Mother’s Day Gifts: Flower Photo Frames

It’s easy to take our Mums for granted; overlooking their selflessness and unconditional love for us. Although we should always be thankful and appreciative, this weekend we get to honour them for their patience and tireless work.

Flowers seem to be the ‘in thing’ to give and make for Mothers Day. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise because who doesn’t love receiving a big bunch of flowers!

We took to the craft room this week to create a special gift for Mothers Day. Using flowers as the base of the gift, we decided to expand a little further and get super crafty to give Mum something she’ll really be able to treasure.

>>> How To Make Flower Picture Frames

Using an old cardboard box, we made a picture frame and combined 3 different artworks to decorate. A gift for mum this mother’s day.

Ages: 4+ (with adult supervision)
Time: lots (a solid afternoon activity)

Stage 1: the Bubble Flower

You’ll Need:

Water
Paint
Dishwashing liquid
Straws
White card stock

To Make:

1. Combine 2 parts water, to 1 part dishwashing liquid in a small bowl or container.
2. Add a drop of paint and mix well.
3. Using the straw, blow bubbles into the mixture and then place the cardstock on top. Repeat with all desired colours.

Stage 2: the Net Stamped Flower

You’ll Need:

Paint
Cotton balls
White card stock
Onion/fruit bag netting (or similar)

To Make:

1. Place a handful of cotton balls into a small square of netting and fasten.
2. Press the bags into a thin layer of paint and use as a stamp to create a pattern across your page.

Stage 3: the Paper towel Flower

You’ll Need:

Thick, absorbent paper towel
Water
Paint
Droppers

To Make:

1. Combine a small amount of water and a few drops of paint in a small bowl or container and mix well.
2. Use the droppers to disperse the colours over the paper towel watching as they mix, creating new colours. Tip: Avoiding picking up the towel while wet to prevent the paper tearing.

Stage 4: the Frame

You’ll Need:

Thick cardboard/card-stock
Scissors,
Clear dry glue
Optional; Gems

To Make:

1. Using thick cardboard or cardstock cut out two squares to the desired frame size.
2. Cut a smaller square out of the centre one of your pieces, creating a frame.
3. Once your artworks are dry, draw and cut out different size and shape flowers.
4. Using clear dry glue, paste your flowers around the frame.
5. Once dry, paste your favourite picture of you & your mum between the two pieces of cardboard.

*An adult should perform step’s 1 & 2.

Supervision and safe scissors are required for step 3. Remember to cut in a direction away from your body and always be seated whilst cutting.

Whilst painting, we discussed why we love our mum and why we’re thankful for her. This activity was too advanced for my youngest charge, she joined in by decorating a large piece of butches paper to use as wrapping paper. So cute!

Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful Mums, (and nannies) – you’re all doing an awesome job! Happy Crafting!

 >>> Are you making Mother’s Day gifts with the kids for mum?

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Olivia is a career nanny of 5 years and craft extraordinaire. Having travelled Australia working with many families, Olivia now resides in Sydney and cares for 7 children aged 15 months to 1o years old. Craft + diy activities feature prominently in their daily schedule. You can follow Olivia on instagram  {@oliviasfoster} for crafty ideas and activities.