Hey everyone! I wanted to pop in here really quick to share a fun card I recently created for a Shoebox Swap I attended before Thanksgiving. People were asking me a lot of questions about Shoebox Swaps on Instagram, so I thought I would also answer those here. Stick around, as I have a fun giveaway at the end of this post!WINNER is posted at the end of this post!
ShoeBox Swaps
A ShoeBox swap is a fun get together where everyone who attends designs a card and kits it for the number of people who are attending. You then put your kits and all the supplies needed to create the card, along with the sample in a container. At the ShoeBox Swap we all describe out cards and then get creating! We each work on card and then pass the containers around until you have created all of the cards. It really is so much fun!!
My friend Liz recently hosted a Shoebox Swap and I was so excited that I was able to go. A few days before the event I was designing my card, and decided to hop on Periscope and play with watercoloring. I also had noticed I accidentally purchased doubles of this adorable wplus9 stamp set, so I did a little giveaway at the time on Periscope. ( a good reason to follow me on Periscope 😉)
I had originally been shadowing the polar bear with gray, but it was a suggestion of one of my Periscope viewers to try Antique Linen and I loved it! (In the picture above you can see all the different containers people use for the swap 😉 )
During the swap we made 11 fabulous cards! Loved all the different supplies we got to play with and just the fun creative time!
Ok, so now onto my card. As I mentioned above the colors I used to watercolor were inspired by my Periscope peeps! I used Distress Inks to watercolor. Added in a little bit of Lawn Fawn dies, and stamps too creating this really fun greeting that could be sent all winter!
We embellished the card with some liquid applique on her pom pom, and some Glisten Stickles in the background. So cute! All the supplies are listed below.
Now I know I mentioned a giveaway! I am sure many of you know about the Share Handmade Kindness Challenges Jennifer Mcguire did throughout the month of November. I loved this and it has really inspired me to send more handmade cards to friends. I know, crazy right?! I make all these cards, but rarely do they make it into the mail. That is because I like to keep some for samples to share in my classes and art retreats but also it’s just because I forget. Forget no more! Even though the challenges are done, I am inspired to keep the momentum going!!
At Simon Says Stamp Create event, we got the stamp set that Hero Art released especially for this campaign and then I was super lucky to get one of Jennifer’s Share Handmade Kindness packages! I also accidentally purchase a couple doubles of some SSS ink (I need to stop doing that LOL) So I have 2 ink pads and the extra stamp set and I want to share it with YOU!
Share with me below in the comments what you are doing to still share handmade kindness.
How I am still sharing handmade kindness: I created some card kits for my card above and shipped them to friends 🙂 Share with me what you have been doing and I will pull/announce a winner Saturday December 12th at 8a- right here!
WINNER: Gina McClellan
Share Handmade Kindness Giveaway!
I continue to share handmade kindness by sending cards to the kids at the children’s hospital here in Denver. It really lights up their day and puts a smile on the faces of the kids and the parents!!
My latest shared handmade kindness was for a program that we are having at work right now. Our department adopted a family through the RAIN program and we take care of their Christmas presents for this year. So I made the gift card holder and the gift tags for all the presents.
Thanks for the chance to win the stamp and the inks 😉 love your blog articles and scopes. Great job and fun to watch/ read!
Great tips thank you. My uncle just turned 100 and I sent him a special large print card. I always send my family handmade birthday cards. My sister in law has breast cancer and I have been sending her a card a week and make thanks you cards for her to send out. I too make more cards then I send out . Thank you for ypur inspiration! Merry christmas
oh,and the posts I see on FB of milartary and sick childrenI have put on my christmas card list
several friends have had birthdays recently, and I enjoy making special cards for them because I know they will not be getting others like them. I also was sharing your talents and kindness in helping us by watching the periscope tonight with my grands. They love to craft and enjoyed watching you! They gave you a lot of hearts to show that! Barb
I gathered birth dates of friends’ children and have been sending birthday cards to the kids.
I have made some cards and mailed to friends I have met through social media but hope to meet in real life someday.
December is one of the best months to create handmade kindness in the form of baked goods, crafts, cards, kind gestures, and so much more. It is a great month to recognize those with service jobs such as the mailman, teachers, librarians, and the list goes on. I like to do something special for teachers, other parents, and people who don’t expect it
A friends mother turned 96. Wow what an accomplishment ! I just had to do something. So I made her a very special card and made fudge (she has a sweet tooth) and gave it to her. She has so thankful, she cried.
I have been making cards for friends of my mum’s who have been going through a rough time. It is great to be able to share what I love doing with others.
Hi! I’ve been making cards for card drives for veterans and for people who need cheering up. Thank you for the chance to win.
I made a dish, desserts or cookies and bring some to my mom in law which she find it nice and sweet because she never experience that before on her other daughter in law, and bring also for the nurses. I gave also to my husbands colleagues, and my friends.
I’ve been making cards and sending them to random friends and social contacts. I love sharing the love of handmade cards.
I’ve been creating cards and giving it to all my students in the class and having them make their own in small centers as well
I am making cards and giving them away. I usually charge for my cards, but I have been handing them out more readily since the Handmade Kindness campaign. It is also the time of year that I do a lot of baking. I have been making goodies and giving them away too!
I send at least one hand made card every week. This challenge was a great way to help me to use my cards too. Thanks for a chance to win!
I’m still doing Christmas cards. I added more people this year. I’ve also made potholders and felt ornaments to give away.
I am sharing handmade kindness by making cards for my family ‘just because’. The closest ones around me always watch handmade kindness go to others & not themselves. Something I need to be better about. 🙂
Such a fun dun fun crafting party! Love the idea 🙂 Yes I am still sharing handmade kindness. Thank you for the inspiration.
I send handmade Christmas and birthday cards.
Jennifer inspired us all and I love how kindness spreads with just a little act. I send a few of my friends something sweet. Thanks for sharing your sweet post and for the chance to win.
Jennifer inspired me as well. I sent a friend on IG a package of goodies! I love doing that when I can.
And thanks for this giveaway, awesome prizes!
I have been making cards for co workers with a few words of encouragement since it’s a very busy season for us. I love the stamp set Jennifer McGuire partnered with hero arts to make and the share handmade kindness campaign. Thanks for a chance to win. 🙂
I made some cards for kids who have cancer as well as some for their siblings and parents. Also made some cards for my ups and fedex driver as I know they are probably really busy during this holiday season.
For my 5 year old daughter and I to engage in an activity together and to help instill creativity in her, we make handmade cards to send to family and friends. My daughter sometimes adds touchs to the cards, I would never have thought of doing. With handmade cards, we are also able to send more happiness around.
The Shoebox swap sounds like so much fun..wish I had crafty friends nearby to do it with! I haven’t been able to contribute as much as I would have liked to the sharehandmadekindness campaign thanks to my toddlers..but still trying to do my bit..giving out cards to my kids daycare instructors, at my doctors, friends..will be making some cookies too to give out during New Years..thanks for the giveaway! Xx
I am still sharing homemade kindness by customizing and hand wrapping each Christmas gift I give this year! I am making each one unique and using homemade ribbons, stamps and gift tags to decorate and customize them for the person they are for
What a fun party idea! I just sent out several *sunshine boxes* to far-flung friends!
I love all the wonderful “Kindness” that Jennifer inspired with her amazing campaign. I just hosted a giveaway based on her ideas on my blog and I loved doing it! Made to happy to put smiles on the faces of others, just as you are!
PS: LOVE the card and happily own the SSS set! So cute
No need to include me in the giveaway….pick someone new! 🙂
I have 2 cousins that are battling cancer this year. I have been sending them cards of love and encouragement.
One of my cousins, Michelle (cousins by marriage, but we’re very close) takes all of the holiday cards I send her and displays them on her mantle for every holiday. Well, after Christmas last year they had a flood in their basement and all of their Christmas decorations got wet and ruined, including the Christmas cards I’ve been sending her for years. So, starting in July (i.e. Christmas in July) I have sent them a handmade Christmas Card on the 12 days of Christmas theme (counting down from 12 to the partridge of course)…each month to “restock” her holiday card collection…She was SOOO grateful and now with the regular Christmas card for this year, she’ll have 6 cards to fill in what would have been an empty space on her mantle! Just a little kindness goes a long way! 🙂 Happy Holidays All!
I am making Shaker card tags for Christmas Eve pajama’s. This is a tradition that is 60 years old. We get to open one present on Christmas Eve, and it was always pajama’s. I still do this for my kids and grandkids.
i have been getting together with a friend to make Christmas cards to send to our families and friends. Some of the cards I have made previously, I have given to an organization that sends them to our servicemen and women.
I’m making Christmas cards to send my best wishes to all my friends and to my family! Thank you for this amazing chance to win this beautiful set! I love it! And thank you for sharing, your cards are absolutely stunning!
Great fun with that shoe box swaps! I have sent so many cards to one of the Kindergarten school in my area to celebrate Christmas! And some are in the process too. Thanks for the chance to win! Your card is so adorable!
I have been sending out some fun surprise packages since Thanksgiving….a holiday decorating/cookbook to my MIL, some framed beachy prints of my hubby’s awesome photography for some friends in the cold Midwest, a couple of holiday themed outfits for my granddaughters (along with some Shopkins, of course) It has been fun for the past week to get the thank you messages and phone calls. It IS more fun to give than receive.
A dear friend has been very sick and unable to go out. So I sent her a card kit to make handmade Christmas cards. She said she had a fun day creating!
I don’t know how you do such much, and so beautifully, Jen!
Love your card and the colors you used! The liquid appliqué as snow always makes me smile when I see it on a card.
I’m sharing handmade kindness by baking cookies for neighbors and colleagues as a surprise and including a handcrafted tag w/each gift platter. I’m also making notes of appreciation for several doctors and other service providers who have helped me tremendously this year.
I am still sharing handmade kindness by making personalized holiday cards for my hubby’s parents, aunts and uncles who are all dog lovers. I have gotten stamps that look like each of their dogs and am coloring them all up to look like the various fur babies. They are all making it on cards to send out asap with holiday gift baskets. 2 down 3 to go! 🙂 tfs and a chance to win! Hugs, Kristina
Great card jenn love each the colors! I make cards for our sunshine fund at work for when employees need cheering or sympathy cards …would love to do a card swap …if you ever want to history one in plymouth… I have the space!
Hi Jenn,
I am making card sets for family members so they can share kindness with others too!!
That Shoe Box Swap party is a FANTASTIC idea!! I would LOVE to go to one of those with friends! Your card is absolutely precious. I love that stamp! What I’ve done to share some handmade kindness is make a bunch of Christmas cards for my mom to mail out. She LOVES my work (but of course!) but just can’t make the cards (shaky hands). So I make a bunch for her to send out. And guess what – I LOVE doing it!
I live with crippling anxiety and lately I’ve rarely been leaving my house. I’m so inspired by your blogs and periscopes. It brings me out of the funk. Crafters are some of the kindest people I know because we share what we make! I’m making cards for the staff at my daughter’s school to spread kindness.
First step is to actually mail cards which I also don’t often do. Making variety of cards as gifts so that friends can also share. Also sending cards to those that may normally hear from particularly during rough times. Have a cousin that I sent cards to during cancer treatments even though I had not seen her in years. Couple years later I saw her and she told me she saves everything I send. Makes a statement. It does matter
I am trying to learn more paper crafting skills. Although I own tons of scrapbook stuff, I’m terrible at making more than a simple scrapbook page. I need to be “shown” how to do stuff.
My sister in law adopts “grandparents” at the local nursing home with Mary Kay products for men and women and we love to partner up with my card/tag making skills to wrap their gifts for Christmas
Adorable, thanks for the inspiration! I love to share kindness by sending homemade cards, old fashioned snail mail is still the best!
Carol B
ciaoitalia2007 (at) gmail (dot) com
I love your projects. Great job! I wasnt able to purchase this stamp set but how I participated in thos campaign was a made a ton of “Just Because” cards and handed them out to total strangers who either made me smile or who just needed a lift up!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
My husband work a lot of hours in the winter so I am home alone, A LOT! So for fun I hole up and make cards like a fiend! LOL I am donating all of my Christmas cards to my local nursing home this year instead of sending them to my family & friends! As the seniors cannot shop for these things without the help of their families, this way they can feel independent.
So much fun! Love the idea of the shoebox swap!! That card is so pretty layered with those colors of inks! The scallop edge is perfect!
Your card is adorable and I love all the cards you made at the shoebox swap – sounds like such a fun event! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! I am sharing handmade kindness by making Christmas cards and mailing them out! I’ve made some and mailed some, and I am still making and still mailing! The overseas cards had to get mailed early!
WOW!! how sweet of you Jenn!!!
How fun you had a shoebox swap!!! Love it!!!
I actually just mailed a christmas card to a little girl in New York who is a burn victim, she sadly lost her entire family in the fire. They are asking people to send her christmas cards. So I immediately sent her one!!!
I also bought some toys for toys for tots and dropped those off!!! So fun to do nice things for people in need.
Thanks Jenn!!
~Lindsay~
Shoebox swaps sound like a lot of fun! I must keep that in mind while I continue looking for new crafty friends in the neighborhood as we’ve just moved here. I’ve made cards to the mailmen and garbage truck men and will carry on doing so. Have also been sending some crafting goodies to friends I’ve been blessed to know.
Jenn, I was so great meeting you, and what a great time weall had at liz’s !
I love the kindness campaign. It made me dig out a huge handful of my stash of cards and FINALLY send them to friends!
I want to go to a shoebox swap at Liz’s house – sobs at desk.. Love your card, Antique Linen for the bear was a great suggestion..one I shall be borrowing. I leave for the UK tomorrow, so Happy Christmas to you, Chris and Mister Harley..Cx
The “sharing handmade kindness” campaign has inspired me to share some baked goodies along with a handmade card with friends who I work with.
I’m new to your blog and love your style!!
Thanks for the chance to win : )
We invited the neighborhood over for an Open House. We never socialize and we have a new couple moving in so thought this would be a fun way for them to meet everyone. Working on ornaments and gifts for others.
Sweet! I need to have a card party like that!! I make handmade cards year round – therapeutic! : ) – and giving them to friends. Plus I make jewelry and crochet items as gifts, too. I also have some kids parties and tea parties planned and my guests always go home with a goodie bag with handmade items.
I’ve just been trying to send out more handmade cards more often. I especially enjoy sending cards “just because.” I seem to have more fun making cards that do not have to be for one specific occasion or event. Over the past several years, though, I had gotten away from card making as I got more in to different forms of artsy crafty stuff (i.e. mixed media). Then I realized I always loved sending out cards just because I wanted to make a friend smile or to let them know I am thinking of them so I like to think that is how I am spreading kindness. 🙂
I love sharing my cards. Last year I have home made cards as gifts. Just bundle up a variety, tie with a pretty bow and your gift is ready. But I also send them. I like to imagine people appreciate the hand made cards more than store bought . Even if it’s not true, I get a lot of satisfaction in the giving 🙂
I have been sending out even more cards than usual and i am also putting together a large box filled with blankets, toys, slippers, stocking stuffers and a few other treats that will go to a homeless family in 2 weeks. I am going to do a box a month for the entire year of 2016. Each month will be sent to a family that is having a hard time. I plan to throw in some grocery gift cards and maybe even some McDonald’s gift certificates too since all kids love McD’s!
Thanks for the chance to win these awesome goodies!! They would come in handy for the Just Because cards that I send out weekly!
I am going to start making my holiday cards soon and I have been getting crafty with decoupage and making wreaths out of homemade pom-poms for co-workers! It is my holiday tradition to make each one of my co-workers something rather than buy them gifts. Excited about this years project!
After being inspired by Jennifer this past month I thought it would be nice to have some small gifts of kindness for our mailman and sanitation workers who come by each day/week on our street. I have enlisted the kids help and they are excited about the possibility of spreading kindness. I love your idea of the shoe box swaps. I also thought your card was totally adorable.
I’ve been making cards to send to friends and this week I will begin on my holiday give-away treats. Each year our church puts together baskets of joy to give out to some in our community who are alone and could use an extra smile. I love living in a tiny community that still does this kind of personal reaching out.
<3 J
jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com
I just hopped over from IG and I still love this card sooo much! Can’t get enough of it!! I exchanged addresses with some IG crafters over the past couple of weeks and I’m planning to send them ards in the future!
One of our neighbors is alone this week as his wife went to tend to sick family out of town. I sent over dinner to him (he’s pretty inept in the kitchen!). Nothing huge but I am trying to remember to take more time to be kind to others!
Oh that just sounds like so much fun!! I just wish I could attend the retreats one day 🙂 I’ve been working on some holiday cards 🙂
We are making cards to go with gift baskets for the needy. Thank you for a chance to win.
It’s not crafty, but am planning to do the Christmas giving tree at my fave cupcake shop! I love that it’s for a local family. The shop is my fave for helping out the community–they rock. And I’m supporting local business by buying all those cupcakes, right?! Lol.
oh how great is that shoe box swap!
your cards are so beautiful!
love them.
thank you for chance to win .
have a nice day
hugs!
>^.^<
I love your cards. I’ve been making cards for the Instafriends who have filled my year with joy.