Say A Heartfelt "Hello" With a Handmade Card
My mother first taught me the importance and impact of handwritten notes. She kept a box filled with blank cards for all occasions, and she raised me to always write a thank you for every birthday and holiday gift I received. From her example and encouragement I learned that cards and handwritten notes hold a certain power to bring joy and comfort and to show appreciation for others that newer technologies and even verbal conversations simply cannot convey.
I had the privilege of seeing this in action in 2000, while still in high school, when I worked at a Hallmark store. I helped people find just the right words and images to express themselves and saw how cards can foster connections and help people slow down to appreciate their loved ones.
Fast forward 20 years. I rediscovered my passion for art during the long pandemic days of the spring of 2020. My son and I participated in “Lunch Doodles With Mo Willems,” a program offered through the Kennedy Center, that encouraged families to connect and draw together. The classes inspired me to learn more and grow as an artist. I then played around with acrylic painting for a while before really getting into watercolors.
Although I was discovering my passion for painting, I lacked the confidence to ever take it beyond a hobby until a few great friends encouraged me to keep growing as an artist. I began making greeting cards, and my husband helped me develop my entrepreneurial spirit.
Now, I find joy each day in learning new techniques, making beautiful art, and helping spread joy through the tradition of giving greeting cards. Thank you for checking out The Handmade Hello, and I hope you’re able to use my creations to share some love!