It's the Little Things

In this day and age, with so many virtual messages and greetings, it's getting rarer and rarer for people to send or receive hand-made cards (or any cards, for that matter).  And with so many of my loved ones flung far and wide, it just feels right to send them something handmade, to let them know I've created something just for them, to let them know that I'm thinking about them.  It may be a little thing, but this is the important stuff.  The personal vs. the impersonal = the social dilemma of our contemporary age, IMHO.

So the card above was created for one of my dearest (no, I won't say "oldest") friends, Chris, who was of course born in August.  She is such a sunny soul, a summer girl, that I couldn't imagine her being born any other month, and I hope this card reflects that.  She and I happen to be celebrating tonight by going to a "Luscious Lemon Desserts" cooking class in Sonoma - summer fun, indeed!   A couple features of the card:  the orange fan-design panel was done with a letterpress plate and pigment ink on watercolor paper, which gives it richness and depth.  The lemons are watercolored and the ribbon ruffle is so simple:  just pull a thread in the middle to gather, then adhere it with a strong tape, or STICKY STRIP.

This next birthday card was created for my uber-talented crafty friend, Helen.  She's the kind of person that one hesitates to make things for, because her own work is so exquisite, that mine always feels amateurish by comparison.  Like cooking dinner for an accomplished chef, you know?  But hey, its more important to share my good wishes for her that to worry about my shortcomings!   I happen to know that she loves the "Cherished Friendship" stamp set used here.  And isn't the tiny scallop envelope darling?  It's a die-cut, and then I used the "Vintage Wallpaper" embossing folder to give it more texture.

Sometimes a normal "thank you" card just won't do.  Or sometimes I just want to show gratitude by giving a simple treat.  This next project is a "thank you card" for someone who loves Cheez-its!  It's just a fun little thing meant to give them a giggle.  I used SU's "Fancy Favor Box" die, which I love.  So quick to assemble and decorate, it probably took less time than most cards I make, LOL!

This last little folly was made from a matchbox leftover from the Dorm Survival Kit that I posted here a few weeks ago.  Just playing around, letting my mind wander, its a very very little thing........  

Intended to delight the recipient as they open it......

and pull out the ribbon adorned with butterflies.......

to reveal the message inside.......

It's the little things we do that show we care......