Many mothers will attest that few things are better than a little rest and pampering on Mother’s Day. And when it comes to gifts, homemade items are among the most heartfelt.
Although schools and day care centers may take the lead and guide children through Mother’s Day crafts, parents and caregivers looking to encourage kids to make crafts at home can explore these ideas that can turn into wonderful gifts or decorative items for Mom.
Floral votive holders
Kids can create special candle holders that they customize with pressed or paper flowers. New jars can be purchased from a craft store or empty jars at home can be repurposed. Using Modge Podge or another durable adhesive, children can attach dried, pressed flowers to the outside of the jar by painting the adhesive over the flowers; otherwise, paper flowers cut out from tissue paper or construction paper can be used. Once dry, attach a piece of decorative twine, yarn or ribbon around the mouth of the jar. Place a tealight candle inside for Mom to enjoy.
Writing pen bouquet
Why not give Mom something that is both beautiful and functional this Mother’s Day? Children will have fun making flower pen bouquets. All it takes are a few inexpensive disposable pens, floral tape and artificial flowers. Place an artificial flower stem alongside the pen. It should be short enough that it will not impede writing, so cut if necessary. The petals of the flower should be up at the non-writing end. Starting at the non-writing end of the pen, begin to wrap floral tape snugly around the stem and pen to just before the tip of the writing end. It is better to use too much floral tape than not enough. Repeat the process for as many pen flowers as you’d like to make, then offer as a gift in a vase.
Jewelry dish
Mom can keep her favorite pieces of jewelry safe with a heartfelt clay jewelry dish. It’s easy to make with only a few materials. Using air-dry clay and a heart-shaped cookie cutter, children can roll out the clay and cut out the shape. Turn up the edges slightly to make a rim so that rings or earrings won’t fall out of the dish later on. Then kids can press decorative items, such as beads, small seashells, sequins, or faux gems, into the clay. The jewelry dish is beautiful as-is, or it can be painted after dry.
Faux stained glass
This project mixes paint with glue to create a stained glass effect. The colors can be painted on any acrylic surface, whether it’s a flat, plastic photo protector in a picture frame or clear, plastic cosmetic bottles. When the light hits the items, it will produce a prismatic effect just like the real stained glass. Take painter’s tape and mark off a desired design, such as writing “I Love Mom.” Using separate small containers (an empty foam egg carton would work well), add a little bit of clear school glue and a few drops of desired colors or acrylic paint. Paint the different colors as they pertain to the design or pattern. The glue and paint should dry quickly and extra coats can be applied depending on how intense you want the color to be. Once the stained glass is dry, peel off the painter’s tape and gift.
Kids can get busy crafting gifts that show Mom just how much she’s loved and appreciated.
