10 DIY Crafts Your Mom Probably Made in the ’90s
These nostalgic '90s crafts were in every home, and your mom probably made at least half of them.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The ’90s were packed with color, creativity, and plenty of glue gun action. Moms everywhere were transforming household items into masterpieces, decorating kitchens with gingham bows and crafting homemade gifts that still live in our memories. If you ever wrapped a Mason jar in lace, you’re in the right place.
1. Puffy Paint T-Shirts Were a Family Affair
Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
These weren’t just shirts; they were wearable memories. Puffy paint made everything look electric and three-dimensional, and your mom probably let you design your own while she created a flower-heavy masterpiece. The finished products usually went straight to family barbecues or school spirit day.
2. Mason Jars Turned Into Everything
Eric Polk on Wikimedia Commons
Before Pinterest, moms were already way ahead. Mason jars were flower vases, bathroom organizers, and candle holders—often wrapped in raffia or gingham. Your mom probably gifted at least one homemade potpourri jar to the neighbor.
3. Popsicle Stick Picture
Rosa Stone on Pexels
No Fridge was complete without a photo frame made of glued sticks. Your mom probably helped you build one, paint it, and then add a photo of you in overalls. Bonus points if it had glitter or macaroni on it.
4. Wreaths Made of Literally Anything
Gustamons on Wikimedia Commons
In the ’90s, wreaths weren’t just for the holidays. Moms made them from grapevines, dried flowers, fabric scraps—whatever was on sale at Michaels. There was always one hanging proudly on the front door.
5. Painted Flower Pots Lined the Windowsill
Partridge Pottery on Wikimedia Commons
Whether pastel stripes or tiny ladybugs, painted terracotta pots were a ’90s staple. Your mom probably let you paint a few, then used them for everything from herbs to pencils.
6. Crocheted Tissue Box Covers Were the Peak of Cozy Decor
Durova on Wikimedia Commons
Your mom probably had at least one of these in the bathroom or on the coffee table. Crocheted tissue box covers came in soft pastels, granny square patterns, or full-on floral designs—and somehow made tissues feel fancier. It was the kind of project that took time, patience, and a love of yarn.
7. Cross-Stitch Samplers Hung in the Hallway
Cropped by User:PKM on Wikimedia Commons
“Home Sweet Home” in pastel thread? Classic. Moms in the ’90s loved sitting by a lamp and stitching heartfelt messages or quirky little animals into the fabric to hang proudly.
8. Homemade Scented Sachets for Every Drawer
Jebulon on Wikimedia Commons
Your mom probably made tiny fabric pillows filled with lavender or potpourri and tucked them into every drawer. They smelled like your grandma’s living room and looked like mini beanbags.
9. Painted Wooden Spoons Meant for Display Only
NPS Photo on Wikimedia Commons
These weren’t for stirring soup. Moms painted smiling faces on wooden spoons, dressed them in tiny aprons, and propped them up in ceramic jars like kitchen mascots.
10. Fabric-Covered Photo Albums Were Handcrafted Keepsakes
Thiago José Amaral on Pexels
Before digital scrapbooking, your mom probably made a padded photo album wrapped in fabric, lace, and maybe even a ribbon bow. Every page was filled with handwritten captions and glue-stuck memories.