RE: shower crafts
Maybe you can make scrapbook pages? I shop at a scrapbook store that is always having shower parties. I'm not saying you should have the party at a store but it's one idea.
Another idea would be to have the guest use fabric paints to decorate squares of cotton fabric with fabric paint and then have it made into a quilt for the baby.
Ok, one more idea that I can think of on the book idea would be to make either an alphabet, number, color or combination of the three book. When DD gets a bit older I'm going to take pictures of her with things, such as a bunch of apples for A, and then make an alphabet book for her. I'm just going to laminate the sheets and put them on a ring. Having the guests in the pictures would be really cool too.
Good luck, and let us know what you come up with. I'm sure it will be great fun.
Veronica
Miss Ellie 11/03
Baby Audrey 4/08