The topic of Mothers is something close to my heart lately as I find myself living thousands of miles away from family. In recent weeks my Moms health has further declined, which causes me to think of her more and more. The bond between parent and child is a very strong one, but between Mother and child, well in my opinion that's the strongest bond of all. I'll be the first to admit our relationship hasn't always been the best (teenage years anyone?), but I really think we became closer as I moved away. There is something to be said for absence making the heart grow fonder, but really I just think it’s because we all take our mothers for granted. It's only when they get sick, and give us that shock that in fact they aren't superhuman, that we suddenly realize what a big part of our lives they really are.

Something I find myself doing a lot lately is scrapbooking about my mother and I, our relationship over the years, how similar we are, and our likes-dislikes etc. As well as scrapbook pages, mini albums are a great way to document relationships. Whether for a gift, or just your own keepsake, having one book that tells the story of you and your Mother will be a priceless treasure.



The album is an accordion fold album, the co-coordinating papers and embellishments from Me & My Big Idea’s made this album come together really quickly! I chose to go with a free flowing “open” design, cutting strips of patterned paper, and layering them, using the white album pages as the background. This kind of design really gives a timeless feel to any album. I selected the photos I wanted to use and converted them all to black and white using Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2.



I used pockets from Hot off the Press to add some small journal cards with facts and personal information. I copied the same design for both mine and my mother’s pages. To close the pockets I used small pieces of Xyron adhesive magnet tape. Naturally these pockets need to stay on the album page, so I used the Provo Craft Art Accentz Terrifically Tacky Tape.



Using journaling stamps means I could add journaling at any time. I decided to leave the actual journaling till my mother and I can get together and journal in this album together.



One of the themes you could do for this type of album is the “you” & “me”, this page is an example of that. Photo’s from both our wedding days.



One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my mother is that laughter really is the best medicine, so a page titled “laugh” to journal this was always something I wanted to include.



I decided to finish the album simply with a recent photo of the two of us and the word “memories”. We really don’t need a ton of paper and embellishments, the photo and the story the important pieces.

There is a great quote by Abraham Lincoln: "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." for me this is so true. My Mother supported me, regardless of what I wanted to do (or how dangerous!), she was always there to mend broken bones, and broken hearts. I always say that if I grow up to be half the woman my Mother is I can die happy!

Supplies:
Album, Papers, 3-D Stickers, epoxy’s, Rhinestones (Me & My Big Ideas Milan collection)
Ink: Ranger Adirondack pigment ink;
Stamps (Autumn Leaves)
Pockets (Hot off the Press)
Art Accentz Terrifically Tacky Tape (Provo Craft)
Magnetic tape (Xyron)
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2

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