"Coffee Cup" Card for Mom

Latte, cappuccino, decaf, espresso…the world of coffee is practically a dictionary of its own, and just about every mom’s got her favorite (even if it’s Chai Tea!).  Here’s a homemade Mother’s Day card gift for a mom who loves nothing better than a peaceful coffee break now and then.  Kids from any grade can put it together, but because it includes pattern skills, it’s an extra-relevant activity for kindergarten and first grade mathematicians!

You Will Need:

• One piece of white cover stock paper, 8-1/2”x11”
• Markers
• Construction paper
• White school glue
• Pencil
• Optional: two or three rubber stamps with small geometrical designs, such as hearts or stars; stamp pads in two colors.

What to Do:

1. Your child will create a “coffee cup” Mother’s Day card with a simple cup cut from construction paper, glued on the handle and sides (you’ll keep the top open) onto a background of homemade “wallpaper.”  To start, have her fold the white cover stock paper in half to make a card, 5-1/2”x8-1/2”.
2. Invite your child to draw or stamp patterned rows of shapes: hearts alternating with stars, for example, or flowers alternating with circles. Do encourage creativity. Here's an example:
3. Take out a piece of construction paper in a color of your child’s choice, and help her trace and cut out the shape of a coffee cup (you can download our template here).  As an extra touch, your child may want to decorate the coffee cup, too, with designs, or even use a bit of glitter glue for snazzy special effects. At a minimum, have your child write "Happy Mother's Day"!
4. Place glue on the handle of the cup, along the side edges and bottom, but leave the top open.  While it’s drying, have your child open the card and write a personal message inside.
5. This card is cute enough to give as is…but if you’ve got a coffee-loving mom, consider inserting a coupon, too, for a cup of java at Mom’s favorite place. If you use our template, we’ve made sure to leave just enough room!

Did you know?

Anna Jarvis, the "founder" of Mother's Day in this country, felt that a personal letter to Mom was perhaps the most important gift a person could make. Until her dying day, she protested against storebought cards. This holiday, she said, was supposed to be a "day of sentiment, not profit." So, as you encourage your young writer, remember this: if Anna Jarvis were here now, she'd be giving you warm applause!