Stampin Up! Crafting Handmade Personalized Cards

Great Get Togethers

Yesterday, I met a wonderful woman, who seems to be the picture of success. I went to her home to learn how to make personalized greeting cards, and her hospitality was so warm and welcoming, I had to pinch myself to see if I wasn't in a dream.

She insisted that I get my car and park it in her driveway, as snow was expected, and when I returned, ushered me in to introduce me to her family. Little did I know this was just a prelude to the wonderful world of Stampin Up!

Her daughter was equally as gracious. asking if I would like something to drink, and leading me down to the room where we were going to create some holiday cards. She encouraged me to pick the place I would like to be and promptly set out something for me to read until the other guests arrived.

She disappeared and then reappeared quickly with something to drink, in my case, water. I asked her some questions about her, and she sat down to chat. I found that her personality was well developed, and that she had a sweet confidence that was flourishing in the care of good parents. After a meaningful conversation, she exited back upstairs to receive the other guests on her mother's behalf. Of course, they were treated in the same way, it appeared a normal practice in this exceptional household.

Within minutes, we were settled in the craft room, and handed out all sorts of goodies (I am not referring to food). We were gently, completely and in my case repetitively instructed on the fine are of making personalized Christmas and Thanksgiving Cards. Although my first attempt was quite awkward, I soon became enamored with all the colored paper, ribbon, tools and other supplies offered by Wendy our hostess and her delightful daughter Mackenna.

As I reflected on how the simple gift of hospitality can make weary travelers, (whether physically or emotionally or spiritually weary) refreshed, and ready for the next thing that comes in life. I reflected on how the simple gift of creating something new, can connect us with hope that despite any difficulties, life will go on.

I was reminded that we can learn new things along the way, no matter how confident or incompetent we might feel at the moment. The opportunities are there, but sometimes we have to step out to embrace them, and not make excuses for avoiding them because of past mindsets.

I personally have an aversion to "marketing" parties which is what I was expecting having "trapped" a few people into them in my earlier days. That's what I was expecting, and I couldn't have been more wrong. I received a simple gift of love that night, of care , which called me out of hiding in my comfortable little home.

I discovered that I was able to give and receive again, and it just plain felt good. I climbed in bed and slept like a baby, and woke up eager and ready to face a new day. I was more optimistic about the day. I carried that fun time in my heart and the thoughts warmed me throughout the cold winter day.

Later in the day, a funny thing happened: I decided that I needed to make cards again, only this time for everyone, all throughout the year. So I called my new friend, and made a date to do it all over again! Then I went to my friend Dannette's house and she showed me how to store everything, and how some of the more advanced tools worked.

Now I am motivated to make cards for all my affairs.. When it comes right down to it, I realized how much money I have spent on cards from the store over the years, and it doesn't make sense. The gas, the time, and rarely finding what I really wanted to say in the cards I purchased, not to mention the cost, and how many times I forgot to get them at the last minute.

Then I thought of Mackenna, and how she and her mother must have had so much fun together, making and coming up with new card designs. I thought of my daughter, and granddaughters, and their creative abilities,

I am packing up some things to send to them for their holidays season, and I am going to incude some things for them to make cards too. The joy is contagious, I have a whole new outlook on winter and am really looking forward to the holidays.

When that is all over, I will get busy with all the cards I need for the New Year!