Budget-Friendly DIY Gifts for Mother's Day

PAPER-COVERED VOTIVES Whether you want to stick to the vintage style of Norwegian Cathrineholm enamelware (shown) or vary off with your own design, paper-covered votive candleholders are quick and easy DIY gifts. If you’re up for a bigger challenge, try Glassybaby-inspired water balloon votive holders made out of paraffin wax.

Voila! Success! Re-roll the brayer on the ink and stamp before you use it each time. I knew I was going to have the red Santa hat to add, so I made a bunch of these golden cones, laid them flat all over my apartment, waited for them to dry, then did the next round of red inking on each.

Place a piece of waxpaper between each endsheet so that the moisture from the glue won't affect your inner pages. Close the covers and place the heavy books or weights on top. This will ensure that the glue sets evenly, as well prevent buckling and bulging between the sheets (keep the wax paper in place to prevent wayward sticking). Set the stack aside to dry for a few hours, or, if you can bear to wait, preferably overnight. Refrain from peeking at how cool your hardback is until the glue is dry! It's tough, but if you open the book before it's dry, it could cause the endsheets to tear while they're still moist.

I loved the patterns on these simple bowls by Vancouver-based Grace Lee.

FELT COFFEE COZIES Simple, useful, and customizable felt coffee cozies are cherished gifts for coworkers, teachers, and of course, your resident caffeine addict.