‘Mommy & Me’ lets mother, child create Mother’s Day keepsake

Looking for a special gesture for Mother’s Day? Madison Public Library has made plans to fit the occasion.

This tile has handprints for a mother and child, a suggested pattern for Mommy & Me.

“Mommy & Me” will allow a mother and child to design a ceramic tile painting on May 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.

“Mommies and their children will receive their pre-purchased tile(s) when they arrive,” youth services librarian Mandy Pinyan said. “We’ll have all necessary supplies and equipment available for them to design their tiles.” Dads also are welcome to participate.

Pinyan and her colleague Maggie Allen will offer “idea-generating example pictures” for the tile artwork. Pottery by You will take the designed tiles to their studio, glaze them and fire them in the kiln for permanently preserved keepsakes,” Pinyan said.

Pottery by You then will deliver the tiles back to Madison Public Library for families to pick up.

Handprints, footprints or creative images are design suggestions. “We encourage creativity and a positive, bonding experience,” Pinyan said.

Pinyan proposed the library event for “something special for the families in our community. Since becoming a mother, I love the idea of keepsakes, especially handprints, because my daughter is growing so fast.”

In addition, Pinyan favors support of the Madison community. “I know that our families in Madison really value the children’s programs that we offer at Madison Public Library,” she said. “This event is also a fundraiser to benefit the children’s department. We’re happy to partner with Pottery by You to make this possible.”

Mommy & Me is open for two hours for families to arrive and design the tiles. “Parents can drop in, paint and then enjoy the library or the children’s garden at their leisure,” Pinyan said. “By allowing more than one hour for the event, parents can plan accordingly and not feel rushed.”

Pinyan and Allen suggest wearing “painting clothes.”

The first tile costs $20. Each additional tile is $2 off. For three tiles, the cost would be $54 ($20 + $18 + $16). For more information, call 256.461.0046.