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Arts & Entertainment

Make Your Mom The Perfect Gift

These favorite Eagle Rock boutiques and restaurants will show your child how.

Sure, scented candles, bouquets of lilies and silver frames are nice, but what I love most from my daughter on Mother’s Day is a present spun from her own mind and crafted using her own hands. At 9, my kid’s artistic abilities have begun to blossom and I enjoy seeing all the affection and hard work she channels into the cards, posters and pinch pots she makes for me.

But let’s be honest: Even a doting mother can get her fill of pinch pots. So this year, I am gently guiding my girl toward making other gift projects that I’ll love wearing or looking at, and not just for nostalgic value but also because they’re aesthetically accomplished.

Seems like a lot of moms feel the same way. I just made a few calls around Eagle Rock and found a slew of venues offering Mother’s Day workshops at which kids can craft lovely presents for the person who packs their tofu sandwiches everyday.  Here are some of the ones we’d love to try:

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A JEWELRY BEADING WORKSHOP FOR KIDS AND THEIR MOTHERS

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My kid could grab almost anything in this dazzling gallery-store—vintage pottery, anime-inspired purses and artwork—and I’d be thrilled with the present. But we decided instead to indulge in Leanna’s beading workshop (prices start at $10 for kid’s bracelets, and $20 for adults bracelets, with additional costs for add-on pendants) and have my daughter make me a bracelet for Mother’s Day.

 We called up and booked some beading time in this candy-store of a boutique and Leanna measured my wrist. She then helped my daughter choose beads from a selection of colorful baubles and they gleefully deliberated over each one. I busied myself with checking out the crafts and prints by local artists (my little one wanted to surprise me on Mother’s Day, but other moms might like to bead projects along with their children).

When the beads were strung, Leanna placed the bracelet in a tiny Chinese take-out box and my little one toted it home. “Wait until you see it, Mommy,” my daughter gushed. “It’s so pretty!”

I really can’t wait to open it on Sunday, just to see how she put the beads together. For me, the anticipation has become half the fun. What’s more my kid’s excitement about having made me something so beautiful was really a great gift in itself.

WHEN: Sunday, May 8, 12 noon to 5 p.m.
WHERE: 5024 Eagle Rock Blvd., 323-550 1332
WHAT: A jewelry beading workshop for kids and their mothers. Children can string together a charming bracelet or necklace as a Mother’s Day gift, while snacking on JAM Vegan Bakery bite-sized cookies. Customers who purchase two beading workshops (starts at $10 for children's bracelets and $20 for adult earrings) will also get a free eco-friendly candle by Queen Bee's Hive.

MOTHER’S DAY PRINTS WORKSHOP and POP-UP CARDS WORKSHOPS

WHAT: Friday’s printmaking class is all about making a fine-art print to gift to mom. Using a child’s own drawing, Purple Twig will create a print that is the perfect size to frame ($20). “This is a simple process that is quite beautiful,” says Purple Twig founder Samara.

The Pop-Up Card workshop (Friday and Saturday) offers kids such tools as watercolor paint, paper and glue and inspires them to create adorable pop-up cards for their mom or grandma. ($15)

Both workshops are about an hour long and have been developed for ages three and above (unless otherwise stated). Parents can also drop off kids, ages five and up—or stick around and create with their child.

WHEN: Friday, from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.

WHERE: 2038 Colorado Blvd., 323-254-8944

Make Mom a Pizza Dinner!

WHAT: One of Eagle Rock’s favorite eateries offers kids (and their parents) the chance to make their own pizza—and mom’s, too. During these one-hour adventures in pie creation, students learn to roll out dough, spread sauces and add their favorite toppings. Then the pizzas are popped into the oven and everyone gets to feast on their masterpieces. The cost: $9.99 per person.

WHEN: Call or email class coordinator Ocie to reserve a time before, during or after Mother’s Day. 818-606 6788; corner_pizzeria@yahoo.com
WHERE: 2136 Colorado Blvd., 323-255-8500

and :

WHAT: This Eagle Rock Mother’s Day event isn’t a workshop—just pure fun for moms. Today, Peekaboo Playland is teaming up with Maile's Fine Pastries and local massage therapist Brianne Ernest for a super day for moms. Peek A Boo will offer discounted admission for all kids ($5 instead of $9) and moms can kick back and indulge in complimentary refreshments and sweet treats from Maile's Fine Pastries. To make the day even better, a massage therapist will be on hand—so to speak—giving complimentary chair mini-massages (based on availability).

WHERE: Peekaboo Playland, 2030 Colorado Blvd., 323-255-1400
WHEN: Friday, May 6, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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