The R.S. presidency asked me -- in October -- to teach a card-making class for a mid-week enrichment meeting. I said I would be glad to, then I bought some materials and made some examples of a few different fall-ish cards. The class was supposed to be in early November, but for unknown reasons it fell through. They then wanted me to do it in mid-December and teach them how to make Christmas cards! Anyone who remembers what my December was like will know why I had to decline that offer.We decided we'd do valentines instead; I bought new supplies and made new sample cards, and last night was finally the night of the class. I took the above photo before everyone arrived -- it always makes me happy just to look at the different papers, ribbons, buttons... not to mention the holiday m&ms! (not pictured: my sewing machine, ink pads, embossing powders, paper flowers)
Because we were few in numbers, we held the class at my neighbor Heidi's house, even though she's basically bedridden with a bad back right now! Her family had the house looking great, and even had this fire in the fireplace - such a very cozy thing in the freezing weather we've been having.
It was so interesting to me that even though most of the participants had never made cards before, there was only one person that copied one of my sample designs (and even then, she used a different color scheme). I loved seeing everyone coming up with their own ideas, and I think they surprised themselves with their creativity.
These cards were made by the youngest attendees, 11 and 12-year-old girls. I thought it was so great that they didn't feel restricted by standard sizes and formats, and that they could turn little scraps into something cute and useful.
No one had sewn on paper before, and they were all thrilled with how easy it is to stitch on a card and how such a simple thing makes for a great detail and instant polish. (the example above doesn't have any stitching, I just thought it turned out really cute!)
The funny thing was, when people would make a mistake, we would simply change direction and find a way to make it look intentional. I kept telling them that imperfections are what keep handmade items looking handmade! It was so easy for me to tell them these things -- and genuinely believe them! -- yet I never seem to be able to give myself the same leeway when I'm creating and make a "mistake". Interesting.
Bottom line: even though this was an ongoing project for months and we didn't have a huge turnout, I'm glad we did it and I ended up having a lot of fun. {When will I learn to stop dreading things that always turn out to be a good thing?!} And who knows? Maybe I even won a few converts to paper-crafting!
15 comments:
I would have loved to be in on something like this! Next time call me and I will come :)
I don't think your title does you justice! These are so cute, and I'm sure those that came were thrilled to go home with such cute creations!
I would have loved to have gone to your class, what fun. You would have done a great job.
I agree - I would have loved to have been there! Sewing cards is my fave, and I am sure that they appreciated learning this technique as well as just soaking up your supplies (such eye candy, that "before" shot!) and creative juices and inspiration. Good show!
Those cards are darling. Good work! I especially love that black and pink polka dot paper. I'm such a sucker for polka dots!!
Oh, how I wish I could take a card class from you Michelle! I had no doubt it would be great when you finally did it. I LOVE that you let them be creative and do their own thing. I took a card class once where they walked me through every step and told me it was wrong if I changed anything. That was a bummer night!
Good Job!
Michelle, I hope those ladies realized how lucky they were to have you teaching them about card making. You never fail to impress with your cards. I'm glad that your low expectations were not met, but were exceeded.
Amazing cards- I bet they all walked away feeling much richer knowing how to make them. Glad you had fun too- I think I would have gone into it a little negative after not doing it for so long too.
Wow, believe it or not there are some of us out there that have never been exposed to crafting on the levels I see on these blogs.
What a wonderful gift! Those cards were beautiful.
I haven't ever made cards either. But have been the recipient of some pretty amazing ones. Maybe I am living in the dark. I did make one the other day and "messed" up on it. I just covered it with another piece of paper.
I would love to attend a class like that. Cute cards
I would have loved to have gone to your class. I would have preferred a smaller group anyway - I'm sure they had a great time and are for sure converts!
You are the perfect person to do this. I would take a class from you any day. The cards you made are awesome and I'm sure you converted more than you think to the paper-crafting hobbies.
The cards look so great. I love how younger girls just go ahead and create things without apologizing for them or fearing that they're not good enough. It's so inspiring to see.
The picture of the fire looks so inviting. It must have been much nicer being at Heidi's house than at the church.
I definitely think you should take your own advice and more forgiving of mistakes because they often lead to serendipitous wonder. You're a creative genius whether you admit it or not! (I'm missing our Creative Friday today, just so you know.)
Very cute cards. I keep thinking I should make fun handmade cards, but I never do. I love how they all turned out.
yea, i am with Dana next time call me and i will fly out.
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