Personalized Handmade Gifts for Mother's Day

Looking for that perfect mother's day gift, but you are on a strict budget? Or perhaps you have already been walking up and down all the aisles at the gift stores, but cant' seem to find that perfect gift that shouts out "MOM" to you? This year, try using your imagination and put some heart into a gift-create something handmade for Mother's Day.

For mothers who like jewelry, create your mom a special "mom" bracelet with her favorite colors or birthstones. Visit your nearest hobby shop or retail store like Wal-Mart and purchase letter beads (they may be different colors if you like), unique colored or designed glass beads, silver or metal spacers and some bead stretch string (try brands like Stretch Magic). This type of bracelet is particularly easy to create and also affordable. First, cut the length of string that would be a little bit larger than the size of your mom's wrist (also allow enough room to tie a knot for when you are finished). Simply string the letter beads out to spell "mom" or "mother." You can also spell out her name if you would like too. If your letter beads contain the "heart" beads, string one or two of those on each end too. Then add a silver or metal spacer on each side of the word "mother. "Once you have strung those beads, begin adding an assortment of the glass beads. Be sure to make the design equal on both sides. Whatever beads you add on one side of the word-add the others on the other side to make the bracelet appear "symmetrical." After you have strung all of the beads, tie a couple of knots to make sure it stays tied. Add a drop of craft or gorilla glue on the knot so that it stays together. Put the bracelet in a small colored gift bag or tape it to the inside of a Mother's Day card when you present it to your mother. If she loves jewelry, she will adore this unique handmade craft.

Another handmade gift idea is a painted coffee cup with a flower planted inside. Find a blank coffee mug at your local Dollar Store, Family Dollar or Dollar Tree. Most of the time, these stores have mugs that are all one color. If you can not find one, visit your nearest hobby shop for one. Then purchase some acrylic paints and stencils. The stencils can be anything of your choice. Look for letter stencils (to spell her name or the word "mom), flower stencils, birds or other designs that your mom would enjoy. Paint the word "mom" on the mug with the acrylic paints . Again-you may also personalize it with her name also. Then add the stencils for design. Allow your mug to dry. While your mug is drying, visit your local green house or plant nursery. Pick out a pretty annual that you can plant inside the mug. Pansies, impatiens or daisies are good choices for Mother's Day. Buy a small bag of planting soil. Once you return home, be sure that your mug is dry before you plant the flower. Add a small amount of soil to the bottom of the mug. Then add your flower. Top it off the rest of it with soil and some plant food. Add a small a mount of water-but do not over water. Present this pretty handmade (and hand planted) gift to your mother. She can display it in a favorite window or on her desk in a home office. With proper care, this gift can be enjoyed throughout the spring and summer.

Personalized handmade gifts can speak louder than a simple shirt, glass knick knack or any other gift pulled off a store shelf. Handmade crafts are created from the heart and plenty of love. Also with handmade gifts, you can be positive that mom doesn't already have this item at home too! Handmade items go a long way-each gift is always unique and special. And if your mother knows you took the time to create it just for her-she is gonna love it anyway-because she loves you.

http://familyfun.go.com/mothers-day/mothers-day-cards-gifts/

http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/mothersday/a/040901a.htm