The Little Things

My husband said recently that he hasn’t seen me this happy in months.  I’d have to agree.  It’s a combination of things – the first two weeks I’ve had off in a row since starting a very cool but demanding job, the joy of Christmas, the happiness of seeing our kids play together with no timelines or places to go… oh – and my first two-consecutive hours crafting in over two years.  We’re all a little under the weather – inevitable holiday downtown illness right?  The upside this week has been that our girls have had two solid hours of nap time almost every day – and one day mommy even got to hide away in the craft space we created when we moved here … for my first reunion with my sewing machine, cricut, and crafts in a long, long time.  Total geek.  It’s okay, you can think it.  I admit it.

For me it’s always about the little things.  The person that drops you an unexpected email or text to say they were thinking of you, the little little ‘tank you’ from one of our daughters for the dinner we prepared (that they may or may not have eaten), the pillow my son put behind my head ‘just to tell you i love you mommy’ so that I would read one more chapter of his bedtime story and the five minutes of peace we enjoyed sitting on the couch while our kids played – almost harmoniously, around us…  The little ways I often show people I care are through things I make. Often not to be mistaken with professional wares because I don’t have the patience for measurement or precision, but always made with love and a precious few minutes of down time.

In this two-hours I dusted off my old friend the sewing machine and made some cards.  Sewing actual material will need to come later.

Before I go any further I have to tell you: I love pinterest. I thought I was a lone wolf for a long time, but the amazing crafting talents posted on that site inspire and amaze me whenever I get a chance to peruse.  While wandering through a few favorites, I came across a blog with a design that I loved.  Using my cricut (or just a simple punch would do) I made the heart shaped cards.   These really just require any symmetrical shape – so I cut out houses and little books as well – but the options are endless; butterflies, bees, flowers, sunshine- you name it.

It’s an easy way to create a card that is simple, homemade, and unique.  The blogger I linked to above does a better job laying out the steps than I do – but this is how I made mine …the best part is that you can create in bulk batches pretty quickly so you have a store for those special moments that call for a personalized hello.

Start with the shapes you want to use.  Cut out the same shape in at least three different types of patterned paper.  For this project I chose hearts, houses and rectangles to make a story book:

Then make your cards.  Use at least 100lb card stock.  If there is one tool I would recommend for any home crafter it’s a bone knife – with that you can make all your cards look professionally folded.  They aren’t expensive and you can find them at any craft store or online craft sites like this one. I’ve had my paper cutter since my big sis bought it for me 20 years ago – it still works beautifully but I know there are more advanced cutting machines out there for the avid paper crafter.

After you’ve made up your cards – stack 3-5 of the shapes on top of each other and line them up so they match up perfectly, place them in the middle of your card.  Then sew a line just on top and below the shape – right through the middle. 

Cut your threads and voila! Little cards straight from your heart to …whomever you please. I love the little book ones  – I added this to a box of homemade cookies today and wrote a little story in it about the receiver and how great it was that they were having us over for a visit to add a little more of a personal touch 😉

Sigh.  I love paper.