Growing in Unity – Day 1 – Mother’s Day Mixed Media Card

I am so excited to start my GIU week off with Unity’s Trust the Timing stamp set for a Mother’s Day card. This set spoke to me from the moment it was released . . . you’ll see why in a moment.

I lost my mother to cancer in 2005, but I know she is still with me every day. Her actions or words come out of my body or mouth just about daily. I also see her in every one of my sisters and my nieces. It is so wonderful to see her legacy living on.

So why did Trust the Timing speak to me when Unity first released it? Well, it’s as though someone from Unity went digging through family photos and found my mom’s school pictures and made a rubber stamp out of them. Here is my mom’s high school graduation picture.

And here is the image from Trust the Timing.

Maybe it’s just me, but there is definitely a resemblance there. So basically, as soon as this stamp was released and I started seeing the design team’s samples, I knew I just had to have this stamp set.

I felt compelled to make something for my GIU week with this set. So here we go . . . I started by stamping the image (just to practice with it) on one of the freebie tags Unity so often generously sends out with the Kit of the Month subscriptions.

Next I needed to decide if I was going to try to color the image or just leave it black and white. I’ll admit I leaned on my Crazy Craft Chicks for their input. They all voted for leaving it black and white. I decided to choose my layering papers while I continued contemplating the black and white of the image. I choose 3 different coordinating pages from the Preserved Paper stack by DCWV.

I knew I wanted this to be on a kraft card base and decided to make it a 5×7 card so that I could add several layers and some flowers for a mixed media style card. I chose three small flowers from a Recollections set of pale pink paper flowers that I have in my stash. Unfortunately the pink wasn’t quite right so I hit the tips with Worn Lipstick Distress Ink to achieve the right pink tones to coordinate with the paper. I also used Vintage Photo Distress Ink to alter some photo corners that I used to adhere the image to the pink polka dot panel and to stamp the sentiment “True Beauty come from within.”

I decided that the white around the image was too bright for the look I wanted so I used the Vintage Photo to take that down a few notches.

Since my mom isn’t here for me to give this to, I think I may frame it and hang it next to her pictures in my hallway. I’m going to leave you with one of my favorite pictures of my mom. I never knew it existed until after she was gone.

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43 thoughts on “Growing in Unity – Day 1 – Mother’s Day Mixed Media Card”

  1. I absolutely love this card and think you should frame it. You honored grandma (your mom) so well using this set and my favorite photos too if her. Can’t wait to see the rest of your week.

  2. The stamp really bears a strong resemblance to your mother. The card is beautiful and I love the idea of hanging it near her picture.

  3. Wow! Holly, your card is fantastic! Definitely frame it… and yes, the stamp looks like your mother. I’m excited for your GIU week, and looking forward to seeing all your beautiful creations!

  4. The resemblance the stamp has to your mom is crazy! It was meant for her! I love your project idea. Looking forward to seeing what you create next. Welcome!

  5. You are right, there is a resemblance and makes an appropriate card for her memory. Great card, and I can’t wait to see your creations this week.

  6. Excellent make with a stamp that absolutely looks like your Mom! I’m sure she loves it from heaven! Great first day! Enjoy your week!

  7. Beautiful card and inspiration. Thank you for sharing both your creation process and your memories of your mom. She really is a twin to that stamp! <3

  8. This is so beautiful! What a special tribute to your mother! The resemblance of your mom in the stamp is magic!!

  9. Fabulous card! I love it and your post about our mom ? I can’t wait to see what inspiration the rest of your week brings!

  10. Such a beautiful card and tribute to your mother. I love that you put the photo corners on the image layer. My mother has been gone for almost 9 years, but I still send cards out to my niece and daughter-in-law to let them know they are doing a good job with their children.

  11. Yes, I can see why you love the stamp. The card is beautiful and I love the idea of framing it and hanging it with her other photos! Hugs as we approach Mothers Day!

    Linda

  12. What a gorgeous project! I love the idea of framing it and hanging it with photos of your mom. And yes, there sure is a definite resemblance to that photo of your mom. Very cool.

  13. Holly, you did a great job on this card and tribute to mom ?. Could we all gave one to hang on our memory wall? You began with a bang and knowing you it is all up hill from here. I am looking forward to see what other spectacular projects you have in store for us.

  14. I see the resemblance, too! And what a beautiful card. Love the pretty papers you paired with the gorgeous flowers. I lost my Mom three years ago, but still make her a Mother’s Day card to sit beside her photo. 😉

  15. I agree it does resemble your mother. I love the pretty pink layers of your design! Great card and I’m looking forward to the rest of your GIU week!

  16. Your mom was beautiful, and that stamp does bear a great resemblance to her. You did a wonderful job with the card, You should frame it and hang it next to her pictures! Thank you for the inspiration!

  17. Wow the resemblance of the image and your beautiful mom is amazing! I loved your story and the card is awesome. The flowers are so pretty and love the vintage feel!

  18. Awesome tribute to your mom! Beautiful card! I look forward to seeing your projects this week.

  19. Such a beautiful tribute to your mom ❤ Your project is just amazing, and I look forward to seeing what you have in store for the rest of the week!

  20. Your mom was beautiful! I can see the resemblance and you did a fantastic job with the card. I love the pinks!

  21. Your card is beautiful and the mixed media elements truly open the project up to those os us who may journal rather than make cards. Awesome job and a beautiful story.

  22. I agree, the resemblance is uncanny…your card is lovely!!! I have made a card or two to frame too.

  23. Such a beautiful tribute to your mom. Loved the story, made the card even more amazing!

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