She's Crafty | Giving Thanks

When I decided to sit with a pile of card-making books I picked up from the library to help me plan my holiday greeting cards, I got distracted from the objective by a section about Thank You cards. An excited and bouncy thought popped into my head, "What about thank you cards for Thanksgiving?!" So, the objective now is to write a personal note to each recipient explaining how thankful I am that they are in my life and for being an awesome person. 

Thankfully, I have a half-made set of Thank You cards I started years ago that just need a little fixing up and they'll be ready to hand out. Score! I went to the craft store to pick up some stamp pads and came across a Thank You card kit. I walked by it once telling myself I didn't need it--come on, I have the set at home! I walked by it again, and again...and finally I just grabbed it. Now I have a mix of greetings to give.

Kit card on the left, my design on the right.

While I was at the craft store I came across a plethora of options to make quick work of giving thanks:

• Grab a set of blank, folded cards with envelopes (they come in various sizes). Write, stamp or print Thank You on the front. Then write your message on the inside.

• Make postcards out of cardstock, decorate the front, and write your sentiment on the flip-side. 

• Paper tags in little paper bags as place markers at a dinner table--write their name on the bag and the thanks on the tag. 

• And, of course, you can go super inexpensive and use any kind of paper you have at home along with some kind of writing implement and get creative. Break out the construction paper and the crayons for the young and young-at-heart for a fun activity!

For some inspiration and how-to guidance, check out these titles we have about card making at the library:

• Handmade Hellos by Eunice Moyle & Sabrina Moyle

• 10-Minute Cards To Give & Share by Tanya Fox

• Fast, Fun Cards by Emma Hardy

Thank you for being the awesome reader you are. Without your support, we wouldn't have anyone to blog to about crafts and share our passion for craftin' with. And, if you are interested in reading more about the many benefits of gratitude in your life, here are a few titles on that subject:

• 365 Thank Yous by John Kralik

• The Joy of Appreciative Living by Jacqueline Kelm

• Thanks! by Robert Emmons

• The Gifts of Gratitude by Elizabeth Baker

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kaye & Malia