DIY: Mother’s Day gift

With Mother’s Day just around the corner here’s a Mom-inspired DIY that she can cherish beyond her special day. All you need is a thrifted frame and some computer mojo for creating either a fun graphic or sappy quote.

Supplies:

• frame
• computer
• a software program like PhotoShop, Illustrator or Word
• paint
• sponge brush
• Mod Podge
• X-Acto knife
• ruler

Peruse your local Salvation Army Thrift Store to source a secondhand frame to refashion. Make sure the frame includes the glass insert. I went with an ornate frame since I wanted to create an elegant print for my Mom. I lucked out and found the perfect frame which also included the perfect mat board.

Refinish the frame if need be. I rubbed some black acrylic paint into the frame to give the design more depth and character. I allowed the paint to dry and sealed it with a coat of Mod Podge.

Next you’re ready to create your design. I sourced my fonts from a free font website called dafont.com. If you want to use graphics you can find free images at vecteezy.com.

Design your quote or image in Word, PhotoShop, Illustrator or any other software program that allows for you to customize the font and to insert images. Be sure to create the design based on the dimensions of your frame.

Once you’ve completed your design then you can print it out. You can use regular paper or if you want something heavier or textured then drop by Michaels or a stationery store.

When printing your design you may need to trim the paper. Mark where you need to trim then use a ruler and X-Acto knife to remove the excess paper.

Now it’s time to put it all together. Clean the glass and reinsert it then add your print. That’s it!

Here’s to showing Mom the love with something that she can keep around 365 days of the year. And you can feel good giving your one-of-a-kind Mom a one-of-a-kind gift. Happy Mother’s Day!