Mother’s Day is almost here, and for those of you who are moms, we know how much we like it when our kids will make something for us. It shows how much you care when you take the time to make something for someone, and it is also fun to see how creativity grows along with your child. Since April is National Card and Letter Writing Month, and Mother’s Day is fast approaching, I thought I’d offer some ideas to honor both.

Cards and letters seem to be on the way out, with the advent, and accelerated pace of the computer and internet. It’s a shame because writing and crafting your own stationery was becoming such an art form in itself. This could be an opportunity to continue this tradition and give someone a beautiful gift. The cards could be as simple as folded construction paper with designs drawn or stamped onto them. Blank card stock is easy to find in most craft stores and usually includes envelopes with them. Look in the scrapbooking area of the store and I’m sure you’ll find plenty of colors to choose from. The same goes for the rubber stamps, and other embellishments, for the cards. I’ve found some nice, inexpensive kits that have ideas and instructions to make some pretty cards for all occasions.

Once you’ve made some nice cards or stationery, it would be nice to hold the stationery. If the person you want to give a gift to is not into cards or letter writing, this gift is also nice to hold bills, or help to organize papers. All you need is a placemat and a sewing machine. I have made this placemat organizer and it took about 20 minutes to sew. It was so cute that I decided to make several to give as gifts. The link is at the end of the article. I will say that I tried to hot glue some Velcro instead of sewing it on as a clasp. The glue did not hold and it only took a few seconds to sew it instead of glue it.

Don’t forget to add a pen to the organizer. If you are like me, I’m always looking for something to write with. You could decorate a pen to match the placemat, or simply add a nice one that you picked up in the store. My kids made a pen once that was decorated in tiny seed beads. They took double sided tape, wrapped the pen and then rolled it into the seed beads. Surprisingly, this last a long time and was not that uncomfortable to use. You could also decorate the top of a pen or pencil with flowers, feathers or other items to make it look like a flower or animal. If you want something a bit more colorful, and personal, check out the Friendship Pens that are at the end of this article. It gives directions on how to wrap the pen or pencil in thread and add some personal, decorative touches.

Please don’t get me wrong about using a computer. It can be a very useful tool, but it does not always allow for creativity to bloom. One way to use it for this craft would be to print off some cards or stationery to go along with the organizer. Also, it might be nice to add a decorative calendar or other organizing item that is personalized. Simply use your imagination to enhance the gift.

Feel free to stop by the forum and let us know how your gift turned out. It’s such an inspiration to hear from you and find out how other people have used these ideas.