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Making a list
I got an e-mail from a friend the other day. She was so proud of herself because she had forced herself to go Christmas shopping and had crossed three items off her list. I told her she was way ahead of me because I didn't even have a list yet!

That seems to be the way it is this year. People are putting off holiday shopping either because money's tight, or because they're waiting for the sales to get really good. (I confess: I prefer Internet shopping because I can't stand fighting the crowds... even if that means I don't find the best deal ever on doggie chew toys.)

When I get around to it, my shopping list will probably include lots of gift cards that don't take up much space in carry-on luggage because we (hubby, son #2 and I) will be flying to Arizona to spend Christmas with son #1. (And yes, I'm sure I'll be taking some sort of crafting supplies, too!)

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Free project
This is a great project because it can be used for all sorts of useful occasions. Start a production line and make several dozen using the "Thanks Snow Much" sentiment for use after the holidays. Or, if you're somewhat of a procrastinator (unlike ME, of course), you could change the sentiment to make a Christmas or Hanukkah greeting for last-minute delivery.

In any case, the glitter and sparkle of this fun card, along with its variety of techniques, will make this holiday season merry and bright!

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Reader letters

Glenna writes via e-mail:

"I belong to a group, aptly called 'The Women,' that gathers for crafting every Tuesday. We have mass-produced everything from wedding invitations to Christmas cards. Once the creative juices have flown through, it's amazing how many HUNDREDS of cards you can create from a production line."

Ah, 'The Women' after my own heart. I'm all about production lines when it comes to card making (or cooking, for that matter; however, I like card making more than I like cooking!).

Kerry writes via e-mail:

"I love the idea from Linda about using pizza boxes to store paper. I often use shoe boxes and cereal cartons for storage. Cut open the cereal box as follows: cut about 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) down from the top on the front; cut across front between first 2 cuts, and remove cut piece; on both sides of the box, cut at an angle from end of first cuts to centre of top of box; cut across top of box, and remove cut piece in order to get a long shallow tray-style box that can be stacked really well. I stick the boxes together with double-sided tape (any small leftover scraps of paper get stuck on the outside of the boxes until they are covered in patchwork), and then I cover the whole thing with book film to neaten it. Voila -- customized storage for virtually no cost."

Rosanne writes via e-mail:

"Just wanted you to know that I purchased Say It With Style recently, and I am so pleased and impressed with it. I've looked at numerous books purporting to solve the problem of what to say inside the card, but I really feel this one is the best I've ever seen. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!"

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Crafting with kids

Jane writes via e-mail:

"My two granddaughters have cousins of the same age who live out of town. This past summer, the girls came to visit for two fun-packed weeks. Because their parents couldn't come with them, my daughter came up with the idea of each girl making a scrapbook of their vacation. They took a lot of pictures and made four very unique albums. Now the girls have great mementos of their summer vacation. The best part was that their parents got to see all the fun they had while visiting their cousins. The girls are 8 and 12. It was amazing how cute and clever the albums were -- each so different!"

Debbie writes via e-mail:

"Last weekend our two grandchildren came to stay with us while Mom and Dad had a weekend getaway. Our 5-year-old grandson Micah loves Nana's scrap area and knows which drawers to go to for his supplies. He started the first morning here by asking us to help him make die-cuts and cards for his Mom. He asked for his special bag of scrap paper he knows Nana lets him use.

"Now our granddaughter Adyson, age two and a half, joins right in and has the most delightful time punching and gluing. Just give her a pair of scissors and a piece of paper, and she thinks she is the Queen of Crafts. Yes, the floor was covered with colorful bits of paper, all sizes and shapes, with no purpose or design, but I never consider this a waste of supplies or time. I just treasure the wonderful memories we are creating. You can always vacuum after they go home!"

Jeanne writes via e-mail:

"I have just started card making because two lovely women introduced me to this wonderful craft. They have been making cards for more than 15 years! I am from Massachusetts but now live in Florida and go home for 5-6 weeks every summer. This summer, I brought some materials with me to make cards for my family whose birthdays were at that time.

"I have a niece who is 10 and her brother is 13. They saw me making some cards and wanted to do some, too. I let them borrow my supplies and told them to use their imaginations and do whatever they felt like. I was pleasantly surprised with the results. I knew my niece liked making cards but my nephew really surprised me with his talents. My birthday was October 19, and I received two wonderful cards from them. Card making isn't just for the female sex. Give the men in your life a chance to express their feelings, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

Miriam writes via e-mail:

"I discovered card making six years ago and love trying different styles. When my granddaughter, now 12, visits, she and I have great card-making sessions, and I pass on my latest ideas. Her first effort, several years ago, was in Iris Folding, for which I have designed my own card blanks using A4 paper and my printer. She is very good. I buy her supplies for Christmas. Last year we were enjoying our joint session when I told Miranda that she could have all my craft supplies when I died -- just as long as she didn't expect it any time soon (grin!). Miranda was deep in thought for a moment; then, she asked if she could have that in writing! Gotta love 'em."

Terrie writes via e-mail:

"I started crafting with my great-niece when she was three years old. I live out-of-state and like to do something special with her when I come home for a visit. That Christmas, I die-cut snowflakes and had her glue glitter on them. I signed her name and the date on them, and these were her Christmas presents to the family. We made a mess in her (my sister Mimi's) garage, but it was fun and everyone loved the snowflakes.

"Now she has a brother and he likes to 'make crafts' just like her. One day a few years ago, my great-nephew wanted to 'make crafts' as soon as he got into the house. I said, "No, honey, my room is a mess, and there's not a place for us to work on the table." In about 10 minutes he came back and said, "Aunt Terrie, come here," dragging me into my studio. He said, "Look, I can work here!" He had cleared a space about a foot square. That was all he needed! I couldn't help but give in. So while he crafted, I worked on cleaning up the studio. We both got something done! I hope they continue to want to 'make crafts' with their great aunt, as it is a special time for me to be with them."

Janice writes via e-mail:

"I had my granddaughter here one weekend. She is four years old and a very productive little girl. I gave her cardstock that was cut, folded and ready to go and then let her find any stamps she wanted to use (not the big ones -- too hard to use for little hands). She had multiple stamp pads and worked for two hours (two hours for a 4-year-old is a long time!), and she made at least four or five cards. She was so industrious it put me to shame. God bless the card makers of the next generation!

"I was in the church office the other day, and there was a card I had sent months ago still hanging on display in the pastor's office. You never know how you touch someone else with kindness when sending a special card you have created."

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