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 Michelle Pierre is a freelance writer and Registered Dietitian. Michelle writes comedic essays from a mother’s point of view at www.betweenthecushions.com. She has been designing crafts and party planning for many years. Some of her creations can be seen on her Facebook site, Lucia Grace Bowtique. She can be reached at designsbymichellepierre@gmail.com |
| I remember my first mother's day and feeling this emotional realization. "Wow! I am really a Mom". The precious handmade gifts I received with my son's cute handprints on them made my heart fill with gratefulness for this beautiful child that calls me Mama. I suppose it is only because I have known such pure unconditional love from my own mother that I can pass on the same to my children. My mother has always put me first in her life and I was aware of this early on. I thank her for teaching me how to be a mother who listens, laughs, cares, is thoughtful and makes her children feel extra special. With that being said it is no wonder that I long to make my mother feel honored on this day. This year it seems the days of handmade gifts have come full circle. Through the years I have celebrated mother's day with my mother by taking her to brunch, a broadway show or a much-deserved spa day. This year in addition to a traditional gift, I decided to make something personalized and unique. A scrapbook type of collage of notable pictures created on a wood slab that can be hung on the wall. I bought an 11" x 13 " piece of wood from the hardware store, sanded it down, then painted it with a quick coat of basic white to give it a base. Any size or shape of wood will work with this project. A medium size treasure box sold at craft stores can also be used. For the next step print out a bunch of your favorite sentimental or silly pictures of mom using regular thin printer paper. Cut out all the pics. Don't worry about the size since you will probably have to overlap and trim as you design the images. When you have an idea of where you will place the pictures start to brush a decoupage medium on the wood and place your first picture, being sure to flatten out any creases. Continue to brush the decoupage glue and place the pictures until you have covered the entire piece of wood. Let it dry and the strategically place a few embellishments around the pictures to make it unique. Secure with hot glue. A sawtooth picture hanger can be nailed to the back for easy hanging. As a child, your mother surrounds you with her love and strength and encourages your light to shine. Mother's day is for all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, godmother's or any special woman in your life who has loved and guided you throughout your life. Take that day to celebrate the beauty of that special person. |
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