Posted by camille – May 8, 2008 10:50 AM

Guest Blogger: Melissa Phillips of Lilybean Paperie

Mother’s Day has to be one of the sweetest holidays to celebrate. I love thinking about my mom and mother-in-law and creating things for them that remind me of them in one way or another. Both of these individuals are kind-hearted, thoughtful and beautiful, so I wanted to create cards for them that seem to suit them and bring out these qualities that I admire so dearly.

Necessary Supplies:
light green cardstock
medium floral-print patterned paper
striped paper
gift tag (or create your own using coordinating paper)
pink ribbon
glue dots, white glue or glue stick
wide cream trim
cream blossoms
small blossom
rub-on transfer or black pen for lettering
pink watercolor pencil
tan thread and sewing needle
off-white acrylic paint and foam brush
distressing ink
sewing machine (optional)

Steps:
1. Cut green cardstock 7-1/2" x 5-1/4" and fold in half.

2. Use light ivory acrylic paint and a foam brush to lightly edge the front of the card and create a weathered look.

3. Cut floral paper slightly smaller than card front, edge with light ivory acrylic paint and lightly distress with ink. Adhere to the center of card.

4. Cut a small strip of striped paper to fit along the bottom edge of the card and adhere.

5. Attach trim to the bottom of card and wrap pink ribbon around center of card, tying in a bow just to the left of center. Zig-zag stitch along right and left edges if desired.

6. Trim a tag to fit lengthwise on card and ink edges. Hand-stitch a stem and a leaf using tan thread and adhere to card just to the right of the bow.

7. Attach cream blossoms to the top of the hand-stitched stem and adhere a smaller flower to the center to add dimension.

8. Apply rub-on sentiment just above the flower and highlight with watercolor pencils.

9. One more simple but dramatic step in finishing off this card is to take a cotton swab or paper towel and lightly rub it in ink, then gently rub it on the areas of the card that you have highlighted with acrylic paint. This just roughs it up and bit and makes everything blend.

Enjoy creating something you love for someone you love! -Melissa

* Note from Camille -- Melissa is a FANTASTIC crafter who makes the most exquisite handmade cards and paper crafts. To see more of her original designs, be sure to check out her blog, Lilybean Paperie.

For more Mother's Day inspiration, check out our Mother's Day feature on HGTV.com. We have 10 creative handmade gift ideas as well as a gift guide to help you make this year's Mother's Day memorable.