information in the ideal medium.Acknowledging that there is much more to building a successful photography business than taking great pictures, this DVD shows how to build and run a thriving boutique baby photography studio. All aspects of the business end of a studio are explained, from designing an advertising campaign and planning a successful sales cycle to establishing effective operational and customer service processes. In addition to the back-office details, strategies for creating stunning images?including working with emotional moms-to-be, nervous first-time parents, and finicky babies?are clearly presented. The low-volume, high-dollar nature of a studio specializing in baby photography can be challenging, but this road map to success will keep photographers working with clients from the first pregnancy shot to the first day of school and beyond.

Boutique Baby Wipe Cases at www.tickatoo.com

Choosing a Baby Store Warehouse To Buy Your Baby Stuff From

Most new parents feel a little overwhelmed at the prospect of having their new baby. In addition to the increased demands on their time, and the increased responsibilities, there's also the whole new set of baby furniture that has to be purchased. In fact, purchasing baby furniture is one area where they typically need some help.

As anyone who has had a baby can tell you, babies can be expensive. There are so many things that you have to pay for: the doctor, the hospital stay, the many other baby bills. So when it comes to buying baby furniture, of course you'll want to get the best deal for your money. And, usually the best place to do this is in one of the many huge baby warehouse stores that you'll find in all areas of the country.

Why Do You Want to Buy Baby Furniture at a Warehouse Store?

The majority of these warehouse shops are very large which means that they buy and sell a lot of furniture and baby items, much more than a tiny boutique or specialty store would. And, because of the large amount of merchandise that they buy, manufacturers will usually discount their products a great deal. The sops will then pass on much of their saving to their customers. No matter which baby warehouse store you choose you will always be able to get better prices at a baby store warehouse than you will at a baby specialty shop and you can often find the exact same brands at the warehouse as you can in the more exclusive baby store.

More of a Selection at the Baby Warehouse Store

Because warehouse stores are so large, often the selection is also much bigger and you'll find hard to find pieces that are unavailable in other places. The prices will vary according to the brand, and the materials used in the furniture and the kind of furniture you get. But because there is such a large selection you will also often find many discounted pieces.

The warehouse will have whole sets of baby furniture which means it will include the crib, the baby dresser, and probably the changing table or they can also offer single items so that you can match different types of furniture together. Because their selection is greater, it is easier to find the furniture you like within the budget you have.

Service Issues

An additional reason why you might want to seriously consider a baby store warehouse is simply due to the expertise of the sales staff. They are usually  fully trained on the most recent baby product trends, safety issues and new parent needs. As a result they're very qualified to assist you in your needs. In addition they can help you get a baby registry and give you assistance in choosing the items you would like on it. When it comes to buying items on their website, most warehouses publish the latest news and safety issues. They usually offer online customer service and assistance and can usually answer most questions you may have. Need a particular item that your local store doesn't have? You can often order it online or have one of the other stores ship it to your home.

About the Author

Jill Viland writes articles on relationships, marriage, and baby topics. For her latest article on children's furniture warehouse please visit her web page.