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 Mother’s Day gifts often conjure up images of homemade macaroni necklaces and handprint flowers. These are the presents that, as kids, we created ourselves—sometimes with the help our dads or teachers—and then proudly presented to our moms on Mother’s Day morning. Of course, mom loved whatever we made because on Mother’s Day it is truly the thought that counts.
As the years go by, macaroni art no longer seems apropos. Fortunately, there are still many simple and elegant handmade gifts that mom will love receiving on Mother’s Day. They are great last minute gifts in case of a memory lapse. And since handcrafted gifts can be made from recycled and repurposed material, they are also good for Mother Earth. Here are EcoHearth's ideas for the best Mother's Day gifts this year:
- Spoon Jewelry – The possibilities for repurposing old silverware are nearly endless. There are many artisans who specialize in creating new and interesting objects from tableware. If you’re handy with a blowtorch you might consider trying some more elaborate designs. However, it is possible to make a simple spoon ring or an even simpler spoon bracelet with little more than a mallet and large dowel. Find a sterling silver or pewter spoon that has decoration on both sides. If one of these metals, it should be very malleable and you may be able to shape it with your hands. If not, use a rubber mallet to pound it into a circular shape around your dowel. In very little time, you’ll have a fashionable cuff bracelet that is also a great conversation piece. For directions on how to make a slightly more complicated spoon ring, click here.
- Denim Purses – If you’re handy with a sewing machine, the DIY possibilities are endless. One idea for a quick and easy sewing project is to reuse an old pair of jeans to make a fun and funky purse. Denim is durable and most of the sewing is already done for you. You can either use the top of the jeans or one of the legs. Just cut off the part that you want to use for the purse, turn the fabric inside out and sew up the bottom. You can create the straps either by using another part of the pant or with a belt, ribbon or other piece of recycled fabric. If you’re not so handy with a sewing machine or if you want some more ideas, check out the work of professional designers who specialize in repurposed denim purses.
- Sweater Mittens – Remember that wool sweater you never liked but still dutifully haul out for every family holiday celebration because your mom bought it for you? Well now you can make it into a wonderful gift for your mom—and never have to wear it again as a bonus. Start by taking your sweater and putting it in a pillowcase with some old golf or tennis balls. Then wash it with your whites on hot. When you remove the sweater from the pillowcase it will look and feel like felt. Animal fibers, such as wool and cashmere, shrink and matte when agitated in hot water. Take your newly felted sweater and place your hand on it. Use your hand as a pattern to trace four mitten shapes. With the right sides together, hand or machine-sew your mittens together. Stitch them both twice, or use a whip stitch, to ensure that they don’t unravel. Then turn them inside out and you’ve just made a pair of warm mittens! Plenty of craftspeople also make recycled sweater mittens in case you’re running short on time.
- Flower Wreaths – This DIY present can be done by kids and adults alike. You’ll need a heavy cardboard or wooden base, a pencil, scissors, hot glue and lots of recycled paper. Your base should be the size and shape you want your final wreath to be. You can paint the base before you begin or just leave its natural color. Start by drawing a spiral shape on your first piece of recycled paper. Then cut out the paper around the spiral. Roll it up, starting from the outside, either around a pencil or just around itself. Once it’s rolled up all the way, start to let it unfurl just a little bit until it comes out in the shape of a rosette. Use a small dot of hot glue or some tape to hold the rosette in its shape. Repeat this process on the paper until you have enough to cover your entire wreath base. Artistically arrange your rosettes and glue them into place. You can paint or decorate your wreath to suit your mom’s tastes. The work of T. Matthews inspired this DIY project.
- Greeting Cards – Here is another gift-giving opportunity that also allows you to de-clutter your life. At the back of your closet or under your bed is a box of received greeting cards. While some are worth saving, there are probably dozens, if not hundreds, that you don’t need. Instead of just throwing them out, cut them in half. Purchase a pack of recycled cardstock and glue the front of the old greeting card onto the folded piece of cardstock. Cut the cards out in fun shapes or even add extra stickers and decorations for some extra whimsy. Make a whole set for your mom. She will not only be pleased that you saved her old cards all these years, but that she can now put them to good use again.
- Mosaic Flower Pots – Philadelphia’s Magic Garden shows that amazing art can be created out of broken pottery. You can capture some of that magic with a personalized flowerpot for your mom. Find or buy a used terra cotta flowerpot. You’ll also need tile grout and a butter knife. What you use to decorate the flowerpot is up to you. You can use small stones or other found objects. If you have broken dishes or ones that you want to break, you can use them instead. (Just be careful to wear gloves when handling shattered porcelain; it can be sharp.) Spread tile grout on a small section of the flowerpot and firmly stick your objects in place. Repeat this process until the entire pot is covered. Allow a few hours for the grout to solidify before handling your creation. You can either give it to mom as is, or plant a flower in it.
- Coffee Mugs – Maybe your mom already has a million coffee mugs, but why not take some that she already has and give them new life? Take the joke mugs and the corporate giveaways and give them a fresh coat of paint, literally. You can buy enamel paint and glaze that is dishwasher-safe. Don’t paint the inside of the mug and be careful to leave a small unpainted strip at the top of it. Most paints, enamels included, react to the acidity in certain foods by breaking down and leaching into whatever they touch. Decorating the outside of the cup is just fine, though.
- Decoupage – You’d be surprised how easy it is to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. Decoupage, the art of cutting and gluing paper, is an artistic DIY project that someone with relatively few artistic skills can accomplish. Once you find your book, box, tabletop, bangle, pot, basket, chair or any other repurposed material, wipe it down to make sure you have a flat and clean surface. Then cut out images from newspapers, books or magazines that will please your mother. Use a slightly watery white glue to paint the surface and then lay your cutouts down. Once the first layer of glue has dried, paint over the paper cutouts with a second layer of glue. You can also purchase special glazes if you would like. The art of decoupage has a long history; take a look at the National Guild of Decoupeurs for ideas.
There you have it—some great homemade Mother's Day gifts for your mom that she will love. Or let your creativity run wild and come up with your own handcrafted Mother's Day gift idea. Giving your mother a homespun gift is not only environmentally preferable, it means giving her a gift that is unique. That's a great way of letting her know that you realize she is the one-of-kind mom that she is.
Additional resources:
The Importance of Handmade Gifts
Eco Mother’s Day Gifts: Showing Love for Your Mother—and Mother Earth
Gifts for Mother’s Day That Will Also Please the Planet
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