Baby Week continues with the most adorable baby hangers and something to hang on them! Why just give a personalized appliqued onesie when you can give it on a matching hanger? That's right--you wouldn't. So we've got the goods on both these easy baby gifts so you can keep making gift-giving fun. Not simple, but definitely fun. Who needs simple anyway? I'm all about elaborate and over-the-top.
Baby Hanger Tutorial (we found the original idea in this book)
What you'll need:
*Wooden baby hanger (link to Web site!)
*Patterned paper in 12x12 size
*Scissors
*Pencil
*Coordinating acrylic paint
*2 foam brushes
*Matte Mod Podge or other decoupage
*Brayer or bone folder (optional)
*Sanding block or sandpaper
*Coordinating ribbon
Okay, let's get started!
1. Start by tracing each side of the body of the hanger on the FRONT of the patterned paper (the photo shows it traced on the back, but this will make your paper backwards, and it may not fit correctly). Cut them out.
2. Next, lightly sand the top and underside of the hanger. Then paint the top, bottom, and most of the sides of the hanger with your acrylic paint.
3. With a foam brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge on one side of the hanger. Lay the patterned paper on top and position it to match the hanger. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles with a brayer, a bone folder, or the side of your hand.
4. Trim any excess paper with scissors or an Exacto knife.
5. With your sanding block, sand the edges of the paper in a downward-angled motion, away from the paper. Sand until the paper "becomes one" with the hanger. It's okay if some of the paper's pattern and the paint get sanded off. It lends to the "shabby chic" look.
6. Now brush a moderate layer of Mod Podge over the entire hanger. Watch your brush strokes--they will show after it dries. Be sure to spread out any thick or globby areas. This layer seals the paper and gives the hanger a finished look. Allow to air dry 15-20 minutes.
7. Tie a bow on the top of the hanger with coordinating ribbon and trim ends. Use Fray Check if necessary to prevent fraying. Hang an outfit on it for the perfect baby gift!
Now for the hanging item! These onesies were made by simplly zig-zag stitching simple shapes on a plain onesie. You could also use a blanket stitch. Think hearts, stars, squares, birds, simple animals, block letters--get creative! Check out the adorable matching hat Stacy made to go with this onesie. She found the pattern in this book.
Don't forget to leave us a comment this week for a chance to win some cool handmade baby gifts and a pair of BabyLegs! Link us to your blog or Web site and we'll enter you twice!