16 Best Mother's Day Painting Ideas - Lasting Keepsakes

Mother's Day has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. It developed into a global celebration of love and appreciation for mothers everywhere. It's a day that reminds us of the simple joys and the profound impact of maternal love.

Remember the joy on Mom's face when she opened a homemade card from you as a child? Remember those cards proudly displayed on the fridge? That magic doesn't disappear with age. The thrill of gifting something made by hand never fades.

There are so many special ideas for Mother's Day painting. From simple projects that require no previous experience to more complex artworks, there's something here for everyone. Regardless of your artistic skill level, you're sure to find an idea that will spark joy and creativity.

Mother’s Day Painting Ideas for the Little Artists

These painting projects are tailored for young artists, and ideal for Mother's Day gifts. These projects are straightforward so that the children can participate and create meaningful gifts too. The activities cater to anyone interested in creating special artwork for moms.

Easy and Fun Painting Projects for Kids

Art doesn't have to be perfect — it's the love and effort that make it truly special. These easy and fun painting projects let you and your child create heartfelt gifts together, and they will make beautiful memories along the way.

1. Handprint Keepsake Art

Handprint art turns your child's handprint into a sentimental keepsake and capture a moment in time.

- Choose a non-toxic paint and evenly coat your child's hand.

- Gently press their hand onto a piece of paper or canvas.

- Once dry, personalize the artwork by adding the date, your child's name, or a special message with a marker or paint pen.

2. Mother's Day Painting on Canvas

This project allows kids to unleash their creativity on canvas and create a unique piece of art for Mom.

- Set up a painting area with canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints.

- Encourage the kids to think about what Mom loves and use those ideas as inspiration for their painting.

- Let them paint freely and express their feelings and creativity through their artwork.

3. Easy Handprint Crafts for Kids

Transform a simple handprint into a creative gift with just a few additional touches.

- Start with a handprint using non-toxic paint on sturdy paper.

- Once the handprint is dry, use markers, paint, or embellishments to add details and transform the print into animals, flowers, or other imaginative designs.

4. Salt Painting Craft

Salt painting creates a magical, textured effect that's both fun to make and beautiful to look at.

- Draw a design with liquid glue on thick paper.

- Sprinkle salt over the wet glue, then shake off the excess.

- Once the glue dries, gently paint over the salt with watercolor paints to see the colors spread and blend in interesting ways.

Creative Crafts to Do with Mum

Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts aren’t just about what you create but the time spent together. These creative crafts are perfect for making memories with Mom, as you both work on something special.

5. Painted Rocks

Turn simple stones into beautiful artworks with a personal touch.

- Find smooth rocks or stones, and wash them clean.

- Use acrylic paints to decorate the rocks with designs, messages, or vibrant colors.

- Once dry, these can be used as paperweights, garden decorations, or sentimental keepsakes.

6. DIY Painted Coasters

Create functional art pieces that Mom can use every day.

- Start with plain coasters made of cork, ceramic, or wood.

- Sketch a design with a pencil, then fill it in with acrylic paints or markers.

- Seal the coasters with a clear acrylic spray to make them waterproof.

7. Hand-Painted Picture Frame

Give the gift of memories with a frame that's as special as the photo it holds.

- Purchase a plain wooden picture frame.

- Paint the frame with a base color, then add decorations, patterns, or heartfelt messages.

- Allow it to dry completely before inserting a favorite family photo.

8. Painted Flower Pots for Mom

Brighten up Mom's garden or windowsill with colorful, painted flower pots.

- Choose terra cotta pots and clean them thoroughly.

- Paint the pots with a base coat, then add designs, flowers, or abstract patterns.

- Fill the pot with Mom's favorite plant for a gift that grows.

Personalized Keepsake Projects for Mum

Personalized keepsakes hold a special place in every mom's heart because they carry deep sentimental value and capture moments in time.

9. Mom's Memory Jar Craft

Create a jar full of cherished memories and reasons why Mom is loved.

- Find a large, clear jar and decorate it with paint, ribbons, or stickers.

- Write down fond memories, reasons you appreciate Mom, or future wishes for her on small pieces of paper.

- Fill the jar with these notes, and invite other family members to contribute as well.

10. Handprint Suncatchers

Capture the beauty of sunlight with colorful handprint suncatchers.

- Trace the child's hand on a piece of transparent contact paper.

- Fill the handprint outline with small pieces of colored tissue paper.

- Seal with another piece of contact paper, cut out the handprint, and hang it in a window to catch the light.

11. Book Clutch Craft

Turn a favorite hardcover book into a stylish and unique clutch.

- Choose a hardcover book and carefully remove the pages. Make sure to get permission first! 

- Glue fabric lining inside the book cover, attaching a zipper around the edge.

- Personalize the exterior with paint, fabric, or decorative elements reflecting Mom's style.

12. Painted Canvas Tote Bag Craft

Design a one-of-a-kind tote bag with hand-painted designs.

- Start with a plain canvas tote bag.

- Use fabric paints to create custom designs, patterns, or messages that Mom will love.

- Allow the paint to dry completely before gifting.

13. Custom Portrait of Mum

Celebrate Mom’s uniqueness with a custom painting that captures her beauty and personality.

- Choose a favorite photo of Mom, whether it’s a candid moment or a formal pose.

- Have an artist create a custom portrait using acrylic, oil, or watercolor paints.

- The personalized artwork will not only be a stunning display but also a heartfelt keepsake.

These personalized keepsake projects are the perfect way to encapsulate memories and sentiments in a tangible form and they are the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Each craft is an opportunity to express creativity and thoughtfulness and makes Mom feel truly celebrated.

Decorative Arts that Mum Can Use

These projects are perfect for both seasoned crafters and beginners eager to try their hand at something new.

14. Painted Stepping Stones for Mom

Create a pathway of love with beautifully painted stepping stones.

- Select flat, smooth stepping stones suitable for painting.

- Clean the surface, then apply a base coat of exterior paint.

- Use stencils or freehand designs to paint patterns, messages, or vibrant scenes on each stone.

- Seal the painted stones with a clear, weather-resistant sealer to ensure their longevity in the garden.

15. Hand-Painted Tray Craft

Serve up style with a custom, hand-painted tray. And maybe make breakfast for a mum on the day of the mother’s day, surprising her with your craft!

- Start with a plain wooden tray as your canvas.

- Sand the tray lightly, then apply a base coat of paint.

- Once the base coat is dry, add your designs—think geometric patterns, floral motifs, or a monogram.

- Finish with a coat of clear sealer to protect the artwork and make the tray food-safe.

16. Painted Wine Glasses

Cheers to Mom with a set of elegantly painted wine glasses.

- Clean the wine glasses with alcohol to remove any residue.

- Use enamel paint for glass to create delicate designs, such as flowers, vines, or abstract patterns around the base or on the bowl of the glass.

- Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions to cure the paint, which may involve air drying or baking in the oven.

What Resources You Need for Mother’s Day Painting

- Fabric markers and paints are perfect for adding personal touches to everything from tote bags to t-shirts. Look for non-toxic, wash-resistant options at craft stores or online retailers. These tools are ideal for detailed work, like writing names or drawing intricate designs.

- Puff paint and glitter can transform a simple project into a magical mother’s day gift. Puff paint, which expands to give a three-dimensional effect, and glitter, which adds sparkle, are available at most craft stores. Use them to decorate clothing, frames, or decorations for that extra shine.

- The Tulip Spin Art Tie-Dye Studio offers a fresh take on traditional tie-dye for unique patterns and designs. It's a fun, mess-free way to create vibrant textiles. Available online or at larger craft stores, this kit can be a game-changer for fabric projects.

3 Tips for First-Time Crafters

- Fabric spray paint is an easy way to cover large areas evenly or create a gradient effect. Practice spraying on paper first to get a feel for the nozzle and pressure needed. Always spray in a well-ventilated area and cover surrounding surfaces to protect them from overspray.

- To make sure handprint and footprint art lasts, use fabric paint and press firmly but gently on fabric stretched over a solid surface. Heat-setting the paint (according to the manufacturer's instructions) will help the design withstand washing.

- Look to everyday moments and the changing seasons for inspiration. Personal experiences, nature, holidays, and even simple patterns seen in daily life can spark ideas. Keep a journal or Pinterest board to collect thoughts and images that inspire you.

Conclusion

Did you know the earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to ancient spring festivals dedicated to maternal goddesses? It's fascinating how this day has evolved, yet the core sentiment of honoring motherhood has remained unchanged through centuries. Fast forward to today, we celebrate by giving gifts that express our appreciation and love for the moms in our lives.

Here's a tip for your painting projects: let your love for Mum guide your art. Sometimes, the most cherished artworks are those with little imperfections, filled with character and emotion. It's all about celebrating the bond and creating something with love.

Now, since we're talking about preserving memories, we have a unique service that transforms your memories into stunning paintings. At Photo2Painting, we can create a custom painting from photos. It's a modern-day homage to the tradition of gifting, allowing you to capture moments in a way that's both personal and timeless. So, if you're looking for a gift that stands out this Mother's Day, consider the lasting impression of a custom painting. Explore what we offer and find out how we can turn your cherished memories into art.