DO-1:
Glass Marble Magnets
Supplies:
1/2" and/or 3/4" round magnets
1/2" and/or 3/4" clear flat glass marbles
Silicon sealer (in the glue aisle)
Variety of images – cut from magazines, photos, etc. Tip: Use the magnet as a template and
cut the images to the right size. OR if you have a big craft hole punch that is the right size, that
saves time!
Circles cut from white cardstock (to place between the image and the magnet to keep the dark
magnet from changing the colors or your image.
Toothpicks
Process:
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Cover the work area with newspaper.
Spread a thin layer of glue on the magnet and place the white cardstock circle on. (Tip:
squeeze some glue onto a piece of paper or waxed paper and use a toothpick to spread it)
Spread a thin layer of glue on the white cardstock and place your image on top.
I used a toothpick to spread a thin layer of the glue on the magnet, and put the picture down
over that. Put a dot of glue in the middle of your image and place the marble on top and
press down in the center.
DO-2:
Personalized Totes
Supplies:
Plain tote bags (check online for great deals)
Paper Doilies AND/OR other stencils.
Sponge brushes
Fabric paint (any colors)
Newspaper
Process:
1. Cover your work surface with newspaper.
2. Put a layer of newspaper in the totebag,
separating the two sides (to keep the paint
from bleeding to the back layer of the bag).
3. Pour some paint out on a paper plate.
4. Lay the doily on the corner of the bag and
use the sponge brushes to dab the paint.
You cannot re-use the doilies – throw it
away when you are done.
5. Use a stencil to paint a letter or other
design OR freehand the letter to finish off
the bag.
DO-3:
First Aid Kits
Be ready for anything with personalized first aid kits.
Supplies:
Pencil box or a medium sized clear make-up bag.
(or if someone is feeling energetic – use handmade bags!)
Stickers (any kind but consider some health-related ones!)
Permanent markers
A variety of first aid products such as:
 band-aids – various sizes
 Qtips
 antibiotic ointment
 individually packaged wet wipes
 individual packages of aspirin/Tylenol
 throat lozenges
 ace bandage
 latex gloves
Process:
Give each woman a box or makeup bag and allow her to decorate it with the stickers and markers
Fill with a variety of products.
These can be kept in the car or in a backpack or diaper bag.
TIP: This activity is easy so consider having some discussion questions for women to talk about while
they work. This activity is good to use when you have a longer speaker or discussion time because it
does not take long to finish.
OPTION: If you have time, consider making a handmade pouch for
the kit. Cut a long rectangle of fabric to your desired size, sew
three sides, leaving extra fabric at the unsewn edge for the flap.
Make a loop and use a health-related button for fun
O-4
F
DO-4:
Family Bucket List
This discussion-based activity encourages moms to consider the things they would most like to do with
their children — crafts, games, activities, trips — long-term and short-term. They will leave with stacks of
ideas in each category and steps towards accomplishing their Family Bucket List. The only supplies are
index cards, pens and some good conversation!
Supplies:
Index cards
Pens (a variety of types and colors)
Stickers (optional)
Ribbon (optional)
hole punch (optional)
Process:
Give each woman a stack of index cards.
1. Write one thing on each card that she would like to do with her family. (If they need help getting
started, list some categories: travel, crafts, games, in-town activities. Encourage women to talk a
lot while they work!)
2. When she has at least 10 things, encourage her to put them in order of when she’d like to
accomplish it (this week, next month, next year, 10 years from now).
3. On the backside of the card write specific things she needs to do in order to accomplish it (ie:
save money, make reservations, research the activity, recruit help from others, etc)
4. Take another plain index card, write “Family Bucket List” on the front and decorate the cover.
5. Punch a hole in the corner of the cards and tie together with ribbon.
Tip: A few months after doing this activity, ask women how they are doing. How many items have they
completed?
DO - 5:
Hidden Love Notes
A sweet and simple idea that’s ready within minutes! Make five plain cardstock notes and write a quick
note to your spouse on each one. Decorate the cards and decide where to hide them. There is nothing
better than going about your everyday life and stumbling across a note of thoughtful love!
Supplies:
Cardstock or other heavyweight paper – a variety of colors and designs. (Check the scrapbooking aisle!)
Colored markers, ribbon, other embellishments to decorate the cards
Craft paper punches in varies designs
scissors
Process:
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Each woman selects materials for five cards. She can simply fold paper or can cut her cards into
shapes.
Use items provided to decorate or embellish the cards.
Write a note in each card – this is up to each woman. The note can be short or long, funny or
personal. The notes could also be in “coupon” form. Such as, “trade this for one breakfast in bed” or
“this entitles you to a batch of homemade cookies.”
Before leaving, each woman should share with others at her table where she plans on hiding a few of
her notes. Discussing it encourages them to follow through and gives other women great ideas for
their own hidden notes. (Ideas to get them started: taping them to the orange juice in the fridge,
hiding them in a briefcase or sock drawer, taping it to a mirror, putting it under their pillow. The
possibilities are endless.)
JOURNAL
DO - 6:
Journal
Make a pretty journal for your moms to use for
to-do lists, notes or to record their own story.
Make a pretty journal for your moms to use for to-do lists, notes or to record their own story.
Supplies:
Any small journal with blank pages
Fabric pieces, designer paper, markers, pens, any other embellishments
Fabric glue
Ribbon pieces or decorative rope (long enough to wrap around the journal at least once)
Process:
1. Open the front cover and personalize the first page. Use a favorite verse or saying. Provide some
options that moms can copy if they need help. (TIP: This year’s theme and theme verse is a great
option).
2. Design the cover. Encourage members to be creative. They can cut and glue fabric shapes (hearts,
letters, etc) or use the embellishments you’ve provided. TIP: Have a few shape templates that they
can trace and cut. Have an example or two for moms to see.
3. Create a closure. Use the long pieces or ribbon or decorative rope. Glue it in place on the back
cover of the journal, wrap it around and tie. Be sure and allow this to dry completely before laying the
journal down on its back.
DO - 7:
Cookie Sheet Magnet Boards
Create an organization center for your home!
Supplies:
 New cookie sheet or pizza pan – any size or shape. (Check the dollar store!)
 Ribbon
 RustOleum Painters Touch Spray Paint for wood-metal-plastic (any color)
 MOPS Magnets (from MOPShop.org - pictured: jumbo spring clip, Show Your Heart magnet,
coupon keeper, theme notepads)
 Damage-Free Hanging Command Brand strips (we used the ones that hold 12 pounds – just
to be safe!)
Optional Supplies:
 Acrylic paint (a variety of colors)
 Small paint brushes
 RustOleum Painters Touch Spray Paint Clear Gloss
Process:
1. Wipe the cookie/pizza sheet off, to make sure all dust is removed.
2. Paint the sheet with RustOleum Painters Touch Spray Paint until cookie sheet is fully
covered. Once dry, spray any spots that may need touch ups.
3. Once the sheet is completely dry, add an other color accents or designs with the acrylic
paint. Add your MOPS group name, the theme a Bible verse, a phrase or just fun art.
4. Optional step: Once paint accents are completely dry, spray once more with the clear
sealing spray paint to protect your magnet board.
5. Make a bow out of the ribbon and glue it to your board.
6. Add the MOPS magnets to your board to complete the project. (Tip: The jumbo spring clip
can hold notes, notepads or coupons)
7. Attach Damage-Free Hanging Command Brand strips to the back of your magnet board.
DO - 8:
Treat in a Jar
There are many recipes in a jar available. (Seriously,
thousands of them. Some easy, some more difficult.)
Find one online or use our suggestion for Chocolate
Chip cookie mix below.
Supplies:
1-quart smooth Ball jar
(available at craft stores)
Fabric scraps, ribbon, label or recipe card preprinted with baking directions (see below)
Process:
Tip: Pack each level down tightly. If
ingredients are too loose, it will not all fit. The
ingredients should be flush to the top of the lid
when you seal it.
Ingredients needed for each jar:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) semi-sweet
chocolate morsels
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1. Mix flour, baking soda and salt together in
a bowl. Pour this in first. Then begin laying
in this order:
2. Chocolate morsels
3. Brown sugar
4. Granulated sugar
5. Chopped nuts (optional)
Seal jar and decorate with fabric scrap and
ribbon. Attach baking directions to each jar.
Recipe to attach:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Beat 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg
and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended. Add cookie mix and 1/2 cup
chopped nuts (optional); mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto
ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking
sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.
ANOTHER OPTION: FROZEN MEAL - Have ingredients to make pizzas, marinate chicken or
assemble a casserole that moms can either take home for dinner that night or put in the freezer.
For added fun include paper products moms can take so they can skip dishes that night too!
DO - 9:
Sugar Scrubs
Pamper yourself or someone else with these luxurious, inexpensive and easy-to-make scrubs
Supplies for THREE jars of scrub:
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Three 7-ounce glass jars (any size works, but these supplies fill three of this size)
mixing bowl and spoon
3 cups white sugar
1 cup + 2 Tbsp. good quality oil (I used olive oil, but you can use any nice, non-smelly oil)
10 drops of scented essential oil per jar (some favorites are mandarin, peppermint, and
lavender. These are available at health stores, most craft stores, and online.)
Process:
For Scrub:
 Combine sugar and oil, mix it well.
 If you are planning on scenting them separately, divide into separate bowls
 Add essential oil, stir, and divide among your jars.
For Jars:
 Decorate jars any way you’d like or just leave them plain. TIP: If you are using
paint or glue on the jar, decorate them first so they have a little time to dry before
adding scrub.
 Add scrub to jar, seal and finish off with ribbon, twine and a tag.
DO - 10:
Glass Christmas Ball Ornament
There are so many things you can do with glass ornaments. Make nature ornaments, painted
ornaments or picture ornaments — just to name a few! Go online to find even more ideas.
1. Painted glass ornaments: Using paintbrushes and a variety of colors of glass paint, paint
dots, swirls, or words on the outside of a clear glass ball ornament. Allow to dry and add
ribbon to finish off.
2. Snowman ornament: Fill the inside of the ball with artificial white snow, pieces of white
paper confetti or tiny scraps of a thin white plastic bag. Cut small circles of black felt and
glue them on the outside of the ornament to make the eyes and a row of circles for the
mouth. Cut a long triangle of orange felt for the nose. To make a top hat for the snowman,
cut a doughnut shape of black felt and fit it around a black film canister to make the brim.
Glue the hat a little off-center so it does not cover the ornament cap and hook, or glue a
piece of ribbon to the top of the hat to make a new hanger.
3. Marbleized ornaments: Paint the inside of clear glass ball ornaments with at least three
different colors of translucent glass paint to create a marbleized effect. If you squirt the paint
onto the inside of a tilted glass ball ornament, the paint will flow over the side. Swirl the paint
by turning the ornament. Turn it upside down over the top of a small dixie cup (just large
enough for the ornament to rest in the top, but not fall all the way into the cup) and let the
extra paint run out. When one color dries, repeat the process with another color until the
inside of the glass ball ornament is covered.Nature ornaments: Take the hanger off a glass
ball ornament. Insert small twigs, leaves, pine cones, etc and replace hanger. Tie a piece
of jute or twine.
4. Celebration ornament: Take the hanger off a glass ball ornament. Fill half full with confetti,
scrap pieces of paper, etc and replace hanger. Using colorful ribbon, tie a tag that says
“Congratulations!” or whatever is appropriate. (TIP: Ornaments AREN’T just for Christmas!)
5. Paper-filled ornament: Take the hanger off a glass ball ornament. Use long strips of
wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, sheet music, etc. Roll tightly around a pencil, hold in
place for a minute and then let it go. Tighten rolls enough to slide into opening of the glass
ball ornament. They will uncurl some after they drop in. Fill the ornament, replace the
hanger and add a bow.
6. Paper-covered ornaments: Tear wrapping paper, craft paper or sheet music into a variety of
sizes. Paint the back of sheet music with Mod Podge and stick to glass ball Overlap the
edges of the strips and place in all different directions. Use paint brush and spread Mod
Podge on top of strips to seal edges. Cover the entire ornament. Add a festive ribbon or
tag.
DO - 11:
Framed Initials
Supplies:
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Cardboard letters – any size (either purchased at the craft store or make them yourself from sturdy
cardboard).
Decorative paper (craft paper or wrapping paper) to cover cardboard
Decorative paper to line the frame
Frames (without glass) – bright color frames can be store bought (check the dollar store!) or painted.
Ribbon, cut out flowers, or other embellishments
Glue
Double sided tape
Scissors
Process:
1. If you chose to paint the frames, do that ahead of time and allow them to dry fully.
2. Using your choice of decorative paper and glue, cover the cardboard letter. Either cut the paper to
cover fully or tear strips and overlap them for a different look.
3. Remove the back of the frame and cover it with a different pattern/color of paper.
4. Use double sided tape to attach completed cardboard letter to the covered frame back.
5. Secure frame back into the frame.
6. Add ribbon to the frame or other fun cutouts to the letters.
DO - 12:
“I Love You Because…” Frames
Tell them how you feel every day with this write-on/wipe-off reminder.
Supplies:
Frame with glass (any size)
Printed piece of paper for each frame:
Print this on a piece of paper (white or colored but with minimal design):
“I love you because (and then several blank lines)”
Dry erase markers
Process:
1. Add the printed piece of paper to the frame.
2. Moms can use it to encourage family members or as a way to remind themselves about why God
loves them.
3. Give moms dry erase markers to take home to write out their inspirations.
DO - 13:
Button Bracelet
This craft made with twine and buttons is easy to make and the perfect choice for a day when
you want discussion to continue into the creative activities time.
Supplies:
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twine or elastic
variety of buttons (a lot of them!)
scissors
metal crimp tubes (located in jewelry aisle of craft stores) (OPTION: you can just tie the
bracelet off if you’d rather)
pliers
Process:
1. Measure the twine or elastic to wrap around the wrist twice.
2. Begin adding buttons.
a. To make a standard-button bracelet, thread elastic through from back to front
and then to the back again. For four-hole buttons, thread elastic diagonally
through two holes on opposite corners.
b. For a shank-button bracelet, thread elastic through shanks, turning every other
button upside down to overlap.
c. For a decorative button bracelet, thread button, tie a knot in the twine and add
another button.
3. Leave an inch at each end of the bracelet and then thread both ends of elastic through a
metal crimp tube and squeeze tightly with pliers.
DO - 14:
No Sew Blankets
Perfect for a service project for a pregnancy
center or for new baby gifts or welcome gifts for
moms in your MOPS group. Make these baby
size or mommy size cuddly blankets. Moms can
each make their own, or if making as a service
project moms two or three moms can work
together on a single blanket.
Supplies:
 2 coordinating pieces of fleece (Size
depends on how big you want the blanket.
TIP: The finished blanket will be 8-10
inches smaller than what you cut)
 Fabric scissors
 Ruler
 Pencil
Process:
1. Lay the piece of fleece that will be the back of your blanket, right side down, on your work
surface and smooth out wrinkles. (For small blankets, a table works well but for larger
blankets, clear some space on the floor.)
2. Lay the piece of fleece that will be the front of your blanket, right side up, on top of the first
piece of fleece. Smooth it out.
3. Cut your corners. (TIP: This can be done ahead of time to save time)
a) Measure in, from the corner, the same length as what you will make your fringe.(TIP: We
suggest four-inches long. Any shorter is difficult to tie).
b) Measured in 4-inches from each side of the corner.
c) Mark your lines and repeat this for each corner.
d) Cut off each corner square you marked and discard.
(3a)
(3b)
(3c)
(3d)
(4)
4. Cut fringe along each edge. Make sure you cut through both thicknesses of fleece.
5. Continue tying the pieces of fleece together until you have worked your way all around the
blanket.
DO - 15:
PRETT Y VINT AGE BOOKMARK
Pretty Vintage Bookmarks
A good book deserves a nice bookmark. Use satin
ribbon and old earrings or pins to create a beautiful
way to hold your place when you need to put the
book down when naptime is over.
A good book deserves a nice bookmark.
Supplies:
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Velvet ribbon (cut into nine-inch lenths)
Ribbon clamps (the same width of the ribbon, in the jewelry aisle of the craft store)
Pliers (we suggest flat-nose jewelry pliers)
Jump rings
Charms, trinkets or vintage earrings (one per ribbon)
Process:
1. Take nine-inch lengths of ribbon and affix clamps to both ends of each ribbon.
2. Attach charms, trinkets, or vintage earrings to the clamps with jump rings.
DO - 16:
52 Things
Create a deck of notes to encourage and affirm your child or your spouse. From personality traits to
quirks to tastes, show the people you love how you love the little things.
Supplies:
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Deck of playing cards
Index cards – cut to fit in middle of playing cards
(OPTION: If you’d rather not use a deck of cards, just use 52 – or however many you’d like – index
cards)
Hole punch
Markers
Jump rings
Process:
1. Select the family member you’d like to highlight throughout the deck of cards.
2. Write one unique thing you like about the person on each index card square and glue it to the
center of the playing card.
3. Punch holes along the side and clip them together with jump rings to make a book.
4. If you used plain index cards, make a cover and decorate it.
With a deck of cards
With decorated index cards
DO - 17:
Fun Felt Art
Create an interactive, always-changing, portable art project for your child. A board with some
felt attached can be a great tool for kids to manipulate letters and numbers or animals and
characters. It’s a great tool to keep in the car or diaper bag for those moments when kids need
some diversion or for you to enter their world as you create stories together.
Supplies:
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One piece of felt to use as the board (you determine the size)
TIP: you can buy felt with a backing that will make your board sturdier, you can glue the felt
to a piece of cardboard for sturdiness or you can keep the felt as it is, so it can be rolled up
and stored with the pieces
Felt scraps to cut and use as pieces (You can buy some shapes already cut out in craft
stores. You do not want the felt with the peel and stick back. The felt pieces will stick easily
to the felt board until you want to move it. You don’t want adhesive that will permanently
stick the pieces to the felt board.)
Large plastic storage bag to keep your pieces.
Googly eyes, ribbon or other embellishments (if not self-sticking, supply glue)
A pair of fabric scissors per person
Process:
1. Cut felt into all kinds of shapes. (Letters, animals, houses, plants and flowers, people
with changeable clothes, anything your child likes.)
2. Add eyes to animals, bows to people or clothes – use your imagination!
3. Label your storage bag with your child(ren)’s name, drop your pieces in and you’re ready
to go! Be creative. Your child will be!
DO - 18:
Travel Fun Kit
Portable kit filled with hours of entertainment for the car, a restaurant or Grandma’s house.
Supplies and Process:
Get a box for each member. (Medium sized ones with lids and a handle make it easily portable. Check
the dollar store!)
Use Markers and other things to decorate the box. Be sure and include your child(ren)’s names.
Lay out items to include in the box. Let members walk through and select what they would like in their
box – based on the age of the child they are creating it for. (TIP: If a mom has an infant and feels this
isn’t appropriate for her aged-child, encourage her to make one for a friend, niece or nephew, or other
famly member)
Some suggestions to include in the box are: crayons, pencils, sticky note pads, kazoos, finger puppets,
gum and snacks. The local dollar or party store is a great place to purchase small toys in bulk. Also check
online sources!
TIP: Have each mom purchase one type of item and bring enough to share.