Bespoke Memory Box

Create sweet memories that last with this heartfelt gift idea!

Bespoke means "made for a particular person", so when making this darling keepsake, don’t forget to make it your own! Every colorful detail from felt to embroidery floss is yours to choose, as well as the embroidery pattern (though I've included the one I used if you'd like to try it!). Last Christmas, I created six bespoke pure wool felt stuffies with a voice recorder sewn inside for my family. Each family member received a piece that spoke to their style and literally spoke to them with an individualized message from my two sons. I finally had the opportunity to record my children for my keeping, and create this box to forever hold their small voices, newborn hat, bracelet, and other precious memories. With its magnetic closure, what you choose to place inside the box is yours to decide - so follow your heart! 

NOTE: If you are opting to use a voice recorder with your project, you may do so at any time. Follow the directions on the box to record and save the message.

Experience level: Intermediate

Time to make: Approximately 8+ hours (this project includes hand sewing/embroidery)

Felt Materials

• One piece approx. 9x12 inch 100% Wool Craft Felt sheet in Midnight Blue
• One piece approx. 12x18 inch 100% Wool Craft Felt in Petal

(The Felt Store sells ½ yard sheets that you can cut with ease)

Additional Supplies

• Embroidery Floss
• Embroidery Needle
• Fabric Scissors
• Bespoke Memory Box Pattern
• Embroidery Pattern (feel free to create your own!)
• Iron
• Wool Ironing Pad
• E6000 Glue (easily found at local craft stores or Amazon)
• Two Neodymium Magnets (easily found at local craft stores or Amazon)
• Cutting Machine, OR Printer
• Light Cardstock
• Frixion Heat Erasable Pen (easily found at local craft stores or Amazon)
• White Gel Pen
• Felt tip marker OR pen
• Disappearing Ink marking pen (easily found at local craft stores or Amazon)
• One sheet Sulky Solvy Water Soluble Stabilizer (easily found at local craft stores or Amazon)
• Wonder Clips, OR pins
• Tape

 Optional Supplies

• Seed Beads
• Sequins
• Beading Needle
• EZ Sound Voice Recorder (this is the heart shaped one I used for my memory box)

Pattern PDF Templates:

Bespoke Memory Box Pattern Template PDF

Embroidery Pattern Template PDF

Instructions:

1. Prepare your templates with a light cardstock. If using a cutting machine, import the box templates. If using a printer, print and neatly cut with scissors.

3. Trace the template. For light-colored felt, I use a Frixion Heat Erasable pen in black, but white erasable marking pens work well on darker felt colors.

4. Trace the "Heart Template 1 piece" onto your 9x12 inch felt sheet, I am using Midnight Blue. Here I use a white gel pen because only one side will be visible in the final product. Choose what works for your color palette.

5. Cut with fabric scissors.

OPTIONAL: My son Remy is newly 4-years-old. I gave him a sheet of Sulky Solvy to write his name with a Paper-Mate felt-tip marker. If you want handwriting on your project, simply have your subject write their name, letters, or even a shape. I circled the clearest letters for my project, focusing on readability and size. Then, I cut off a clean corner piece of Sulky Solvy and traced his writing to make a final draft.

This was applied to the Heart template (1 piece) and stitched with REVERSE CHAIN STITCH using two strands of variegated embroidery floss.

NOTE: When using Sulky Solvy, be sure that your embroidery floss is colorfast! Remove the Sulky Solvy according to the instructions. Set aside.

6. Take the Square template and make two guidelines on the Box Enclosure section of the felt using a disappearing ink marker.