Memory Table

Memory Table

Memory Table

This memory table was a very special gift our whole family made for Nana and Papa.  My brother-in-law took a carpentry class where he built this table.  Then, everyone worked together to make a list of memories and drawings.  Our list of memories was so large that we had to vote for our top 28.  We actually sent out a ballot!  When the list was finalized, we began sketching squares to represent each memory. We divided the list so everyone could help with the artwork. It was such a fun trip down memory lane!

We have some talented artists in the family who did the lion’s share of the work, as they designed the center and helped clean up some of the design on the squares. They used a Dremel tool to engrave the words, squares, and parts of the pictures.  We all helped with the painting. It turned out really beautiful.  The border has a bunch of Nana’s famous quotes.  It’s a family treasure.

Memory Table

See more of our gift ideas for grandparents.
Find more special gift ideas for all the people you love.

Grandchildren’s Fingerprint Painting

Grandchildren's fingerprint painting

Grandchildren’s Fingerprint Painting

Here’s another fun gift we made for our grandma’s birthday. We painted the tree and had all the grandkids add their fingerprints as leaves.  One of  the older grandchildren penned the lettering with the quote, “You left your prints on our hearts & minds. Now we leave ours with you.”

Find more homemade gift ideas for grandparents.

Family Paper Doll Quilt

 

Paper Doll Quilt

I made this throw-size quilt for my mother-in-law for Christmas a few years ago.  Each square has a person in our family, pictured as a paper doll. Some of the people have tools of their jobs (keys for a locksmith, stethoscope for a nurse, chalkboard for a teacher).

Grandpa Paperdoll

Some have objects that represent talents or hobbies (musical instruments, gardening tools, a pan of homemade rolls).

Dad Paperdoll

Mom Paperdoll

Aunt Paperdoll

The kids have their pets or toys.

Ella Paperdoll

Leif Paperdoll

I’m not a great seamstress, and certainly not a good quilter (as you can see by looking at the photos).  I appliqued with a zigzag stitch on my sewing machine.  Even lacking skills, it sure was fun and I still think it’s cute. If you are a quilter, you could have a great time with this project.  The grandkids love looking at it and pointing out all the people they love.