Creative Mother's Day Crafts

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - May 2, 2013) - (Family Features) For Mother's Day, celebrate the nurturing nature of mom with a specially painted flower pot that holds her favorite herbs or flowers.

The Chalkboard Herb Pot and Mommy's Favorite Flower Pot projects from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores don't require any special skills, so anyone can make a customized gift for mom, grandma, or any other special mom in their life.

Tips for Using Chalkboard Paint

• Chalkboard paint comes in classic black, but also comes in other colors as well.
• Make sure it's completely dry before trying to write on it.
• Some chalkboard paints require you to condition the paint with chalk before using it. Read label instructions carefully.

Tips for Decorating

• Using spray paint and hot glue guns may require adult supervision.
• Give the kids creative control -- it may not turn out perfectly neat, but it will be perfect for mom.
• Not sure what to paint on the flower pot? Let the kids dip a hand or foot into the paint and put prints onto the pot. Or, cut fun shapes out of sponges or potatoes and let them stamp around the pot.

You can find more ideas, project guides and supplies at www.joann.com.

Chalkboard Herb Pot
No experience necessary
Crafting Time: 3 to 5 hours

Supplies and Tools:
1 Ceramo red clay flower pot
Saucer to match pot, if desired
Blackboard spray paint
White paint pen or chalk
Ribbon -- width to match the size of the pot rim
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Potting soil
Plant of your choice

1. Wipe pot and saucer clean to remove all dust.
2. Spray pot and saucer with chalkboard spray paint -- no need to paint the interior of the pot if using for planting.
3. Allow paint to fully dry -- approximately 3 to 4 hours.
4. Attach ribbon around rim of pot using hot glue.
5. Fill the pot with a potting soil mix.
6. Transplant your favorite herbs or flowers into the pot.
7. Write the name of the herb or flower on the outside of the pot using paint pen for a permanent finish or chalk for changeable finish.

Mommy's Favorite Flower Pot
Crafting Time: 3 to 5 hours
Skill Level: No experience necessary

Supplies and Tools:
1 Ceramo red clay flower pot
Gesso spray paint
Non-toxic poster paint
Small paintbrush
Spray fixative
Potting soil
Plant of your choice

1. Wipe pot clean -- remove all dust.
2. Spray pot with gesso spray paint -- no need to paint the interior of the pot if using for planting.
3. Allow paint to fully dry -- approximately 3 to 4 hours.
4. Paint the rim of the pot with the poster paint color of choice using paintbrush.
5. Allow rim to dry to the touch.
6. Decorate the body of the pot with poster paints.
7. Allow pot to fully dry.
8. Spray decorated area of the pot with a coat of fixative.
9. Fill the pot with a potting soil mix.
10. Transplant your favorite herbs or flowers into the pot.

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