Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Photo Handbags Make Excellent Gifts

If you are looking to give the ultimate gift that is not only personalized, but is uniquely suited for that special individual, consider the appeal of photo handbags. There are a number of different ways in which these bags can be created, one of which is to simply order the handbag from a photo specialist offering various photo gifts. However, there are also some handbags that you can purchase in order to make your own photo gift right at home.

Many times mothers are so proud of their children that they like to display photos of them just about anywhere. This is especially true when it comes to displaying pictures on key rings, lockets and even t-shirts, coffee cups and other such items. Today's photo transfer techniques have made it possible to put your favorite pictures on just about anything imaginable. Whether you decide to purchase a photo transfer kit to transfer a favorite photo onto an item, or you prefer to order a product that is produced by a print shop, you can be sure that the gift will be something that is cherished for many years to come.

Of course, these photo gifts are not just something that a mother or grandmother will appreciate, they can be an excellent idea for just about anyone. Whether it is pictures of the family or a favorite vacation destination, sharing and enjoying photos can be a wonderful way to keep these happy memories close at hand. This is definitely true when you consider how often photo handbags will be used. Most women keep their handbag with them wherever they go; however, when it is embellished with beautiful photos of their children, pets or treasured vacation destinations, this everyday essential can become something that is extremely pleasant to carry.

If you enjoy arts and crafts, you can even make your own photo handbag that can be changed to reflect your latest photos. Many of these bags are available in a variety of sizes and colors to suit different design preferences; however, they come with pockets where photos can easily be inserted. Depending on the type of handbag you choose, there are typically photo pockets of various sizes and shapes. This can help add interest and style to your handbag.

One of the nice things with these simple pocket type handbags is that they allow you the flexibility of being able to change your photos whenever you choose. This can be a great way to reflect the changes in your children or even your latest exploits. Whether you enjoy camping, traveling, sports or other recreational activities, it can be nice to have an attractive photo display to remind you of these enjoyable pastimes. Of course, the types of photos you choose are almost unlimited; however, most people like to pick larger photos that do not include too many details. After all, a small photo can be much more difficult to appreciate from a distance.

If you choose to make your own photo transfers and place them on a handbag or other item, you will need to follow the specific directions that come with the kit you choose. One of the advantages with these transfer kits is that you have a little more flexibility over your photo choices. You can generally enlarge, crop and make other enhancements to your photo prior to the transfer process.


Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Personalized Calendars: The Perfect Holiday Gift

I know it is a little early to start talking about Holiday gifts but if you are thinking of a personalized calendar, now is the time to start collecting the pictures you will need for the calendar so that you can give that perfect present to your loved one.

Some gifts are like a bouquet of red roses on Valentine's Day. They are perfectly suited to specific holidays, but do not translate nearly as well to other holidays. Then there are gifts that are always a good idea regardless of the holiday. This is where personalized calendars fit into your life. This is one gift idea that you can count on to send the perfect message to everyone you love regardless of occasion.

There are thousands of calendars printed each year with stock images on different themes. If you look hard enough, you can find something that nearly everyone on your gift list will enjoy. The problem is most people prefer to pick out their own calendars unless there is something unique or special about the product.

When you give a calendar that features pictures of your recipients and their loved ones, you grab their attention and give them a reason to hang it on the wall and study it monthly. There is nothing more unique or special than a calendar created out of love and kindness.

Deck the Halls with Custom Calendars

How long is your gift list at the end of the year? Whether you are purchasing just for your immediate family or the entire town, you will appreciate custom calendars for being affordable and suitable for many people on your list.

You can order calendars online and have them printed and delivered rather quickly, so you have plenty of time to gather your favorite pictures of your favorite people and collect them into a calendar. Order a unique calendar for everyone on your list who might appreciate a gift with sentimental value. You can prevent last-minute holiday stress by taking care of many gifts at one time.

Ring in the New Year with Memories

New Years Eve is the perfect time to present this type of sentimental gift to someone you love. Collect your favorite pictures from the year that is ending and give a gift that your recipient will cherish for years to come. If you select the right pictures, you can condense a year of someone's life into a single calendar. Every month they will turn a page in their life while remembering something special that happened the year before.

This is one of the few gift ideas that never get old. You can give the same person a new calendar every year, and they are not going to complain. They are going to look forward to receiving the next calendar. They are going to collect these calendars as representations of their life. You cannot get more sentimental than that.

A Gift for Every Day

You can give customized calendars for birthdays and on any other holiday. Try to select pictures that fit the special occasion being celebrated. For instance, you may create a Thanksgiving calendar by presenting pictures of the twelve biggest blessings in your life. If you need a wedding gift, your calendar may present pictures of the couple from the first day they met to the day of the big proposal. You capture their relationship in one calendar.

You have all of those pictures stored away. Why not put them to good use and create affordable gifts that will always be cherished?

Make Your Own Design If You Want A Really Unique Gift For Someone Special

Gift giving is all about putting a smile on someone's face and the warm glow of satisfaction we all feel when a gift does the job it's intended to. There's not a better feeling in the world when you give the right gift, but often, unfortunately, our gifts do not get the response we hoped for and we miss out on that wonderful feeling of satisfaction.

If that happens to you more often than you'd like, there's no need to despair; there is a way to choose the right gift almost every time - all you need to do is make your own design , depicting photos and words that you know are close to the recipient's heart. Do this and you will nearly always experience that warm glow of satisfaction we all get when we give the right gift!

Choosing the right gift becomes far easier when it is to be customized - for example, if you buy a basic blanket for someone you will get the customary smile, a thank you, but after that, there is a fair chance the blanket will end up in the back of a cupboard.

Alternatively, you could buy a customizable blanket and personalize it with a meaningful photo and perhaps a few carefully chosen words - how do you think a mother would react to a personalized blanket featuring a picture of her child, with the child's name, the date, the event etc. emblazoned on it?

The second example is the same actual gift as the first, the only difference is the personalized design you have put on it. The personalized blanket will be met with a really broad smile, a huge thank you and maybe some hugs and kisses - the chances of the personalized blanket ending up in the back of the cupboard are almost zero - the recipient is ecstatic and you, the gift giver, are assured of that warm feeling of satisfaction!

You see, when you make your own design and apply it to a customizable product, the product takes on a completely new demeanor; assuming you choose a suitable customization design.  A personalized gift will always mean more to the recipient than one bought straight from the shop shelf - a custom personalized gift also expresses the thought and effort you have put into your gift giving - so it's always a win-win situation for both parties.


Wednesday, October 8, 2014

How To Make Great Looking Photo Handbags

It seems that no matter where you go, you find people carrying photo handbags, key chains, buttons, t-shirts, and other items featuring pictures of their children or grandchildren. It is easy to see why these items are so popular; after all, keeping photos of your loved ones nearby can be an excellent way to share your joy with others. Of course, precious photos also help provide pleasure and a sense of desire every time you look at them, especially when you cannot be with the ones you love as often as you would like.

For women, choosing a custom handbag or for a man choosing a tote bag that allows them to display photos of their favorite travel destinations, loved ones or even pets can be a fun way to keep these memories alive.

Additionally, sharing photos is something that everyone loves; kids, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, everyone enjoys pictures. Whether it is a cute holiday photo of the kids, a major sporting accomplishment, or simply a treasured family heirloom picture, a handbag offers both a functional way to carry personal items, as well as a great way to display these photos.

While it is possible to purchase photo handbags that are ready for you to simply slide in your pictures, these handbags can also make a great craft project. If you want to try making your own photo bag, be sure to choose a material that is both durable as well as light in color. Dark colors tend to make photos difficult to see. In addition to the fabric, be sure to purchase either a matching or contrasting thread, depending on your own personal preference and any embellishments you would like to include. 

There are many patterns available for making handbags and totes. The pattern you choose should allow enough area for photos to be shown. If you choose a small handbag design, you will be very limited in the number of photos you will be able to include in your project. You will also want to choose a photo transfer kit that is intended to work with the type of fabric you have chosen. These kits are easy to use and require nothing more than your home computer and printer.

Once you have transferred your pictures to the fabric, you are ready to begin assembling your handbag. Follow the pattern directions and sew your bag, including adding any embellishments, such as zippers, buttons or trim. Making your own personalized handbags is a fun and rewarding project and something that even the kids will enjoy.

However, there are some simple tips that can help ensure that your project turns out great. For example, choose photos that are in focus and do not have a great deal of background clutter. Simple portraits or close-up shots often work the best. Take your time and lay out your photos, trying various combinations and patterns. Only after you have found the best lay out for your project should you begin printing. 


Another important point to consider is how you will protect your photo bag once it is completed. You can find spray fabric protectors that provide an easy wipe-clean surface; however, it is important to read the directions that come with your photo transfer kit and follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding care and cleaning.