Craft:

Before I dive into our Mother's Day Gift Guide, I want to share my story about my mom. She was the first crafty woman I ever knew. She taught me how to do everything: knit, sew, embroider, you name it. Whatever I wanted to learn, she magically knew how to craft it. I probably wouldn't be here in the craft world, if it weren't for her patient and gentle teaching. I'm amazed she even let me use her sewing machine, even after I had broken it carelessly while sewing doll clothes as a kid. She worked full-time for over 20 years at a bank, yet each Halloween she made me my own custom Halloween costume -- my favorite being Bat Girl when I was in 2nd grade. (I thought I was so cool and wore the costume's cape pretty much all the time after that.) I never realized until recently that she actually stayed up late, sometimes even all night, just to finish my costumes in time for the Halloween parade at school. She also used to make me special dresses for the holidays to match hers. I loved having the mini-version of her long red holiday skirt. It's nice these days to have my job relate to crafts and for me to give something back to her. For instance, I just taught my mom how to crochet a granny square! So thanks mom for introducing me to the world of crafts and Happy Mother's Day!

If you have a story about your mom, please share it with us in the comments!

(Pictured left to right: Mom sporting her white go-go boots at Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco in 1970. Mom and mini-me in 1974, and Bat Girl Nat circa 1979.)

Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday, May 13th and here's a round up of crafty gifts you can make or buy Mom:

Give Mom a gift subscription to CRAFT Magazine. For just $34.95 (U.S.), Mom will be able to keep up with crafty features and projects all year long! A 1 year subscription has 4 quarterly issues. - Link.

Download our CRAFT subscription gift card for mom (PDF) - Link.

Give Mom one of our three CRAFT kits. She'll get addicted to felting craze! Choose from the Blooms Bracelet ($14), Sushi Wallet Kit ($18), and Coin Purse Cubed ($21). - Link.

Small enough to fit on your key chain, the "i Craft: things" pocket tool is the perfect companion for mobile fixing, cutting, hacking and crafting. This is a limited offering with custom "i Craft: things" laser lovingly etched with care using a 35w laser. Comes with a 25 year warranty from Leatherman. Just $39.95. - Link.

Here are some great projects we've featured here on the CRAFT blog that you still have time to make for Mom:

Cases, Cozies and Coasters: These quick projects are ideal gifts to make Mom in time for Sunday.

• Sew a digital camera case - Link.
• CRAFT Pattern Podcast: Crochet Alternative Coasters by Robyn Chachula - Link.
• Crochet Tea Cozy - Link.

Bags: Mom needs something to tote her craft projects.

• Zakka Pouch Tutorial - Link.
• Zakka Bag #2 - Link.
• Sew a Reusable Shopping Tote - Link.
• Sew a Simple Makeup Bag - Link.
• Dishtowel Tote Bag - Link.
• Crochet Me Spring: Reduction Tote Bag - Link.

Bling Bling: Create some handmade jewelry for Mom.

• Felt Necklace - Link.
• HOW TO - Make a Three Strand Necklace - Link.
• CRAFT Pattern Podcast: Stitch Diva Studios Hairpin Chandelier Earrings - Link.
• CRAFT Patttern Podcast: Stitch Diva Studios Knit Chandelier Earrings - Link.

Cuddle Up: Make Mom these cuddly and warm things if she's far away from you.

• Big Warm Fuzzy Secret Heart - Link.
• Make a Microwaveable Bunny Heatpack - Link.
• Zequi Amigurumi Pattern - Link.
• Matryoshka Doll Pattern - Link.

Check out our CRAFT blog archives in your category of interest for more ideas on what to make Mom for Mother's Day.