In the Victorian era, pansies were adored for their exquisitely marked faces and their symbolism: The word "pansy" comes from the French word for thought, "pensee," so if you received a posy of pansies, you could be sure someone was thinking of you.

Martha and her niece Kristina Christiansen use these beloved blossoms as inspiration for a festive Mother's Day card. Perched atop a thoughtfully chosen gift or presented alongside breakfast in bed, it's sure to make a lasting impression.

Tools and Materials
Pansy Mother's Day Card Template
Card stock or heavy paper in three colors
Scissors
Pencil
Straight edge or bone folder
Utility knife
1/16-inch hole punch
Large, heart-shaped craft punch (optional)
Craft needle threaded with a 20-inch length of embroidery ribbon

Pansy Card How-To
1. Download and print the templates onto the card stock. Cut out all three shapes (representing three pansy petals), and set aside. Cut out three different-size squares of card stock: a 7-inch square in one color, a 5-inch square in another color, and a 3-inch square in the remaining color.

2. Make a small mark at the center of each of he square's sides with a pencil (this will mark the center so you can score a straight line). Score a line from one midpoint to the opposite midpoint of the large square, using a straight edge or bone folder. Repeat the process for other side and for remaining squares. Gently fold all lines, matching the halves together and the corners together, to create triangles, and set aside.

3. Place the largest template on the largest triangle, aligning the bottom of the template with the fold of the triangle. Make sure the "hatch" mark lines up with the center fold of the triangle. Trace the outline of the template onto the folded square using a pencil; do not unfold the triangle. Cut out the shape using a pair of scissors. Repeat process for remaining triangles and templates.

4. Layer the pansy petals one on top of the other, starting with the largest petal on the bottom and the smallest on the top. Use the center fold to align the three pieces. Fold all three pieces in half. Punch a small hole 1/4 inch from the centerpoint through all three folded petals, using a 1/16-inch hole punch. Do not open the folded petals.

5. Feed the pre-threaded needle through the holes, threading all three petals together and tying a loose knot. Unfold the petals to reveal the pansy, and set aside. Punch out two hearts in a coordinating-color paper, using a large, heart-shaped punch or cutting them out by hand. Punch a hole at the top center of each heart. Write a greeting on each heart, string one heart onto each ribbon end, and tie a knot to secure the heart in place. The excess ribbon will hang down.