Creative Mother’s Day Gift Ideas!

Firstly, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy International Women’s Day, what a great day to celebrate Mothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters and even your friends. Women are truly strong individuals who have inner and outer strength.

With Mother’s Day coming up I thought I should share some creative ideas with my followers, whether you’re struggling with finding a gift to give or simply need inspiration. I hope my ideas will help!

FootprintsInButter’s 3D Memories! Oooo

I was inspired to make a small 3D picture frame for my Mum when I came across a photo of her on an old scooter from her teens.

I loved the colours in the original Polaroid, the layers and the way the picture was taken.

If you have a favourite picture of your Mum or Grandma get it ready!

1. Do not cut the original photograph.
2. Phew…glad you listened.
3. Scan in the picture of your choice.
4. Decide on the frame size you want. (The frame I used was purchased at Wilkinson-they have a range of sizes available to suit your project)
5. Print the picture to the desired size and enough copies for the amount of layers you would like to use. (I used 4 layers)
6. When the pictures have printed, place one print as it is to one side. Using the remaining prints figure out which areas you would like to create a 3D effect with.
7. Once you have decided which areas of the picture you would like to stand-out, decide on the sequence of layering i.e. in the forefront of my frame there is half of my aunt and the scooter. The second layer consists of my Mum on the scooter and my other aunt standing on a path. The third layer focuses on the leaves from the bushes in the background. Then finally the fourth layer is the uncut (whole) picture.
8. Having decided on your layering pattern it’s time to cut out the areas you have chosen. Now before cutting out the chosen area think carefully of the positing within the 3D frame and where it will sit. Bearing this in mind, create a tab for your chosen area before cutting out. The tab will later be folded (hidden) and attached to clear acetate which will hold the different layers in place in your frame.
9. Once you have cut out the chosen areas of the first layer, begin to fold on the tabs and glue to the clear acetate. Position the layer in the desired area inside the frame and glue the acetate in place, ensuring the layer is stable and will not move out of its position.
10. Hold the frame away from you to check whether you are pleased with the positing of the different areas. Ensure the tabs do not show and are firmly glued to the inside edge of the frame. If you don’t keep check, you’ll realise after the layers build up that something is out of place or glued in wrong, and that will not be fun…believe me.
11. The clear acetate you’re using will give you a neat fixing as it will not be seen. Much like puppet strings…well…most of the time…
12. Once you have positioned and glued all the different layers in place within the frame. It’s time to place the final layer, which is the picture which we had left to one side; acting as the backdrop and bringing your picture to life.
13. Place the picture behind all the layers, if needed glue the picture to the backing of the frame to hold it in place.
14. Hold the frame away from you to check to see if you’re happy. Happy?
15. If so, place the backing of the frame securely. Polish the glass on that frame and bam!
16. There you have it! You have made a beautiful memory come to life!

If that idea sounded like a bit too much work…well I have another arty idea which is simpler! Especially for the ones who claim “I can’t draw to save my life…” well this might be for you!

FootprintsInButter’s Montage Moments!

When looking through a photo album of our family trip to Paris I was intrigued by a photograph of my Mum and Dad siting in Disneyland waiting for the parade to start. In the picture my Dad seems to be pointing something out to my Mum whilst they both snack on some chicken nuggets. Since we can’t see the reason why my Dad has a cheeky look on his face it made me curious. I wanted to zoom in and isolate this moment. 

So I did!

I decided to recreate the world around my parents using newspaper and magazine cuttings, along with some paint and tracing paper reading a Rocky quote which reminds me of my parent’s relationship. I also used fine liners to create a sketchy effect over the print-out. Then only colouring in details like the bag, cup and chicken nuggets so they stand out against the black and white.

Time to make your own! Remember no drawing required if drawing is not your thing.

1. Choose a picture you would like to use. Either scan it in or if it’s on your computer then great!
2. Crop and enlarge the image of i.e. your Grandma, and print it out to the size you wish.
3. Cut around the image and leave to one side. Discard the background.
4. Using a larger sheet of paper, maybe A3 if your image is A4, position where you would like the picture of Grandma to be.
5. Lightly outline the area and mark it ‘place grandma here’ to remind yourself not to decorate this space.
6. On your A3 sheet of paper decide how you want your background to look, do you like lots of colour? Do you want to create a black and white background? If so decide on the colours and textures you want to use in this piece.
7. Once you have decided, collect the materials you need, using newspaper cuttings, old magazines, tissue paper, nail varnish …yes I said nail varnish…, paint etc. (I used one side of corrugated cardboard dipped in white paint to create the effect of the cobbled Disney floor in my piece. Printing different shaped cardboard dipped in various shades of maroon for the floor created a camouflage effect; maybe you could give that a go?)
8. Once you have glued, painted and created your abstract background, or like me, have exaggerated the original background, you are ready to position Grandma in the piece once the A3 page is dry.
9. When the A3 sheet is dry glue the picture of Grandma in place.
10. Step away from the piece and decide whether you are happy with how it looks… If you want a sketch-drawing like effect, then continue reading the next step!
11. Using a fine liner; sketch around Grandma’s features and shade areas lightly using cross hatching, or other techniques, to achieve the look you desire. Use the natural shading in the picture to guide you. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then have a practice before gluing the picture down. When you feel you sketched over one picture better than another choose the best one and glue it in place.
12. Take a step back are you happy? If so sign and date it, maybe frame it? And there you go your very own Montage Moment ready to wrap and give on Mother’s Day.

I hope my simple ideas have got your creative juices flowing! Please go and create! Give your loving Mum, Nana and/or Grandma a gift to remember this Mother’s Day by giving great pictures a new life and energy!

If you feel you’ve got it in you to draw then please go ahead! Woo hoo! Here’s a portrait I drew for my Grandparent’s last Christmas:

 

The reaction was all worth it! Good luck creating! Please let me know how you get on in the comments section below? Or maybe post a pic of your creation! I look forward to it!

Have a Happy Mother’s Day! I hope my ideas have helped!