Handmade Mother's Day Gift - Fun and Easy Craft Ideas

With Mother's Day approaching, many crafters-at-heart kids will be looking for fun and creative ideas for gifts to mom. I wrote a previous article on how to make a Bitty Bud flower craft for a Mother's Day gift and thought I should also pass along how to make a paper mache vase to put those Bitty Bud flowers in. My craft crazy daughter found out about this paper mache vase and immediately asked me to show her how to make it.

The supplies should be very easy to come by. Most of you will already have these things. You will need a balloon, newspaper, scissors, glue (or flour paste), a plate or small plastic cup, paintbrush, a piece of cardboard (optional), knife and acrylic paints. For those who aren't familiar with flour paste, it's very easy to make. All you need is flour, water and a dash of salt. Just mix a little flour, a dash of salt and a cup of water in a bowl until you get a pasty consistency.

Here are the steps for making the vase:

1. First you blow up the balloon to the size you would like your vase to be. You can compare the size of your completed Bitty Buds to the size of the balloon to decide how big you want your vase to be.

2. Next, you cut or tear (whichever you prefer) squares of newspaper up. Don't make them too big or they won't lie flat on the surface of the balloon.

3. Now you will paper mache the balloon. Get the glue or the flour paste (again whichever you prefer).

a. If using glue, pour some onto a small plate or into a small cup and use the paintbrush to spread glue onto a small area of the balloon and stick the paper squares to it. Then use the paintbrush to spread some glue over the squares, making them as smooth as you can. Continue doing this until you can no longer see the balloon (except the tied end sticking out of the top). Apply another layer of newspaper squares and glue until you entirely cover the balloon again to make the vase strong enough.

b. If using flour paste, (which I think is much more fun and hands-on), take one newspaper square at a time and dip it into the flour paste. Make sure you cover both sides with paste and then remove any excess gently with your fingers. Place the pasty newspaper square on the balloon and smooth it out as much as you can. Continue doing this until you can no longer see the balloon (except the tied end sticking out the top). Apply another layer of pasty newspaper squares until you entirely cover the balloon again to make the vase strong enough.

4. Allow the newspaper layers to thoroughly dry. This can take several hours, especially if you used flour paste. I prefer to let it dry overnight before going to the next step.

5. This step involves using a knife and may require adult supervision and help. If you are not allowed to use a knife on your own or have never used a knife on your own, please have an adult help you with this step.

When the newspaper layers are completely dry, cut a section off from the tied end that will make an opening large enough to be used as a vase for your Bitty Buds. Paper mache the cut edges to make a smoother appearance.

6. Now you need to make a base to hold the vase up. There are two options for making the base.

a. Take several strips of newspaper and put glue or flour paste on them (I think flour paste works better for this). Then twist the newspaper strips into a band about as thick as your finger. Wrap the band around the bottom of the vase where the band will be a decorative base that will keep the vase from tipping. Make sure there is enough glue or flour paste to make the band stick to the vase. (You can also add a decorative band around the top of the vase if you would like.)

b. Or you can cut out a cardboard circle and cover it with paper mache and glue it (if gluing, allow paper mached circle to dry first) or paper mache it to the bottom of the vase for a base. You could even use a combination of both bases for a more solid base.

7. Allow the completed vase to dry again. It shouldn't take as long this time.

8. Now you can paint your vase any way you like. If you know your Mom's favorite color, you could even use that.

9. Let the paint dry, then put your Bitty Bud flowers in the vase. You now have a wonderful handmade gift to give your mom for Mother's Day.

I hope you enjoy making this fun and creative craft for Mother's Day. If you haven't made the Bitty Bud flowers yet and are interested in making them, you can learn how to make them by viewing my CP page and clicking on the article titled Handmade Mother's Day Gift - Fun and Easy Craft Ideas - Bitty Bud Flowers.

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