I find that people appreciate handmade gifts more than a last-minute-buy off Amazon. If you find yourself stuck in that position, here’s a very quick creation that you can make for friends or family. The supplies you will need are:
A frame (8 by 10 (ish), most sizes will work)
Thick paper- i.e. cardstock, boardstock
Embroidery thread/needle
A printed photo that your gift-receiver likes (a spouse, a family photo you and her/him) Polaroid photos will NOT work
This gift is very simple, and only takes a little effort to look great! First, print out a cross-stitch letter pattern and cut out the initials you’d like to use. Then attach your photo to the center of the cardstock. I recommend using a glue stick for this step. Lay your cross-stitch letters on the top left and bottom right and poke holes (using anything sharp like a needle or a potter's needle tool) for the cross-stitching, easiest on a cutting mat like an X-acto-knife board. Recycle the letter paper. Use a bright or dark color to stand out against your card stock and begin cross stitching your letters! Tutorials for cross stitch can be found on YouTube, but it’s a simple stitch once you’ve started. Finally, make sure the cardstock fits in your selected frame and you’re done! This simple project is elegant, personalized, and easy to make!