If you are looking for something one-of-a-kind to gift your mom this year, here are five DIY gift ideas kids can craft at home for the perfect, handmade Mother’s Day gift.
(Editor’s note: If you have creative ideas we should add, email us at tips@metrofamilymagazine.com or comment below.)
1. Clay Flower Dish
Supplies:
- clay
- rolling pin
- shaping tools such as cookie cutters, plastic knife, shaped foil, etc
- Paint, optional
Instructions:
Sculpt a handmade dish that mom or grandma can use to corral loose change or jewelry. Using oven-baked or air-dry clay, shape large and small petals. Press the pedals in layers (large first, then small on top) onto a clay circle base, creating a floral cup shape. Once the clay is dry, you can paint your sculpture or leave it au naturel. You can also create a dish from a handprint too! A cereal bowl makes a great clay-shaping tool.
Here is a sunflower version from Red Ted Art and other clever designs from www.coolcrafts.com.
2. Thumbprint Coffee Mug
Supplies:
- white coffee mug
- enamel acrylic paint
- paintbrush
- craft sealer
Instructions:
Using enamel acrylic paint, kids can create butterflies, flowers or any object using their fingerprints on a plain white mug. Keep a scrap piece of paper nearby to stamp off some of the excess paint so it’s not too thick on the mug. Add flourishes like an antenna or stems with a small paintbrush and bake or cure according to the paint’s instruction. You can add a layer of craft sealer to help protect your design. Fill the mug with mom’s favorite candy and you’ll have an adorable keepsake gift.
Find detailed instructions at www.thebestideasforkids.com/mug-painting/.
3. Framed Pressed Flowers
3. Framed Pressed FlowersSupplies:
- found nature items
- parchment paper
- weight like a book or brick
- frame
- craft paper, optional
Instructions:
Elevate those impromptu flower bouquets kids love to give into a work of art. Press a few found flowers and/or leaves between two layers of parchment for a few days. Then, arrange them on the glass of your chosen frame and carefully reassemble your frame. Designs can be organic or you can use your found items to shape mom’s first initial.
Follow these tips from Martha Stewart to press your flowers.
4. Hand Holding Cards
Supplies:
- colorful paper
- scissors
- markers
- glue
Instructions:
What’s sweeter than pint-sized handprints? A sweet message inside. This easy-to-make card starts by folding a colorful piece of paper in half. Place your child’s hand along the folded side and trace. Then cut the print out, careful not to fully cut the fold. Decorate the card with fun features like painted nails or a ring and include a special message inside.
For a full tutorial, visit thehousethatlarsbuilt.com.
5. Watermelon Stamped Tea Towels
Supplies:
- 1-2 small red potatoes
- white tea towel
- fabric paint – hot pink, green and black
- glue
Instructions:
Use fruit and vegetables to create your own prints onto tea towels. For a watermelon-themed craft, we suggest using a red potato. First, pour a little bit of each fabric-safe paint onto a paper plate. Next, have an adult cut the small red potato into quarters. Pick up the red potato and dip it into the hot pink paint and place it sporadically onto the tea towel. You are creating your watermelon shapes. Once this dries, pick up the paintbrush and dip it into the green paint and outline one outer edge of your hot pink printed shape, this creates the watermelon rind. Lastly, add watermelon seeds by dipping the back end of your paintbrush into the black paint and dabbing onto the watermelon shapes. Set tea towels to dry. Once dry, your work is complete! Tea Towels should be machine washable.
Find detailed instructions at www.downhomeinspiration.com.
For even more ideas to celebrate moms this Mother’s Day, check out our Mother’s Day Fun Guide.
