How to Create a Sonogram Keepsake

Many people give photo albums, handprint craft kits, monogrammed blankets and personalized picture frames as baby shower keepsake presents. While the new mom always appreciates these, why not give her something that offers advice and encouragement and memorializes her sonogram? A personalized, framed sonogram is a baby shower gift that new moms adore. A sonogram keepsake gift is simple to make, and it's a present the new mom can share with her baby when she gets older.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sonogram picture
• Frame
• Photo mat
• Poster board
• Baby scrapbook decorations
• Tape or glue
• Marker

Shop for a Sonogram Keepsake

1. Get a sonogram picture from the mommy-to-be. If you want this keepsake present to be a surprise, just tell her you need it for the baby shower. If you want her to know what you’re doing, then she can choose her favorite picture, if she has more than one.

2. Pick out a frame and a photo mat. The frame size you’ll need depends on the number of people at the shower. Each person will write a note on the keepsake, so the more guests, the more space you need around the sonogram picture. Find out what color the nursery is so you can choose a frame and photo mat that meshes with the nursery décor.

3. Find a sheet of poster board in a complementary color to the frame and photo mat. The basic pastel pink or blue is good if the mom knows the gender. A neutral beige or pastel green is good if the gender is unknown.

4. Buy a wide selection of baby scrapbooking items to glue around the poster board. Stores usually sell these in variety packages that include baby bottles, pacifiers, dresses, bibs, stars, hearts and other baby items. Look for flat patches, stickers, miniature items and plastic decorations that will easily glue around the poster board.

Assemble a Sonogram Keepsake

5. Mat the sonogram picture by sizing the picture to the opening in the photo mat. Make sure the new mom is okay with you trimming the edges of the photo, if necessary. If she's not, you can fold the edges down slightly and secure them with tape. Once you size the picture, attach it to the photo mat with tape. This secures the picture, but still makes it safely removable, should she want to take it out at a later date.

6. Size the poster board to the shape of the picture frame. Lay the poster board on top of the frame glass and use that to cut the perimeter of the poster board so it fits snugly inside the frame. Attach the matted sonogram picture to the middle of the poster board, using double-sided tape.

7. Decorate the poster board with the baby items. You can spell the name out with sticker letters or just place the items in a pleasing design. If the items don’t have sticky backs, use clear glue or double-sided tape for adhesion. Remember to leave plenty of space for people to sign.

8. Check that the keepsake fits snugly in the frame and closes securely.

9. Bring the sonogram keepsake to the baby shower early and have a marker or pen available for people to sign. Encourage people to write well wishes, advice or just their names. Assemble the gift before present time and give it to the new mom as a gift and a memento of her pregnancy.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can’t find a frame that complements the nursery décor, pick a flat, plastic frame and paint it the color you need. While this isn’t as fancy as you might like, it’s better than picking a frame that clashes with the décor and the decorative pieces of the keepsake.