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Wonderful Winterland
Winter has come to Indiana once again, and, even though I detest driving in snow, I grudgingly admit that I do enjoy watching the big, fluffy flakes swirling around the trees.

People don't usually think about baby cards in the middle of winter, but this year, babies seem to be everywhere I look! And, it's easy for the CardMaker staff to get excited about Christmas babies -- CardMaker magazine editor Tanya Fox’s youngest daughter and my oldest son share a birthday (albeit 19 years apart) only days before Christmas.

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Free project
This beautiful birth announcement by Angie Hagist combines two of my favorite things -- black-and-white photography and handmade cards. This could easily be made into a boy card simply by using a blue color scheme instead of pink.

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Reader letters

Verdena writes via e-mail:

"I simply adore your CardMaking by Number book. It is amazing! I love sitting down and just putting them together. I would really love to see more books of that nature, especially Christmas, all the holidays, animals, flowers, nature, for men only, etc. The opportunities are never ending.

"I enjoy the book because the designs make it so easy to simply make a card, and you still can use your own imagination with changes. My mother is also enjoying it. She has limited mobility, so it's great for her -- she has little or no cutting to do, and everything she needs is in one book.

"I also subscribe to your CardMaker magazine and am very happy with the info. I have also sent a subscription as a Christmas gift. The highlight of my day is checking the mail. I also get the PaperWorks Kit-of-the-Month Club, and it is very unique. I am just so pleased with all you have to offer."

Joanne writes via e-mail:

"I'm pretty new at making my cards to sell at craft shows, etc., but I've been making cards for years for family and friends. I love it, and now, I love getting my CardMaker newsletter! It's wonderful to read about all the ideas that everyone has, the help they offer to each other and the camaraderie of all the readers! Thanks to CardMaker readers and Sue Reeves for all of this!"

Verdena and Joanne, thank you for your kind words. We love creating these things for you, and it's nice to know you enjoy them!

Linda writes via e-mail:

"I absolutely love CardMaker magazine and really enjoy the reader's comments in the e-newsletters. I just read about Linda's idea of making her cards in advance and then adding the finishing touches later.

"I am having trouble finding paper to use for get-well cards. I used to have several with hot water bags and "ouch" signs, and I am unable to find them anywhere. Most papers seem to be made for scrapbooking, and I haven't been able to find medical-type papers. I would really appreciate any connection to help me find some get-well papers to use for card making."

Any ideas, readers? Use my feedback form to share what you know!

Santa writes via e-mail:

"I am participating in a 12 Days of Christmas swap with an online group. We each make 12 of the same item, mail one to each participant and open each gift on the assigned day. The handcrafted item can be an ornament or whatever the person wants to create 12 copies of. Last year I received an altered journal, a pair of earrings and several ornaments. It was great!"

What an ambitious idea! Someday, I will have enough time to do things like this. Readers, what other kinds of swaps are you involved in?

Duane writes via e-mail:

"In response to Connie who lost her son -- first, I'm sorry, and I do know what it feels like. When I suddenly lost one of my sons a couple of years ago, I decided to do what I could to help other parents and sick kids.

"I've been making cards for Love Letters: Random Cards of Kindness. It is run by an outstanding young lady in Florida, and cards are collected and distributed to very ill and terminally ill children, much as Keiki Cards used to do.

"I found by comforting other children and their parents, it helped me to heal. There is a good purpose to my feeling creative, besides my own satisfaction. Some of your readers might consider this terrific outreach."

Duane, this is a wonderful, helpful, caring suggestion. Keiki Cards was one of my favorite organizations, and I was not aware that it was no longer operating. I included the link because the Web site has a long list of other organizations that deliver cards to children and others in need. Don't forget to check out the Readers Reach Out feature in CardMaker magazine, too!

Betty writes via e-mail:

"I've had an idea for a few years and am finally putting it into place. I always keep the cards that friends sent to me the previous year. First, I use a 2 1/2" circle punch to punch out a part of the card (a snowman's face, a tree, etc). Then, I rubber stamp an ornament hook and emboss the front of blank card stock (any holiday color will do).

"I glue the punched circle underneath the stamped image to create a Christmas ornament. Finally, on the inside of the card, I attach a sticker I made that says, 'The ornament on the front of this card is recycled from a card you previously sent to me. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!' It's my way of being 'green' in our environmentally aware society."

Betty, I'm all for reusing materials in new projects -- after all, isn't that the basis for altered art, assemblage and collage? I'd love to hear other ways CardMaker readers use recycled materials in card making or in any creative way. Use my feedback form to submit your ideas!

LeighAnn writes via e-mail:

"To push through a creative block, I try to make cards with others, or teach someone a card-making technique. I find that most often if I try to teach someone something, it sparks all my creative juices again."

Ruth writes via e-mail:

"I want to cover two responses in this feedback. First, creative block ... take a walk through nature if you can. Look, listen and breathe deeply. It's great to clear your mind -- and you never know -- one of those little flowers may spark some creativity!

Second, what am I making for Christmas gifts? Hmm ... rather, what am I NOT making? Soaps, sweets, gifts in a jar, pet beds and toys, mini scrap albums, knitted scarves and baby blankets, just to name a few. I love making and giving ... there's nothing better in my book!"

LeighAnn and Ruth, these are both good ideas for breaking through a creative block. Sometimes just trying out a new technique (or a totally different craft) is just the ticket!