The Ultimate Gift Idea!

A few months ago, I wanted to give a dear friend an over-the-top, extra special gift for his retirement. This friend is an artist, mentor and dear friend who is embarking on a lifelong dream of doing travel photography tours, so I wanted to make something that encouraged him on this path, as well as something functional and memorable.  Oh, and I also wanted it to be very personal and touching!  Tall order, right? So, after thinking long and hard on what it could be, I dreamed up this idea and created the perfect gift with Bay Photo Products!!

This is a wood box with a photo lid for collecting special images and memorabilia from his trips. I also included a metal print of the cover inside to put on the bamboo easel hidden in the bottom section. The inside false bottom was engraved with a travel quote!

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To finish off this exquisite and functional gift, I created a custom card with the same image and inside, added a quote from a very special book he introduced me to that greatly impacted me. That book is now only available online- Siddhartha, but Hermann Hesse. I found the quote and added the source info to the back of my card with my custom card logo/info.  I wanted it to be luxurious and rich, so I made it in a dark color, with a virtual mat texture and the text in a gold. Not actually foil, but I chose a light color of gold so it looks like it could be. I also signed the card with a gold pen. (inside was made lighter so I could write a message with a black pen). I also chose Linen textured card stock for added dimension!

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This completed a beautiful ensemble and a keepsake. The card fits inside the box along with the two mounted prints (front and inside design of card for the rotating gallery), with plenty of room for more images and small collectible items. (By the way, you can order a sample set of just four cards of any design—you don’t have to order 25!)

Incidentally the image on the front was one I took in Japan of a statue, similar to ones found in the nations to which he wants to travel. I painted it with Photoshop Mixer brushes to make it even more special and personal, but it could have easily been a straight image.

The joy I experienced just making this gift, knowing it would truly touch him, was only surpassed by the thrill of receiving his phone call, in which he raved, with tears of appreciation.

I love to give gifts, especially gifts of Vision and Encouragement. As a visual artist and photographer, it is SO wonderful to have a partner like Bay Photo to help me turn my ideas into incredible art pieces, priceless keepsakes, and exquisite gifts!  Now I’m dreaming of my next extra special gift… Seaside Themed! It will be perfect for collecting shells and memories and touching hearts, of course!

Thanks to Bay Photo for helping me create the Art in my Heart! #woodboxes #greetingcards #metalprints

#APictureofHope  #SEEinspired @CreatewithSuzette

@BayPhotoLab #teambay @Lumix #Lumixglobalambassador

If you love DIY projects too, PM me at suzette@suzetteallen.com if you might be interested in a template set for making a gift like this!