The term Mother’s Day is actually an Americanism trademarked by a lady called Anna Jarvis in 1912. Anna became slightly resentful of the commercialisation of the day in May that she had originally founded to celebrate the memory of her Mother at her local church.
In the UK we celebrate Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday in Lent. Our celebration derives from the 16th century, when people are said to have returned to their mother church (local childhood church or nearest cathedral). Anyone who did this was commonly said to have gone ‘a-mothering’. In later times it was often the only time that whole families could gather together, since on other days they were prevented from doing so by conflicting working hours.
Whatever the origin I think it’s a lovely day to cherish family and remember loved ones past and present. Now speaking of presents, it’s a modern tradition to give gifts on Mother’s Day. However, in memory of Anna Jarvis and her disdain for commercialism, I’d like to offer you some more thoughtful and meaningful gift ideas. Whether you’re planning a lovely lunch, a trip out or just a stroll in the park with happy memories this year, we have some fabulous Mother’s Day project ideas to keep you busy beforehand.
1. Personalised Cards
Even if you are the most uncreative person in the world, you can still fold a bit of card in half and write a personal message inside of it! Stick a photo of you and your Mum on the front or use a peel off to create a quick and simply designed card.
If you want more of a professional look then why not come and join Caroline or Crafty Lou on one of their amazing Tuesday card making classes? Click here for more details about our card making workshops.
2. Angel Charm
Love the Riverside angels? Well why not adapt the design and create your own version, named after your Mother. Simply re-create with her favourite colour sparkle spacer, crystal and pearl beads, using one of our easy to make kits. Our angel kits typically make 10 or 20 angel pieces and come with a full set of step by step instructions to help you craft these cute charms.
3. Welly Vase
Ever seen the cutest kids wellies and wished you could fit into them? Well why not use them as a vase instead? Take a pair of super cute kids wellies, pop a jam jar of water inside each foot, and fill with daffodils, hyacinths or your mums favourite flowers. Spring time special!
4. Workshop
Lots of Mums just want to spend time with their loved ones, so why not book some quality creative time with just you and her on one of our fab workshops. There’s loads to choose from, click here to find out more.
5. Paint, Plant, Pot
Take a terracotta plant pot, paint it with your Mum’s favourite colour, add a painted embellishment or découpage some printed pieces on to it, then pop a plant in it. So simple and so personal. She will love it! For a tiny version why not pick up one of our miniature pots from our store, paint an initial on it, and plant with cress seeds.
6. Personalised Jewellery
This one is ultra easy; take one of our pre-made bracelets or necklaces and thread on some personally themed charms of your choice, along with your Mother’s initial.
7. Baked Goods
Bake a cake, brownies or a batch of cookies to give to your Mum. If you’re domestically challenged then why not grab some pre-made gingerbread biscuits and pre-made tubes of icing from the supermarket, and go crazy personalising them for her instead? Actually great fun to do WITH your Mum as well.
8. Scented Lava Bead Bracelet
Create a gorgeous lava bead bracelet using our amazing kit. Once you’ve made the piece you can spray her favourite perfume on to the lava beads which will hold the scent within their porous structure. The kit only costs £4 so this is a great low cost, big love option. Click here to find it.
9. Coupons or Vouchers
Create a book of coupons for your Mother’s Day gift. Offer her a heap of family favours from you and other loved ones; a crafting afternoon at home, washing her car, a movie night, a pamper evening, Sunday lunch treat to name a few. There’s a few downloadable pieces available online so you don’t even have to design anything if you don’t want to.
If she is a beading or crafting addict why not pick up one of our vouchers for use in store and online?
10. A Chat
The simplest and cheapest of them all. Pick up the phone, pop over, Skype, FaceTime, talk to the sky if they’re no longer with you, whatever you need to do. A chat with your Mum is always enough. Take the time to remember to talk.
I hope this blog was useful in providing some inspiration. Happy Mothers Day all.