Make Her Day With a DIY Gift
Nothing says thoughtful giving like a homemade gift, especially on Mother's Day. Anyone can buy a card and a fresh bouquet, so get a little crafty this year with these DIY Mother's Day gifts made just for her. Whether your mom is into gardening and flowers or punny planters and funky earrings, we've got the perfect Mother's Day gift idea for any DIY skill level — from kid-friendly to last-minute.
First up: Stamped Napkins. Serve Mom breakfast in bed and surprise her with these custom-stamped napkins. Turn basic household items into simple stamps, then create your own custom-stamped artwork just for her.
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Photo: Cassidy Garcia
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Wildflower Seed Paper
This kid-friendly craft will let them give the gift of flowers with a card made from seeds and recycled paper. To plant, simply dig a small hole and drop in the seed paper.
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Punny Indoor Garden
If your mom loves gardening and a good pun, this is the perfect gift for her. Simply stamp puns on small terra-cotta pots and fill them with her favorite plants.
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Mom's Happy Box
Create the ultimate, customized gift for Mother's Day with a DIY happy box. Fill a decorative box with some of Mom's favorite goodies, like lip balm, nail polish, sweets and a special card.
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Personalized Tea Bags
Surprise Mom this Mother’s Day with handmade tea bags featuring her favorite photos and favorite tea. This thoughtful gift is inexpensive and easy to make.
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Glass Painted Jars
Mom will love these custom caddies! You can purchase ready-made glass paint or make your own by mixing a bit of food coloring and decoupage medium. Use a stencil to spell out your Mother’s Day message. Allow the outline to completely dry before filling in the background color using a small paintbrush. For a finishing touch, a pop of polka dots using a paint pen helps the message stand out.
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Rose Body Scrub
Homemade beauty products are a great gift idea for Mother's Day. Make your own rose body scrub by mixing together equal parts coarse sea salt and almond oil. Stir in 2 tablespoons of dried rose petals and a few drops of essential oil.
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Seeds Bombs
Put scrap paper to use by upcycling it into these fun and easy seed bombs. The kids and Mom can toss them in the backyard, then watch as beautiful wildflowers appear!
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Photo: Cassidy Garcia
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DIY Orchid Arrangement
Channel your inner florist to craft a gorgeous orchid arrangement — perfect for Mother's Day. To pull off this look, you'll need phalaenopsis orchids (the kind you find in the grocery store), a planter, moss, decorative stems and one or two small, low-light houseplants.
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Framed Child's Silhouette
A framed silhouette is a classic keepsake that Mom will cherish for years to come. A digital camera, computer and printer make this centuries-old craft a snap.
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Photo: Jalynn Baker
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Kitchen Shadow Box
Mom's perfect pie now has the trophy it deserves. Put her (or her mom's) picture, the recipe and prized kitchen tools inside a shadow box frame for a heartwarming gift.
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Drip-Paint Pots
If you’re willing to let the kids get a little messy, this drip-painted flower pot craft is tons of fun. Lay down a drop cloth or newspaper, set out craft paint and some terra-cotta pots, and let the little ones go wild pouring their favorite colors.
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Photo: Cassidy Garcia
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Kid's Art Tea Towel
For the mom who has it all, what's better than a thoughtful, homemade gift from her little ones? This easy, inexpensive project turns children's artwork into a sweet memento that can be used and displayed all year long. Use artwork the kids have stockpiled or have them draw a new piece for Mother's Day.
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Kids' Garden Steppingstone
Shiny, sparkly finds instantly become artwork for Mom when turned into a found object steppingstone.
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Photo: Jennie Andrews
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Clay Pinch Pot Hanging Planters
Have the kids make simple clay pinch pot planters and then fill them with mini succulents. You can shape the pots for the younger kiddos and then have the kids paint them. Older kids will enjoy molding the clay, painting them and adding the string. Bonus points for macraming the string.
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Butterfly Window Garland
Bring the outdoors in with a colorful, spring-inspired butterfly window garland. This super-easy project will look great no matter which side of the window you're looking through.
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Hand-Painted Wooden Bracelets
These stylish bracelets are so easy to create and will make any mom smile. From fingerprints to polka dots and stripes, the kids can get creative making these especially for her.
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Photo: Sarah Busby
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Strong Women Cross-Stitch
For all the strong mamas on Mother's Day, cross-stitch a sign that'll surely make her feel empowered. Get the free pattern, designed by Stephanie Rohr, and instructions here.
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Photo: Liz Gray.
From:
HGTV Handmade
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Pressed Flower Gift Tags + Boxes
Pretty up your presents and parcels with these sweet and simple decoupage flower gift tags that you can make in the microwave. To make these, you will need gift boxes, thick paper gift tags, decoupage glue, pressed flowers and a paintbrush.
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Boxwood Flamingo
Add a tropical twist to Mom's front porch or back patio with this crafty flamingo topiary that needs no maintenance to keep its playful good looks.
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Fingerprint-Embellished Frames
The kids will have a great time making these one-of-a-kind keepsake frames that Mom will love, especially when a favorite photo is included.
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Pompom Bouquet
Kids can make a bouquet for Mom that lasts forever with this easy project! First grab a jar or bottle from the recycling bin. Use a paintbrush to coat a small section of the container in craft glue. Wrap with yarn while the glue is still wet. Repeat until the vase is completely covered and allow it to dry. You can make your own pompoms or use ready-made ones from the store to act as flowers for your bouquet. Glue pompoms to the ends of found sticks in various lengths. When all the glue is dry, style your bouquet.
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Oversized Recipe Wall Art
Put Mom or Grandma's cherished family recipe on display by transforming it into an inexpensive, farmhouse-inspired work of art.
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A Cozy Night In
Do you know a tired momma who could desperately use a quiet evening curled up with a good book or favorite TV show? Give them the gift of total relaxation this Mother's Day — cozy hot cocoa, warm fuzzy socks, healing bath soak, a cozy blanket, Netflix gift card and a strict edict to not leave the couch under any circumstances (except to refill their mug, of course).
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Hatbox Flower Arrangement
Surprise a special mom with a box full of their favorite blooms this Mother's Day. They'll appreciate the time, creativity and love put into this gorgeous gift.
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Photo: Jason Kisner
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Sunprints
One of the oldest forms of photography, sun prints are the perfect craft project/science experiment combo. Have the kids place flowers, leaves and other flat objects on sun-sensitive paper in direct sunlight, then watch them ooh and ahh as the prints develop before their eyes. When it's dry, place it in a frame for Mom.
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Easy Paper Flowers
Brighten a loved one's day with a bouquet of colorful flowers — handmade paper flowers, that is. All you need is a roll of party streamers and a few supplies to craft these beautiful, long-lasting blooms.
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DIY Memory Box
It's easy to forget those little moments. Show your sentimental side by painting a wooden box and filling it with memories you've made with your mom. Collect photos, movie ticket stubs or small trinkets to fill the box.
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Easy Handmade Cards
Need a cute card in a hurry? Make Mom an adorable, handmade card with materials you likely already have on hand.
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Heart-Shaped Tea Bags
These DIY heart-shaped tea bags from HonestlyYUM are sure to warm your mom up this Mother's Day. Inexpensive, inventive and useful, the coffee filter tea sachets are hand-cut and sewn and filled with your choice of loose tea.
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"Mom" Centerpiece
Create a special centerpiece as a tribute to Mom this Mother's Day. The kids will love getting involved in this simple, family-friendly project.
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Stitched Storage
Plain plastic storage is a dime a dozen but all you need is a ball of yarn to upgrade them for Mom. Use a large-eyed plastic needle to weave in yarn in her favorite color or use all the colors. There is no right or wrong way. Either way, the next time she grabs for a sticky note or a pen she will think of the person who gave her this clever gift.
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Block Print Napkins
Turn basic household items into simple stamps, to create custom block-print towels and napkins that Mom will love.
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Bejeweled Plant Marker
Have the kids transform an ordinary rock into a colorful work of art that will help Mom label her plants and accent her garden bed.
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Photo: Karen Kavett
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Puffy Paint Decorated Notebook
A long-time favorite crafting material of kids everywhere, puffy paint can be used to decorate so many things from planters to coasters. Have the little ones embellish a store-bought notebook or journal with colorful dots of puffy paint for an easy kids' craft that Mom will love.
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Cane Serving Tray
This DIY serving tray is the perfect way to add a touch of trend to Mom's entertaining style. Serve her breakfast in bed on the tray as an added bonus gift for her.
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Gift With a Twist
When life gives you lemons ... make a gift basket! This pretty present of sweet tea straws, a fresh lemon candle, cheery kitchen towels and more fresh picks is a surefire way to squeeze a smile out of even the sourest lemon.
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Special "Mom" Banner
Moms everywhere will love being presented with this handmade paper banner. Little ones' handwritten messages on the back will make this a keepsake to cherish.
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Toy Trinket Jars
Fun and functional describe these containers perfectly! Take empty jars and give them a makeover with the help of craft paint, a small toy and trim. First, have the kids paint the toy and a jar lid using multi-surface craft paint that will work on plastic. Allow to dry completely. Attach the toy to the top of the lid and trim to the edge with craft glue. Mom will love displaying these jazzy jars on her desk or in the kitchen.
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Frame a Favorite Family Recipe
Preserve a treasured family recipe card (and Grandmother's handwriting) from future decades of kitchen mishaps by framing it. It only takes a few easy steps to turn that go-to family recipe into treasured kitchen decor.
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Or a Vintage Tea Towel
Vintage tea towels and other small hand-embroidered linens are not only beautiful, they're often a sentimental reminder of a beloved ancestor. Honor your family's history by framing the linen's embroidered details.
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Photo: Sam Henderson
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DIY Cork Planter
Craft this useful planter to decorate Mom's desk for Mother's Day. Add a houseplant and card to the inside, and attach a favorite photo to the outside for a thoughtful touch.
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Photo: Jalynn Baker
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Painted Rocks for Mom's Garden
Painting rocks is a fun activity that’s easy on the wallet — just search the backyard for a free “canvas,” set the kids up with some basic paint supplies and watch what they create.
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Photo: Cassidy Garcia.
From:
HGTV Handmade
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Spring Tulip Wreath
With an easy ombre pattern and just a 30-minute build time, this lush DIY wreath is a perfect gift idea for the spring-loving mom.
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Wooden Cookbook Stand
Everyone could use an extra hand in the kitchen — especially when they're whipping up a new recipe. Beginner woodworking skills and our step-by-step instructions, below, will help you turn lumber into a useful kitchen assistant for Mom.
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Photo: Sarah Busby
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DIY Cupcake Bouquet
Make Mom's day with a beautiful arrangement of cupcake roses in a terra-cotta pot. Create it by securing unfrosted cupcakes to a foam ball using toothpicks. Then, use a piping bag with a star-shaped tip to create rose-like frosting swirls on the cupcakes.
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Easy-Sew Lined Tote Bag
A straightforward sewing project for tweens, teens or anyone new to sewing, this lined fabric tote bag is perfect for moms on the go.
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Kids' Artwork Candleholder
Personalize simple glass hurricanes with kids' artwork as a sweet handmade gift for Mother's Day. This easy project can be made by children of all ages.
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Photo: Jalynn Baker
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Hanging Herb Garden
We can't think of a single dish that isn't instantly boosted by adding fresh herbs from your own garden. Even better, what if the herb garden resided right in the kitchen and took up zero counter space? Oh my! Say hello to the hanging herb garden of Mom's dreams.
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Watercolor Flower Painting
Paint a colorful, floral picture for your mom with bright watercolors, or — better yet — paint a picture together on her special day for a fun craft project that will hold special memories.
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Photo: Karen Kavett
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Paper Teacup Gift Box
Say those three magic words by crafting a teacup gift box for your mom's present. Especially great for gift cards, simply fill the cup with basket filler and add a small gift inside.
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Photo: Karen Kavett
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Paper Chain Wall Hanging
Construction-paper chains are a craft most kids know and love. Follow our step-by-step tutorial and have the kids create an ombre paper chain hanger using graph paper, card stock, string, a wooden dowel and other craft supplies. Recreate our citrus-inspired color scheme with orange, pink, red and yellow paper, or tailor the palette to Mom's favorite colors.
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Photo: Jalynn Baker
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House Number Planter
For a fresh alternative to traditional house numbers, stack colorful pots and plants to create an eye-catching planter that will bring loads of curb appeal to Mom's front porch.
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Polymer Clay Trays
Little ones will love making these adorable trays out of polymer clay, and adults will love using them around the house to corral jewelry, keys and other small items. Encourage kids to create fun patterns in the clay using items found around the house.
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Yarn Painting
Of course, moms like it when kids paint pictures for them, but wouldn’t they love it if said pictures were painted in yarn? Use a small canvas (or even a piece of cardboard) to draw a simplistic image — owls, flowers and rainbows all work great. Working in sections, use a paintbrush to spread craft glue in a light but not too thin layer. While the glue is still wet, have the kids lay down yarn in a coiling pattern to fill the area. Lightly press the yarn down as you go to make sure it sticks. Continue until the entire image is “painted in glue”.
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Macramé Plant Hanger
By using basic supplies from the hardware store, you can make this easy macramé hanger to display Mom's favorite houseplant. This project can be adjusted to fit any planter, and since the rope is polyester, this project can also be hung outdoors.
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Printable Mother's Day Cards
Show her you care with one of these easy-to-make printable cards, then add ribbon embellishments to make it special and one-of-a-kind. The inside is blank and ready for your heartfelt note.
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Colorful Dipped Utensils
Give Mom something practical, beautiful and handmade this Mother's Day by dressing up wooden utensils with a splash of her favorite hue. Trendy dip-dye looks even fresher when you paint each one with gradually lighter paint, creating an ombre effect.
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Photo: Cassidy Garcia Photography
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Beaded Mosquito-Repelling Bracelet
Kids can use air-dry or oven-bake clay to make this cute beaded bracelet in their favorite colors. Add a few drops of citronella essential oil to the beads to repel mosquitoes.
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Photo: Jalynn Baker
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Garden Hose Storage
This decorative garden hose holder and planter is a DIY that is sure to keep your mom's garden looking nice and tidy.
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Tiny Mason Jar Terrarium
For moms with limited outdoor space or a limited green thumb, this office or windowsill terrarium is the perfect way to create a little low-maintenance green.
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Photo: Cassidy Garcia
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Clay Terrazzo Earrings
Make your mom a pair of stylish, '70s-inspired earrings with polymer clay that bring back the terrazzo tile trend.
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Cookie Tin Planters
Houseplants have never been more in style. Give your mom a living wall art display with this simple planter project made from upcycled cookie tins.
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Photo: Karen Kavett
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Easy-Sew Plushie Keychains
This adorable craft is perfect for older kids or teens who are interested in learning how to sew. Use scrap felt and a simple hand-sewing technique to make these food-inspired keychains with smiling faces.
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Photo: Ruth Meharg
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Mini Clay Succulents
Looking for a more advanced clay project for an older child to make for Mom? Look no further than these adorable miniature succulents. This fun craft will let your little sculptor practice making more intricate shapes out of clay.
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Fingerprint Table Runner
This darling, colorful table runner is so easy to create. Kids can personalize a plain white table runner with colorful fingerprints to be used at Mother's Day brunch.
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Colorful Wind Chimes
Transform tiny terra-cotta pots into cheery music for your mom's garden. These chimes are constructed entirely by knotting and gluing — no drilling required.
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Dried Flower Tray
Everyone loves receiving flowers and nothing says Mother’s Day quite like a bouquet. But what if those flowers could last for years? If you use pressed flowers they can! Luckily pressed flowers are easy to find online or in craft shops. You could also make your own by smashing some flowers flat between book pages for a few weeks. Once you have the flowers add them to the bottom of a shallow dish or tray. Cover the flowers in a thin layer of dimensional topcoat. Allow it to dry completely before wrapping it up for Mom.
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Photo: Melissa Caughey
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Easy Wine Trivet
If your mom loves wine, make a trivet with collected corks from some of her favorites places, moments and wines.
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Geo Suncatcher
Up your crafting game by crafting a faux stained glass suncatcher for Mother's Day. Every time the sun shines through this cool suncatcher, she'll be reminded of you.
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Painted Market Basket
Send Mom to the farmers market in style this season with a vibrant basket painted with a trendy pattern. This craft would look equally at home storing blankets, pillows and magazines beside the sofa.
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Photo: Sarah Busby
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Floral Monogram Letter
Make Mom a special faux floral monogram letter by attaching flowers to a chipboard or paper mache letter. Add a hanger to make it a wreath.
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For the Dog Mom
This one's for all the dog moms. Easily turn pics of their pup(s) into eye-catching art that they can display on their walls.
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Vintage Book Planter
Does your mom love reading? Turn a book into an unexpected planter by cutting open the inside of an old book and adding a small succulent.
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