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Also recently we had a discussion here about whether people appreciate hand made cards. Several people said their cards were unappreciated. That conversation was a real downer for me. Imagine my surprise when my plumber and building engineer, each a "man's man," recently told me how much a handmade card could mean to people. My plumber, who saw my Christmas card mess still on my dining room table, was here to fix a valve. He told me a handmade card was sometimes better than a gift because of the thought that goes into it. He said people would probably keep them as heirlooms. My building engineer came in to supervise my plumber. Every year I make my building engineer a card in which I put his cash Christmas gift. He told my plumber he keeps all my cards, never throws them away. Well, slap me silly! I had to report that conversation here. All is not lost!
That has to be one of the most heart-warming stories ever! Interesting sidebar: one of my daughters got a birthday card from her step-grandma and showed it to me and said, "This looks like it could be a card you made". It did, too - relatively simple, but with dimensioned layers and a twine wrap. Fascinating how cardmakers for years have tried to make their creations look more "professional and store-bought", while the greeting card industry is trying to imitate us now, apparently...
Thanks for the article, Louisa May, and congratulations on two man’s men that admire your cards!
My mom made cards on her computer for quite a few years, but she now buys ones that look somewhat handmade. The birthday card she just sent me was all about glitter.
Thanks for this post, Louisa May! Such a wonderful story about the men you've made cards for! And that article was very interesting - and makes me happy! A Facebook birthday greeting is nice but sure doesn't lift the spirit like a card you can hold in your hands! Especially a hand made one : )
__________________ Claudia Splitcoast Fan Club Member
I have been making and sending Christmas cards for 15 years, maybe. This year, two of the people we send to wrote inside their cards, that they love receiving the handmade cards. One said she keeps each one she has ever received from us. I know my MIL kept the cards, but she never told me; she shared with my husband at one time, that she kept them in an album. So, all is not lost in sending greeting cards, even if it will cost a bit more.
This put a big smile on my face! One of my most cherished possessions is the stack of cards I made for my mother. I found them tucked away; looking at them brought back memories of making them with such care so they would have a special meaning for her. I felt doubly blessed. And then finding ones I'd made for my Dad. Well, now I'm crying, but still smiling through the tears.
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
Thanks for sharing. I gave many card sets as gifts throughout last year and all were well received. I made a few Christmas gifts that were also very well received. I think our cards mean more to people than we think. In the end I enjoy making things and sharing so I keep doing it.
__________________ Pia 2024 Scrapbook goals April 16/10 layouts YTD 91/120 Check out my gallery
A manufacturer’s rep who was filling in for someone at a store went way out of her way for me, including giving me her cell phone number in case I needed more assistance. She wouldn’t make a commission since I already bought the item. I just had questions and wondered if a nice cloth tote bag was available for storage. (She got one from her car and gave it to me.)
I knew she’d be at the store the next weekend, so made her a simple thank you card (Oxide blending, sentiment - inspired by a card by Kathy/Muscrat - and a handmade envelope in harmonizing paper, ribbon around envelope.
When she opened it she started to cry, said it was a little piece of art she’d keep forever and hugged me.
Just because we don’t see reactions doesn’t mean there aren’t any.
My own reaction begins as soon as I see that the envelope isn’t boring mail. A card?! Really?! Wow! From who?!
LouisaMay, there are hundreds of people here with incredibly different takes on everything, so don’t let others’ opinions get you down again. (Unless Oxide inks were no longer available; that would be the inky downer of all times.;))
BJeans, consider your post "liked!" Love the tale of true appreciation for your art and act of thoughtfulness. Agree we all have to remember that people have different opinions and experiences. Sometimes I see posts that make me think something just got the poster down and they needed to vent. I've been on both sides of this issue, on the one hand hearing how much my cards are appreciated and on the other feeling like they're not given much thought at all.
Thank you, and ditto, Chris. I made a sympathy card for a couple on our street whose dog had died. My husband ran into one of them and mentioned I made the card. The neighbor apparently said, “Really?!” like he was surprised. Neither said anything when they saw me. That’s okay; I wanted to make it, move on, next!
Greeting Cards Aren't Going Anywhere
