The science of greeting cards
Does that sound like an odd title? As card makers, we love to spread joy with our handcrafted creations; however, do we think about the science behind it all? I’m not referring to those fancy layouts we create and the mathematics of getting everything just so - but rather, the way our brains respond to receiving a card.
First, a little history. The tradition of sending greeting cards dates back to the 1400s to express celebration, comfort, and to send good wishes. Mass production of cards came along in the 1840s. Fast forward to today where the landscape has changed, but the sentiment remains the same. There are now “E-greetings” which are fast and convenient (especially when you find yourself late sending out your wishes), but they can’t replace the feeling of holding a card in your hand. As card makers who often have “swaps” or card exchanges, we never fail to be amazed at the talent of our fellow creators.
There’s a reason why we feel this emotion, and it’s all based in scientific fact. I like to call it the psychology of sending and receiving a special greeting.
The gist of the mechanism at work here is this - the limbic system of our brain engages a powerful emotional reaction when we open up a card. Studies show this reaction is more intense with a physical card as opposed to it’s digital counterparts. Why? It’s tactile and brings connection with the person who created and sent it. The effort is appreciated. A card can convey happiness, comfort, humor, inspiration, or hope. Social bonds are strengthened, both for the sender and recipient.
This in turn can reduce loneliness. Ready for some surprising tidbits of information? Whereas we tend to think of everything in digital terms these days, in 2023 the New York Post reported that younger adults including millinneals and Gen Z do appreciate a physical card over a digital one. In fact, millennials have outspent boomers on the purchase of cards, showing they value the connection a card brings. In 2022, 75 percent of cards purchased were “traditional” cards (not digital). In a world submersed in technology, that says a lot, don’t you think?
Loneliness is a real hurdle for many people. The power of reaching out and having that connection makes a big impact, whether to convey a celebration or a simple “thinking of you.” Reflecting on the loneliness created in the pandemic, think beyond that to those that are chronically isolated, such as in medical settings. Simply do an online or social media search for groups that are looking for cards to brighten their residents’ day. You can even drop off a collection of cards at your local nursing home. You can contact the facility, find out how may residents there are, and deliver some “paper hugs.” Churches have card ministries, too. There’s all sorts of options.
For those thinking about the eco-friendliness of e-cards versus a physical card, there are things you can do to recycle cards. Keep card fronts to use an another card, or write your sentiment on a pretty piece of paper so the person can pass along the entire card to someone else. In my swap groups, I like to write on the inside to wish the recipient a happy birthday, etc., knowing that other card makers will recycle or even keep just the front of the card - but in this way, they get a handwritten greeting too. And because cards are paper they of course can be recycled. Have a particular card that’s a favorite? Pick up a small frame to keep it in. Get a roll of twine and some tiny clothespins to attach cards to the twine and drape them across a doorway, TV stand, etc. in your home for display (you should see this house around Christmas!) Cards are little works of art to be shared, appreciated, and loved.
In the stamping world, there’s a concept to make simple and beautiful cards with paper, ink, and stamps. You would be surprised the creations you can come up with even on a minimal budget. Or perhaps you’re gifted in the sketching department or have the skill of calligraphy. The point is, there’s a lot of options.
So, cardmakers, keep on keeping on with your fabulous creations. The positive impact you make on the world is important. The next time you put a card in the mail, know that you make a difference, one greeting at a time.
National Craft Month!
Personally, every month is crafting month to me - but at least there’s a month dedicated to every one that crafts! What will be your project this month? Besides papercrafting, I love to crochet. Looking for smaller projects for the spring and summer, because an afghan (my go-to) is bit warm to hold in the lap during the upcoming months.
Stampin’ Up! continues to offer new kits and it’s almost time for the Annual Catalog! if you’d like a complimentary copy, please email me at wendyscardshop at gmail.com. Demonstrators like myself get our catalog lists together this month. I’d love to have you on that list!
Hopefully by now your circadian rhythm is getting back on track after the time change (for those who experience that). I spent some extra time crafting this weekend, trying to convince myself I hadn’t lost an hour. Which the time change is actually fine with me, as I enjoy those long summer nights.
Meanwhile, there’s still time to shop the spring mini catalog - and remember to check out those kits and online exclusives!
September - December Mini Catalog is Here!
It’s that time of year! Can you believe it? The time we think about pumpkins, falling leaves, and holiday traditions. Once again, Stampin’ Up! has created a beautiful catalog full of products to spark your imagination for creating cards and other papercrafts for the final months of 2023. Plus, there are always online exclusives that are not in the catalog. And don’t forget, the Paper Pumpkin subscription box that delivers a wonderful kit each month!
Check out the new catalog here. You may want to have a pumpkin-spice something-or-other on hand (or your favorite autumn treat) when you do!
Happy crafting!
bit.ly/3RhR2zE
Stampin' Up! Summer!
Order the Birthday Card Organizer here
Stay cool and make cards this summer! Did you know Stampin’ Up! has a Kits Collection? Everything is in them, ready to go to make beautiful card and craft creations. Here’s a quick glimpse of some of these easy and convenient kits!
Looking for Slimline Cards! Order this kit here
Boho Beach is a beautiful card kit for these lazy, hazy days of summer! Order here
Order the Birthday Card Organizer Kit here
Going, going, gone...
We find ourselves enjoying Spring, and that means that two Stampin’ Up! catalogs are getting ready to retire in the coming months (no worries, there’s more great product on the way!) The Annual Catalog and the Winter/Spring Mini catalog are preparing to exit…and while you have the opportunity, be sure to shop for great deals and stocking up on some favorites. Shop here: https://www.stampinup.com/categories/specials/last-chance-products
Speaking of Spring, I’m one of many with a good case of Spring Fever. So far I have purchased a hydrangea, 2 plum trees, snapdragons, Boston ferns, purple hearts, and portulaca plants. That’s just the beginning! I love gardening. The yard is getting cleaned up and brush removed, so I’ll have even more room to plant all the pretty things. I’ve planned a pollinator garden of wildflowers as well. I believe Spring renews hope for all of us.
Not everyone can plant gardens, but we can all enjoy the beauty of natural things in a greeting card, or even a journal. In a world where everything is so geared toward technology, I think it’s important to touch and feel real things that don’t involve a screen. It’s important to teach children there’s a whole big world out there that technology can’t (and shouldn’t) replace.
What seeds will you sow this spring? Think about sowing seeds of joy, helping others, and the precious gift of your time. We can all plant seeds.
Peace to all,
Wendy
March is National Crafting Month!
Spring is in the air here in North Carolina, and March is a favorite month for many reasons - including the fact that it’s National Crafting Month!
To celebrate, we’ll be showcasing some great products from Stampin’ Up!
It’s the time of year for the Spring Holidays - Easter, Graduations, Mother’s and Father’s Day. The January-June Mini Catalog is full of products and inspiration for you to create one-of-a-kind cards that you will be proud to give and bring a smile to the recipient’s face. Stay tuned for sparks of creativity - and remember, stamping is for more than just cards! Think gift card envelopes, treat bags for Easter, and more!
Stay crafty!
#stampinup #marchisnationalcraftingmonth #creativity
Wendy
Christmas in July
Busy, beautiful summertime is here! The season that seems so fleeting is bringing us those Carolina Blue skies and warm temperatures perfect for beach or pool weather. Is the heat a little much sometimes? Do a visualization of cooler autumn days and upcoming holidays - that’s right, think Christmas in July!
The launch of the July - December mini catalog has us thinking about making holiday cards - not just Christmas, but Halloween and Thanksgiving, too! You’ll find lots of new designs in the catalog to inspire you!
Christmas in July is celebrated widely these days, especially in the crafting space. What’s your favorite craft idea during these warm summer months? I am anxious to start on holiday cards. I’m going to make them early this year…no, really…I am! (Wink, wink)
I hope the new Stampin’ Up! catalog inspires your creativity. Here’s a link to see what’s new this year. Meanwhile - enjoy your summer!!
Wendy
Springtime and Ladybugs
Somewhere between the first glimpses of bursting growth in the yard and what we half-jokingly refer to as “The Pollening” lies the excitement of warmer days, planting gardens, and even the dreaded spring cleaning. For card makers, our little spaces overflow with images of flowers. Where did all these floral stamps come from? Should we order more? Definitely. Our supplies should be as colorful and varied as those gardens we’re about to see in full bloom!
One of my favorites this spring is Hello Ladybug by Stampin’ Up! It’s a stamp set that can be bundled with a punch that makes the most adorable ladybugs! Check it out here.
Since we’re talking about springtime, Stampin’ Up! also has a set with a greenhouse that you can do some really cool cards and papercrafts with. It’s called the Garden Greenhouse Bundle. There are great creative effects that can be achieved that make the plants look as though they are growing inside the greenhouse, plus you can add more outside. I think this is a really unique set!
Let’s all think spring! Feel free to comment below with your creations that are setting the stage for Springtime!
Until next time…
June 2 - National Rocky Road Day (Yes, there's a stamp for that)
I often think about what a cool job it must be to create new stamp designs for Stampin’ Up!, especially as I try to put of a creative spin in my own work. Today, I happened across some information that told me June 2nd is Rocky Road Day. Believe it or not, there’s an ice cream stamp set, #158224 called “Sweet Ice Cream”. Think of how fun a birthday card would be using this step? Think outside the “cone” and you could create a child’s birthday party invite with this. To make it even more fun, there’s a coordinating punch! Shop here to get this really cute set! Sweet Ice Cream Bundle
