Exciting Diapers?
This is the "Diaper Cake" I made for our School Carnival Basket Auction. I enjoy making these for Baby Shower Gifts, New Mom Gifts, Shower Center Pieces, etc. Why, then, oh why did I make a Diaper Cake for the School Auction? The answer makes me laugh.... See below the photos for the saga....

I took these photos before I added the Gift Cards and then wrapped it in Cellophane. The other Baskets in the Auction are so large, this looks like a little drop on the table. I am thinking I will find a large pastel Teddy Bear for the Diaper Cake to sit on it's lap. Next photos will come directly from the auction. I used about 75 size 1 Diapers (Walmart Brand...Parents Choice) for the entire project. Each Diaper is rolled up and held secure by one of those small clear elastic bands used for hair. Each layer is then held together with a larger rubber band and the ribbon covers all the rubber band lines. I use a Wilton Cake Cutout Cardboard for the base.This is how I got to the Diaper Cake Project...

• I am the Chairperson for The Carnival Basket Auction Committee (sounds simple enough)
• I have an outstanding Committee (awesome women!)
• Months ago, my Committee and I spent hours developing themes for each Basket, suggesting Items to fill the baskets, and then typing all the information up for each Room Mom.
• We distributed packets to each Room Mom with their Theme, Suggested Items, Cost Guidelines, Sample letters for parents, etc. We did some serious homework before turning the Room Moms loose with this project.
• As we were developing Themes, we chose more themes than we actually needed.
• As we worked, we labelled a few themes as the ultimate "DUD" themes and were certain that no Class would choose them. We expected 2-3 Themes to be un-claimed. The whole DUD Themes became our little "inside" joke as a committee.
• Guess which theme MY teachers signed up for? They were first in line and LOVED the #1 DUD Theme...."Baby Your Baby". The JOKE was on me!!! Even better, my teachers insisted that the Basket be practical...not lots of toys. In their words, "just lots of diapers and wipes." It was not that simple, but I did not go in to specifics with them. I just went to work.
• I know you are saying... That is not a DUD Theme. Well...try to make diapers and wipes exciting next to a Nintendo Wii, A Wii Fit, a Digital Camera, 3 different ipods, a Limousine Service, Free Hotel Rooms, Vacations, Sporting Event Tickets, Restaurant Gift Cards, i.e. $100 at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, a Karaoke ipod, Univeral Studios Unlimited Passes, High School Musical Merchandise, Camp Rock Merchandise, Webkinz, Massages, Pedicures, Manicures, Haircuts, Golf Passes, etc..... Just try to make the Baby items hold their own next to the other Baskets.. (If you live in my area...you should be planning to attend the Carnival just to participate in this amazing auction)
• With a little creativity, the Diapers and Wipes look exciting with Gift Cards for Gymboree, Baby Gap, Target, Walmart, Massage Envy, and Dance Conservatory Mom and Me Classes. Somehow I pulled it off.
• I just laugh and laugh at the many conversations I had with my committee when we were certain NO ONE would choose to make a "Baby Your Baby" Basket.

While I am on the subject of Basket Auctions, I really must admit...I don't like assembling those monstrous "on-steroids" sized Baskets. Trying to get everything "just right" intimidates and frustrates me. In spite of my frustrations, somehow, I end up assembling a basket of some sort every year, regardless of the school we are at or the Volunteer position I am in (Yes, I know... I can say NO...I have to learn to say NO, instead of no). This Diaper Cake was the easiest, and perhaps the most attractive school fundraiser "Basket" I have ever assembled. Someone will be delighted to receive is as a shower/ New Mom Gift!