I often feel like making is part of who I am. Growing up my mother always had my sisters and I working on some project or another. From puff painting to paper mache and bobbin lace to designing my own prom dresses, we really did it all! (Yes, I really did design all of my own prom dresses. Thankfully my mom did the sewing!)
My mom started us crafting at a young age and it's kept my creativity going ever since. I really couldn't be more thankful for the memories, skills, and experiences my mom gave me.
To celebrate Mother's Day, I've pulled together a collection of DIY crafts that remind me of projects my mom and I did as a kid. Hopefully you'll find something new to try and make memories with your own family.
I know you know, I love embroidery! But I have to admit, this wasn't always the case. In fact, I hated embroidery as a kid. I just didn't have the patience to sit still and stitch. Thankfully, the little stitching I did stuck with me and I was able to pick those skills back up as an adult. If you want to jump into embroidery and try new stitches, try this 30 Day Embroidery Sampler. And if you're an embroidery lover or just want to give it a try, check out my embroidery kits.
My mom tried to teach me how to knit quite a few times... and it never went well. My stitches were always too tight or too loose. As a kid it was too frustrating and I never got into it. But as an adult, I've been wanting to try arm knitting. This seems like an easier way to knit and you don't need to buy needles! Here's a great kit by Becozi to help you get started.
Do you remember when the painting pottery studios were all the rage? I went to plenty a birthday party where we painted figurines, pots, and mugs. I'm pretty sure my mom has more painted ceramics from my childhood laying around the house than she'd care to admit. For a modern take on ceramics and a beautiful way to repair broken pottery, try this Mora Approved DIY Kintsugi Kit.
Growing up, we had lots of quilts in our house. Mostly made by my mom, but a few made by my sisters and I as well. Quilting is a true labor of love. It took me 4 years (yes, you read that right!) to finish my queen sized crazy quilt. I loved diving into my mom's fabric scrap bin and pulling out multi-colored scraps to add to my quilt blocks. For a pattern that a little more approachable and hopefully a quicker stitch, try the Wellspring Designs Co Radiowaves Quilt Pattern.
Speaking of quilting, up your quilt and garment game with a quilt coat! While not a project for beginners (trust me, I tried and failed! My quilt coat is now a pillow haha), this Patchwork and Poodles Patchwork Chore Coat Pattern is a delightful project to wear one of your favorite quilts.
With sunnier days a head, cyanotype paper from Daisy Bow Craft is the perfect way to take advantage of crafting outside and in nature. My mom always had a summer garden filled with veggies and flowers. I have fond summer memories of picking raspberries in our garden and shelling peas on out backyard deck.
I love baking! My mom, sisters, and I baked everything from cookies to cakes to breads to pies. We always had fun in the kitchen when it was time to pull out the well-used, burnt orange Betty Crocker cookbook and find a recipe to try. I will admit, my cookie decorating skills aren't great though. But does it really matter when it tastes good? Maybe, maybe not. This DIY cookie kit from Once Events looks like a fun and tasty way to practice those decorating skills.
Paper mache crafting takes me back to science fair projects done at our dining room table. Because I was never big into math or science, my projects always involved some kind of craft element, often paper mache. This Fruit Bowl Paper Mache Mini Art Kit by Amys Art Table looks like a delightfully fun project.
Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me. I hope you found a new craft to try and enjoyed hearing about my memories of creating with my mom. If you decide to purchase any of the items listed, I may receive a small portion of the sale. Thanks for checking out my recommendations.