I'm happy to say that the school year is done and dusted. School holidays have started and I'm looking forward to 6 weeks on long, lazy days with my babies.

To cap of the school year and thank the teachers for a wonderful year to learning, I like to give them something handmade. Something made specifically for the person - a token of our appreciation.

My daughter had a male teacher this year. He's fun, tells lots of dad jokes and is loved by all his students. My son had him 2 years ago and we gifted him a hand-turned pen which my husband made. This year, I made him a cushion.


I used "manly" fabrics and colours. I love how this turned out and will definitely share the pattern for anyone else who'd like to make a handmade "male teacher appreciation gift".

My son had 2 teachers this year. One male and one female. The male teacher scored a hand-turned pen, made by hubby. For the female teacher, which he absolutely adored, I made a patchwork & embroidered pillow in mint and rose prints.

I'm pleased with the result and is it weird that I hoped for a tear in the teachers eye?





I've made this pillow before and it's still a favourite. The pillow is based on a pattern by Amy Sinibaldi of Nanacompany and I've changed the wording to suit the occasion.

Now, after a busy year, let's celebrate school holiday time :)