There's a sweet saying that "a handwritten note is a hug you get to keep!" Isn't that the truth? Sending a handmade card is one of the best ways to make a friend smile. With the rise of text messages and social media, receiving a card in the mail isn't as common as it used to be, which adds to the specialness of messages that come bearing an envelope, return address, and stamp. And, bonus points if it's sealed with a kiss (SWAK).
With this in mind, there's no time like the present to pull out the stationary and send a heartwarming note to someone you care about. In fact, it's the perfect day to send a card because it's World Card Making Day! How fun is that?
Celebrated annually on the first Saturday of October, World Card Making Day is a time to celebrate handmade card making and inspire people to get crafty! While sending cards dates back to the Victorian era, this particular holiday originated in 2006 by Papercraft magazine.
The best way to celebrate Card Making Day is, of course, to learn how to make your own cards. There are often card-making classes at local craft stores or online tutorials available through YouTube. If you have a crafty friend who's into scrapbooking, asking her to teach you a thing or two about making cards could be a super fun reason to get together.
With handmade cards, the only limit is your imagination, so let your creativity soar and start sending friends and family personalized cards starting today. Maybe even get a head start on your Christmas cards?
Need some inspiration? Papercraft has a robust collection of free ideas on its Facebook page. You can also visit this great card-making site by Fiskars.
Receiving a personal, handmade card can do a lot for someone's self-esteem and self-worth. Knowing the sender spent time and energy carefully crafting a card can help the recipient feel more socially connected and loved.
Understanding the emotional benefits of sending cards may encourage you to turn this into a hobby and habit beyond World Card Making Day. Here are a few ways to work this into your daily routine.
1. Make it easy. Keep your papers, scissors, stickers, and pens accessible, especially where you're most likely to have space to craft & write.
2. Start small. Write a short note or start with a postcard. See how good it feels to write and send simple words of encouragement and care.
3. Do what's fun. Think about what will make you look forward to card-making and start there. Is it shopping for pretty papers and stickers? Or maybe collecting poems and meaningful quotes to share? Do the fun things first and let that excitement flow right into your card-making session.
Why not add your own name to the mailing list? Make a beautiful card using your favorite colors and themes and include a private message to yourself. Going back and re-reading a card that was written a year ago or longer can be moving, therapeutic, and even entertaining.
If you need ideas to get started, think about sending yourself words of encouragement, wishes & dreams for the year ahead, what life is like today, or any big questions that are on your mind. Once you've received your note in the mail keep it somewhere safe and remember to keep the time-stamped envelope. Then, remind yourself to open it from time to time for a little pick-me-up.
At Resort Lifestyle Communities, we love activities that build connection and community - like card-making. In addition to fun art classes, we encourage fitness, dancing, happy hours, and more. If you'd like to see our full calendar of events, connect with a location nearest you. We'd be honored to give you a private tour and introduce you to some of our residents. And who knows, maybe one day they'll end up on your mailing list!
Resort Lifestyle Communities (RLC) develops all-inclusive resort-style communities to provide a relaxing and worry-free retirement lifestyle for residents. The comfort, safety, and enjoyment of our residents are our top priorities. For this reason, every community is staffed with live-in managers, a 24/7 emergency alert system and concierge service, gourmet chefs, housekeepers, maintenance staff, a full-time lifestyle director, and more. For more information about RLC, visit RLCommunities.com.
