pinterest

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Snow Angel Wow Factor!

'Tis truly better to give than to receive....
The best way to be happy is to make someone else happy!  It's a great cycle.  Have you ever made a baby smile and laugh?  And then, doesn't that make YOU smile and laugh?  It's a wonderful thing!  God made us this way, and it works so well.  Christmas is a great time to put this into action.
When a gift is hand-made, the recipient knows that you spent time and effort creating something just for her/him.  (And no "Black Friday" required!)  Here is what I made for my husband's mother this year.
My own mother is no longer living, so I've come to consider my mother-in-law as my own adopted mother.
It's a snow angel....but the wings are made of photos in the shape of feathers!  Layers and layers of family photos!


How about this reaction??!!  I live for that happy reaction!!
 
***~~~Happy Dance!!~~~***
I had made snowmen before with the pretty white beaded fabric.  So I thought and thought about how I could make one personalized for my mother-in-law.  How could I incorporate family photos into the project?  (She is all about family, has five children, 16 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.  She remembers everyone's birthday, sends all the grandkids a birthday card, Easter card, Halloween card, etc.  She is the glue that holds the family together.)

 So I came up with the idea that instead of feather wings (which I will do at some point!) on a snow angel, I would use cardboard wings and glue photos on in layers all over the cardboard.

I began with a basic snowman form made of felt, then stapled it to a wooden circle with a wooden dowel in the middle of it.  Stuffed it and sewed it closed.  I added wire inside the arms to keep the arms in the right shape. 

Then I added silk beaded fabric from a vintage gown to the body.

Buttons for the eyes, pearls for the mouth, and a piece of a velvet scarf for the nose.  Simple wire wrapped in silver tinsel ribbon for the halo.

I used chip board for the wings, but any cardboard will do.  I drilled holes in the middle of the wings so that I could sew them onto the snow angel.  I used a curved needle to do that---makes it muuuch easier!!

I came up with a few basic feather shapes, then sized the photos to fit on them.  Then just printed them on card stock and cut them into feather shapes.
To decorate the edges of the wings, I considered everything from rhinestone trim to tinsel to ribbon.  Eventually I decided on cutting up an ostrich feather, and using the individual pieces along the edges.  Time consuming - but so ethereal!


Since we visited family at Thanksgiving, I was able to give her the gift then, so that I could see her open it.  I'm still smiling!!

You can see the antique baby shoe angel ornaments I made for her last year here.

Hope this inspires you to make someone happy this Christmas!!

Here's a sneak peek at my next post...check back next week to see it!

Sharing with these fun linky parties:
Amaze Me Mondays at Dwellings
Made by you Monday at Skip To My Lou
Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Table it at Rustic and Refined 

Show and Tell Friday http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
Cottage Style Party at Lavender Garden Cottage

The inspiration Gallery at The Craftberry Bush 
Fridays Unfolded at Nancharrow.com
Inspire me Tuesday at A stroll through life
Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House
Simply Neutral Tuesdays at http://www.appleapricot.blogspot.com/
Tuesdays at our Home at Our Home Away From Home
You're Gonna  Love It (Tuesday) at Kathe with an E
Vintage Inspiration Party (Tuesday) at My Salvaged Treasures
Blissful Whites Wednesday at Timewashed
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters
Strut your stuff Saturday at Six Sisters
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper
 Share Your Cup Thursday at Jann Olson BlogSpot
Saturday Sparks Linky Party at Pieced Pastimes
Share your Creativity (Saturday) at Welcome To It's Overflowing
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
 Pink Saturday at How Sweet The Sound
Fabulously Creative Friday at  Jennifer Rizzo

What to do weekends at Crafts a la mode
Monday Party at Chateau Des Fleurs
Share it One More Time Sunday at One More Time Events

16 comments:

  1. Wow, I'm amazed at all the work that went into making your angel! I just love it and it is nice when someone loves and appreciates when you make them something homemade for the holidays. So glad that you mother-in-law liked the angel. Enjoy the holidays.
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is so lovely, thoughtful and pretty! What a great MIL and what a loving daughter in law you are! So fun to see your MIL reaction too!
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
  3. OMGoodness!! I am just amazed at what you have created both years for her!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What an extra special and lovely gift that I'm sure will be cherished for years!! You couldn't have come up with a better idea for the wings...I just love the snow angel!!
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautiful gift! I never would have thought of putting photos on the wings, you are so creative! I know she will treasure the angel. Thank you for following my blog, I'm now YOUR newest follower :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a clever and thoughtful idea! I love how you created the wings using old family photos. Your mother-in-law is truly a very blessed woman! Thank you so much for sharing this inspirational beauty at Vintage Inspiration Party.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That has to be one of the most heartwarming and thoughtful gifts ever. The look on your MIL's face was priceless.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So sweet. She is so blessed to have you. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is truly a fun and thoughtful gift. Very original.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your angel tops anything I've ever seen. I love how you used family photos in the wings and all the detailed bead-work . . . amazing. The best is by far the photos of your mother-in-law's face . . . you thrilled her so, and touch her heart:) Great job!!!
    Connie xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very pretty and special!!! Thank you for linking!

    ReplyDelete
  12. OMG!!!

    This is the cutest angel and I LOVE the wings!! Amazing!!

    thanks for stopping by!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a great reaction! She's such a pretty snowman (snowwoman?). The photo wings are a terrific idea! ~Ann

    ReplyDelete
  14. That is just fabulous and so glad it made your mother in law so happy, love the fabric you used

    ReplyDelete
  15. Handmade gifts are the absolute best! The idea of using the photos on the wings is so clever. Love her expression! Thanks for sharing it with Creating Christmas.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a wonderful gift you made for your mother in law! Such a great idea to use the family photos on the wings, very clever! Thank you for joining Simply Neutrals Tuesday, hugs

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment! Your comments make my day!