#MothersDay - DTIYS - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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#MothersDay - DTIYS

Make a colorful handmade Mother's Day card and simple decorated photo frame using paper, markers, glue, and stickers to surprise and celebrate mom.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a colorful handmade Mother's Day card and decorated photo frame

What you need

Colored paper or cardstock, markers or colored pens, glue stick or white glue, stickers, scissors, a small printed photo, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather the materials listed.

Step 2

Choose one sheet of colored paper and fold it in half to make a card.

Step 3

Cut a smaller rectangle from a different colored paper to fit the front of the card.

Step 4

Glue the small rectangle to the front of the folded card.

Step 5

Write a short loving message inside the card using markers.

Step 6

Decorate the front and inside of the card with stickers.

Step 7

Trace around the printed photo on another sheet of colored paper leaving about a 1-inch border.

Step 8

Cut out the inner rectangle along your traced lines so the paper becomes a frame.

Step 9

Decorate the frame edges with markers and stickers.

Step 10

Glue the photo to the back of the frame so the picture shows through the opening.

Step 11

Share your finished card and decorated photo frame on DIY.org.

Help!?

If I don't have colored paper or a printed photo, what can I use instead?

Color plain white paper with markers, crayons, or paint to make the card and the small front rectangle, and use a magazine picture or a hand-drawn photo glued behind the frame in the step where you 'glue the photo to the back of the frame'.

My paper frame tore or the opening doesn't match the photo—how can I fix it?

If the cut frame opening tears or is too small when you 'cut out the inner rectangle along your traced lines,' re-trace the outline slightly outside the first line and cut slowly with sharp scissors or use a craft knife on a cutting mat for straighter edges before gluing the photo to the back of the frame.

How can I change the activity for different ages?

For toddlers, have an adult fold the card and pre-cut the small rectangle for them to glue and sticker while older kids can do the folding and cutting themselves and add layered decorations or a longer handwritten message inside the card.

What are some ways to make the card and frame more special or long-lasting?

To enhance the finished card and decorated frame, add a ribbon hanger glued to the top of the frame before attaching the photo, cover the front rectangle with clear tape or laminate for durability, and write the date next to the loving message so it's a keepsake to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a Mother's Day card and photo frame

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Facts about Mother's Day crafts for kids

🎉 Mother's Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914 after activist Anna Jarvis campaigned to honor mothers — that's over 100 years of celebrations!

✂️ Papercraft goes way back: paper was invented in China around 105 AD, so people have been folding and cutting paper for centuries!

🖼️ When photography spread in the 1800s, families started framing photos at home — picture frames have helped display memories for about 200 years!

💐 More than 50 countries observe a version of Mother's Day, but many celebrate it on different dates and with different traditions.

🌟 Stickers became a craft favorite in the 20th century and now come in thousands of shapes, textures, and colors — perfect for decorating cards and frames!

How do I make a colorful handmade Mother's Day card and a simple decorated photo frame (DTIYS) with my child?

Fold a piece of cardstock in half for the card. Let your child draw, color, and stick stickers on the front; write a short message inside. For the frame, cut a rectangle from another cardstock, then cut a smaller window in the center for the photo. Decorate the frame edges with markers, stickers, ribbon, or washi tape. Glue the photo behind the window and allow glue to dry. Supervise cutting and gluing for safety.

What materials do I need to make a Mother's Day card and decorated photo frame at home?

Gather colored cardstock or construction paper, child-safe scissors, glue stick and white craft glue, markers and crayons, stickers, a printed photo, washi tape or ribbon, and optional embellishments like sequins or foam shapes. A ruler and pencil help with measuring, and double-sided tape or foam squares make the photo pop. Use a mat or scrap paper to protect surfaces while crafting.

What ages is this Mother's Day card and photo frame activity suitable for?

This activity suits many ages: toddlers (2–3) can scribble and stick with help; preschoolers (3–5) practice cutting, sticking, and simple decorating with supervision; ages 6–9 can design and assemble more independently; 10+ can add advanced details like layered elements or hand-lettered messages. Always supervise younger children when using scissors, glue, or small embellishments to ensure safety.

What are the benefits of making a handmade Mother's Day card and photo frame with my child?

Handmade gifts build creativity, fine motor skills, and following-step sequences. Children learn color choices, practice handwriting, and gain pride in gifting something personal. The shared craft time strengthens family bonds and creates a meaningful keepsake for mom. It also encourages emotional expression and boosts confidence when children see their finished work displayed and appreciated.

Ready to create?