I'm calling this my "Gifts for Him" post, but just like my "Gifts for Her" and "Knit Gifts" posts, these can be adapted to just about any recipient. I hate to generalize, but I frequently find men harder to craft for. One option that I frequently rely on is taking something utilitarian and customizing it for the recipient. I love monograms and the bespoke air they lend to just about any object. There are a few ways that you can add a monogram. For larger monograms, I like to do applique. This is chef's apron I made for my dad last year using this pattern - I think the checks do a nice job of hiding stains. Then I added a fabric "Q" and stitched tightly around the edges to keep it from fraying. Personal and useful!.
Embroidery is a classic. Last Christmas, I sewed my very fashionable brother a handmade tie out of Kona cotton with a monochromatic Q on it. This can also be done quite easily on a purchased tie, handkerchiefs, or any number of other things. As favors for a bridal breakfast I threw for my friend Sarah, I stitched these handkerchiefs for each woman in attendance. It's so much classier than a wad of Kleenex for dabbing your eyes.
A somewhat more unusual method is glass etching. Etching paste can be found at any craft store and used to customize inexpensive tumblers. I used contact paper to create a stencil of Geoff's monogram and just applied the paste according to the directions on the bottle. The monograms for this or any project are easy to design using any word processing program or by searching for free fonts online. I hope these ideas inspire you and stay tuned next week for Gifts for Kids.
I was just reading about glass etching yesterday and I'm totally going to try it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. the handkerchiefs were beautiful and such a great idea!!