Mom-approved DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Handy Hubby’s Mom and her husband are arriving today for a visit (they leave Saturday) and we couldn’t be more excited.  I’m also a little tuckered out from trying to cram a week’s worth of work into a weekend, so we could have more time to spend with them. I failed, but at least we remembered to pick up a Mother’s Day gift (pssst, some chocolate from the best chocolate shop in Ottawa).

My own Mom is not a fan of Mother’s Day.  She’s not one to go with the crowd.  But she loves handmade goods and is especially fond of a few of my DIY projects.  If I was a better daughter, I’d have made her something and forced her to revel in the joy that is Mother’s Day.

Today I’m featuring my Mom’s favorite projects from my DIY archives, with ideas for how to personalize them for your Mom.  Check back tomorrow for a list of fun DIY gift ideas for Mom I haven’t yet tried.

Framed Bakelite Brooches:

I love this project because it is so customizable.  You could make one large display for all of Mom’s brooches, or use a few special pieces (maybe family heirlooms?) so she can enjoy them everyday, as “art”.  And remember: this project doesn’t damage the brooch and it is still easily removable.

Handmade Art:

Awww, Mom’s with grown kids (unless they have grandkids) have no more school art projects to pin to the fridge.  Why not tackle a blank canvas and create Mom some one of a kind artwork?  I promise she will love it – my Mom is always stealing paintings I’ve made (see her living room for one of them).  Or, for something even more sentimental, invite Mom over, hand her a smock and paint something together!  Check out my DIY Projects Page for some inspiration.

Simple Beaded Jewellery:

Beautiful jewellery can be so simple to make.  Check out this tutorial for simple drop earrings, this post about stringing beads to make a bracelet, or this chain and pearl necklace post for some ideas.  After my sister-in-law’s first baby was born, I made her a pair of earrings from her and her little girl’s birthstones.  Try a pair with your birthstone paired with your Mom’s.

Customized Table Linens:

I think Moms, like most people, have too much stuff.  My Mom complains of that all the time.  If your Mom had begged for no more clutter, try making something usable and consumable.  Decorative items (unless they meet their maker in an unexpected dusting accident) last forever and take up space, doing nothing!  But table linens can be used daily and eventually wear out (so we always seem to be able to use more).  Try making a table cloth for your Mom’s specific table measurements, or a set of napkins – or both!

Frame Something Special:

Maybe a photo of you coupled with some memorabilia, or a collection of vintage spoons needs a better way to be displayed.  You can find really nice shadow boxes at craft and framing stores and, with a little personalization, you can finally display what is most special to your Mom.  Take a peek at my framed skeleton keys for inspiration.   This DIY is easy-peasy!

Pretty Card Display:

One thing Mom might have a lot of: greeting cards!  Make her a special place to collect them, like my DIY card display made from a vintage frame.  She will thank you every holiday!

“Renovation Gift Card”:

Maybe your Mom has complained her tiling is dated or her walls need painting.  Why not give her a “gift card” for a weekend of your time, or a specific job (one you’re good at, now is not the time to experiment)?  I actually enjoy spending a weekend helping my Mom organize and de-clutter, because I feel like I’ve really given her a gift (although she’s a fan of chocolate too).

Tell me: what do you have planned for Mother’s Day?  Does your Mom like homemade gifts?  Nothing at all?