The Easy Way to Make a Special Present
We all know someone who is difficult to buy a present for. Someone who has everything they need and would not appreciate 'normal' gifts. Often this will be your parent or an older relative or neighbor, and they can be a problem to buy something for.
Well, this is a simple way to make a unique gift that they will be happy to accept. When you take the time to produce something that relates only to them and their interests it will always be happily received.
The idea is to make a picture that includes something that they are especially interested in. This could be a hobby or any other interest they have.
This is a quick and easy technique. You simply choose your theme (their hobby or interest), paint a silhouette of it onto a colored background and frame it.
You could paint a colored background onto a canvas panel or use already colored paper. I noticed my local art store had colored card that had a range of colors merging into each other, this would be ideal for this technique.
The theme of your silhouette is really the creative part. The easiest thing would be to use their hobby as the theme.
Look through some copyright free clip art until you find an image that you could use for the outline of the silhouette.
If they like fishing it could be a fisherman/fish/fishing fly. For a golfer it could be a set of clubs/golf hole with flag. For someone who likes to cook it could be related to cooking. If they are keen church-goers a silhouette of their church may be appreciated.
A lot of people like to receive a silhouette of their home. For car enthusiast a silhouette of their car is a good idea. In which case you could use a digital camera and take a picture of their church, home or whatever you have decided to include in the picture.
You really can use your imagination for this. When using clip art you have a huge range of options (probably too many!) to choose from. You don't have to be great at drawing!
Also, you can use a computer graphics package to blend together two or three images for your final silhouette shape. Be sure to adjust the size of the final image to make it the correct size for the painting surface you have chosen, and print it out. As this is a gift you can make it whatever size you choose.
Once you have painted or found a suitable background, then trace around the outside edge of the image for your silhouette shape. Use carbon paper for this.
The silhouette shape can be painted in using acrylic paints - don't make the paint too thin though! Another alternative is to use a permanent marker, not a normal marker as it will fade over time, and that would be disappointing for the person receiving the gift.
Silhouettes look very effective and traditional in black. However you could use a darker shade of one of the colors in the background for an alternative look. For example if the background was a pale green the silhouette could be in a dark green. This all adds to the uniqueness of your gift.
If you are using a colored card it will be better to use a permanent marker as the water in the paint may cause the card surface to buckle.
Fill in the silhouette shape and leave to dry. Then frame the silhouette picture.
**A distinctive gift for a special person.**
This type of personalized gift is always appreciated and shows that you have put some thought, time and effort into the present.
Another major benefit is that no one else will be giving exactly the same gift!
This is an excellent technique if you can't find a suitable card. You can make your own special card. It is most effective if you choose a very simple shape for the silhouette when using this method in card making. Cards are generally a lot smaller and look best when you use less detailed shapes.
Use this system and say goodbye to gift buying problems for that hard to please someone.
Catherine Calder is the author of the Acrylic Painting Course. This step-by-step course teaches you how to paint using acrylic paints. All stages of each of the 12 painting are illustrated. Ideal for beginners or anyone new to using acrylic paints. For a free preview of the course visit
http://www.learnanddo.com/acrylic.asp
Sign up for the free report on 'How to Paint Abstract Pictures for Pleasure and Profit' at
http://www.AcrylicPaintingCourse.info
MORE RESOURCES:
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Starting A Coin Collection
The best place to start collecting would be with pennies, we will focus on the Lincoln Cent for the years 1909 through 1958, which are the Wheat Cents. There are still a number of "wheat cents" showing up in circulation, so it is possible to start a coin collection without spending a great deal of money.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
The song says it all, "Hot Fun in the Summertime." Our summer was certainly full of fun: outdoor barbeques, neighborhood cookouts, making ice cream, 4th of July parades, a trip to grandpa's house, sleeping late, moving my oldest daughter into her first apartment? It never seems like the season is long enough to do everything we want to do.
An Interesting Look at the Cuban Cigar
Even most non-cigar smokers have heard some of the lore surrounding the Cuban cigar. Long revered as the finest and best tasting brands in the world, they have traditionally been extremely difficult to procure.
Butterfly Candle Holders
Butterfly candle holders are easy to make and a great gift idea. The materials are very inexpensive, and you can use your imagination for a variety of designs.
Tech-Savvy Crafters Can Go Global
The image of a crafter or artisan is often serene, even pastoral. It's easy to imagine a potter spinning his wheel in his barn-turned-studio and then selling his wares at the little farmer's market down the road.
Molding Leather Armor
In order to mould leather armor, soak it in water until it becomes pliable and soft. Then place it in the mould until it dries and hardens.
Choose From A Wide Variety Of Off Road RC Trucks To Play In The Dirt
Are you tired of driving your cars only on the road? Are you looking to get a little bit dirty? Or even a lot dirty? If you need a change from RC street racing, it is time to go off-road with the extreme off-road RC trucks. With a large variety of RC trucks to choose from, there is something for everybody, and every skill level.
Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 5
Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 5 - Tools For AssemblyA civilization's maturity and intelligence is judged, in part, by the diversity and sophistication of its tools. When it comes to woodworking, the human race is quite advanced.
Rare Depression Glass Pieces
Depression Glass - The Rare PiecesDid you know that if you happen to have a crystal (clear) and
pink Depression Glass refrigerator bowl in the Crisscross
pattern in good condition and with its original cover, that it's
valued at between $300 and $335? Or that Shirley Temple
cream pitcher your grandmother keeps in the back of her upper
cabinet could bring up to $1,250 at auction? If you didn't, then
you've been in the dark about rare Depression Glass pieces and
their values! Here are a few pieces for which knowledgeable
Depression Glass collectors stay on constant lookout:The Ruby Red Aladdin Beehive LampMade for only six months during 1937, this lamp currently
brings anywhere from $700 to $950 - if it can be found!
Most collectors owning this piece understandably do not have
any interest in letting go of it, which makes it even rarer.
The color of the glass in the Aladdin series of ruby lamps varies
from a light red with an amber tint to dark, rich red, with the
deeper reds fetching more interest with today's collectors.
Picture Frame Crafts For Your Kids Party
One of the most popular party favors is a framed picture of the party guest taken at your kids party. He or she could be showing off a silly hat or party costume, performing an outrageous party game stunt, or wearing a face full of frosting and ice cream.
Making a Living Making Soap-Questions to Ask Before You Begin
Soap making can be a wonderful hobby but if you've ever thought of turning your hobby into a business you know how overwhelming the idea can be. Here are some questions to help you think through your decision:*How much of a business do you want to be? Do you really want to this to be a full-time job? Or would you rather just make a couple hundred bars a year for your church fundraiser? Your answer to this question will determine your next steps.
Scrapbook Photographs -- How A Picture Can Be Worth A Thousand Words
For many people, photos are at the heart of their scrapbooks -- and for a very good reason. We all treasure photgraphs of friends and loved ones, and many of us carry some with us wherever we go in a wallet or locket or keep photos on our desk at work.
Create A Gift Basket For A Dog Lover!
The choice of what gift to give your family and friends can often be a difficult one. One of the best gifts that you can give is a gift basket.
Are Your Airbrush Products Selling? If So, Here Are 3 Ways To Further Skyrocket Sales!
One of the biggest challenges faced by airbrush artists are proof of what you say is true! The potential customer is going to find it hard to believe you. Whether it is, if you can do the work, whether they think you are charging them too much, or it is simply that you are artistic, potential customers are going to find it hard to trust you.
Make A Stunning Dried Hydrangea Wreath
Dried hydrangea wreaths are so beautiful and versatile
in a home, and a lot of fun to make as well.You can either purchase already dried hydrangea flowers
from your local craft store, or you can dry your own.
Creating A Family Tradition-Jigsaw Puzzles
Do you find it difficult to spend time together as a family?There are so many pressures and activities that can take away from the sense of family which was more commonly experienced 50 years ago. Parents often both work, and their commute can be tiring and long.
Sewing Embroidery Designs in New Ways
How many of you are always looking for new ways to use your embroidery designs - always, or never? If never, you are overlooking wonderful opportunities! Do you optimize the use of every design? Do you routinely review your library of designs to see if you can combine motifs from one set with another? Have you noticed how embroidery design styles have changed over the past few years? Give those old motifs a new look by using the designs that you got way back when, again! Add new motifs under, or around, them to create a whole new look! My last big project, a wind jacket back, is a good example of what anyone can do with a little time and imagination!With fall already upon us, I wanted something tropical in my
wardrobe as it's still every where in ready-to-wear & home dec. The colors are just as exciting as leaves turning colors.
Friendship Albums
My 12-year-old daughter was mad at me when I refused to pay $25 for a school yearbook last year. Who are they trying to kid?In an attempt to appease my daughter, I suggested buying a little notebook that her friends could write messages in for her.
How to Make a Simple Gemstone Necklace
With gemstone beads, every bead is precious. Every bead is beautiful.
Diet and Fitness - Help from Your Hobbies
Everybody battles with their weight from time to time. It's either too much junk food or not enough exercise.
|