Looking for fun Spring Crafts? This boot project is perfect for May Day, Mother's Day, or even Teacher Appreciation Day!

Hi Everyone!  Happy Monday!  It's Katie again from View From The Fridge, and I'm excited to be back on Juggling Act Mama with a fun, spring craft for you today - May Day Boot!

My first question is ... "Who has heard of May Day baskets and the traditions that surround the giving of these?" 

My second question is ... "Do you participate in this tradition yourself or with your kiddos?"

Well ... what I found out (sort of to my shock), is that not everyone has heard of this Spring tradition.  I did a little research on this, and it sounds like the practice of giving May baskets is waning lately.  While I grew up making these with my Mom (and probably the rest of my family ... I just don't remember them being as excited about it), I have yet to make these as an adult.  That is ... until this year!  The boys and I made our own version of a May Basket (okay ... it was mostly all me, but they watched intently, and are excited about leaving it on our neighbor's porch and running away).

Check it out ...

If you stretch your imagination, just a bit, it's our version of "April Showers (rain boot) Bring May Flowers (the white daisies)".  Get it?!?!    I'm also thinking this would be a cute Mother's Day gift to a great Mom or Grandma in your life!

Really, you can fill the boot with whatever you like, but we choose something fun, useful, and Spring-y ... herb seeds, coordinating markers for the herbs, and some pretty flowers to add some color and fun.

The paper mache boot came from Michael's.  I used my 40% of coupon, so it was less than $6.  With a little paint, we brightened it up a bit, but you could totally just leave your plain and go for a more rustic look!

Here's how it all came together:

 SUPPLIES:

1. Paper Mache boot (Michael's)
2. 2 colors of paint (we used gold spray paint, and Pantone Radiant Orchard in a tub)
3. Paint brush (if not using spray paint)
4. Painter's tape
5. Hole punch
6. Ribbon:  we used two kinds.  One for the handle (green striped) and one for tying on the tag (yellow ribbon above)
7. Boot fillers:  we used daisies, herb seeds, and herb markers
8. Gift tag (see below for free printable)
9. Optional:  old soda/juice bottle filled with a bit of water (to keep flowers fresh)

STEPS:

1. Spray paint boot (we used gold first).  Try to also get a little of the inside.
2. Once gold is dry (we just used one coat), tape off stripes, then paint another color (we used a sample pot of Radiant Orchard ... it is the color of the year, and all!!).
3. Make a handle.  We used a hole punch to punch a hole in each side of the boot.  Then, with some striped ribbon from Michael's, we threaded it through the holes and tied in a big knot on the inside.
4. Your boot is complete!  If you look closely, in our boot there's some extra holes.  They're not there on purpose.  Our dog got a hold of it for second and used it as a chew toy.  (and in case you're wondering ... she's not a puppy ... she's 7!!!  Ugh).  
5. We filled our boot with seeds and markers ... both available at Target.  I'm sort of in love with these copper herb markers!!  They're $2.99 a piece, though, so you could also easily make your own if you're going the cheaper route (Popsicle sticks, paint, and letter stickers?).
6. Print gift tag, mount on pretty cardstock, punch hole in corners of tag and seed packages, and tie onto boot's handle with a ribbon.  To download the label we used here (plus three other options), see below.
7. Add flowers and you're done!  Hint for keeping flowers fresh (since you obviously can't pour water into a paper mache boot):  place a soda/juice glass bottle filled with a bit of water inside the boot.  The bottle we used fit in there nice and snuggly.

Now you have a unique May Day 'basket' to give to your favorite neighbor!

The tradition (at least the way I remember it) was to hang your May Basket (or boot in this case) on your neighbor's door knob, ring the doorbell, then run away (my boys are most excited about this part ... ding dong ditch!).

This boot can be hung from the ribbon handle:

Or ... it also works to just set the basket on their front porch:

You'll notice in the picture above, we excluded the daisies.  It's completely up to you how you fill your boot!  Either way, you're sure to brighten someone's day!

Excited to make one of your own this year???  May 1st is the day (again, at least how I remember!).  Be sure to grab a cute gift tag below for your basket!

Free May Day Basket Gift Tag:  Click Below to download

May Day Gift Tag

Big thanks to Ang again for having me here today!  I hope you're enjoying your SPRING!!  Have a great week!

Be sure to stop by and visit us over at View From The Fridge, see what we're up to, and say 'hello'!  We're expecting a new arrival to the family in less than five weeks, so stay tuned for news on the baby front, too!

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More Springtime Projects:

• DIY Pallet Planter
• Stained Glass Tissue Paper Crafts
• Easy to Make Garden Markers
• Spring Craft Projects for Kids
• Mother's Day Printable