Timeless Gift Ideas: Bespoke Pen and Watercolour Illustrations for Loved Ones
Commissioned hand-drawn pen and watercolour family tree gift illustration
When it comes to celebrating a milestone birthday, a wedding, a family gathering or (dare I say the word in September) Christmas, finding the right gift can feel impossible. In our world of here now, gone tomorrow gadgets and mass-produced, amazon fuelled consumerism, it can be hard to find something genuinely beautiful and meaningful - something that won’t be forgotten about after a few weeks. That’s exactly why so many people turn to a personalised art commissions. A bespoke, hand-drawn illustration stands out as something deeply personal, timeless, and unforgettable.
I create bespoke pen, ink, and watercolour artworks, carefully crafted completely by hand to capture memories, stories, and connections in a way no off-the-shelf gift ever could. Each piece is completely original - designed around you, your loved ones, and the occasion you want to celebrate.
Perfect for Life’s Special Moments
Whether it’s a milestone birthday, an anniversary, a wedding, or a new arrival, a one-of-a-kind illustration makes a thoughtful and heartfelt present. I actually started creating illustrative gifts when I was asked to. First an Olde Worlde Tolkien style map for my husband’s hobbity parents, then another for a friend’s wedding invite, then animals, then more animals. Families, friends and then strangers suggested more ideas: their parents in their favourite spot in the garden for a 70th birthday, a pet cat playing PlayStation, two beloved Shih Tzus begging to go on holiday and steadily a style heavily influenced by nature, stories and people’s idiosyncrasies and charm emerged and people kept asking for more.
Take a look here for some examples of commission work.
‘Rocky’
Rocky’s PS5 owner hates leaving his beloved British Blue alone in his flat while he’s at work. This bespoke, hand drawn commission was gifted so he could take Rocky with him! Such a unique gift idea -one to frame for the work desk.
My work often takes the form of:
Personalised family trees – a beautiful way to honour generations past and present.
Bespoke maps - maps of home towns, villages, venues or even ‘maps of your life’
Custom illustrations of homes, pets or favourite places.
One-off keepsakes – that reflect treasured memories or shared stories. Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, or celebrating life’s most important milestones.
But there really are no limits. I can work to any brief to create something truly unique, something no one else would have thought of!
Hand drawn ‘This is Your Life Together’ map commissioned for a unique wedding gift for some Lord of The Rings lovers. Complete with Tolkien word play, textured tea staining, sepia pen and gold leaf rings to give it that special Olde Worlde feel.
Why Choose a Hand-Drawn Commission?
Originality – No two pieces are ever the same.
Timeless beauty – Pen, ink, and watercolour illustrations have a classic charm that never fades.
Personal connection – Every commission is created in close collaboration with you, so the finished artwork reflects your story and your loved ones.
Heirloom quality – Unlike generic gifts, a bespoke illustration becomes a lasting keepsake, passed down through generations.
A Gift That Speaks from the Heart
If you’re looking for a special birthday gift, an original Christmas gift, a unique wedding present, or a way to celebrate your family’s story, a hand-drawn commission is more than just art - it’s a memory, a story, and a treasure.
Each commission is created with care, attention to detail, and a touch of artistry that makes it completely one-of-a-kind. It’ll be created in close collaboration with you, ensuring the finished piece reflects your story in every brushstroke.
SO…if you’re gift stuck, if you don’t want to gift another voucher, if, like me, you’re tired of scrolling for meaningless gifts that will fade in time, get in touch to discuss your ideas, and together we can design a piece of original art that will be cherished forever.
Beloved pets captured on paper for a truly bespoke hand made gift for a loved one.
Scroll to the bottom of my home page to see some testimonials.