How the card-thing happened…
by admin
Wow, that title tipped the clever scale! Weak sauce, Amber.
One of my favorite people in the world is my Aunt Mary. Growing up, she always knew how to make me feel imporant, safe and loved. She is a whirlwind of fun and never passes up the chance to make someone smile. Her nurturing spirit is only topped by her ability to throw an amazing party. A petite little lady, Mary stands just above five feet tall, yet could inspire a nation with her positive attitdue. Sadly, for the last year, Mary has been struggling with her health.
A few months ago, I went to several stores trying to find just the right “Get Well” card to send on to Mary in Wisconsin. I wanted something that would make her feel better, if only for a moment. I read dozens, maybe even hundreds of cards. Of course, I naturally gravitated towards everything with an animal on it (thankfully, Mary is an animal lover too). All I could think was that I had many photos of dogs at home that were cuter or funnier than the ones I was seeing in the store for $4.00 each. Plus, the cards didn’t say what I wanted to say.
After several days of looking with no luck, I decided to make my own. Then, I made a few more… and a few more. Out of that one card for Mary, a new hobby was created. Now, I can’t stop making cards! I am a card making machine! Many nights after work, I pull up to the table, a stack of photos in hand, grab a light brew, throw a few toys on the ground around me so that the dogs have entertainment and start stamping, gluing and cutting away.
AARF operates 100% on donations – no grants, no goverment funding. Every dollar counts. So, I decided early on that if I could make enough cards and sell them, all of the profits would go straight to the animals. Fortunately, a few of the cards have sold at various events… although I have yet to hit the “Hallmark Hall of Fame”! Asking just $1.00 each, I have to sell A LOT of cards to really help. But, it has been a fun way to combine the things I love!
Interested in sending someone you love a handmade card with love? Just send me an email. All cards can be customized to fit just what you are looking for. spayeds@gmail.com