Mother’s Day has become a bit of a strange day for me since my mom passed away 4 years ago. While I am happy and grateful to be on the receiving end of this holiday, I can’t stop feeling the need to be on the giving end too. I still have appreciation and love for my mom even though she is no longer here. If you can relate to my situation, this project is for you. I hope it helps you along as it did for me…
I used a Sharpie paint pen and wrote out my feelings on a glass cylinder vase, filled the base with sand and dropped a pillar candle inside. I just went with every happy memory that popped into my head at the moment - no need to be perfect, just sincere.
Grab some Sharpie paint pens (available at Michaels) and a glass vessel and let out your feelings. You could also write out your mom's favorite poem or quote.
I placed the vase in my lap and worked around the entire vase going from top to bottom.
Sometimes it helps to let it out in a small way.
Suan L
April 17, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Absolutely beautiful. Peace, comfort, and blessings to you this Mother’s Day.
camilla
April 17, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Thank you Susan, C
catie
April 17, 2012 at 6:23 pm
this is the sweetest thing.
and i’m sure it looks stunning after dark.
such a beautiful tribute you have created ♥
camilla
April 17, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Catie, I always appreciate your comments – thanks for being such a supportive reader, Camilla
teresina
April 17, 2012 at 6:51 pm
I love how you get the simple things look so nice
camilla
April 17, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Thank you Teresina.
Carol
April 17, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Mother’s Day in the UK was in March. I still find it hard seeing all the Mother’s Day wishes, cards and gifts in the shops as, on 12th May, it will be 3 years since my Mum passed away. Thank you for such a lovely simple idea for future remembrances, I do burn a candle, now I can add messages.
Hope you find quiet time to remember your Mum.
Carol xx
camilla
April 17, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Carol – It’s funny how the soft light from candle can shift your mood and calm your thoughts. I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for your kind words, I wish you the best, Camilla
valerie (poetic chronicles)
April 17, 2012 at 7:34 pm
This is soooo beautiful and delicate!
camilla
April 17, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Thanks Valerie.
Courtney
April 17, 2012 at 8:24 pm
This brought tears to my eyes, Camilla! Such a beautiful tribute to such a lovely woman.
Thinking of you and your whole family! We miss you so!
Courtney
camilla
April 17, 2012 at 11:58 pm
Thanks Courtney – my mom loved you and Scott – she could tell straight away how wonderful you are. We miss you!! Love, C
Laura/Readerwoman
April 17, 2012 at 10:37 pm
tears sprang to my eyes as I read this – my beloved Mother passed away 6 years ago July 27 – and I miss her still. I have a small memorial shelf for her and my dad – this would make the PERFECT accompaniment. Thank you for a splendidly moving idea!
camilla
April 18, 2012 at 12:03 am
Laura, The pain never fully goes away, it seems to only change in some ways. Thanks for sharing – I appreciate it. Take Care, Camilla
Elizabeth @ HobbyLobbyist
April 20, 2012 at 12:40 am
Sadly I’m in the same “club”. I agree with Camilla– the loss is always there, but you learn to live with it. This is a beautiful tribute to your mom and a sweet, happy reminder of all of your good times together.
Kim
April 20, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Oh, you made me cry! Such a perfect idea. I always struggle with Mother’s Day too (as somone said, celebrated in March here in the UK), this is a great idea and I already have the perfect vase. I’m sure itll be great for using for quiet reflection every now and then. Thank you so so much for sharing, all my best wishes to you.
camilla
April 21, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Thank you Kim. Best of luck to you, Camilla
Ana Cláudia
April 21, 2012 at 12:04 pm
So amazing!
Your ideas are so beautiful and simple. I love it! And I always try to translate and reblog on my mother’s blog (http://modaevart.wordpress.com)
I know that your mother is loving it too. =)
Kisses.
Deb @ PaperTurtle
April 21, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Oh what a lovely idea! My mom has cancer and this very well may be the last Mother’s Day that I’m able to actually give her a gift. It’s hard to know what to give someone who is dying, but I think this would be the perfect gift for her this year. Thanks so much for the beautiful inspiration! I can’t wait to make this and give it to my mom!
camilla
April 21, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Dear Deb, Thank you for your comment. I am sorry to hear about your mom – this must be so hard for you. Enjoy every minute you have together and best of luck to you both. I send you my best wishes, Camilla
eliana
April 23, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Such a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing this with us. You are really inspiring:)
camilla
April 25, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Thank you Eliana, Camilla
Christy
April 25, 2012 at 1:33 pm
I am a step-mother of three children. I say children, but they are all adults now. They just lost their mom two days ago. We are still dealing with the funeral arrangements. She lived three hours away so I believe the family has decided to have her cremated and then have a wake when they bring the ashes back. This idea is so fitting. Thank so much for the idea. Each of the three chldren can make one and keep it as a memorial of their mom.
camilla
April 25, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Dear Christy – My heart goes out to you all during this sad time. Thank you so very much for taking the time to share this with me. I send love and strength your way.
Camilla
Michele N.
May 2, 2012 at 2:52 am
This is so beautiful. I just lost my Grandmother last week and I think this will be a perfect tribute for me & my children to do on Mother’s Day. This year and I am sure for many years to follow, it will be a bitter sweet day.. Thank you for sharing this project and I am sorry for loss.
camilla
May 4, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Michele, So sorry for your loss. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your story. I wish you the best. Sincerely, Camilla
Kristy
May 15, 2012 at 10:12 pm
You just made me cry and I can’t wait to start on my mother’s day gifts for next year!!!
Mimi
June 24, 2012 at 9:15 pm
This is such a beautiful idea. My daughter is getting married in September and I’m thinking I could make one for her or, better yet, have a large one at the reception for their friends to write memories or messages.
I also need to make one for my Dad whom I miss so much. What a wonderful idea. Thank you!