CAPTURING MEMORIES IN A UNIQUE GIFT

I think my next project is an old standing lamp which once belonged to my mother and father-in-law (a wedding gift). It is probably 60 years old and looks like it belongs on a scrap heap.  I am going to restore it, re-wire it and fit some modern and funky lamp shades. A retro lamp stand is what I am aiming for.

Most of us have sentimental objects around the house that could be turned into heartwarming unique gifts – the old ugly rocking chair for instance, or a worn out coffee table. With some imagination, new upholstery or a lick of paint, the old object can be turned into something special and priceless to the recipient.  

Framing special sentimental objects is a great gift. For example war medals framed with the person’s name engraved on a metal tag, collectable plates, antique objects or even a special autograph.    

With 3 months to go before Christmas, there is enough time to look in the stored away boxes and find something special to restore for your loved one.

Captivating the nostalgia for someone to enjoy every day. 

Antique Roman Oil Lamp circa. 1st century A.D and Medals from the 2nd World War

Transform a sentimental piece of junk into a work of art and a unique gift

My husband was given a guitar by an old friend about 30 years ago. The friend passed away in an accident a few years after he had given the guitar, so the guitar became especially sentimental. For the past 15 years the old guitar was stored in our garage. It had long lost its strings, it was slightly warped, and the wooden veneer was peeling in places. It generally looked like it belonged on a scrap heap. This old wooden guitar however had a very special place in my husband’s heart, so I decided to transform it into a piece of art and in so doing created a unique gift which is now proudly displayed in our home. 

I started by sanding it down (including the rusted knobs), then to the best of my ability glued the peeling veneer down. I then gave the entire guitar a coat of gold metallic varnish and painted the knobs. Next, I searched the internet for some images depicting silhouetted musicians and printed these out in black. I cut the images out and used them to camouflage the glued down peeling veneer and used them on the front of the guitar for visual appeal.  I decided on some lyrics of our favourite songs and wrote these on the face of the guitar. I neatened up the face of the guitar with a lick of a paint brush and some pearl coloured metallic paint.

I then wrote a story about our relationship using only the title of songs as words. It went something like: “let me entertain you, with a story about, a groovy kind of love …”

This story was written around the base of the guitar. Once all the text and artwork was in place. Layers and layers of decoupage glue followed and a final coat of varnish applied.

The end result was a beautiful piece of art oozing with love.

….he loves it and it is priceless.  

More gift wrapping ideas

The presentation of a gift conveys a message to the recipient so it is important to make an effort.
Jars can make a useful and attractive container.

Paint it, or fill it with colourful tinsel or sheer fabric and top it with silk flowers, gem stones, feathers, buttons or bows.  Hide a special treasure in the jar - a pretty necklace, earrings, business card holder, sunglasses, tickets to a movie, restaurant vouchers, key ring, homemade fudge, soaps & hand cream etc - the possibilities are endless and can suit any budget.

 

GIFTS

A gift to a special person whether it be to a child, lover, parent, sibling, friend or even a stranger, is a gesture of love and brings with it  messages of appreciation, celebration, condolences, recognition or commitment . 

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the delight on a child’s face when they are given a gift. The pure joy will bring song to the soul.

How do you find just the right gift?

Firstly, give some thought to the message you wish your gift to carry.  If your gift is obligatory, it will never deliver a message.  However when you think and feel the message, you will be drawn to the perfect gift.

Presenting the gift is as important as choosing it, so if it is practically possible, always wrap a gift.  Please try not to wrap a birthday gift in Christmas paper ...it loses the message. 

There are beautiful boxes, paper and gift bags readily available in stores, but if you feel like adding a personal touch or you have forgotten to buy, below are some ideas on presenting your gift. 

FUNKY MAGAZINE WRAPPING PAPER

Tear pages from an old magazine and angle them across

each other. Paste them together with glue. We used spray glue

which worked very well.   

 Ensure neat and straight edges when you are done.

 Now you are ready to wrap your gift.

 The paper is colourful, unique and strong.

Finish it off with a bow, ribbon or feathers.