5 Handmade Gifts to Celebrate your Loved Ones on Mother’s Day

Flowers and store-bought gifts are nice, but nothing says “I love you” like a homemade gift. Take an afternoon out of your busy schedule and try one of these simple yet meaningful arts & crafts projects.

  • Scented Candles

    Help Mom kick back and relax with a set of homemade scented candles. All you need are wax flakes, pre-waxed candle wicks, a couple of glass jars, chopsticks, tape, and your choice of essential oil(s) for scent.

    (We recommend using beeswax and lavender for a soothing natural scent, but learn more about your options here: https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/discover/about.)

    Check out Michaels, Joann’s Fabric, or your local craft store for any ingredients you don’t already have lying around at home.

    First, position your candle wick vertically in the glass jar, anchoring it with two chopsticks and some tape.

    Second, melt the wax flakes in an old pan on your stove top. (The wax can be tricky to wash out, so we recommend using a pot you won’t be sad to lose.)

    Once the wax is melted, pour it into the glass jars carefully so you don’t knock over your candle wick.

    Add in your essential oils, and voila!

    For detailed instructions, visit: http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/1039793/make-your-own-scented-candles

 

  • Body Scrub

    Sometimes Moms need a little encouragement to take the day off and focus on themselves. Give her the push she needs with this homemade body scrub made from household ingredients!

    Grab some sugar, coconut oil, and honey. Mix together in a jar (you’ll have to heat the coconut oil a bit so it’s in liquid form). For a more intense body scrub (great for feet, knees, and hands) use sea salt instead of sugar.

    You can substitute the coconut oil with olive oil, but there’s nothing like a nice coconut body scrub to get you ready for summer!

    Pro tip: combine this with #1 on our list and Mom’s got herself the perfect Spa Day!

  • Family Photo Magnet


    There’s nothing more embarrassing than bringing a friend or partner home to meet the parents only to have Mom pull out the baby photos. Next time, you control the narrative! Select your favorite childhood photos and turn them into decorative magnets for Mom’s fridge. With any luck, they’ll provide enough material for pre-dinner conversation to keep those photo albums on the bookshelf where they belong.

    What you’ll need:

    Diamond Glaze
    E-6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive
    Small circular magnets
    Exacto Knife
    Clear flat circular glass pieces

    First, select your favorite family photos.

    Second, use a paintbrush or Q-tip to apply Diamond Glaze to the back of your glass piece. Place the glass piece over the area of the photo that you want to use for your magnet. Be gentle to avoid creating bubbles or smudging the photo ink!

    Once dry, use an Exacto Knife to cut around your glass piece, and attach the magnet with your Industrial Strength Adhesive.

    Include a few photos of your family pets, or old childhood photos of your Mom for good measure!

  • Photograph Jewelry

    Want something a bit more personal than Refrigerator Magnets? Turn your photo magnets into jewelry!

    Follow the same steps listed in #3, except use your industrial adhesive to attach your glass piece to a pendant. You’ll want to make sure that your pendant and glass piece are the same size, so buy them together or make a note of the measurements before purchasing your pendant. Once dry, attach it to a decorative chain or a hemp or leather cord. Bonus points if you attach it to a handmade beaded necklace or bracelet!

    For earrings, use smaller glass pieces and pendants. Earring hooks can be purchased at any craft store. (You’ll needle nose pliers to open and close the loops.)

    Check out detailed instructions here: http://sarahsaving.blogspot.com/2014/01/diy-photo-pendant-for-under-250.html

  • Keepsake Box

    Turn an old shoe box into a homemade personalized Memento Box! Use fancy wrapping paper, decorative paper from your local Stationary store, old letters and photos, or all of the above!

    Use Modge Podge to adhere the paper to your cardboard box – it dries clear and creates a slick hard exterior that is relatively waterproof and will protect your box from daily wear and tear.

    If you want something a little less “square,” visit Michael’s or Joann’s Fabric to find cardboard boxes in all shapes and sizes – stars, circles, hearts, and more!

    So no excuses this year, folks! Put on your smock and get to work – show Mom she’s worth the extra effort!