I Made it for Mommy - Children's Mother's Day Crafts

Children are so excited when they proudly give Mommy a gift they have crafted themselves. There are many kinds of hands on crafts a child can make for gifts. Daddy or another adult or teen can supervise and guide their young crafters through these easy projects.

Decorated plant pot Materials, a small clay pot with a saucer which can be found in your own gardening supplies (clean thoroughly ahead of time) or bought at craft stores, chain discount or hardware stores for under two dollars.

There are 2 choices with this project, paint or glue. Painted pot Material: paint or sponge brush, one bottle of acrylic paint found in craft section for pot color and other colors for decorations. Have the crafter wear an old t-shirt so there is no stress about getting messy. Layer work surface with newspaper or a garbage bag. The adult should pour some paint onto a palette consisting of a plastic lid, coffee filter, foam tray that vegetables are packed on or even wax paper. Let child paint the entire exterior of the plant pot and the saucer which the pot sits upon. This paint is quick drying and easy wash up. Encourage the child to use a second color to paint a heart or flowers. Older children can paint, I 'heart design' my Mom (Gram). If you have time, adult patience and a bigger budget the child can be helped to paint shapes, borders etc. This project will take 30 to 60 minutes.

Glued decoration:White , non toxic craft glue, pebbles, sea shells, glass flat sided marbles, sequins, mirrors etc. found in floral and jewelry craft section of store or gathered at the seaside etc. Spread the work area with newspaper or a plastic garbage. The adult can pour some glue on a plastic cover from a yogurt cup, coffee can or whipped cream container. Encourage the child to glue selected items on to the pot. Dip items into the glue and press firmly to the pot. The pot can be it's Natural clay color or pre-painted and thoroughly dry at least 48 hours earlier. This project will take patience. It can be messy and a creative child is going to focus and be 'into' decorating to their hearts content. Let dry for at least 48 hours before 'presenting' to the person who is to receive this Mother's Day Craft. Parent or adult may need to double check that everything is affixed.

Bookmark Materials: cardstock, markers, stickers, ink and stamps, pens or paint, a hole punch and string or fine yarn. The cardboard inserts in a box of tea are the perfect size and shape for bookmarks. You will be recycling and there is no cost for this project. No tea in the house, cardstock can be found in craft stores, sold single sheets in most areas that sell scrapbooking supplies or at Wal-Mart in packages in many colors. If you are using 8" and 1/2" by 11" just cut into strips 1 and 1/2" to 3" wide. There is no specific measurement needed. Punch center top of bookmark with hole punch. This is for a hole to put 5" to 10" length of yarn or string through for a simple 'tassel' which will mark the page in the readers book, hanging out at the book top. Let the child paint, draw and decorate their book marker. This works very well with 3 year olds and up. Let child poke yarn or string through hole. Adult can help tie a knot to keep the string or yarn from pulling out. This Mother's Day Craft takes about 20 minutes and there is no mess involved. Little guys are very proud to make a bookmark for Mommy's books or Grammie's Bible.

Infant and toddler foot and hand prints This is a treasure gift for Mommy or Grammy. Materials: Cardstock in 2 colors, 1 dark, 1 light., water soluble ink or paint in a dark color of choice. 1. Take light piece of cardstock and sheet of cardboard and cut out a heart , flower or teddy bear shape. A pattern is easy to find in a coloring book or free coloring pages site. 2.Use paint or ink to coat child's feet and hands, one a time and press firmly to surface to get a clear print. Let dry. Wash child's feet and hands right away with baby wipe or soapy cloth or paper. 3. Cut out the same pattern from the darker sheet which is large enough to mount the light cardstock to. 4. Adhere with glue stick or double-sided tape. It is better to do this after the prints dry in case you have to try the prints more than once with 'squirmy tootsies'. Glue may cause 'waves' in your paper which you do not want. Frame if desired after thoroughly dry. This could also be used as a scrapbook page. Make sure to date this piece of art too!

Wall Plaque Materials: Any size unfinished wooden plaque from wood craft aisle in discount, craft and super centers. White craft glue, pen or fine tip marker, Small paint brush, tiny colored stones in craft store, or in grocery store dried split peas, beans, corn etc. Simple line drawing of bunny, rainbow, flower, chicken or anything appropriate for kitchen. Sources pre-school coloring book or on line free coloring pages. Newspaper or plastic bag to cover work surface. 1. Trace drawing on to wood. 2. Pour glue on plastic lid. 3. With small paint brush let child spread glue on one section of drawing. Assist the child in placing stones or dried seeds, peas, beans etc. within the outline of the drawings to create the piece of art. The drawing is the guide to help form the picture. This project is for a child who is at least 8 years old and understand shape and variations of color and texture in an item.

No matter the craft, age and skill of a child an adult must remember that they will not craft perfect projects. Let them do what they are able. That is part of the joy of it for them especially when they craft a gift .