Julie Campbell
Sometimes the smallest gifts are the most meaningful. I will never forget the excitement I felt one Christmas when I received a box of pencils from my third grade teacher. Of course, these were no ordinary pencils! As I pulled each pencil from its box, I squealed with delight when I discovered my name had been printed on each one with shiny gold lettering.
That’s the great thing about paper crafting! There’s just something magical about creating personalized gifts! My 30-something girlfriends might not appreciate their name printed on a plastic bicycle license plate these days, but I think I’ve discovered the next best thing -
Monograms!
Monograms are a trend that have spanned the test of time. Check out these fresh new approaches to personalizing your goods:
Rifle Paper Co. Floral Monogram Cards:
Element Monogram by Jen Jockisch:
Martha Stewart Monogrammed Hand Towel:
Ready to create your own monogrammed masterpiece? Here’s a SUPER simple way to personalize a gift using supplies you might already have on hand.
You will need:
- PermEnamel Paint set by Delta
- Coffee mug (I purchased mine from the Dollar Store)
- Paint brush
- Die cutting machine or punches
- Adhesive vinyl or contact paper
Step 1: Create a stencil.
- I used an electric die cutting machine to cut my shape from vinyl. (I used Provo Craft’s Cricut Cuttables Vinyl along with the Cindy Loo cartridge.)
- You could also punch a shape from contact paper for a similar effect.
- You will be using the negative space from your cut shape as your stencil.
Step 2: Following the directions on the paint set, apply paint to the image.
Step 3: Remove stencil and allow to dry.
I hope I’ve inspired you “get personal” and create something fun and meaningful for someone in your life. So, what about you? Have you ever given or received a personalized gift that resulted in squeals of delight? If so, I’d love to hear about it! I’m still looking for that toothbrush with my name on it!
Julie Campbell,
Paper Crafts Go-to Gal
P.S. It’s the end of the month, so that means it’s time for another Go-to Gal Challenge! This month we’re all using October Afternoon’s 5 & Dime collection.
To see our new projects, hop on over!
P.P.S. It’s time to announce the winners from Kelly’s National Pet Month post!
1. Cheryl (May 23, 5:53 a.m.)
2. Diana Newman (May 23, 10:22 a.m.)
3. Greta H (May 23, 10:49 p.m.)
Congrats, winners! You’ve won Pebbles’ Cats & Dogs collection. Kelly will be contacting you to get your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!
My personalized gifts were crocheted
– The last name of my brother (my maiden) name in doily thread as a Bridal Shower Gift
– The last name for my in-laws as an Anniversary gift; had this one professionally framed
– First name for a girlfriend and a couple of nieces for hanging on their wall
– I am working on one for my son and his fiance for a Bridal Shower Gift
I haven’t personally done any monograms, but I have been looking at them and really like them.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Monograms! The ones in this post are fabulous! Monograms are such a great way to create simple cards that pack a punch!
So fun! I do hope that the “K” pillow is reserved for me!? Hee, hee. Great tips, Julie.
Very cool! Thanks for sharing this idea! I am not quite into monograms, but see they are trendy!
I’ve never given or received anything personal. But I did see Jen’s frame A tutorial and have it marked so I can do one for my nephew when he graduates. I’d also like to do one for my daughter’s bedroom.
Gorgeous projects!!!!
The GTG Five & Dime cards are AWESOME!
What a super cool idea! I, too, remember when getting pencils and pencil boxes with your name on it was the best!
LOOOOOVE it! I love the color of the paint you used! I LOVE anything with my name on it–when I was growing up, I was the only Savannah in my entire town and college. Then I moved to Germany–and met another SAVANNAH! I couldn’t believe it! I could never find my name on souvenirs! Now it’s so common….and I still enjoy looking for my name on the keychains/etc.:)
I hopped this morning with a cup of joe and it was fabulous!!! Loved your article Julie!
Machine embroidered bibs and monogrammed baby Blankets have both gotten oohs and aahs! Especially if the child has an unusual name or a name with an unusual spelling.
love love love!