Portraits of Mothers

Is there anything more endearing than seeing yourself through your child’s eyes? Our May craft celebrates Mother’s Day with special inspiration from a tradition among young artists in Japan. Each year in school, many Japanese children create handmade images of their ok­­aasan (mother) as a gift from the heart. We’re going to follow suit!

May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States, giving us a chance to recognize the contributions and influences descendants from that region have had on American history, culture, and various achievements.

As a nod to both occasions, we’ll be making Portraits of Mothers with help from Jenny Morgan, an Accreditation Specialist for Learning Care Group, and her three boys, Brandon (11), Connor (8), and Drew (6). 

Portraits of Mothers is a simple and meaningful Mother’s Day craft for all ages—from finger painting to more proportional replicas designed by school-age children. You can also paint other important women in your life—a grandmother, aunt, stepmother, or special mentor. No matter the result, each portrait is created out of love so let’s get to it and see what your darling little ones come up with!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Construction paper
• Various colors of paint
• Paintbrushes
• Cup of water
• Paper towels

Begin by encouraging your child to take a close look at your face. If they’re able to verbalize what they see, have them describe your prominent features.

Be sure they paint a head, face, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and hair! Keep a cup of rinse water handy and a few paper towels to blot the brush dry between colors.

Use most of the space provided, adding a neck, shoulders, or even a shirt in your favorite color if they have room.

Want to get even more detailed? How about some jewelry, an embellishment, or a pattern for the background? Let your artist have fun with it.

After the portrait is dry, consider hanging it in a prominent place or even framing it to enjoy for years to come!

Be sure to share a picture with us too! We can’t wait to see your colorful faces. Tag your school when you post about the craft on your favorite social media platform.