I’ve always had some level of creativity wanting to burst its way out, but time was not always on my side. When my daughter was growing up, I had fun coming up with ways to incorporate art projects–from finger painting the walls of the bathtub when she was really little, to making pretty papers out of ‘blowing bubbles’ with dish soap and food coloring for birthday invites, to stamping and coloring wrapping paper for “Santa” to use at Christmas time. We had a good time and made some beautiful memories. It was all done while working a ‘balls to the wall’ full-time job (often night shift) along with church and other volunteer activities. When I retired and we started traveling full time, I was at a loss with what to do with my ‘free time.’ When not exploring local attractions, taking pictures, and blogging about our adventures, I needed something to be productive in my quiet moments.
My sister-in-law, Lorri, makes beautiful homemade cards. In fact, her cards are so lovely and meaningful, they are among the few “sentimental” items we’ve saved safely in storage while we travel. She even made special keepsake announcements for my daughter’s graduation. I’ve always admired her talent and the perfection of her cards, and she inspired me to try something similar.
I recently attempted this relaxing and limitless hobby. I’m nowhere near as professional as Lorri and I’m still learning. I also have the confines of a very small space in our RV, so my craft supplies are limited at any given time. I’ve gotten good at organizing, though, which utilizes almost as much creativity as actually making the cards.
I’ve made wine bottle gift tags:
Christmas gift tags and small gift boxes:
Christmas cards:
Wedding cards and encouragement cards:
While I’m not an excellent photographer, I have taken a few good photographs. I’ve even incorporated those into making some colorful notecards:
I have no idea what I’m going to do with all these cards. Last year, I donated quite a few to Cards for Soldiers, an organization that ships handmade cards to troops overseas so they can send notes and greetings back home to their families. A friend selected a few to sell in his gift shop and fellow RVers have purchased a few. I’ve also given some as gifts. The funny thing–I rarely send them to family. Number one, Lorri has set way too high a bar on creativity and quality. Number two, they just aren’t special enough, yet.
Currently, it’s a creative outlet for me and someday soon I might open an Etsy or Square store. For now, I’ll just share with friends and sell as needed.
I can now file these photos in my idea folder and erase them from my phone. What random photos do you have this week?
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You sell yourself short, your cards and tags are fabulous! I should know, I’ve been the recipient of several. Once you set up an online store, the hardest part is getting the word out, but you have your blog and social media (and friends) to help with it. I found setting up a square store fairly easy and would be happy to help any way I can. HMMH always!
Thanks, Laura. The thought of actually selling them brings me tons of anxiety. They aren’t quite perfect, and I’m terrified of someone being unhappy with the product once they receive it. I just have to jump in there and do it! HMMH!
My friend, people are not looking for perfection! They are looking for heart felt quality and you have that in spades!! HMMH
You totally should open an Etsy shop, although I fear the competition. I can see I’m going to have to step up my game! Gorgeous work.
Your cards are beautiful, Janet–and as a repeat customer, you know I love them. Thank you for your encouragement!
Beautiful, I am a lot like you as my cards in my opinion are not great. I do send them especially to our granddaughters. Sometimes the notes are recycled drawings they have doodled while with us.
You should send to family unless they are card snobs 😆 I’m sure their not. Keep it up and I will try to ping. Do I have to be a paid member to ping??? Shannon
I’m not quite sure how the pinging works. I bet your granddaughters LOVE your cards. I know I’ve saved one from my own grandmother and have them stored in a safe place. Hand made makes them even more special!
Your cards and tags are lovely. I will just sit and appreciate them, since I have no artistic ability whatsoever. Advice: don’t compete with a relative. Compete with me! You’d win every time.
LOL! Thank you, Anne. Lorri’s cards are amazing. I can’t even begin to compete (and wouldn’t dream of beginning to). It’s a relaxing hobby, and we all need to relax! 🙂
I’m glad you consider making cards a hobby. Truly, it would be torture for me.
Dawn your cards and tags are lovely. Thank you for the ones you have shared with me. I love the Victorian themes. Keep up the good work!❤️❤️
Thank you, Mom Conway. I knew you’d love the pink ones (I do, too!). Hugs!
These are lovely and your photography awesome! (and I think Etsy is a great idea) But as I’m admiring the photos the main thing going through my head is: where do you find the space to store your supplies?! Congrats on that part of your creativity as well!!!
Thank you, Joy. My storage options are very limited and I’ve learned to only buy what I need for a current project. It’s sooooooooo tempting to stock up on craft supplies, though. I’m sure you’re just as creative with storing supplies for the beautiful fairies you create, too!
Keep up the good work.