unappreciative receivers

[sowaller]

I made FIL a birthday card. He never looked at the front only opened it and commented on the gift card inside. Guess he won't get another handmade card! Has this happened to anyone else?

[harley91]

Yes, and it drives me just as nuts! My family knows the time and effort that go into the cards. They don't all do it, just a "choosen few"!

[lutheran]

All the time and it doesn't bother me. Some people love handmade cards and some people don't. Still love making them and giving them, though.
Mary Beth

[LeahsCreations]

Yeah, I've decided that I don't need people to ooh and ahh. The real joy for me is making them. I like to pray for the person I'm making the card for while I make it, but I don't always do that.

[sowaller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeahsCreations

Yeah, I've decided that I don't need people to ooh and ahh. The real joy for me is making them. I like to pray for the person I'm making the card for while I make it, but I don't always do that.

That is a wonderful suggestion. I pray a lot, but have never thought about praying for the person receiving the card. Love it!!!

[pjw2855]

The enjoyment is in the creativity in making the card. My thoughts and care for that person are shared in the card. I don't need a 'nice job on the card' praise from them.

Please don't let the lack of a verbal praise from the person stop you from continuing to create cards for anybody. If you enjoy creating the cards, that's the most important thing.

Patti

[LateBlossom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lutheran

All the time and it doesn't bother me. Some people love handmade cards and some people don't. Still love making them and giving them, though.
Mary Beth

ITA

[cat_woman]

Most of the people (adults) I make cards for know how much effort goes into it, so they usually express some kind of gratitude. However, my little niece is usually only interested in the $5 I usually put inside her cards. :lol:

[LeahsCreations]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cat_woman

Most of the people (adults) I make cards for know how much effort goes into it, so they usually express some kind of gratitude. However, my little niece is usually only interested in the $5 I usually put inside her cards. :lol:

It really is a bummer when adults act like kids though.

[StampBug72]

I say NO MORE HANDMADE CARDS for that person!.. LOL j/k

That's the Sassy in me speaking out loud...

But I know what you mean.

I have an opposite problem myself... If I procrastinate too long (has happened) and I end up picking up a store bought card and sending money or gift card or something... I get that OMG you sent me a store bought card... but we LOVE your handmade cards... and they make me feel bad.

This year one of my goals is to have all special occasion cards made 2 mos in advance.... So far So good.

Happy Stamping Ladies ;)
~Jaime

[ellepaul]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeahsCreations

Yeah, I've decided that I don't need people to ooh and ahh. The real joy for me is making them. I like to pray for the person I'm making the card for while I make it, but I don't always do that.

Awesome! I do that as well!

[MaryAnnK]

The friends that I make cards for always comment on them. Family - sometimes. My brother called me last month to thank me for the birthday card I made for him. MY SIL makes cards now, so he is more aware.

Like most of the other posters, the joy is in the making and having an excuse to indulge my passion (and justify all the money I've spent over the years).

[stampwithjoanne]

You can find great store-bought cards for .25 at most thrift stores. That's what this person would get from me in the future (stock up on those thrift store cards!!!)

[Luciesfloozies]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sowaller

I made FIL a birthday card. He never looked at the front only opened it and commented on the gift card inside. Guess he won't get another handmade card! Has this happened to anyone else?

I don't want to sound like a "man basher", but isn't that just like a man to not notice?? Some men are more sensitive to those things, and they DO notice.

I made my dad a Shirt card, and he said "it was cute, the one with the bottons?" The buttons were purple, because it's my favorite color!

My Mom absolutely loves my handmade cards. She saves them all.

I was recently at a baby shower and me and another person gave handmade cards, and everyone commented on them!!
No one commented on the store bought ones!!;)

[buggainok]

Well, here's my take on this: I like making cards. I don't like buying cards, even cheap ones. So I make cards for people in my family when there is an occasion to do so.

Like others have said, the fun for me is in the process of creating the card.

My sweet departed dad had a wonderful saying: "It takes all kinds, and they're all here." That is really the truth, especially when it comes to family members, lol.

For the most part, the gals that I give cards to really like them and appreciate the work that goes into them. The guys - not so much. But I make cards for the guys anyway. I know their wives will enjoy looking at them, and I know I have fun making them.

[MaryAnnK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

My sweet departed dad had a wonderful saying: "It takes all kinds, and they're all here." That is really the truth, especially when it comes to family members, lol.

So true.

[ebethneu]

My sister never shows any appreciation for something handmade, so I know going into it she probably won't care about it.

But I like making cards and gifts so I do it for myself as well as the receiver.

[Crafter 4 Life]

I just started in the papercrafting hobby. As long as I can remember, I have enjoyed working with my hands-sewing, crocheting, knitting, etc. I have 4 sisters and I am the only one who really is 'in' to handmade gifts. My family and friends are my biggest supporters. (My in-laws not so much.)

I went to a class where we made small books for journals/photos. Gave one to my niece which she saved to scrapbook her daughter's 2nd grade year. I got a thank you from Nina-thank you for the butterfly book (a butterfly was stamped on c/s and matted to the front of the book), the frog magnets (she loves frog-don't know why), etc. The thank you ended with, " I love them all!!!"

If some recipients don't appreciate your personal thought-out efforts, others will and they balance out. Don't let the ones who don't know how much more personal that handmade card/gifts is spoil you enjoyment of the process.

[gargyrle55]

Most people really appreciate that I take the time to make them a handmade card. I LOVE the OOOHH's and AAAHH's. If I didn't get that reaction most of time it wouldn't be near as much fun making them!!

[bonnieb]

My husband says guys (generally speaking) don't really care about cards. I don't really hear very often from people I send cards to. I try to do my best work on my fellow stampers. They get the more expensive embellishments, because I know they won't just get thrown away. If they did throw it away they would try to reuse the embellishments and it wouldn't be a waste. Spend more time on the ladies. They like the cards more often. If they don't, it's not worth thinking about someone that doesn't appreciate the time and effort you spent to make it. Just enjoy the process for your self.

[LaurieR]

DH doesn't say much about the cards I make, and that is fine because I don't ooh and ahh over the fish he catches when out fishing. That's his thing and the cards are mine.

My uncle LOVES the cards I make.

My Grandmas, Mom and MIL save my cards, and when I give cards at showers they are ALWAYS passed around and commented on. Makes me feel great! Honestly, women are more sensitive, and men, well, they're men!

[pidgesmom]

I have two SIL's - one doesn't acknowledge anything handmade and the other has commented "You made this? You must have too much time on your hands." I have deemed them both not cardworthy. They usually get whatever $store notecard I have on hand now. I don't need to be complimented - all I would expect is a thank you.

[mungojerry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonnieb

My husband says guys (generally speaking) don't really care about cards...

Yes, my husband said that as well and it was further confirmed by my boss. From time to time, I give one that a man is impressed by and keeps. But, either way, it doesn't really bother me. Some women don't care about cards either. I make cards because it makes ME happy. If it makes some of the recipients happy, that's great too. Even if someone doesn't comment on the card, somewhere, possibly very deep inside, he (or she) probably appreciates that you've remembered them. In the end, that's was really important, in my opinion anyway.

[scrapamiga]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pidgesmom

one doesn't acknowledge anything handmade and the other has commented "You made this? You must have too much time on your hands."

This seems so rude. Maybe there's a little bit of jealousy going on here! Perhaps they wish they had the time and talent you possess! I don't blame you for not deeming them cardworthy!

[MaryEileen]

I enjoy making cards for people. It's surprising sometimes who appreciates and saves the cards. Both my brothers and both my sons have told me they have every card I ever made them. I get many appreciative comments, and sometimes just a quick glance.

Sometimes people have told me they looked at the cards later, and realized the detail or work that went into them. If people don't appreciate it, that's ok with me. The pleasure is in the making and giving. If I get a snarky comment like, "you have too much time on your hands", then they get a simple basic card the next time. Eileen

[kmccullo]

I had the same issue with my brother who does like your FIL. I made him a card this year. It was a black happy birthday stamped on a piece of folded notebook paper. He actually called me to ask what was up. I said the effort in making it was equal to the amount of time and appreciation he had for the last card I gave him. His wife, a cardmaker, was cracking up in the background and told him that it serves him right. She hate it when he ignores her work too.

[sparksdm]

My son appreciates the cards I make him, but he tells me that the "glitter stuff" I put on them make them harder to shred. Hmmmmm. I still make them for him. If he happens to be home when he gets one he gives it back after he is through looking at it.

[GardenB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmccullo

I had the same issue with my brother who does like your FIL. I made him a card this year. It was a black happy birthday stamped on a piece of folded notebook paper. He actually called me to ask what was up. I said the effort in making it was equal to the amount of time and appreciation he had for the last card I gave him.

I was just thinking along these same lines. For those folks in your life who don't appreciate your handmade cards, I wonder if they'd notice a simple happy birthday stamped on folded notepaper.

Good for you, kmccullo!

barb

[Stampin' Annie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cat_woman

Most of the people (adults) I make cards for know how much effort goes into it, so they usually express some kind of gratitude. However, my little niece is usually only interested in the $5 I usually put inside her cards. :lol:

My young niece adores any card I make for her. She loves it when I send her hand-made cards!

[SophieLaFontaine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

For the most part, the gals that I give cards to really like them and appreciate the work that goes into them. The guys - not so much. But I make cards for the guys anyway. I know their wives will enjoy looking at them, and I know I have fun making them.

This had me cracking up! I have a co-worker whose wife is a card-maker. When his birthday came around, I made him a card, but the whole time I was making it, secretly I was making it for his wife (because she is a card-maker) rather than for him.

[Stampin SandyH]

I made my granddaughter a birthday card using a hippo stamp. I thought the card was really cute, but what made my day was how my granddaughter (7 years old) just kept commenting on how cute the card was and how she really loved it, then her sister reminded me of the birthday card I made her a year ago and what it was. Now that is neat when they can tell you what the card was you made a year ago. I sure couldn't remember. Not everybody looks at the outside of my cards either, but I enjoy making them and I will continue to give them for different occasions. My dh this morning opened his Fathers Day card I made and he said it was the best one he had seen. That made me feel good.

[stampingPaige]

One trick I do to let people know that I made the card is that I stamp a tiny hedgehog from SU that says "handstamped" on the envelope and I place the card in the envelope so that when the receiver removes it they see "Handstamped by Paige" first thing. Because I talk so much about how I love to stamp, most people ooh and ahh, if the receiver doesn't know that I stamp, I might say that I made the card especially for him/her. I told my DBF today how much joy it brings me knowing that I am sharing something I love to do with those I love! That's what matters the most to me in the end.

[Doris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeahsCreations

Yeah, I've decided that I don't need people to ooh and ahh. The real joy for me is making them. I like to pray for the person I'm making the card for while I make it, but I don't always do that.

You know, I really love this idea. It is that added bit of love and care that really makes a card special....but a prayer, gosh that brings it over the top. Thanks for the lovely suggestion.

I always hope that they love the card, and appreciate it, but if they don't that is Ok too. It is a joy to make the card itself...and giving a bit of myself and my creativity. If they don't appeciate it, that is their loss. I still had fun.

[nicksmom917]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doris

I always hope that they love the card, and appreciate it, but if they don't that is Ok too. It is a joy to make the card itself...and giving a bit of myself and my creativity. If they don't appeciate it, that is their loss. I still had fun.

I don't know who wouldn't love one of your cards Doris!

<--- Proud recipient of a Doris original. Thanks Doris!

[jazzytobi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pidgesmom

I have two SIL's - one doesn't acknowledge anything handmade and the other has commented "You made this? You must have too much time on your hands." I have deemed them both not cardworthy. They usually get whatever $store notecard I have on hand now. I don't need to be complimented - all I would expect is a thank you.

I have a colleague that said this when i used to give her cards... note i said USED to..

i do not pray (i don't believe in god) but when i'm making a card, it's my art, my heart, and my thought that goes into it. if you can't respect me, and my time, you don't deserve it, period. i do agree with the point that i do this craft for ME, but i (and all of you) deserve the thanx and respect from recipients of our treasures..

[inkaddict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pidgesmom

I have two SIL's - one doesn't acknowledge anything handmade and the other has commented "You made this? You must have too much time on your hands." I have deemed them both not cardworthy. They usually get whatever $store notecard I have on hand now. I don't need to be complimented - all I would expect is a thank you.

ooh i hate this my dh has a friend when we get invited to their kids birthday parties I always make a card. Well the guys wife always has to announce real loud oh look she made this I sure wish I had that kind of time to do nothing all day and color cards. Then one of her friends said something to me like wow it must really be nice to have nothing to do all day. well after about an hour of these type of rude comments I snapped. And I look right at the woman and said you know it is nice not to have to go to work everyday and its nice not to have a worthless husband who sits at the bar all day and wont find a job. And because I have made better choices in my life then you I can sit down and make a card for someone that I care about. Now dont get me wrong there is nothing wrong with wives and mothers who work. I have gone back to work for some extra spending cash. And just because women work does not mean their husbands are worthless. So please if you are a working woman please dont take offense to this she just really made me mad.

[tnclone]

I make cards because *I* enjoy it. I'm fairly new at this and when someone appreciates my card, I love it. BUT, I also know that to some people it will just be something to throw in the trash. That's ok, too, since I enjoyed the process. I have heard the "I don't have time" comments many times in both stamping and scrapping. I just privately roll my eyes and think to myself, having time and making time are two different things.

I made my nephew a graduation card in his school colors knowing full well that he probably wouldn't even notice (or care). He has yet to acknowledge either the card or money enclosed. I had fun making it so that's what is important to me.

[stampin'hokie]

I make cards because I enjoy it. However, a little oohing and ahhing over what I have made would make me sooooo happy too. My FIL just opens the card and says "thanks for the gift card inside" no one on DH side of the family EVER comments on the card. I have quit showing my scrapbooks to my MIL because all she does is look at the pics (and very quickly, I might add) and never takes time to look at what I have done. Now, my father yesterday actually commented on how cute he thought my card was. It was very manly.

I can count on my mom and grandma to oohhh and ahhh. They always get my best efforts. (and of course, the ladies in the CGGW group )

[boonstoon]

Great suggestion to pray for the recipient as you make a card! I'll remember that. (I had also heard years ago - and I try to remember to do this - whenever you see an emergency vehicle in route to a call - to pray for the responders and the person(s) they're going to help.
Also - my son (who's 28 today) loves my cards. For my b.d. a couple of weeks ago, he didn't buy me a card - he says the store bought ones don't cut it anymore. Most men aren't as appreciative, but some are.
I agree with the posters that said they just like making cards and realize that some people don't realize how much work they are!

[stamper1996]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pidgesmom

I have two SIL's - one doesn't acknowledge anything handmade and the other has commented "You made this? You must have too much time on your hands." I have deemed them both not cardworthy. They usually get whatever $store notecard I have on hand now. I don't need to be complimented - all I would expect is a thank you.

Yep, have a couple of friends like that, and I not only cut back on what I've given them, but they get the cheap-o cards or a stamped card "dud" I don't care much for.