Elegant Homeade Gifts for Mothers Day

I am not super crafty. I see something I like, I think “I could totally make that” and then I never do. The reason? I don’t get a huge kick out of it, in fact, it exhausts me. The problem? I like to give people gifts that are special, fabulous and thoughtful even though I don’t have a lot of money to buy people special, fabulous and thoughtful items all the time. The solution? Taking the time to make some simple homemade crafts (that you have probably seen on pinterest a hundred times) look uniquely beautiful and fabulous. So today I bring you two different crafting/recipe ideas that you could start today or tomorrow and they would be Mother’s Day worthy by Sunday!

For the Mom Who Loves to Bake:

This was taken after two months of maturation

Pure Vanilla Extract is really expensive! So I am telling you this is a very nice gift for a woman who goes through her extract quickly. AND it is ridiculously simple.The Ratio is 3 vanilla beans (I use Bourbon Madagascar Vanilla Beans) to 1 Cup Vodka

Split the Vanilla beans down the center and place in a jar or bottle that can be sealed well. Cover with Vodka and give it a shake. Store in a dark, cool place for 2 months or longer.

When you buy vanilla extract in the store it is usually sweetened a bit with a little simple syrup. This is optional since it is totally unnecessary if your extract is used for baking. But if you tend to use vanilla extract in many things you may want to add some.

Here is a picture the first day:

For the mom who loves pretty things, even in the practical:

Materials Needed:

Basic White Tiles from your local hardware store (I used the 4.25″ x 4.25″ but depending on your project you could use bigger tiles)
Scrapbook Paper (in my case I used a fairytale themed paper for my fabulous, “lovers of all things romantic” friends) cut into a square a little bit small than the tile you are using
ModPodge for adhesive. I made my own out of equal parts elmer’s glue and water.
Sponge Brush
Gold Paint
Thin Paint Brush Clear Acrylic Spray Paint Felt Squares a little smaller than the tile

Method:
1. Paint a coat of ModPodge on the tile

2. Position the scrapbook square on the tile

3. Coat with Modpodge (making sure you totally saturate the paper) I did about 3 coats of this and I liked it better than when I only applied 1 or 2 coats

4. Allow to dry completley

5. Paint the edges of the tile in gold paint for an elegant touch and allow to dry

6. Take outside and spray the tile with a good coat of clear acrylic paint and allow to dry

7. Glue the felt square to the back of the tile)

You are done!

Remember to always give your homemade gifts your own fabulous flair! Beautiful glass bottles, Lovely labels, Sparkle and Shimmer…..these are all things that make items a little more special. Enjoy! XOXO- Christie

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