At the beginning of this year, I put aside the sewing machine for a little while and picked up ink, paper and a rubber carving block. I’d been thinking about how to say thank you in a meaningful way to some of the amazing people in the blogging world that I was feeling honored to have worked with.
I wasn’t sure what direction the whole project was going to go in but I wanted to make something handmade and heart-full. 2014 was a significant year for me in terms of connections. What had up until then been a small blogging world grew and extended and I was (and still am) so grateful for all the people that asked me to guest post and participate in what they had going on…trusting me and validating that my voice had something to say.
After playing around for a long while I came up with a simple growing bud and cheeky font for the ‘thank you’. Then, it was the fun part of rolling the ink and stamping all the cards. I carved my stamps out of a carving block (here is a link to the kind I used (affiliate link)) and then I super glued them onto an acrylic base and an old toddler puzzle piece. I find it so much easier and efficient (not to mention cleaner) if the stamp has a base like this. If you ever do this, though, be sure to really sandpaper the base before you glue on your stamp or it might fall off as you are stamping! I’ve had that happen and it stinks.
The kraft paper cards were something I had on hand. I’m prone to purchasing good looking and basic craft supplies when I see them so I don’t have to run to the store when inspiration strikes. This was one of the many times I was thankful for that habit.
I worried the cards turned out a bit boring (I feel like I’m always straddling the boring versus elegant simple design line. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. Know what I mean?). So I added a liner to the envelopes. I think it added a bit of fun interest. I used the same technique as I did in this post (it’s very old so forgive the bad photos, etc.)
And, there you have it. A handful of handmade cards filled with simple gratitude for the year past. Speaking of gratitude, I cannot thank everyone enough for the lovely comments on my last post. It was beyond wonderful to have my vulnerability met with such gracious camaraderie! Quilters unite around imperfection!
Beth says
Yes, your voice has something to say. I am grateful to be a part of the world that has the opportunity to hear it. xoxoxoxox
Melissa Q. says
Oh, I’m so grateful for you! And, technically, you aren’t part of my blogging world but a part of the even bigger thing I’m trying to make for myself! <3 <3 <3