How to Make Christening Gifts
- 1). Follow the christening tradition by compiling a collection of poems, quotations, biblical passages and anecdotes. Include "Monday's Child," a favorite poem that is included in readings at christening ceremonies worldwide. Create the keepsake by booting your computer, opening a word processing document and typing in your selections. Output each inclusion on 8.5-by-11 inch paper decorated with a colorful border. Slip a cover page into the front of the three-ring binder that personalizes the book.
- 2). Paint a wall cross to hang above the baby's crib. Pick up a ceramic, fiberboard or wood cross at your favorite craft store and a selection of appropriate paints in colors that match the nursery décor. Personalize the cross by using stencils to letter in baby's name or cover the cross in small flowers. Paint details by hand if you like. Attach a wall hanger to the back of the cross with glue.
- 3). Sew a head covering that becomes a keepsake. Hem a 12=by-12 inch square of white linen or cotton and trim the hem with lace. Fold the square in half to resemble a triangle. Stitch 12-inch lengths of white ribbon to the two longest ends. Iron the triangle to smooth out the cloth. Cover baby's head with the triangle, fastening the ribbon under his or her neck. Store the head covering in a sealed bag so it stays pristine. Retrieve it when baby gets married. Remove the ribbon and iron the cloth. It is now a handkerchief for the bride.
- 4). Decorate a christening gown for baby. Purchase an inexpensive gown or find a nice used one at a resale shop. Pin a fabric stencil over the body of the gown and use soft colors of fabric paint to transfer little butterflies, crosses or flowers to the gown. Make an elegant gown by substituting gold paint for pastels. Replace worn ribbon with new satin sashes. It is a good idea to let the new mother in on your gift idea so she does not buy one first.
- 5). Adopt international custom by making a patchwork quilt of squares of cloth contributed by friends and family. Get started on this project early; soon as you hear that a baby is on the way. Call friends and relatives of the family to request 12-by-12 quilted squares designed to send a personal message of faith. Ask each crafter to sign their name on their square with a permanent ink pen. Stitch the squares together and bind the finished quilt in a color that complements the colors in the patchwork quilt.
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