When my children were young, my favorite part of Mother’s Day was enjoying the crafts they lovingly made for me in their classrooms, both at school and at church. It didn’t matter to me if there were globs of glue that had dripped out or if a border wasn’t straight or if the lettering was less than perfect. All that mattered to me was that these Mother’s Day crafts were constructed with love by my precious son and daughter. They became instant keepsakes which I still have today (my children are in college now).
Are you a teacher, a child care worker or a Sunday school teacher? Would you like to help the children you know to make Mother’s day crafts for their mothers, grandmothers, aunts and godmothers? Here are some ideas for unique, personalized creations!
Nature Walk Picture Frame
Materials needed (per child):
5×7 picture mat
Natural materials (small rocks, feathers, leaves, flowers)
Extra small pebbles
White glue
Glue gun and glue sticks (for heavier items – adult use only!)
Paper clip for hanger
Preparation:
Write the word “Mom” in large letters on each 5×7 photo mat (inexpensive ones are available at discount stores such as Wal-Mart) using a marker. Unfold one paper clip per mat into an “S” shape. Attach the paper clips by hooking one end under the lower edge of the top portion of the mat. Center the clip so that the frame will hang evenly. Tape the paper clip to the mat on both sides (the clip and tape will be covered later). Write each child’s name on the back of a mat.
Constructing the Mother’s Day craft:
Go on a nature walk with the children and encourage them to look for small items such as pebbles, feathers, leaves, flowers, acorns, seed pods, or other natural products that are found in your area. Help them to find leaves and flowers that are already on the ground rather than those still on the plants, and explain why it is important not to disturb growing plants.
Make sure each child finds enough pebbles to spell out “Mom” on the frame. Have extras on hand just in case, especially if small rocks are rare in your region. If you live in an urban area with few natural materials available, you can purchase pebbles, dried flowers, and feathers at craft stores and some discount stores.
Explain to the children that they are going to make a Mother’s Day craft as a special gift for their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers, or other women that are important to them. Give each child a 5×7 cardboard photo mat (inexpensive ones are available at Wal-Mart and similar stores) with the word “Mom” written in large letters with marker. Show the children how to apply glue to the letters (for younger children, do this yourself) and use the small rocks to cover the glue so that the word “Mom” is visible. Depending on the weight of the rocks, a glue gun may be required. Use a cool glue gun if possible, and keep it out of the children’s reach.
Help children to glue the other items on the rest of the mat until it is covered. Set the picture frames aside to dry for several hours (preferably overnight). When the decorations are secure, the children can take their Mother’s Day crafts home for the big day!
“Superhero Mom” Booklets
This Mother’s Day craft is a simple one but can be quite enjoyable for both children and their mothers.
Materials needed:
Construction paper
White unlined paper (copy paper)
Writing and drawing materials (pencils, pens, crayons, markers)
Magazines
Safety scissors
Glue sticks
Stapler (adult use only)
Preparation:
For younger children, pre-fold construction paper for booklet covers and write “My Mom is a Superhero!” on each cover, along with the child’s name. Also fold sheets of copy paper for the inside pages.
Constructing the Mother’s Day craft:
Talk with children about ways their mothers help them. Compare busy mothers with superheroes and invite children to share how their moms are like their favorite superheroes. Some children will understand the concept quickly, while others may need help. Give suggestions as needed.
Distribute the construction paper and white paper. Guide older children to write “My Mom is a Superhero!” on the cover, along with their names. Read the pre-written words to younger children. Encourage them to draw pictures of their moms on the booklet covers. On the inside (white) pages they can draw pictures of the superhero tasks that their mothers do, or cut out magazine pictures to illustrate them. Ask younger children to talk about each picture while you write a caption. Older children can write the captions themselves.
On the last page of the booklet, guide older children to write a sentiment such as “Happy Mother’s Day!” or “I love you Mom,” followed by their names. For younger children, write the words as they dictate them. To complete the booklets, staple the folds of the pages together. The children can take home their Mother’s Day crafts to use as gifts or cards!
Refrigerator Magnet Picture Holder
As a mother, I always enjoyed displaying my children’s drawings and school papers on the refrigerator. This easy Mother’s Day craft makes those displays simpler to manage and is flexible in design.
Materials needed:
Precut shapes (heart, circle, flower, etc.) about 4″ in diameter
Large clothespins (plastic preferred)
At least one photo of each child – 2-3″
Glue sticks
Glue gun (adult use only) or white glue
Self-adhesive magnets (can be purchased in a roll)
Preparation:
You can cut the desired shapes yourself, or you can buy them at an educational supply store or craft store. Plastic clothespins can be found at discount stores such as Wal-Mart. Experiment with the clothespins to determine if white glue will hold the shapes or if a glue gun is needed. Photos may be taken with a regular camera and developed prior to making the craft, or digital photos printed on the spot may be used. Rolls of self-adhesive magnets that can be cut are usually more economical than pre-cut magnets; both can be found at Wal-Mart or craft stores.
Constructing the Mother’s Day craft:
Give each child a pre-cut shape, or allow them to select from a variety of shapes. Guide children to attach the photos using glue sticks. Using white glue or a glue gun (adults only), place the shapes on the clothespins. Allow them to dry or set. To complete the Mother’s Day craft, remove the adhesive backing from the magnets and apply to the backs of the clothespins.
Relaxing Body Scrub
Most busy mothers are happy for a chance to relax and enjoy pleasant aromatherapy. This unusual Mother’s Day craft helps fulfill both those needs!
Materials needed (per child):
Paper bowl
Plastic spoon
1 package flavored instant oatmeal (blueberry or maple and brown sugar are favorites)
1 T. sea salt
1 T. olive oil or safflower oil
Small stickers
About 8-12 inches of ribbon – ½ inch wide fabric preferred
Typewritten instructions for use
Preparation:
Thoroughly wash the baby food jars and remove all attached paper. When making this Mother’s Day craft with young children, make sure you have plenty of assistants to prevent the children from eating it!
Constructing the Mother’s Day craft:
Give each child a baby food jar and provide a selection of small stickers that will reflect varying interests (for example, butterflies, stars, dinosaurs). Encourage the children to decorate the jars with the stickers. Write the child’s name on the bottom of the jar with a permanent marker.
Pass out bowls, spoons, and packets of instant oatmeal. Guide children to open the packets (or open packets for them) and empty them into the bowls. Measure 1 T. of sea salt and 1 T. of oil into each child’s bowl, and encourage children to stir the resulting mixture.
Help children transfer the mixture to the baby food jars. It is wise to have a plastic tablecloth for this procedure, and children should wear smocks if available. In the case of young children, an adult should make the transfer.
Tightly close the lids of the jars and tie the ribbons into bows just under the lids (older children can do this themselves). When children take home their Mother’s Day crafts, include a brief instruction sheet such as the following:
Relaxing Body Scrub
This scrub, made from oatmeal, sea salt, and oil, will moisturize and exfoliate
your skin while its soothing aroma relaxes your mind.
It is freshly prepared and contains no preservatives, so the scrub should
be used as soon as possible. Otherwise, refrigerate it to prevent spoilage.
Allow to sit out for awhile to come to room temperature.
Enjoy and have a happy Mother’s Day!
