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!
