I have a friend who is very supportive of my cake hobby. She raves about my cakes and by her recommendations; I have gotten several orders from it. I do cakes for hobby, and do have a full-time job that pays way better than my cake hobby right now.

With that said, she is attending a baby shower where I am doing a cake for a friend of hers. She wants to "Show my Work". I think it is tacky and do not think it is appropriate to put out a portfolio of my work. (After all it is not a Wedding Expo). She has several of the cake pictures because I have done a lot of cakes for her in the past 6 months.

My theory is, if they are interested they can pick up a card and call. She thinks they need to see the possibilities of cakes (More than a verbal description).

Is it inappropriate to have a cake portfolio at a casual baby shower? Or am I being too PC?

I have a Treo smartphone and keep it updated with cake pictures. That way, I can show my cakes if I need to.

When you get asked about your cakes, I think it is just alright to show them your portfolio.

I also feel weird showing photos or even giving cards out at private affairs. If someone wants you...they will find you (JMO) I only do work through referrals, anyway. (at this point of my career)

You could have some photos of your work in your bag and then if anyone asks you could 'happen' to have some on you, maybe you're taking them to a friend's or something. I usually kick myself when I don't bring photos.

WOW! adven68 your cakes are more than beautiful.

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'm making too much of it. I just figured people would think it a little conceded if my cake portfolio was left at a party I am not attending.

I have 4 pictures of my cards printed on my namecards. If a customer picks up the cake or cookies, I always give them a couple to pass out, if they wish to do so. My website is on it so people who want to see more can go on there to check them out. Everytime I get new ones printed, I use different pics, so I always have some pics handy

I would not be comfortable with that. Rather like a realtor bringing flyers of houses for sale. If asked I think it is alright to show a few photos, or give the person asking a business card or link to your photos.

I think showing pics of your cakes are fine...right before I started doing cakes, I was shopping at Michael's craft store and spotted this photo album that fits in my purse (it holds pictures that are a bit smaller that wallet sized photos)...I carry it around everywhere I go. When someone asks (it doesn't matter where I'm at) I can just pull it out and show them. Also, if I just happen to be carrying a smaller handbag, I always have my cell phone with me and it is filled with my latest and greatest pics.

It's not tacky, but wise to use every opportunity as a chance to promote yourself and congradulations for having a friend who wants to help promote you.

Since you are not going to be at the party, I do not think it would be appropriate to have a photo album of your work there. The focus should really be on the mother-to-be.

I think it is a great idea to carry a small album in your purse or bag to show if asked.