I am so psyched about this! I've always loved these chicken doorstops and thought they'd be a great way to make something 'recycled'.
Well I've made one all by myself. I got the instructions from A Greener Christmas by Sheherazade Goldsmith. Although fixing the head on seemed really complex, so I'm going to look for easier instructions if I make another one.
My version isn't really big enough to be a doorstop, it's more of a large ornament. You were supposed to make the print out 200%, but I couldn't figure out how to do that, so mine is half size I guess - I'm not really sure about all this enlarging patterns business at the moment. Perhaps one of you can enlighten me.
This gift will be for DD's best friend who is chicken mad. DD and I love cats, her friend loves chickens, so there you go - the perfect pressie, I hope.
I'm a bit worried because they are a family who buy things and love spending money in the shops, so I'm not sure how well received it will be. Maybe they'll think it is cheap crap, but I guess I need to get over that and give it unconditionally.
I've stuffed it with a bag of lentils, so it has a great feel factor to it!
Have you ever given a hand made pressie and just known the other person has thought it's a load of rubbish because you didn't 'buy' it?
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I love it!! I have a real issue with books giving pattern templates which have to be enlarged 200% or more. I had a right job with getting something I needed enlarging, it was too big for the library photocopier and in the end, I had to take the book to the local printers which cost me an extra fiver!! Why don't they add the price onto the book and give the pattern paper in a separate wallet at the back of the book like some sewing books do? It would save time, money and petrol!!
ReplyDeleteI wonder sometimes about sending hand-made gifts to people who wouldn't normally be into hand-made stuff. I figure though, that you have to give people a chance to like it and often people are quite awed that you have spent time making something for them, rather than hitting the shops. Go for it!
I think it is really important to value the things you make. I used to say, "oh, that's just something I made" but now I am much more proud of myself when I create something.
ReplyDeleteThis Christmas I am making various gifts, and I hope the recipients value those gifts as much as I want them to!
The chicken is lovely btw.
When our young neighbours had their new baby in January I knitted them a cardigan and also a teddy bear for new baby and older sister. I was concerned whether they would like them as they are very consumeristic, house HAS to be in the latest style, redecorate every year, spend thousands on christmas, branded clothes for all etc. John passed the gifts in to them and said that the mum seemed to like the cardigan and the older sister had swiped both teddies although the mum had looked at them a little...well you know ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnyway one of the teedies was spotted in the rabbit hutch recently, but the other was in the baby's pram. And the mum asked if I could possibly knit a hat to match the cardi and she would pay for it so I'm guessing they weren't all bad.
I think if you craft with love and thought then the recipients will feel that in the gift and even if it's not to their taste it will create a happy and loving memory for everyone. Have faith in yourself, your makes so far have been lovely.
xx
I can't add much to what the other comments say - they're all right in my opinion too.
ReplyDeleteI really like your chicken too!
Hi Rae! Well - what a small world, I had found your Blog myzerowaste.com from an article in the Times, and been impressed and inspired by your ideas, and of course the little tetra pak purse, but I never thought you would come across my little blog. Glad you did, and now I can look in and see your other interestng musings on craft and baking and whatnot.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to have 'met you'!
Vicky x
I do enjoy giving out home made stuff though usually its cakes or some such as not good really with crafting. I dont know what they think since they all buy the pressies but I think it is made more from the heart so I carry on! Thanks for stopping by.
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