There’s no denying that the new Magical Forest collection by Crate Paper is giving everyone all the whimsy vibes. I’m just smitten with the playful nature of it! When I got my hands on it, I wondered what I would make first. A Layout? Flip album? Something totally new? I decided I wanted to create something that would highlight the enchanting phrases in the collection because I love how they try to spark that child-like magic and wonder in all of us.
Being an adult can be so draining. There’s little room for wonder and magic when you’re bustling to stay afloat in life’s ocean of demands. But sometimes, there are those precious moments that remind us just how rich the joy of simple pleasures can be. Like the random sight of pretty flowers. Or a butterfly suddenly dancing across your face. That first sip of decadent hot chocolate. Even a word of encouragement found in the most unexpected place.
Simple joys like these inspire motivation to keep going or even start something new. And if I could make even one person feel a sense of joy or motivation amidst chaos - because I’ve often been the one needing it - then I’d consider myself pretty accomplished.
I decided to create some encouragement cards to keep with me in my purse that I could leave in random places for people to discover - and hopefully find joy! My Nana taught me when I was a little girl that even the smallest act of kindness, even just a friendly smile, has the power to change everything for someone. That really stuck with me growing up, and this collection inspired me to act on that statement in a creative way.
I took a few of my favorite patterned papers from the collection and trimmed them down to 4x3 inch cards. To make them more whimsical looking, I rounded the corners with the feature on my envelope punch board. Then I began embellishing!
Using ephemera and cardstock stickers, I detailed each card to say something encouraging. My favorite one is “grow like a wildflower.” I even included a couple ephemera pieces with cute phrases on them. After the encouragement cards were finished, I used my envelope punch board to make a small box envelope to hold all the cards inside. This way, I can easily carry it in my purse for easy access without risk of bending or damaging the cards.
Imagine discovering an encouragement handmade card in the most unlikely of places at the right time. There are days where we all struggle to have faith or stay positive. And it’s words and actions of kindness that sometimes make all the difference. Restaurants, gas stations, workplaces, park benches, and stores are just some ideas where you can leave these little encouragement cards for others to discover. You may never know it, but you could possibly change someone’s day with your creativity and kindness! That’s the very best part about this craft idea.
I hope someone feels inspired to give this a try. And if you don’t want to leave them for random people to find, keep them close and give them to dear friends and family when you gather. Or you can even keep them in places for yourself to see and stay encouraged throughout your day! Remember that your words have power and you can use them creatively to spread joy to others and even yourself. How magical is that?
Supplies: Magical Forest - Ephemera Pack (351022), Clear Sticker Book (351020), Puffy Sticker Alpha (351016), Cardstock Stickers (351012), Alpha Thickers (351009), Wildflower (351003), Childhood (351000), Wishes (350997), Sunlight (351996), Meadow (351999)
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