You’ve Been Red-Carded!
In this time of pandemic, it seems like we are surrounded by bad news. And what makes it worse, is the feeling of isolation. We have all been red-carded: social time out! So how does social distancing relate to card making?
Because we care about those we can’t physically connect with, we are searching for ways to reach out and provide physical proof that our love exists. As such, I find the answer to social distancing as simple as card making, and card sending.
Homemade Cards: Cards That Care
Homemade cards come from the heart, they are made with love. Do you remember coming home from grade school with a drawing, and your parents promptly displayed your artwork on the frig? For months, even!
Homemade cards are like precious artwork. There is care and attention in every detail. No two are ever the same, because they are not manufactured.
Card making is for kids and adults alike. A perfect accompaniment to social distancing, card making provides a creative release of your feelings, and card sending provides a way to show you care. And the creating process of card making is just as wonderful as the receiving process of a homemade card.
Thinking Of You Cards
If you’re like me, you love sending Christmas cards, and birthday cards. Maybe you’ve sent sympathy or get well cards, as I have.
Have you thought about sending “thinking of you cards”? If your reaction is, “that seems too ordinary”, you are not alone. But in extraordinary times of social distancing, “thinking of you” card making seems like the perfect choice to let someone know they are on your mind.
From my experience, people love getting cards in the mail. The walk (or sometimes drive) to the mailbox is worth it when there is a delivery of ‘happy mail’.
I believe that cards are like little presents.When I get a card, I am excited to open that envelope and see what is inside, a mini gift just for me!
Inspirational Cards
Everyone needs inspiration. You have the great ability to provide inspiration to someone else. Your habits of inspiring may include texting or a phone call, or a post on social media.
But when you send a card that inspires, the words and thoughts shared are like a touchstone. The physical presence of your card is a visual reminder that can be held, speaking comfort at any time.
There is great inspiration to draw on when creating your homemade cards. You can look to online sources for similar renderings. Some cardmakers look at catalogs or magazines for ideas.
And there are crafters who just look out the window. Perhaps the greatest inspiration of all is nature. I ask you to be inspired to create, but more importantly, be excited to share!
Thank You Cards
I am a firm believer that the world needs more ‘thank you’s’. In troubled times, we tend to be more thankful for what we do have, and taking things for granted typically takes a backseat. There is no better way to say ‘thank you’ then with a card.
Even with social distancing, you may need to thank someone. Maybe you received a flower delivery. Perhaps someone kindly shoveled snow from your driveway, or graciously left a basket of cookies on your front porch.
We still manage kind acts, even at times like these when we keep our distance for health and safety. Thank you cards are also a kind act, in reciprocation.
Cards Sent With Love
Now this may sound silly, but can you imagine a card sent without love? It would make more sense to not send a card at all if that were the case. So, does that mean that not sending a card equals the opposite of love?
Homemade cards have extra love built right in. When someone takes the time to craft a card, they love the act of providing from the heart. It is my practice to choose colors or a theme especially for the intended recipient.
Love is in the details, love is in the sending, and love is most definitely in the receiving.
Sharing Cards
Cards are meant to be shared. As a cardmaker, I often have lots of cards on hand, because making them is fun, and craft therapy, and somewhat addictive.
But now, more than ever, is the best time to share cards. Did you know that you can share a card that lets the recipient share that same card with someone else?
Instead of signing the inside of your card, I encourage you to attach a short poem inside. Either of these lovely poems can be viewed or printed here, and give the card receiver a message to care and share.
I encourage you to create a card, put a stamp on that envelope, and pop that homemade card in the post! Brighten someone’s day!
If you are new to cardmaking, or interested in getting started, contact me for help. My online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net, is always open to shop for necessary cardmaking supplies.
There has never been a better time to start getting crafty. Get inspired, show gratitude and send love. Do your part to make the world a nicer place.