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In light of the thread about people not sending or appreciating cards anymore...
I have to tell you the reactions I got last night!
I hosted Bunco for the first time and as the hostess/winner's prize, I put 20 of my handmade cards, a set of pretty pens, and a book of postage stamps into a gift bag I also had made. I was nervous that it would seem like a "cheap" prize but my monthly stamp group had encouraged me it was a great prize, so I did it.
WELL.
The woman who won it had TEARS in her eyes and the biggest smile on her face as she looked through everything. The others at the table were oohing and aahing so much that all the other women came over to check it out. Then they began asking me questions about stamping and it went on for a long time! I was truly shocked at how much they loved the prize and how interested they were in stamping. We range in age from late thirties to fifties.
What I took away from it is that as much as people text and email and even if they don't craft themselves, they all still love the feeling of being loved and appreciated, and a handmade card with a special handwritten message just for them gives them that feeling.
It's a given that people want creative outlets. Stamping/card making is relatively inexpensive (HA!) and stimulates communication. Technological advances don't wipe out earlier forms. People still listen to the radio and read books in print. Hand lettering is huge, and scrapbookers want their descendants to see their handwriting. The more personal the communication, the better. My friends and family appreciate my cards and say so frequently. As long as there are commercial cards on the market, you can be sure people like receiving cards. Marketers know best!
That is SO GREAT!!! It's nice when there's some positive reinforcement and when you can see first-hand what your efforts mean to anyone. Do I detect a stamp club forming...?
I really, really need to get my backside in gear and start making things again - I know that my family and friends like hearing from me, so I need to get on that. Thanks for the kick I needed!
Nicole that is so lovely to read. I think it's down to us all as individual crafters to buck the trend on sending cards. Yes, it's easy to send an email/text/Fb message, and there is nothing stopping us from still doing that, they're free and quick.
But to put some time, thought and love into a REAL card clearly in most cases, means a lot to the recipient. It's quite possible these days, that that one single card could be the only actual card they receive. We don't know the difference that one small act, which has given us so much pleasure making, could make to them.
Just because others are sending less cards doesn't mean we have to. Reminds me of when I was young, and would pester to do something 'because everyone else is'. My Moms usual reply- if she wasn't going to allow it- was ' If they jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?
Your post, Nicole warmed my heart because the winner of your cards really enjoyed them AND the people she chooses to send your cards to will enjoy them AND I bet you felt humbled and amazed by the reaction of your club members. Made my day and I feel encouraged by your post. Thank you!!
In light of the thread about people not sending or appreciating cards anymore...
