Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Are Better Than Gift Cards

Alright, not everyone will agree with me about dipped strawberries being better than gift cards, but they sure change up the gift giving game. And let's be honest, they are a pretty perfect gift for any occasion, be it Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, or Teacher Appreciation Day. When it comes to teacher appreciation gifts I never really know what a teacher needs.  I know that no teacher NEEDS chocolate or strawberries, but I know that indulging in a delicious treat helps calm my nerves, and lets be honest, we are nearing the end of the school year.  If kids are going crazy, teachers are too.

If I were a really awesome blogger I would have written up teacher appreciation gift ideas in February, but I can't even be considered a blogger at this point.  So, I thought I'd just share this for next time, or a last minute Mother's Day gift idea.

Snap Clutches

Mother's Day was pretty low key as far as gift giving goes.  I wanted to make something for my wonderful Mother and Mother In Law.  A clutch seemed like the perfect choice.  They are cute, practical, and quick to make.

I searched Pinterest for some free online tutorials, and found this cute little envelope clutch pattern.  It sews up really quick, and doesn't require any special supplies.  Sew on snaps, random buttons for the front, and that's about it.

I searched my stash, and found some of my favorite home dec weight fabrics, and sewed up these little beauties.

They are perfect for holding a pair of sunglasses, some cash, lip gloss, etc.  Great for stuffing in a summer tote or bag.

NOTE: The tutorial is written in Japanese ( I think).  Pay close attention to the photos and you should be alright.  I also printed off the pattern pieces at 150%.  Look for the link with the printer icon to access the pattern.

Looking for something different?  Search my To Make Board on Pinterest for some other cute clutch options.

Mother's Day: Flower Pins

What mom doesn't love flowers on Mother's Day?  There are probably a few out there, but I always welcome flowers in May.  Unfortunately, I don't have great luck with keeping them alive.  My flowers, even potted, have a limited life span.

Give a bloom to your mom this Mother's day that will last though out the month and beyond.  A simple flower brooch or pin will bring life to a bag, scarf, sweater, or lapel.

I purchased all of my supplies from The Ribbon Retreat (flowers, pins), though this is not a sponsored post.  You could easily make your own fabric flower, and glue it to a pin, but this was a simple one step process. Turn on glue gun.  Add a small dot to the back of the felt circle, and adhere the pin.  Done and done.

Simple flower bloom to last all year long.

My pins are for sale locally at the Blackfoot Gift Bazaar, and used as scarf pins, a fun way to wear your shirred scarf (also for sale at the gift bazaar). Since these take no time at all to make, why don't you spend a few more minutes and make mom a nice sheer shirred scarf to accompany her pin, or even a handmade bag.  Perfect for the season.

DIY: Mother's Day Felt Flower Magnets

 I have the best mom for me, and a wonderful mother-in-law. They're quite fantastic.  I always feel a bit overwhelmed at Mother's day, because there really isn't a gift that you can give a mother, that really shows the appreciation that I have for all that they do for me and my family.  So rather than stressing myself out trying to decide what to get them, I let Clark do it for me.  What grandmother doesn't love a gift that their grandchildren picked out? 

This year when I asked Clark what he wanted to give to his Nana and Grandma, he said that they needed some pretty magnets.  Pretty magnets-great idea.  Pretty magnets to hang up all of the adorable photos of their grandkids.

So we of course decided to go to the standard mother's day theme of flowers for our "pretty magnets".

Printable Mother's Day Card Round-up

I know that I just did a round-up, but I couldn't help but share some free Mother's Day card printables.  I   I love FREE PRINTABLES, they make me quite happy. I don't know how many times I've jumped online and found a free printable card before running out the door to grandma's house. This year I'm way ahead of the game, I have some printed off already, and I'm sharing a few of my favorites with you.

Source: creativemamma.com via Tricia on Pinterest