Eleven year olds are tricky beings. Especially girls who are no longer into toys but are not yet into make up and clothes (thank goodness). Add in the fact that my niece is a sporty tomboy with a penchant for pink and suddenly birthday gifts start to cause a few problems. Luckily Georgia does quite definitely like two things: Super Mario and making things. So I thought I'd combine the two, make her a Yoshi card, then give her a hamper of art supplies to get stuck into for her gift. I actually give her art supplies every year, but this time they're getting a little more sophisticated, to the point where I was buying double of everything so I can play too!
This is the first cross stitch I have done... well, since... ever. As you know I've been doing a lot of embroidery lately but cross stitch kept reminding me of cottage scenes, simpering kittens and poppies. Not true, I know, but I needed to get past my own associations. So I decided that cross stitch is cool, hopped on http://www.deviantart.com and got to work. It was really satisfying watching the design come together over an evening.
Next, continuing the theme of the gift I got out my new alphabet ink stamps (she's getting a set too!) to add my own stamp (ahem) to the envelope and the inside of the card. Together with some fun washi tape and embellishments recycled from my own birthday cards I was pretty pleased with the results.
It's not about the objects themselves. Nothing says 'I love you' more than the gift of time and care; something any crafter knows only too well. And I may be able to keep the title of 'cool aunt' for just a little bit longer...
Happy Friday,
