Create this classy Embroidered Initial Necklace for all your friends…they will love it!  Easy handmade gifts are some of my favorite projects!

The possibilities are endless and once you make a few of these I’m sure you will start to dream up new ideas for these sweet embroidered pendants.

You only need a few supplies…

• Fabric scraps
• Embroidery thread
• Embroidery needle
• Embroidery hoop
• Oval Pendant {can be found here}
• Water Soluble Ink Pen

Order quite a few pendants because once you get started you’ll want to make a handful of these little trinkets…trust me!

Using a water soluble pen write your initial in the center of the fabric.  I practiced my letter on a regular sheet of paper first for size.  I also added little marks on my fabric to show the size of the pendant.  It worked on the first try!

Take your embroidery thread and needle and start stitching with a simple backstitch. {stitch video here}

Once you complete the stitching cut out around the oval leaving a bit of extra fabric.  If you can see any of the ink, just follow the instructions for your pen to remove it.

Place your fabric in the pendant and secure the pendant back.  Here’s where you can work with it a little if you want.  I added folded fabric scraps behind my initial before putting it in the pendant to make it a little puffy.  It’s up to you.

I just trimmed the excess fabric close to the edge with super pointy scissors.  {not shown above}  You could add a small oval cut out as an extra layer and glue your fabric to it before placing the back on.  I haven’t tried this, but it seems like it would work.

It will look beautiful no matter what you do, but I thought I’d share a few options.

Isn’t it cute??

I plan on making quite a few of these for Christmas this year!

It took less than an hour to make both of these…and I took photos!  I think they would look fabulous with a linen background or any other small pattern.

If you love handmade gifts like I do, you’ll love these ideas…

• 101 Simple Handmade Gifts
• 101 Handmade Gifts for Her
• 101 Handmade Gifts for Men
• 101 Handmade Christmas Ornaments

What do you think?  I’d love to hear about some handmade gifts you’ve made!  They are the best!

~Kim

Handmade photo crafts make awesome gifts any time of the year!  I’ve gathered some great ways to share your family memories with a few simple supplies and a bunch of lovely family photos.   

These projects are wonderful for decorating your home or creating a special gift for family members…photo crafts rule!  

1. Picture Frame Memory Wreath – Infarrantly Creative
2. Polaroid Coasters – Dark Room and Dearly
3. DIY Nailhead Photo Blocks – Shanty 2 Chic
4. Photo Magnet Tins – Martha Stewart
5. DIY Polaroid Necklace – Dot Com for Moms
6. Photo Lamp Shade – Ashley Ann Photography
7. Instagram Sachets & Beanbags – Lil Blue Boo
8. PVC Pipe Photo Vases – Mod Podge Rocks
9. DIY Photo Sun Catchers – Woman’s Day
10. Photo on DIctionary Page – Kay Dee Windsor
11. Family Recipe Album – Martha Stewart
12. Family Photo Memory Game – Lowes
13. DIY Instagram Calendar – A Beautiful Mess
14. Photo Booth Prop Photo Magnets – Get Creative Juice
15. Photo Memory Jar – Fiskars
16. DIY Photo Coasters – Mine for the Making
17. Dry Erase Photo Frames – Design Aglow
18. Family Photo Throw Pillows – BHG
19. DIY Photo Pendant – Ginger Snap Crafts
20. Silly Picture Puzzle Blocks – A Couple of Craft Addicts
21. Photos to Coloring Pages – Centsational Girl
22. Photo Bookmarks with Tassels – Creative Family Moments
23. Photo iPhone Case – If I Can, You Can
24. DIY Box Frame Photo – Love Your Pics
25. Instagram Coasters – 2 Broke Cooks

Now bring out that box of vacation photos and have a little fun!

Have you made something special with photos?  I’d love you hear your ideas!

Chalkboard necklaces…too cool!  Create your own chalkboard necklace and change your message to suit your mood.  These would make great gifts for all those lovely friends of yours and they’ll believe you’re a creative genius!  For all the details in black and white check out Henry Happened.