Crafts can be a great way to prevent items we're likely to trash from becoming, well, trash. But then there are those other crafts. We've all gotten one - a homemade craft project made with love but not necessarily talent - a poorly crocheted pillow, a wonky DIY scarf, or a just plain ugly hand-knit hat. For those heartfelt handmade disasters, there's April Winchell and her hilarious blog Regretsy (now a book: Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF), a collection of some of the strangest and saddest crafts offered for sale on DIY craft site Etsy.
Here, some of the most "unique" items that may just send Mom the wrong message. They always say a mother can love just about anything her child creates, but we're guessing that some of these slightly frightening crafts may cause even the most doting of mothers to draw the line.
Alien Handmade Doll
From the Description: "One thing that makes her even more unique is the fact that a walnut was used for her head."
Regretsy Says: "QUESTIONS
1. What am I looking at?
2. Where did the alien get the horse? Is it an alien horse? If so, does it contain nuts?
2. What if I wanted the head made out a filbert?
3. How much is shipping to Earth?
4. Can I buy this if I have squirrels?"
We Say: This alien with hair extensions will go great with your '80s hair bear photo she still has on the mantel!
Gift Mom with some home decor that's sustainable (and less alien)
"Dear" Hoof Ornament
From the Description: "I am both fascinated and repulsed by this object ... I love deer and used to cry when my brother and father went hunting for them. I cried when I watched the movie "the yearling." I still love sweet and gentle deer. Yet … when I came across this odd sampling of taxidermy I was struck by its beauty."
Regretsy Says: "For Rudolph so loved the world, he gave his only foot."
We Say: Nothing says "I love you, Mom" like taxidermy.
Mom will love one of these gifts made from recycled materials
Gumball Baby
Description: "Perfect gift for any one at any age or any occasion."
Regretsy Says: Any and all occasions? Okay.
We Say: This gumball doll on the nightstand will have Mom cursing (er... thinking of?) you nightly.
If you're giving her something edible, make it tastier and healthier
Feather Cocktail Ring
From the Description: "Make a huge statement with this bold ceramic cocktail ring ... Be the envy of all. Handmade with provocative intent."
Regretsy Says: "It's called a 'cocktail ring' because you can balance a 12 ounce tumbler on it. And it's ceramic, so you're all set when the hot hors d'oeuvres come out."
We Say: This will go great with the seashell pin you gave her in the second grade.
Try this cool recycled jewelry that Mom will love
"You Are Magnicifent" Wall Hanging
From the Description: "This listing is for a small wall hanging approx. 5 1/2" by 7 1/2". It is hand-painted and embellished with beautiful butterflies, flowers and swashes. Pink glitter is added for that extra 'sparkle.' Perfect for a little girl's room!"
Regretsy Says: "'Magnicifent'? Hardly! This piece is positively majsetic!"
We Say: Stick with Hallmark. They use spell check.
As Mom always taught you, the best gifts are the ones that don't come in boxes - these outside-the-box ideas will make her Mother's Day
TELL US: What's the worst item you've received as a gift?
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
