Monday, December 21, 2009

Handmade gifts: keeping the tradition going

Ever since I was a young girl, I have enjoyed giving my grandparents a handmade Christmas gift. Obviously, when I was young, the creativity stopped at nothing. Painted calendars, handtowels edged with fabric, lavender sachets, markers for the vegetable garden - I loved making them and my grandparents always loved receiving them.

As I have gotten older and busier in my very grown-up life I have let the handmade side slide a little in my gift-giving. Last year I made shortbread, which received rave reviews. But it was kind of cheating in the handmade stakes.

Anyway, this year, they have just purchased an outdoor setting for their backyard. So I found a nice melamine tray and some yummy biccies so they can enjoy their tea outside. But something was missing, and today I have had a brainwave of creativity! I am faaaairly confident they won't come spying and read this post, so here is the handmade component of this year's present: some coasters for their mugs.


The back is non-slip so they can sit on the tray without sliding around. I machine embroidered the teacups, and the middle has a little piece of wadding for heat protection.

I am pretty pleased with them! I hope they like them and enjoy an afternoon tea in the backyard.

8 comments:

Leanne Lonergan said...

Emma! They are lovely...what a great idea and I am sure they will be treasured...

Unknown said...

Oh they're so adorable! What a lovely gift.

helena / little mo said...

emma you should stitch 'gramps' and 'nanna' so they have their own coasters hehe

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

Gorgeous Emma! You're very talented and I'm sure your grandparents will be very pleased with this present (I know I would, hee hee).

DELiciousDesignz said...

It is such a wonderful feeling to give a gift and be able to say "I made that".. I have bought and made lots of handmade things this year and feel so much better for it

BonTons said...

They are so sweet, I'm sure they'll be cherished

Caitlin said...

Very cute, Emma! I'm sure your grandparents will love them!!!!

Unknown said...

That was very nice explanation for your cookies, I love to listen it from you and all itself a photography also must be fantastic... Thanks.

r4 dsi