Handmade cards make great gifts, too!

A few years ago when it was time to honor our guidance counselors, I didn't have much money to spare and hit upon the idea of making the counselors a set of greeting cards.  I created five greeting cards for each counselor, added envelopes, and tied them up in a bundle with ribbon.  The counselors have looked forward to receiving my handmade greeting cards each year since, and often stop me in the hall to share how much they enjoyed deciding who should get one of my cards in the mail. 

When I make up a bundle of cards for gifts, I get to sit down and really play with my stamps, inks, and papers.  When I create a design I like, I make several more cards using that same design.  I always keep at least one for myself!  You can also create coordinating envelopes by repeating a design feature from the card right on the envelope. 

Just a few weeks ago several teachers participated in Bark for Life, a fund raiser side event for Relay for Life.  I saw an excuse to buy more stamps - - featuring dogs!  I created 20 sets of 5 cards and envelopes using my new dog stamps.  These were bundled up with ribbon and sold at the event.  Almost any event is a stamp-worthy event. 

So sit down, grab some card stock, patterned paper, a stamp, and some ink and create a card.  I bet before you are finished, you will have already thought about who should get your card in the mail.  Don't forget to make another one to keep for yourself! 

Until next time, happy stamping! 

From the heart

I have always felt that handmade cards carried a message stronger than any words I could write on the inside.  No matter how simply made, a handmade card says "I cared enough to make one especially for you."  Thank you cards and "just because" cards are the most fun to make, at least to me.  These cards are where you can let go and let your creativity shine.  Try something new . . . try wacky colors!  Sympathy cards are the most difficult to make, but a handmade card says it is from my  heart . . . and that is what counts.

How to make a greeting card

The video above will show you the simple steps to making a personalized greeting card.  The finished product is the dancing lady card you see here. 

This is a card I enjoy making for my teacher friends.  It reminds us just to kick it up and dance sometimes.  Stamp by The Angel Company.