Gifts for family and friends

As well as my RSN crewelwork, I've recently been working on a number of creative gift projects for family and friends.  I'm thrilled how both of them turned out.  First of all there was the housewarming present for my in-laws, who are swapping the Wirral for Leicestershire to be closer to my sister-in-law and her family.

After a lifetime in the north west this was a huge upheaval physically and emotionally, and I decided on a present which would remind them of good times past and future.  I obtained a number of old maps from a charity shop (literally, I think the maps are as old as me!)- one of the north west and north Wales, the other of the Midlands.  I cut heart shapes out of the north west map, to include places they lived, family lived or they loved to visit.  I also cut a heart shape from the midlands map, to include their new home and the home of my sister-in-law.  I framed these up, and found the perfect quote to go with it from Oliver Wendell-Holmes: "where we love is home, home that our feet may leave but not our hearts".  

Here is the finished present- I was so pleased with it!

Next there was the present for one of my sons teachers, who is leaving to go on maternity leave.  He is in his last year of primary school, and this particular teacher has been so inspirational for him that I wanted to really thank her with something unique and special.  I decided on a stitched portrait for a card that she could frame up afterwards if she wants.  

Here is the finished portrait- isn't she beautiful?

I'm so pleased with both of these gifts.  They turned out looking quite professional and they were so personal for the recipients.  I hope they loved them as much as I enjoyed making them!