Hello Reader,
As you can see, the next issue has been printed! They're folding it today. Another issue is nearly done.
Coincidentally, today is...
For over a dozen years now, I've been sending this as an antidote to "Cyber Monday."
Today's the day to create a good old-fashioned made-by-hand gift. It doesn't have to be something complicated, just something simple showing your recipient that you took some time. Time is precious; showing someone that you took time out of the busy season to make something heartfelt is powerful and will be appreciated.
Create something that comes from YOU. It could be a handwritten card, a little embroidery on a hankie, some cookies made from scratch, a simply sewn pin cushion, an ornament made from found objects, a collage of pretty pictures, a finger-painting made with your child, a snowman in the yard, a crocheted granny square coaster, a handmade notebook of blank pages with a found-paper cover... these are just a few little ideas that pop into my head.
Stay away from DIY posts, social media and Pinterest! Nowadays, it is too easy to get bogged down in the perceived perfection of Instagram and the tyranny of step-by-step craft instructions. Today's the day to unplug from these distractions. Comparing yourself to others and following directions can be detrimental to genuine creativity. Use your own ideas, your own resources, your own ingenuity... you will make something that is from you and your heart.
Make something out of nothing. Be experimental. Be silly. Creativity comes from letting yourself go a little bit. If you worry about stitching a straight line, today's the day to zigzag. Gather all your creative supplies onto the table and see what emerges.
Enjoy the process. Making things is a lot of fun!
