DIY Mother's Day Gift: Make a "MOM" Tissue Paper Photo Collage

Help your children create a special keepsake gift for Mother's Day this year. Younger children may need some help from older siblings, dad, or grandma. The supplies are readily available at major retail craft stores.

The basic idea on this project is to decorate letters to spell the word "MOM." Once the letters are decorated, then you will have your child pose for pictures. Detailed instructions are provided below.

Supplies Needed
Assorted colored tissue paper
Plain wood craft letters - one "M" and one "O"
Mod Podge (glue) in Glossy
Paint brush
Camera
Access to photo printer or retail photo processing
Picture frame - with 3 openings

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create a MOM Tissue Paper Photo Collage
NOTE: Refer to the article photo for an example of a completed tissue paper letter and photo. The example letter contains 4 different tissue papers: yellow, light purple, red, and flowers.

1. Tear the tissue paper into small, random sized pieces.

2. Protect your working surface with some wax paper or newspaper as Mod Podge can be a bit messy for children.

3. Use the paint brush to apply Mod Podge to a small section of the letter "M."

4. Apply the torn tissue paper pieces randomly to the glued section while it is still wet.

5. Brush more Mod Podge on top of the tissue paper pieces.

6. Keep applying the glue, adding torn tissue, and re-applying glue until you have the entire top surface of the letter M covered.

Note: The Mod Podge will appear white while it is drying. Once dried, it will be clear and glossy.

7. Repeat these steps for the letter O.

8. Set aside the letters to dry completely.

9. Rinse out your paintbrush.

10. Apply a second coat of Mod Podge to each letter, if desired.

11. Optional: Use a spray glossy sealant on the letters to make them more durable and weather resistant. Allow to dry.

12. Gather up your children and head outside, if the weather allows.

13. Find a nice background for photos, such as flowers or trees.

Hint: If you have multiple children, they can share the letters between them. Or, you can do separate photo collages with each child.

14. Take the first picture while your child is holding the letter "M."

15. Have your child continue holding the "M" in a slightly different position and take a second picture.

16. Switch letters and take a picture of your child holding the letter "O."

Hint: Be sure that you take all 3 photos in the same orientation. Decide if you want them to be horizontal or vertical. This step will ensure that the finished photos fit nicely into a 3-section picture frame.

17. Print copies of the photos. A good size for framing is 4 x 6 inches for each picture.

18. Insert the photos into the picture frame in this order: first M, O, second M.

19. Write your child's name, date, and a Happy Mother's Day message on the back of the frame. If the frame has a mat, you could write the details on the front of the mat instead.

Creative Options
1. For multiple children, you could decide to spell "MOTHER" instead of "MOM."

2. Purchase a heart shape, and apply the tissue paper and Mod Podge. Buy a 4-section picture frame.

3. Paint the letters instead of using the tissue paper technique. Let your kids be creative! They might paint zebra stripes, polka dots, or other patterns.

4. Purchase a second letter "M" and decorate it. Give the decorated letters with the completed photo collage so your mom can display them as well.