Love Handmade Cards, Love ATCs

The Xmas ATC Swap with members of the Facebook group Love Handmade Cards is completed as far as the final mail journey is being completed. Yesterday and today, the ATCs landed on my doormat. It was quite exciting as always. More exciting than receiving cards it was. Probably that is due to the exchange factor.

There are three members including myself involved in all our group ATC swaps past and potentially future. I'd barely put the return envelopes of ATCs in the mail before we were already discussing and planning our next ATC swap.

Louise suggested we do ATC swaps according to the seasons. This will have us making ATCs throughout the coming year. The first ATC Swap for 2010 will be on the theme of Winter. Heather then told us about a Flowersoft product that would make great snow. In truth the design process of our ATCs won't begin until the new year.

Until then.... got to get ready for the holidays.... I'm nowhere near ready! One thing I do hope there is that there is no more snow until Christmas Eve night.

Enjoy the Xmas ATCs and thanks for reading.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Cross Stitch Cards for Christmas.

Just wanted to share some of the work I've been doing making cards for the season. I decided to make cross stitch cards, returning to the technique used at the start of my card making hobby two years ago.

It is a hobby I quickly tried to make into a business. In hindsight, I think too quickly. Although I have sold some specially commissioned cards I am now concentrating on developing my skills. The online shop will be suspended and I will focus on developing my skills.

This Christmas the focus is on making cards for my family and a few close friends. I appreciate the support they give me and their encouragement. Hopefully these cards reflect my appreciation.



I have made a couple of Christmas cards using papercraft but I found myself struggling with card design block. Turning to cross stitch has helped me deal with this and is, I've found a good tactic to refresh my joy in card making.

Cross stitch also helps to relax me and forget about the stress of dealing with finances, the daily grind and family matters. These patterns are part of a package that came with a cross stitch magazine and really are a joy to make. I like particularly the addition of seed beads which give the designs a sparkle just right for the season.

Thanks to everyone who has commented on my blog. Thank you for reading. Until next time...