diff --git a/incorporealcms/__init__.py b/incorporealcms/__init__.py
index 762cf08..0292421 100644
--- a/incorporealcms/__init__.py
+++ b/incorporealcms/__init__.py
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@ __version__ = get_versions()['version']
 del get_versions
 
 
-def create_app(test_config=None):
-    app = Flask(__name__, instance_relative_config=True)
+def create_app(instance_path=None, test_config=None):
+    app = Flask(__name__, instance_relative_config=True, instance_path=instance_path)
 
     # if it doesn't already exist, create the instance folder
     os.makedirs(app.instance_path, exist_ok=True)
@@ -29,6 +29,8 @@ def create_app(test_config=None):
 
     logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
+    logger.debug("instance path: %s", app.instance_path)
+
     @app.before_request
     def log_request():
         logger.info("REQUEST: [ %s ]", request.path)