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

16 comments:

  1. Well done Jill!
    Have a lovely week!

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  2. Great idea!! Beautiful done!!! Thank you for the inspiration :)

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  3. Super cute idea! Pinned and tweeted. We appreciate you taking the time to party with us. I hope to see you tonight at 7 pm.. Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls

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  4. Jill, I love your upcycled denim and the elephants are adorable! I would love for you to link up your sewing project at the Stitch It, Blog It, Share It Link Party going on now at BehindtheSeamsSewing.com.

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    1. Thanks Bonnie! I'm heading right over to check out your party!

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  5. I love all of these! They came out so cute! I love to give handmade. My next handmade gift for a kid will be a dress for my daughter (which she keeps asking for)! Found you on the stitch it blog it share it link up. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks Nicole! I admire you making clothes - it's something I shy away from, preferring to stick to bags and other non clothing items! I should go out of my comfort zone though!

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  6. Very cute. I like recycling jeans too. I use most of mine in quilts. I'm thinking about trying a jean rag rug soon.

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    1. Thanks Jennifer! I'm also thinking of trying a jean rag rug! They just look so great!

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  7. This is such a cute gift set! I love the elephants, and I also love denim projects.

    Navy Wifey Peters @ The Submarine Sunday Link Party

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  8. I was going to say I don't know where you get all your energy from Jill but I do know. You're so super fit so you've energy to burn. You amaze me with all that you do. This set is so, so cute. I think I might have to make one for an upcoming birthday party my daughter has been invited to. It's lovey. Thanks so much for linking up to Thriving on Thursdays. I'm featuring this one at tomorrow's party.

    Anne xx

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    1. Aw thanks Anne! I'm not so sure about having lots of energy - I never feel like there are enough hours in the day to do all I want to! Thanks so much for the feature - much appreciated!

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