Mom's Perfect Purse

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day surprise for Mom? Your one-of-a-kind paper purse is sure to make her smile, especially when she finds a special message inside!

Steps

  1. 1. Think about your mom. What are her favorite colors? What kinds of patterns does she like to wear? Look around the house for designs and decorations she loves.
  2. 2. Create a design with your mother in mind. Design Crayola Construction Paper with Crayola Pip-Squeaks Markers and Colored Pencils. Cover the paper with colorful designs.
  3. 3. Fold paper in half lengthwise, bringing long sides together. Be sure your design shows on the outside. Place the paper on the table with the fold to the right.
  4. 4. Fold the bottom third of the paper up and crease.
  5. 5. Starting at the bottom right corner of the folded paper, use Crayola Scissors to cut a diagonal line from the corner up and to the left, ending at the top edge, 1-2 inches (3-5cm) from the side fold.
  6. 6. Unfold the paper. Place it designed side down on the table. Fold the bottom flap up where it has a horizontal crease. Fold the top over that flap to make the front of the purse.
  7. 7. Cut a ribbon, yarn, or string handle for the purse. Attach the ends of the ribbon inside the purse using Crayola Glue.
  8. 8. Run a line of glue along each side of the bottom flap to create a pocket.
  9. 9. Create a button for the front of your purse using Crayola Model Magic modeling compound. Use your imagination to make a unique button or try one of these tips: • Flatten a small ball of Model Magic. Roll a smaller ball in a second color and flatten it onto the larger ball. • Combine 2 small pieces of 2 different colors. Knead them together just enough to marble them. Roll into a ball and press flat. Poke two holes in the front with a Crayola Colored Pencil. • Roll a small ball of one color and 5 small balls of another. Join them together to make a flower. Press them flat with your palm.
  10. 10. Attach the button to the front flap of the purse with glue.
  11. 11. Use Pipsqueaks Markers and Colored Pencils to write messages or make little coupons for your mother. Tuck messages into the purse.
  12. 12. Add sparkle to your purse with Crayola Glitter Glue. Outline designs, add sparkling dots of color, and create a Glitter Glue gem on the button. Let dry.

When & Where

"The girls I baby sit love this craft so much we pretend to be purse designers whenever I come to their house. I bring the paper and Pipsqueaks and we spend the entire time designing new purses. "
- Brittany M., teenage babysitter

"I am teaching my girls to save money for a specific item they want and Mom’s Perfect Purse was the perfect way to do it! Each of my girls designed a savings purse to hold the money she has saved so far. "
- Janice E., mother of three girls, ages 11, 10, and 7

Interesting Info

In 1907 a Philadelphia schoolteacher named Anna Jarvis initiated a movement to set up a national Mother's Day in honor of her mother. In 1914 the second Sunday in May was proclaimed national Mother’s Day in the US.

Safety Guidelines

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.