Hippie Staff
01-14-2009, 11:01 AM
This is actually a bday gift for my mother-in-law, but I thought it would be cool for Valentine's Day as well.
I always struggle w/ gift ideas, and I hate buying something random and lame. Handmade/or recycled/retooled is the preferred route here.
After searching online, I knew I wanted to do something w/ my daughter's handprint. (She's now 6). As everytime Grandma sees her, she always comments on how fast she is growing - which is true!
So, I traced her handprint w/ pencil on some left over brown fabric I had (any fabric would do though, as long as it's a solid color), and then I embroidered her print, and put some little embellishments around it. I am a total novice embroiderer, and really anyone can do this, as it's super easy.
After that. I wasn't sure if I was going to make a little pillow, or frame it. HOwever, I found the coolest poem online - so that sealed the deal on framing it. I found an old frame that was kind of busted in the back (no hook), and put the fabric in under the glass. The frame is about 11 x 13 - I recommend a min. of this size, or larger for a tray)
I then printed out the poem and put it on thin cardboard (just random left over from packaging), and used black electrical tape to attach it to the back. I guess I could of used staples or glue, but I don't have any on hand. I also had some old retro stickers. I'll have my daughter sign it later today on the back as well, and write her age.
Finally - we were given some cool recycled handles from a friend that does construction. Any handles would do really - the ones we have are SUPER LONG. I had Brian drill some holes in the wood frame, and now my large and busted picture frame is now a cool 'serving tray'.
Grandma can serve drinks/snacks on it to her friends when they come over.
This cost me $0 to do, as these are all things I had stuffed in closets at home.
Here is a copy of the poem too, if you can't read it on my picture. :)
I'm growing up so fast
See how big I've gotten
since you saw me last
As I grow, I'll change a lot,
The years will fly right by.
You'll wonder how I grew so quick.
When and where and why?
So look upon this handprint
That's hanging on your wall.
And memories will come back of me,
When I was very small.
I love you Grandma!
I always struggle w/ gift ideas, and I hate buying something random and lame. Handmade/or recycled/retooled is the preferred route here.
After searching online, I knew I wanted to do something w/ my daughter's handprint. (She's now 6). As everytime Grandma sees her, she always comments on how fast she is growing - which is true!
So, I traced her handprint w/ pencil on some left over brown fabric I had (any fabric would do though, as long as it's a solid color), and then I embroidered her print, and put some little embellishments around it. I am a total novice embroiderer, and really anyone can do this, as it's super easy.
After that. I wasn't sure if I was going to make a little pillow, or frame it. HOwever, I found the coolest poem online - so that sealed the deal on framing it. I found an old frame that was kind of busted in the back (no hook), and put the fabric in under the glass. The frame is about 11 x 13 - I recommend a min. of this size, or larger for a tray)
I then printed out the poem and put it on thin cardboard (just random left over from packaging), and used black electrical tape to attach it to the back. I guess I could of used staples or glue, but I don't have any on hand. I also had some old retro stickers. I'll have my daughter sign it later today on the back as well, and write her age.
Finally - we were given some cool recycled handles from a friend that does construction. Any handles would do really - the ones we have are SUPER LONG. I had Brian drill some holes in the wood frame, and now my large and busted picture frame is now a cool 'serving tray'.
Grandma can serve drinks/snacks on it to her friends when they come over.
This cost me $0 to do, as these are all things I had stuffed in closets at home.
Here is a copy of the poem too, if you can't read it on my picture. :)
I'm growing up so fast
See how big I've gotten
since you saw me last
As I grow, I'll change a lot,
The years will fly right by.
You'll wonder how I grew so quick.
When and where and why?
So look upon this handprint
That's hanging on your wall.
And memories will come back of me,
When I was very small.
I love you Grandma!