Years ago I was trying to come up with a gift idea that my kids could give my mother. She did a bit of needlepoint and both kids enjoy drawing so I had them draw a few flower ideas. We chose our favorite four and I then transferred the designs to needlepoint canvas.
It’s really fairly simple. For this example please excuse my childish drawings and enjoy finding the perfect artwork from your children’s collection.
Tape the picture to the window, then tape the canvas over top.
The background daylight will project the design and all you have to do is trace around the design with a permanent marker.
No need to color in the canvas. The original drawing is the guide.
It’s a fun way to give a gift. Add the yarns necessary to complete the project and include fabric, and the promise to finish it as a pillow. Box it up with a sweet note from you and the kids.
This project has always been one of my favorites for bringing all three generations of us together for a gift that will last for many years. I think most grandmothers would love this interactive gift. It might also be a fun collaboration between grandma and the grandkids for mom.
Here’s our three generation original, circa 1998
Notes:
- If you make a small design it can still be made into a pillow by bordering the design with a companion fabric.
- Keep the design simple
- Tape the edges of the canvas with painters tape so as to not snag the yarns
- As always, gather information from the needlepoint shop
- When deciding on size, keep standard pillow sizes in mind
