I just wanted to show off.
A couple of weeks ago I went to a beautiful wedding. I got to spend the day feasting with friends and celebrating a very exciting event. I was aware that the happy couple would be living in a small apartment that was already fixed up with toasters and cutlery and wine glasses and towels and that the present they would most like would be money, but I couldn’t help feeling like it was a little impersonal. Cold hard cash. How could I turn it into soft, friendly currency?
The first idea I had was to buy them a tea-pot and make a cosy for it and put the money inside, but then I remembered that the wedding was going to have a bit of a Star Wars theme, as it was being held on May the forth (be with you). Also, they might never open the tea-pot. They might spend the rest of their days drinking only coffee and thinking bad thoughts about their tight-fisted friends…
So, after talking it over with a few friends, I came up with this:
I got the pattern from Lucy Ravenscar on Ravelry. I don’t usually buy patterns, but I bought this one as it was exactly what I wanted and there wasn’t anything as good for free online. It was worth the money – a clever pattern, beautifully written with plenty of pictures.
And here’s how I included the (warm and fuzzy) monetary element.
And here’s how he looks without his robe.
And here’s an aerial view (OK, now it’s getting ridiculous)
Having done such a great job on this one I decided I was a creative genius and went on to do a handmade card as well. I’ve received cards before that involve simple motifs sewn onto card with a basic machine stitch. I had an idea of doing something clever with lace. Cute and personal. Fresh, clean lines.
Sewing isn’t really my strong suit. I aspire to be a clever sewing lady, but I’m not there yet.
So I got up a design and I pinned everything in place and I tried to sew it and it got a bit wonky so I tried to fix it but it was definitely asymmetrical and you couldn’t tell what it was supposed to be, so I drew all over it and it was no longer chic or minimalist and it looked a bit of a strange mess, but I’d spent so much time and energy on it that I decided to go ahead with it anyway and in the end it looked like this:
Hmmm. I need to learn to quit while I’m ahead…
I love the card! It might not be minimalist but it’s totally cool, and totally original!
Yoda is Greta too, but I love the card!
Oh! Thanks so much! I’m going to pretend the total wonkiness just adds to its homespun charm! Thank you
Damn autocorrect Yoda is great, not Greta
Bahahaha! I love autocorrect!
Love Yoda and the card, lucky friends. Did you draw the lovely blue flowers? They are really delicate. I love reading your blog,
Thank you! As I was drawing the flowers, I was thinking how much they look like your flowers, which I have always loved!
How cool
Thanks!
I like both. The card is wonky, silly and so much fun. I like it bunches!
Thank you so much! Since writing this post, I’m becoming more reconciled to the card. It’s not the chic, professional look that I was going for, but the wonkiness better suits my personality, I reckon!
I think they both turned out cute!
Oh so cute!
Love the Yoda! So cute! Perfect for the May the 4th be with you!!
I am a Star Wars nerd, so I loved this! Your cousin Katrina has a May 4th (or Stars Wars) birthday if you will.
Absolutely gorgeous, I think they’ll treasure this forever. I love the way you made something so personal out of a gift that was impersonal. Also love the card…I can imagine using vintage doilies for the lace.
What a great way to gift money! And I think the card is adorable!
Thank you so much!
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