It gets increasingly hard to think of original Christmas gifts for my sisters, especially as we don't spend more than a fiver or so. Of course they always expect handmade from me. I saw the coin pendant idea on Pinterest (where else!) and bought the farthings quite cheaply on ebay for the years my sisters were born. Luckily we were all born before they stopped minting that sweet little wren in 1956. I then had the problem of packaging such a small gift and came up with the walnut idea. I already had some shells I'd sprayed gold for Christmas tree decorations and I just lightly glued the two halves together with the pendant inside.
If you want to copy the idea for someone not as ancient as we are, take a look at the coins from other countries too. There are some lovely designs - I especially liked the Irish coins. And of course some of the more recent decimal coinage here in the UK has some most attractive designs on the reverse. It doesn't matter if the coins are dirty and tarnished - I polished mine with good old Brasso and also gave the surface a thin coat of Ranger's Glossy Accents to keep them shiny.
That's wonderful Ann! With what did you put a hole in the coin? The walnut presentation was lovely and I bet your sisters were surprised at such an inventive gift. I know I would be. x
ReplyDeleteHa Simone! Sisters thought I'd just given them a walnut!!! I just used a hand drill to make the holes with a very small drill bit. Found it best do drill quite slowly and not press too hard. I broke a couple of bits along the way. Also found it better to make the hole next to the date and not try to get between the numbers - there wasn't enough room.
DeleteThat is the most loveliest idea ever! I have a repro biscuit tin with the farthing on with the year of my birth I keep beads in.
ReplyDeleteJulie xxxxxxxxxx
I'm going to look out for one of those tins Julie - they sound lovely and I can't resist a pretty tin. x
DeleteOh my, such a lovely gift!!!! Love it. Your sisters are lucky ladies :o)
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