Which do you do? Handmade Or Hallmark?
I always give out cards at Christmas. It’s just a tradition that my family has always done.
I know it’s silly, but I’ve sometimes been a little disappointed by how few cards I received in return. I mean, I went to the trouble of buying a set of cards from the store, and then addressed and mailed them… why don’t all the folks I send them to send one back?
I don’t think I’m the only person that has felt this. And what did I do with the cards that I did receive? I would hang them up as part of that year’s decorations, and then they would go in a box of a file in my old file cabinet, never to be seen again (or at least for the next 5 years or so.)
Thinking back on this cycle, I feel that I may have been at least slightly narcissistic. It shouldn’t matter whether someone sends me a card. I should feel joy just in sending it.
I’ve been thinking a bit about this as the holidays approach and I start sending out cards this year. I’ve always loved making things, especially around this time of year.
And I love doing for others. Cardmaking has been a perfect fit for me to have some time to do both.
This week I gave out a batch of cards to some of my friends at work. The look on their faces when they open the cards just made my day. One lady’s face even lit up just from seeing the envelope. Many of them have little collections on their desks of the cards that I’ve made for them in the last year or so. And many of them say that the cards are “so cool” or ask how I did it. Many have asked if I’ve called Hallmark. LOL.
These folks really make my day.
Cardmaking has given me so much joy. First in creating. I feel that I am in some small way an artist, and am bringing some beauty to the world. And second in bringing joy to others that is appreciated and loved by them. It’s a win-win for all of us.
Although my experience is from giving cards that I made myself and I think will be the same for you if you also make cards, I also feel that giving handmade cards that you purchase from a cardmaker also have a profound impact on the recipient. There is so much love put into every handmade card, compared to the mass produced and printed cards made by the corporate card companies. If you don’t have an interest in making cards to send out for the holidays and other celebrations, find a creator whose work you love and support their passion by purchasing their cards.
Handmade vs. Hallmark… what would you rather receive?
Happy Holidays!
Deb Jenkins
Cardmaker & Crafter extraordinaire!
This Florida girl loves sharing handmade kindness!
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