May snuck up on me, and that means Mother’s Day will soon be upon us. Whether you haven’t had a chance to shop yet or want to find the perfect gift that’s frugal, yet thoughtful, here are five DIYs to make your mother (and your wallet) smile.
{Lavender Bath Salts} For the stressed mom. This one’s easy and relaxing! There are only two ingredients: epsom salt and lavender essential oil. In a bowl or a large Ziplock bag, mix together 1/2 cup of epsom salt and about 10 drops of the lavender oil. Mix them together and store in a jar! Epsom salt is detoxifying so make sure to drink lots of water before and after a soak.
{Lotus Flower Ring Holder} This thoughtful and easy-to-make DIY comes courtesy of YayForHandmade.com. You’ll need polymer clay in any color you want, a rolling pin, wax paper, a clay knife or plastic card, and a small over safe bowl. Place your clay on a flat surface and roll it so that its about 1/8 inch thickness. Use your clay knife or plastic card to cut out petal shapes. If you make a mistake, just re-roll your clay out. Arrange the bottom layer of petals in your small bowl and very gently press them against it for a smooth, rounded shape. Add a second layer of petals on top, positioning them in between the first layer petals. Find something around the house that can suffice as a circle shape cutout (Ex. the cap of a marker). Bake for 20 minutes at 275 degrees. Turn the oven off and let your flower cool inside the oven for five more minutes. Mom can put her rings or other jewelry on the petals or inside the center!
{Ceramic Tile Coasters} You can buy as many tiles as you like at Home Depot for 16 cents each. Find or make stencils, and color in with Sharpie Paint Pens. Let the Sharpie set for about 30 minutes before removing your stencil. Paint a thin layer of modge podge over your design to protect it. That’s it!
{Grapefruit Sugar Scrub} This citrus scent is perfect for spring. You’ll need: 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup raw sugar, up to 1/4 cup oil (almond, olive, or coconut), one drop of food coloring or raspberry juice, and 3-4 drops of grapefruit essential oil. Mix the sugars together and slowly add the oil until you get a consistency you like. Add the grapefruit essential oil and food coloring. Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container. This will exfoliate mom’s skin and smell amazing.
{Painted Kitchen Towels} Find some cute stencils or make your own, and this is easy! You can buy a four pack of towels at Target for under $5. You’ll also need a bottle of fabric paint and a foam or stencil brush. Just lay the towel on a mat or newspaper, center your stencil on the bottom of the towel or wherever you wish to put your design, and start painting! Be careful when you peel off the stencil not to get paint anywhere else. The clever crafters at Addicted to DIY made stencils with phrases such as “Just Eat It”, “Chop It Like It’s Hot”, and “Whip It Good”.
