HOMEWORKS: A flower pot for Mums

Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts

While browsing through a stack of press releases about Mother's Day gift ideas, I was reminded of the cool broach that I bought my mum one year. I don't remember how old I was or where I purchased it. It's possible I picked it up during a trip with my dad to Ray Robinet's Hardware in Tecumseh, Ont.

That place was amazing. Whatever you needed for the home - from paint and teapots to drill bits and bicycles - they carried it all. And if they didn't, Mr. Robinet would see about getting it ordered.

The second I saw it I knew she would love it and she did. It was silver, she always seemed to favor that over gold, and covered with rubies.

She was so surprised.

It wasn't until years later, while she and I were sorting out her old jewelry, that we eyed the broach again - this time with disgust - followed by a hearty chuckle.

What was I thinking? What woman in the world would want to wear a nest of slithering snakes with evil red eyes? The same kind of woman who hugs a child for giving her a bouquet of weeds or a sun-baked mud pie?

When it comes to gifts from their children, it is truly the thought that counts for moms. That being said, here is a project created by the designers at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores for children (and adult helpers) who want to make their own gifts for Mother's Day.

CHALKBOARD HERB POT

Supplies needed:

Red clay flower pot

Saucer to match pot

(optional)

Blackboard spray paint

White paint pen or chalk

Ribbon – width to match

the size of the pot rim

(color of choice)

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Potting soil

Herbs or plant of choice

Directions:

1. Clean the pot and saucer.

2. Using the chalkboard paint, spray the exterior of the pot and saucer. No need to paint interior if the pot is being used as a planter.

3. Set aside to dry (about 3 to 4 hours).

4. Attach your ribbon to the rim of the pot using hot glue gun.

5. Pour potting soil into the pot and add your plant before filling in the rest to the top.

 

MOMMY’S FAVORITE FLOWER POT

Supplies needed:

Red clay flower pot

Gesso spray paint

Non-toxic poster paint

Small paintbrush

Spray fixative

Potting soil

Plant of your choice

Directions:

1. Begin by wiping the clay pot clean to remove dust or debris.

2. Spray the exterior of the pot with gesso spray paint and set it aside to dry. If you're making a flower pot, there is no need to paint the pot's interior.

3. Using the small brush, paint the rim of the pot with the poster paint color of your choice and set it aside to dry.

4. Decorate the body of the pot with poster paints too. Be creative. A handprint or footprint is interesting and unique. Spray the pot with fixative once the poster paint is dry. Set it aside to dry.

5. Fill your Mother's Day creation with potting soil and add your favorite plant.

Gina Joseph is a reporter and columnist for The Macomb Daily. Send comments to gina.joseph@macombdaily.com, follow her on twitter @ginaljoseph and visit her blog at macomblife.blogspot.com.