Handmade Birthday Gifts from Upcycled Jeans

At the weekend my elder daughter (age 12) had a birthday party to go to, so I had to make a gift for the birthday girl, who likes elephants!

I chose to upcycle a pair of jeans from my stash (because I love upcycling jeans and the fabric is so hard-wearing and versatile).

I paired it with some fun gingham from my fabric stash. I also got my elder daughter to draw an elephant for me to use in the designs.

I scanned and copied the elephant design so that I could print it in varying sizes, and put it onto the fabric using fusible webbing and an iron - with applique stitching.

I made a bag - the same size and shape as one my mum made for my daughter, as it's her favourite just now - the perfect size!

Then I also made a small zipped pouch, that could be a pencil case, or for make up, or anything else that might fit inside!

And finally I added a small notebook folder - like I've just made for my school carnival upcycled clothing stall project!

I'm happy to say the birthday girl loved her gift set..

 and used her bag straight away for a trip to the cinema with her party friends!

I always hand make gifts for my kids friends, so that they get something unique. Plus it's cheaper to make than buy gifts, and handmade is more eco-friendly than something store-bought, which is often plastic, packaged in yet more plastic!

What handmade gifts have you given kids lately? Please do share your ideas and links in the comments below. It's always nice to have more inspiration for the next birthday!

Jill