Mother's Day craft: Recycled CD case picture frame

This year will be my second Mother's Day and while Maggie is only 1 year old, I am secretly eager about the homemade gifts that are to come. Whether it's something she makes in school or a thoughtful present she comes up with on her own are the most special gifts. I thought it would be fun to have local crafts stores and art studios come up with kids crafts for Mother's Day -- gifts that a child can do on his/her own, or a project you can do with your kids. This idea comes from Mara Lise Esposito, educational director at Not Just Art in Oyster Bay. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own picture frame using a recycled CD case.

Step 1: Gather your materials

-Clean CD case with clear cover
- Decorative background paper or fabric (wrapping paper, origami paper, magazine photos, wallpaper or fancy tissue paper)
- Small flat artsy doodads, such as sequins or confetti shapes, fabric bits, buttons, pre-cut scrapbook paper notions, magnetic poetry or magazine words
- Ribbon
- Glue stick and craft glue
- Scissors
- Small photo (wallet size school photos are perfect for this, but any fun photo works well as long as it can be trimmed)

Step 2: Trace background paper

Remove any paper cover inserts from front and back of CD, as well as any plastic holders or separators. Use the CD case or any paper inserts you removed to trace and cut a background paper. You may need to trim down a little bit to fit inside the case. Then, turn the CD case so that it flips open vertically instead of sideways. Cover the back inside of case with a glue stick, and place background paper.

Step 3: Figure out your design and photo

Before using any more glue, decide where you would like the photo to be placed, and if you would like to cut it into any interesting shape. Arrange decorative doodads in different ways until you are satisfied with the way it looks. Remember to make sure the items are flat enough that you can close the CD case.

Step 4: Decorate

Use the glue stick to attach the photo and decorations. If needed, use a little dab of craft glue for heavier thicker items. If you use craft glue, you will need to let it dry completely after you are all done, or the items may slide around inside.

Step 5: Attach the ribbon

Cut a two-foot length of ribbon and lay it along just below the CD case seam and close the cover. Tie the two ends of ribbon and add any extra embellishments to the outside of the case or to the ribbon.

Find more kids crafts for Mother's Day.