Mother's Day Handmade HOME River Valley Issue 2

Mother’s Day Handmade

By Nikki Davis

Mother's Day will be here before we know it, and while every mom is different, some of us like to think outside of the box for gifts. Yes, most moms LOVE going out to dinner, chocolates, or that spa package, so go out and spend, spend, spend at our local businesses and #ShopLocal!!!. However, some mom's do still love that little something handmade (and from the heart) to go along with their gifts. So we have pulled together a few ideas for inspiration from small business sellers and DIY gurus to spark some ideas for you to not only surprise your mom but also maybe pick up a new hobby that you never knew you had to have in your life!

Embroidery

Think about hand embroidering something... anything! Last year one of the gifts that I got from Mia was upcycled blue jeans that she stitched patterns into. Very trendy! She has also become a pro at floral embroidery as well making patterns on her own on any and everything! However you can always go on Etsy to purchase kits such as the ones sold by ArtsAndCraftsy101 called the “3 Pack Beginner Embroidery Kit For Adults - Flowers and Succulents Embroidery Kit - DIY Hand Embroidery Full Kit - Cross Stitch Set” (Price: $34.99+)

Cross Stitching

Cross stitching is another lost art. Raise your hand if your momma used to do it! Mine did, and I learned from the best. We had framed cross stitch work hanging all over my house, and my favorite was a beautiful, colorful swan lake scene that I swear took her months. I remember her sitting in her chair at night, and that is what she would do to relax in the evenings long before we had cell phones and so many distractions. It is so easy to pick up, and for you or your kiddos, it is great fine motor skill practice (that and practice of your patience). Check out this cute pattern from Etsy seller TheStitchPatterns. Note this is the PATTERN ONLY! You’ll have to pick up your own supplies, but HOW CUTE!!! “Love my mom Cross Stitch Pattern,Mothers day gift, Counted Cross Stitch Pattern PDF, DIY Gift for Mum,floral cross stitch,cross stitch Chart” (Price: $2

Crocheted Edging

You can easily pick up tea towels and hand towels at Walmart and the dollar stores for exactly that… around a dollar or two, but the price isn’t what makes them special. It’s not quantity that sets them apart. Take some time with them and teach yourself how to crochet either a simple edging on them or go even fancier with a large topper on them! Some of my favorite towels are ones that I have received as gifts that I only get out at the holidays that are for looks and not for use. They are sentimental because of the people who made them for me that took the time to embellish them! The Clover House blog has a great beginner post at: https:// ourcloverhouse.blogspot.com/2020/03/howto-add-pretty-crocheted-edge-to-tea.html but you can also find other posts/ideas on Pinterest, too, by searching “crochet edging tea towel” or “crochet edging dish towel”

Handmade Winestoppers

Yes… wine… Let’s face it that most of us moms run on wine! So this one is a 2 for 1 idea. Buy mom her favorite wine, and then make her some handmade, fabtastic winestoppers out of old corks and drawer pulls (with the help of a dremel). Full instructional blog with video at: https://nourishandnestle.com/diy-winestoppers/

Wood Burning

Finally, one of my favorite gifts to myself was my hand held wood burner tool. It is so relaxing to create with, and while I primarily make wooden Christmas ornaments with it, it also works fabulously on cork OR wooden circles for coasters! Because… you know mom needs a coaster to put her wine glass on!!! P.s. go bigger and make a trivet size for your mom’s pots and pans! The larger size allows you more wiggle room for your design, which will make it easier for you “draw” with! A full tutorial can be found at: https://www.wherethesmileshavebeen.com/ diy-burned-ikea-cork-trivets/