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November 8, 2006 In Canada, 'tis the Season 
Because our Thanksgiving is in October, once Hallowe'en is out of the way, it's Christmas. And I do mean Christmas--trees, santas, ornaments, lights, elves and reindeer in all the stores. Of course, "Holidays" is the official term, but the symbols are entirely Christmas. Except in my neighbourhood, which is predominantly Jewish. And in my house, which is entirely Yule. You'd have a hard time making the distinction between our Yule and Christmas, though. So I've been busy already, making an embroidered Santa pillow for my Mom, and cards for everyone. I'm up to 33 now, and not sure if I need to make any more.
The strange thing is that some of them turn out so well, and others so poorly, even using basically the same design. Effort doesn't seem to have much to do with it either, because some of my favourites took only a few minutes, and some of the ones I spent the most time on I don't really like. On Friday a friend and I went to a local scrapbooking store for a wild evening of card-making. I admired hers, she admired mine, and we both spent about five times as much money on card-making goodies as we would have spent on the equivalent number of Hallmark cards. But the money's not the point.
It's just satisfying to make them myself, and a pleasurable way to pass an evening or two. The hard part is giving them away.
Posted by Andrea at November 8, 2006 7:10 AM under Crafty Lady , The Winter Holiday of Your Choice! EMAIL this entry (comments fields are below this section) Comments They are beautiful, ones that I would treasure and NOT throw out. Posted by: Sharon at November 8, 2006 8:04 AM
Sharon, thank you! Strangely enough, that was part of our conversation on Friday--"Do you think people throw them out?" "No! Don't say that!" So it's good to hear that some people wouldn't. Posted by: Andrea at November 8, 2006 9:34 AM
My friend was visiting this past August and she brought her card-making paraphenalia along with her. It was soooo addictive that I vowed I would steer clear any kind of supply store until the fever had passed. There's simply no time for another hobby. Your cards are lovely. Posted by: Mad Hatter at November 8, 2006 9:50 AM
I would frame them in little frames and use them as Christmas decorations from year to year. They are really nice. And I'm so excited you shared a craft with us!! Woo hoo! Thanks for the inspiration. I need to get my butt in gear and getta move on. Although I don't have much family to make gifts for I still have teachers and bus drivers and some neices and nephews and friends, and swaps. Aye yi yi... I better get busy... 7 weeks left! ACK!! Bye see ya later, I'll be buried under paper and glue and thread and fabric. Posted by: LauraJ at November 8, 2006 10:11 AM
Beautiful cards! Now, when do we get our buddies? I don't know why I'm so excited about this but I am. Posted by: art-sweet at November 8, 2006 10:38 AM
MH, Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated. Laura, I know, I've been thinking the same thing since August. Scarily enough. art-sweet, I'm waiting for one or two more addresses, then I can get the draw set up. Posted by: Andrea at November 8, 2006 11:00 AM
I still have mine from last year! Posted by: Marla at November 8, 2006 11:08 AM
And by the way - last year's card from you inspired me to sign up for a card making class with Nadine this Saturday. Can you see us there? Us?! Posted by: Marla at November 8, 2006 11:09 AM
Oh, nice job! I can't believe you're almost done. I'm still waiting for stamps to arrive... And I kept yours from last year. When I know a card is home-made, I just can't pitch it. I'll prolly even put it out again this year just because it was so pretty! Posted by: Tanya at November 8, 2006 11:26 AM
Don't think I'm not still considering sending self-addressed-stamped envelopes out with mine so that I can have them all back when the holidays are officially over! Ditto what you said about the cost. I'm up to well over $300 now! Shocking, I know! And if you tell my Hubby, I will hurt you! Posted by: PeanutButtersMum at November 8, 2006 2:29 PM
Beautiful!! Posted by: liz at November 8, 2006 3:12 PM
I love homemade cards. Yours are looking pretty spiffy! (I also saved your card from last year. I found it in my scrapbook box about a week ago. I keep them as idea-builders for other projects!) I'll have to post pictures of mine when I get them done. I'll admit that I checked my mailbox compulsively this weekend to see if we'd gotten our assignments yet...I can't wait for the draw. I've already started reading some blogs I don't normally frequent so I could get a jump on it! Posted by: KLee at November 8, 2006 4:05 PM
I never throw away home-made cards and I would definitely not throw away yours - they're gorgeous!! My card from KLee last year is so beautiful, it has inspired me to make my own cards this year. Now you have added more inspiration! Posted by: Sue at November 8, 2006 6:40 PM
oooh. very pretty. almost enough to make me want to try my hand at making my own too... Posted by: suze at November 9, 2006 12:20 AM
Very very pretty. I like them. I am always amazed by the people who make homemade cards. I can't find the time or the energy for it. It's not that you've got time a plenty either, I'm not the one with a child running around. But these are beautiful. And don't remind me! The holidays are coming!! I walked into Starbucks this morning and found they'd redecorated in the 16 hours since my ast cup of coffee - red boxes, red cups, snowflakes, mittens, - holiday joy abounds. I live in an area where they sell mostly the "christmas blend" too. I think I'm still going to hold out for the "Holiday" blend, in deference to all the holidays, not just the variations I choose to ignore. ;) Posted by: rachel at November 9, 2006 10:40 PM
LOVE the cards. and funny, the first one you posted with the snowflake paper, i bought that very paper TODAY. HA Posted by: Tanya at November 10, 2006 7:19 PM
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