I have 7 grandnieces and nephews. The youngest of the 7 will be celebrating his very first birthday next week and my husband and I will be attending his party. I love to make something for these occasions because I feel it is a unique and special way of commemorating a special day. It will be a one of a kind gift and since I always second guess anything I buy as a gift, I know that something handmade is a perfect and confident choice for me.
I thought long and hard about what exactly I would make for a one year old boy. I made him a personalized stool for his christening. I made him some appliqued onesies when he was born, so what could I possibly make him that would be useful and attractive? Hmmm....a growth chart!
So I took a trip to the hardware store and bought a canvas dropcloth. I use drop cloths for art projects with my students and love the color, texture and durability, not to mention the cost!
I toyed around with different themes appropriate for boys such as space, cars, forest animals, etc., but decided on frogs.
I cut and hemmed the cloth, sketched out the design, added the calibrations and painted. I added some polka dotted ribbon to the sides for a little contrast and pattern, a dowel to which I will a a cord to hang it and 2 large beads to keep the cord from slipping off and, "voila", I have a perfect handmade gift for my little grandnephew!
The finishing touch will be a little message on the back signed and dated by me. Happy 1st Birthday, Michael!
Must be one lucky boy to have been on the receiving end of all your beautiful work! :)
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