Cards

A few years ago, I started the hobby of making greeting cards. It was a natural extension from the other crafts I have done for years like scrapbooking. I enjoy creating and designing simple cards that have various styles, techniques and textures. They become pieces of art that I can share with a family member or a friend. They are just a small token to let people know they are in my thoughts. I make each one with care and attention to detail as if it was a painting on a canvas. I am happy to give such a small piece of myself.

The cards help me in another way too. They are excellent for practicing my hand motor skills. I trace, cut and glue paper elements on the card and add other embellishments (ribbons, bows and labels) to make one-of-a-kind creations. It increases my eye-hand coordination (a major disability for patients with Parkinson’s) while establishing muscle memory for cutting, pasting and writing. These are all skills that can be diminished or lost with PD so I need to do them repetitively in order to retain some ability. Oh yes, most importantly, making the cards are just plain fun.

This simple hobby affords me so many benefits in addition to the therapeutic ones. By creating a card for a friend or family member, I get to really think about that individual, even if only for a few minutes. I try to match the theme of the card, nautical, floral, sports, etc. to the one who will be receiving it. I find making cards for men is the most challenging and fun. Do they golf or cycle or fish? Knowing just some small thing about them enables me to highlight this on the front of their birthday or get well card. Since the guys in my family are crazy about fishing, boating and automobiles, I never run out of ideas.

Often I make a card just to say, “hell-o” or “I am thinking of you.” It is such a small gesture that seems to leave a big impact at a time when people least expect it. Perhaps it is the surprise element of receiving a card on just an ordinary day that brings a smile to their face. It is good for them to receive it and so good for me to make it….