Monday, April 26, 2010

Great Mother's Day Gift to Make

As you can tell by the date, Grandson and I made this little lovely several years ago. We made the original one for Oldest Daughter for Mother's Day that year. It didn't take me long into the process to know that I wanted one, too! Even though I've had this for quite a while, I thought that it's still a delightful gift that is sure to please! Be sure to make one for yourself as well... It would be tough to part with this little jewel!
Here's the step-by-step...
One 4x6 black and white photo with rub-on letters or a phrase along the top edge. Cut three 4x6 rectangles from white or cream cardstock.
I used letter rubber stamps to hand stamp my "definition" onto white cardstock. You could also print this from your computer.
Trace that precious little hand with a crayon onto white cardstock.
I used a different definition for each of us. I have a cheap paperback dictionary that I use to cut from for different projects. Allow a large border around the edges when you cut it out. Lay the cut paper on top of the hand print and pencil sketch a rectangle that is the size of the definition. Make a slit in the center and tear along your pencil line. Lightly ink the torn edges with an ink pad or marker. With adhesive, attach the definition to the back of the hand print with the definition showing through the opening. I used letter eyelet charms to spell out "age". You could also add a bit of white or cream acrylic paint to the letters and wipe away the excess if you'd rather the letters be lighter in color. I think Michael's still carries these letters by Making Memories. You could also print something similar from the computer or a small label sticker or rub-on. Add a sticker or rub-on number for the actual age. Later you will trim this to fit into the frame.
I had him draw a heart with a crayon. Notice from the lines that he first draws an open "m" for the top and then a "v" to make the bottom. Even to this day, he still draws a heart this way. So charming I think. I then told him to write his name inside. He said, "Gwanmama, can I write the "O" furss (first)?" "Honey, you surely can." answered his adoring grandmother. When Grandaddy walked in for lunch, he excitedly shouted, "Look Gwandaddy! We're making sump'in." umm.umm.umm. Don't date it yet.                     
Cut a piece of black cardstock to fit inside your frame. Mine is an 8x10. If your handprint is large, you'll of course need a bigger frame and maybe even a larger black grid in the center and a bit around the edges. I kept trimming my four 4x6 pieces until they fit into the frame. Ink all of the edges. Place the black cardstock inside your frame withOUT the glass. Trim the pieces to fit inside the frame. Make the top two the same size and the bottom two also equal to each other.  I used scrapbooking adhesive to attach the photo and cardstock pieces to the black cardstock, leaving a black grid in the center. Date the bottom right corner. Now you're all done! Frame and collect the compliments.

Thanks for visiting! I'm linking to these parties ..

Monday
Metamorphasis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
I Made the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter
Made It on Monday @ The Persimmon Perch
Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Craftastic Monday @ Sew Can Do
Mosaic Monday @ The Little Red House
Made By You Monday @ Skip to My Lou
Mad Monday Skills @ Super Stinky Boys
Tuesday
Do It Yourself Day @ A Soft Place to Land
Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Anything Related @ All Thingz Related
Talented Tuesday @ My Frugal Family
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Tutorial Tuesday @ Hope Studios
Wednesday
White Wednesday @ Faded Charm
Spotlight Yourself @ It's So Very Cheri
Whatever Goes @ Someday Crafts
Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Wednesday Boardwalk Bragfest @ Bobbypins Boardwalk
We Did It @ Sew Much Ado
Idea Sharin Wednesday @ Women Who Do It All
Sunday
The Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming
and
Mother's Day Ideas @ Somewhat Simple

57 comments:

Tracy said...

Hi I love that idea. I will have to wait for grandchildren what a shame . I might just make one for something not sure whose handprints to use tho.
Really enjoy following you

Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} said...

Such a cute idea! I could see me making one for my mom of my son.

raggygirlvintage said...

Fab idea and a forever keepsake!
Tracey

Christy said...

Oh my gosh! That is precious! I'm so glad you shared. I don't have any kiddos, but I have lots of friends with kids I can help with a sweet project like this!

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

That is soooo precious!

Cindy said...

So precious! That is the perfect, keep-it-forever, gift!

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

This is a great idea for a Mother's Day gift! Love the tutorial. Also would be a great scrapbook page.

The Charm of Home said...

What a nice keepsake. I did something similar with my boys.

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Homemade gifts always seem to be cherished above the store bought ones - this is a great projects - thanks!

Amanda

Bobbi Ann said...

Wonderful idea, very special keepsake! I hope that you have a lovely day!
hugs...
Bobbi

Needles Everywhere said...

That is the most precious and clever idea. I have my first granddaughter and I can't wait to do this with her. (She's only 1 year old)

The Shiny Pebble said...

cute blog, mary beth. i'm followin you...

Unknown said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and following, I'm now a follower of your blog.

Melissa

Donna @ The House on the Corner said...

Sooooooo precious - I'm filing this away for when I have grandbabies!! Thanks for stopping by my blog - I'm looking forward to your future posts!!

A 2 Z said...

No grandbabies yet but I love the idea. Its so personal and it would become such an important keepsake. Thanks for visiting! Your blog is beautiful!

Sue said...

Oh how cute! What a wonderful gift. Thanks for your visit today and for following...I'm returning the favor and look forward to reading more on your blog!

Sue

Pondside said...

That's a wonderful idea - thanks for sharing! It's a keeper.

Sew Can Do said...

What a great & unique keepsake idea. Thanks for linking up to Craftastic Monday!

Breathing In Grace said...

Our daughter has 2 little boys...this would be great to make for them to give her for Mother's Day. Thanks for the idea...and for becoming a follower of my blog...I'm following yours, too!!!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

So nice to meet you! Love your blog, the name, ETC!

This is absolutely adorable! I have a little 3-yr-old grandson, Caden, and I would love to make one of these with him!

Katherine

I'm "Following!"

Together We Save said...

Wow - that is a wonderful idea!!

Catherine said...

its so wonderful! thats exactly what i would want for mothers day!

Catherine said...

its so wonderful! thats exactly what i would want for mothers day!

Lori said...

Very cute idea Mary Beth! Was wondering if your package arrived safely? Lori

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hi Mary Beth, What a cute idea for Mother's Day. My granddaughters and I love to craft and bake together. They are both very creative (I hope they got that from me). Thank you so much for your tutorial. And a special thank you for visiting my blog and signing up to follow me on my journey. I hope you have a wonderful week!
Hugz,
Kim

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

~what a nice gift for mom~

Natasha in Oz said...

This is such a great idea and thank you for posting it just in time for mother's day! I love it!

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

This is adorable! The handprint is precious! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing at the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it! Hope you have a great week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Ginger said...

This is absolutely charming!! Now I know what I'm making for my mother for Mothers Day! Might be good for Fathers day as well! Thanks for the inspiration and for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!

Ginger
SSB

Donene said...

What a cute idea! It would be a great gift for Mom's or Grandma's!

Heidi said...

I think I know what I'm doing for my mom's mother's day gift from my 2 year old now! (boy that was a mouth full!) Thanks for stopping by & for your sweet words about my colorful frames! I'm your newest follower!

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Aww... that is wonderful! Love it!
~Jennifer
www.studiojru.com

Liz @ LivingMySweetLife said...

thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such a lovely comment!

i LOVE this. This is the most beautiful mother's day gift a mom could receive. I think I will try to make something very similar to this for my mom from my 2 sons.

I became a follower, love your blog and all your projects!

Sandra said...

Oh how precious! I love it! I have one grandson and feel so blessed.:) Thank you for sharing with us.
Blessings,
Sandra

Jamee said...

great idea - precious keepsake! following you back jameehomemaker.blogspot.com

Jamee said...

great idea - precious keepsake! following you back jameehomemaker.blogspot.com

A GAL NEEDS... said...

I second everything that has been said here. I will specifically bookmark this page, so I can refer back to it! Thank you! I'm following!

Miss Marple said...

Hi Mary beth, thank you sooo much for leaving a comment. I like your blog, it is very cosy! I will certainly stop by again!
Irma

iheartsunnydays said...

What a wonderful project and an awesome gift in time for Mothers Day!

Candi said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I see your in Georgia too! We're near Atlanta but my husband is from a little town in middle GA called Eastman. I love love love your site and look forward to reading more of your posts and seeing more of your beautiful creations! :)

Kate said...

Thanks for visiting my lil ol blog yesterday. Thanks for following, I returned the favor. :)

Love this mother's day idea, going to have my boys make one for me.;)

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

What an awesome keepsake! Thanks for coming to my NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAYS PARTY...hope you had a great time:)

Blessings,
Linda

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Well Hello Mary Beth! Thanks so much for your sweet blog comments. I will be happily following you...;-) Have a wonderful week.
your friend,
Janet

Red Door Home said...

What a wonderful gift idea. It is made with love - the best kind!

AmyLynn said...

What a great idea this is. I love it. I am following you now and I am so happy that I have found your blog!
~AmyLynn

Unknown said...

How SWEET! Thanks for joining us for Anything Related!
~Bridgette

Victoria said...

What a beautifully charming post..gorgeous treasures you have created! Thanks for your nice comments! Lovely to meet you!
Kiki~

Jennifer Juniper said...

I have a soft spot for boys (I had three!) and I love this card! So sentimental and sweet :)

Kendra Goodrich said...

Great idea, any mom would love to get this!

Sabrina said...

Adorable!

Miss Gracie's House said...

priceless!
Rene

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love that! Thank you for sharing it on the boardwalk Bragfest!

Vintage Market Place said...

I just love the hand print, I think I will make one with Brooklyns hand today!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Amy

Tanya said...

LOVE this! What a special piece! Tanya

extreme personal measures said...

Stopping by from The Girl Creative’s New Friend Friday. I am your newest follower. I love this!

Jenn @ Delicious Ambiguity said...

Hi! Love your site! Just wanted to let you know that I featured you on my DIY Mother’s Day gift post.

I host a MckLinky party called Tot Tuesdays every week where people come link up their recipes, crafts and activities for their toddlers. I am also hosting Yummy Mummy Week which starts this Sunday. I hope you will join me for 8 days of featured mom bloggers sharing inspiration and tips on motherhood as well as 8 giveaways which are perfect gifts for mom. There will also be a Blog Hop where moms can share their stories, photos and “mommyfessions” about motherhood and how their bodies have changed. I’d love it if you would come stop by!

Cheers,
Jenn
www.mydeliciousambiguity.com/

marie said...

Great idea ~ I'll have to try this with my grandbabies.
I love the fabric flower necklace you made!

Thanks for visiting my blog and becoming a follower.