Writing As A Gift
“What am I supposed to give Anthony as a wedding gift?” I asked Kristin, my bridesmaid and person-who-was-married. “I mean, what kinds of things do brides give their grooms? I was thinking of hiring someone to clean the house before we left for the honeymoon so we’d come back to a spotless house. Is that a good wedding gift?”
“Um, no,” she said gently, so as not to make me feel like an idiot. “It should be something personal. Like, you could paint him a picture, or make a scrapbook, or write him a poem…”
A poem? Why, I had at least a dozen poems I’d written about him that he’d never seen. And if I wrote a few more, I’d have a whole chapbook!
That’s exactly what I did. Over the next couple of months, I wrote more poems. I wrote the final one the day before our wedding, capturing my feelings on the eve of our marriage. Then I printed them out, three-hole-punched them, made a cardstock cover, and tied the pages together with ribbon.
On our wedding day, I took him aside after our ceremony and read him the last poem. It was a perfect gift.
But you don’t have to wait for such a monumental occasion to use writing as a gift. One of my friends writes children’s books and illustrates them, then gives them to her grandkids on their birthdays. A successful greeting card publisher started out her business because she used to write original cards for all of her family and friends– they loved them so much that they encouraged her to offer her sentiments to the masses.
I’ve also “donated” personal essays to anthologies, just so I could give the book as a gift to the person the essay was about. I wrote a love letter to Anthony and sent it off to be published in the anthology Love Letters of a Lifetime, then gave it to him for Valentine’s Day.
A poem I wrote for my grandmother was made into a plaque by the James Lawrence Company. A poem to my mother was made into a plaque as well, which I gave her for Mother’s Day.
For my bridal shower, a family friend gave me two journals: one for Anthony, one for me. On the card, she wrote her instructions: We were to write in our journals every day, and exchange them on our first anniversary.
Your words don’t have to be published to be gifts. You can design your own prints, cards, banners, and books on your computer, or go truly hand-made and pick up a pack of construction paper and markers.
If you want to get fancy, you can hire an artist to make you a cover or design your work for you. Finding them couldn’t be simpler: try Googling “illustrators,” “graphic designers,” or “artists” and see for yourself!
You may write and self-publish your family history as a gift for all your relatives and future generations. Print-on-demand companies make this an affordable option if you shop around and do away with the “extras.”
You may use a program like Greetings Workshop to design a calendar. You can insert your own photos and poems or short sentiments, and even write in your own imaginative holidays.
Write your own romance, starring you and your significant other, as an anniversary gift. (Could be a short story, or a novella if you’re feeling ambitious!)
Write a story to be read every Christmas as a new family tradition.
Write an inspirational poem for a relative who’s in the hospital.
Write a limerick to stick in your daughter’s lunchbox.
At the local printer, a personalization shop, or several places online, you can have your words made up into a t-shirt, mug, poster, bumper sticker, magnet, or plaque.
It’s wonderful to find that strangers enjoy your published words, but it can be even nicer to find that your words can light up your children’s eyes, or your spouse’s, or your parents’. A gift of your talent and your heart is generous, and more meaningful than anything you could get at the local mega-mall. Spend some time today writing for someone you love.Jenna Glatzer is the editor ofhttp://www.absolutewrite.com(pick up a FREE list of agents looking for new writers!) and the author of 14 books, including MAKE A REAL LIVING AS A FREELANCE WRITER, which comes with a FREE Editors’ Cheat Sheet. She’s also Celine Dion’s authorized biographer. Visit Jenna athttp://www.jennaglatzer.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/6797.html
Scrapbooking for Beginners : How to Find Cardstock for Scrapbooking
|
|
Stampin Up Cardstock SOFT SUEDE New $8.50 |
|
|
Stampin Up Cardstock CHOCOLATE CHIP New $8.50 |
|
|
SILVER CARDSTOCK heavy shiny metallic 15 sheets 4×6 $4.25 |
|
|
PORTAFOLIA 36 SHEETS 12″X12″ SCRAPBOOKING CRAFT PAPER CARDSTOCK SHEETS SCRAPBOOK $17.09 |
|
|
Scrapbooking Valentines Cupid Arrow Cardstock Stickers $2.99 |
|
|
2″ X 12 ” DCWV Premium Stacks – Glitter Cardstock Border Punch Strips $5.99 |
|
|
Prima Marketing SIGNS OF SPRING cardstock 1, 12X12, new $1.38 |
|
|
Jillibean Soup ~Summer Squash Soup cardstock stickers~Adorable! so useful!~New $2.89 |
|
|
Scrapbooking Stickers Senior Cardstock Stickers $2.99 |
|
|
Prima Marketing SIGNS OF SPRING cardstock 2, 12X12, new $1.38 |
|
|
Prima Marketing SIGNS OF SPRING 3 cardstock, 12X12, new $1.38 |
|
|
Prima Marketing SIGNS OF SPRING 4 cardstock, 12X12, new $1.38 |
|
|
Prima Marketing SIGNS OF SPRING 5 cardstock, 12X12, new $1.38 |
|
|
Prima Marketing SIGNS OF SPRING 6 cardstock, 12X12 bird $1.38 |
|
|
Cosmo Cricket ~LIL’ MAN cardstock stickers~Adorable! so useful!~New $1.99 |
|
|
KI MEMORIES embossed cardstock ELSIE ROXIE CHARMING $1.25 |
|
|
LOT of 15 8X10 CHRISTMAS Scrapbook card stock paper * Green * Polka dots *Stripe $0.99 |
|
|
Kelli Panacci Cardstock Sticker Frames $2.29 |
|
|
Kelli Panacci Cardstock Stickers Punctuations $2.29 |
|
|
DEJA BLUE – by The Paper Studio – Lot of 34 pieces of scrapbook/cardstock papers $4.25 |
|
|
Kelli Panacci Cardstock Stickers Upper Case Monograms $2.29 |
|
|
7 CARDSTOCK 12″X12″ CHRISTMAS DIE CUTS, BORDERS, TAGS, LABELS, SCRAPBOOK LOT $11.01 |
|
|
PS – 9th Grade Freshman Cardstock Scrapbooking Stickers $2.49 |
|
|
PS – 11th Grade Junior Cardstock Scrapbook Stickers $2.49 |
|
|
K&COMPANY EDAMAME SCRAPBOOK CARDSTOCK DIE-CUTS FLOWERS GIRLS FAMILY LOVE $5.29 |
|
|
SS – Class of 2012 ORANGE Cardstock Scrapbook Paper $1.00 |
|
|
JENNI BOWLIN CORE IMPRESSIONS ~ 12″ X 12″ COLOR CORE CARDSTOCK PAD ~ EVERYDAY $12.59 |
|
|
JENNI BOWLIN CORE IMPRESSIONS~12″ X 12″ COLOR CORE CARDSTOCK PAD~RED & BLACK $12.59 |
|
|
JENNI BOWLIN CORE IMPRESSIONS~12″ X 12″ COLOR CORE CARDSTOCK PAD~VINTAGE BRIGHTS $12.59 |
|
|
Scrapbooking Wedding Love Of My Life Cardstock Sticker $2.54 |
|
|
Scrapbooking Baseball Accent Cardstock Stickers $2.54 |
|
|
2 SPORTS FAN CLUB DOUBLESIDED CARDSTOCK 12X12 LOT $1.40 |
|
|
My Mind’s Eye So Sophie Peaceful Plum 12×12 double sided cardstock-2 sheets $1.30 |
|
|
Scrapbooking Baseball Elements Cardstock Stickers $2.99 |
|
|
My Mind’s Eye So Sophie Precious Stripe 12×12 double sided cardstock-2 sheets $1.30 |
|
|
New Recollections Cardstock Paper Pack -50 sheets – 8.5″x11′ (Cool Water) $3.99 |
|
|
Recollections Cardstock Paper-25 Sheets-65lb. 8.5″x11′ (Multi-colored Cupcakes) $4.99 |
|
|
Scrapbooking Family Ties Cardstock Stickers NIP $3.49 |
|
|
BAZZILL BASICS Card Shoppe Cardstock 150 Lot 8.5 x 11 Cricut Silhouette Ecraft $49.99 |
|
|
The Paper Company Assorted Cardstock 8.5″x11″ -50 Sheets (Cypress) $3.99 |
|
|
Prima LONDONERRY 12×12 DS Scrapbook Cardstock 7pc $4.46 |
|
|
Prima NORTH COUNTRY 12×12 DS Scrapbook Cardstock 8pc $5.10 |
|
|
Club Scrap 1000+ sheets Cardstock LOT – 47 packs NEW 12×12 and 8.5×11 $229.00 |
|
|
Scrapbooking 12×12 Cardstock Craft Paper Pack and Alphabet Cardstock Sticker Kit $8.59 |
|
|
Prima – Romantique Collection – Cardstock Stickers – Alphabet – Typeset $3.99 |
|
|
JENNI BOWLIN COLOR CORE CARDSTOCK ~ 12″ X 12″ CORE AMOUR $14.85 |
|
|
Doodlebug Designs Cardstock Stickers Dog Tags $2.69 |
|
|
University of Iowa Cardstock Stickers FRAMES $4.00 |
|
|
Bo Bunny Bad to the Bone Dog Cardstock Stickers $2.69 |
|
|
Scrapbooking 12×12 Cardstock Craft Paper Pack and Alphabet Cardstock Sticker Kit $8.59 |
|
|
Obscure Chipboard, Cardstock $0.99 |
|
|
Deja Views Christmas Wishes Cardstock Stickers 47 PCS $3.49 |
|
|
Paper Company Cardstock Value Pack Asst 4.5X6.5 100/PkgParchment THE PAPER COMPANY-Cardstock Value Pack. This pack includes all the right colors to create that special scrapbook; card or other paper craft project. This premium quality 4-1/2×6-1/2in cardstock is acid and lignin free as well as lightfast. Each package contains 100 sheets: twenty each of five bright bold colors: red; yellow; blue; green and orange. Made in USA…. |
|
|
Wire Brush Set 2 Piece Case Pack 48 $12.00 Wire Brush Set 2 Piece. Case Pack 48 Please note: If there is a color/size/type option, the option closest to the image will be shipped (Or you may receive a random color/size/type)…. |
|
|
Simple Stories – Summer Fresh Collection – 12 x 12 Cardstock Stickers – Fundamentals $2.99 Includes one 12″ x 12″ sheet of cardstock stickers…. |
|
|
Paper House Productions – 3 Dimensional Cardstock Stickers – Drama Club $3.99 Each package includes one 4.5″ x 7″ sheet of dimensional stickers…. |
|
|
Anna Griffin – Fleur Rouge Collection – Foiled 3 Dimensional Cardstock Stickers – Titles $4.99 Each package includes ten dimensional stickers with foil accents…. |
|
|
Wilton Wedding Invitation Kits Easy as 1, 2, 3â¦with step-by-step instructions to make your invitations look custom-printed! Set of 25 includes: 25 invitations and mailing envelopes, 25 reply cards and envelopes, 25 pre-tied bows with adhesives, and 3 test sheets. Also great for wedding shower invitations…. |
|
|
Merry Christmas Glitter Double-Sided Cardstock 12X12-Starry Ornaments BEST CREATION-Merry Christmas Collection. This gorgeous glittered paper does not lose its glitter. This package contains twenty-five 12×12 inch sheets of double-sided glitter paper. Acid and lignen free. Available in a variety of Merry Christmas designs: each sold separately. Imported…. |
|
|
Paper Company Value Pack Cards & Envelopes 5.25X7.25 50 Sets/Pkg Ivory P80016; 2 Items/Order $19.98 THE PAPER COMPANY-Value Pack Cards & Envelopes. These top quality cardstock and paper envelopes are perfect for invitations; announcements; greeting and much more! All of The Paper Company’s cardstock and paper products are acid and lignin free; lightfast and archival. This package contains fifty 5-1/4×7-1/2in cards with matching envelopes: Ivory. Made in USA. “… |
|
|
12 PACK CARDSTOCK STIX DANCE FEVER Papercraft, Scrapbooking (Source Book) $30.24 12 PACK CARDSTOCK STIX DANCE FEVER KAREN FOSTER DESIGN Cardstock StickersEach sheet is approximately 5½ x 9…. |
|
|
12 PACK CARDSTOCK STIX AUSTRALIA Papercraft, Scrapbooking (Source Book) $30.24 12 PACK CARDSTOCK STIX AUSTRALIA KAREN FOSTER DESIGN Cardstock StickersEach sheet is approximately 5½ x 9…. |
|
|
Art of Layers: Simple Techniques, Inventive Scrapbook Pages, Imaginative Papercrafts $10.57 New – Basic scrapbooking has you place photos and embellishments on cardstock or patterned paper – easy and…well, basic. The next step for most scrapbookers is layering. But trying to get that rich, interesting layered look can be very intimidating. Where do you even start? “Art of Layers” teaches scrapbookers and beginning mixed media artists just how easy it is to get to that layered look in any papercrafting project. Author Ronda Palazzari teaches readers 50 techniques that will serve as to |
|
|
Art of Layers: Simple Techniques, Inventive Scrapbook Pages, Imaginative Papercrafts $10.57 Used – Basic scrapbooking has you place photos and embellishments on cardstock or patterned paper – easy and…well, basic. The next step for most scrapbookers is layering. But trying to get that rich, interesting layered look can be very intimidating. Where do you even start? “Art of Layers” teaches scrapbookers and beginning mixed media artists just how easy it is to get to that layered look in any papercrafting project. Author Ronda Palazzari teaches readers 50 techniques that will serve as t |
|
|
Get Started Scrapbooking: 7 Projects $20.61 New – Provides a simple, clear guide to getting started in this wildly popular hobby. Includes tips on organizing photos, choosing a type of scrapbook album, using color effectively in layouts, taking good photos, and more. Seven simple step-by-step scrapbook layouts show readers how to use basic scrapbooking supplies – cardstock, patterned paper, die cuts, stickers, ribbons, and other purchased embellishments – to enhance special photographs. |
|
|
Get Started Scrapbooking: 7 Projects $8.44 Used – Provides a simple, clear guide to getting started in this wildly popular hobby. Includes tips on organizing photos, choosing a type of scrapbook album, using color effectively in layouts, taking good photos, and more. Seven simple step-by-step scrapbook layouts show readers how to use basic scrapbooking supplies – cardstock, patterned paper, die cuts, stickers, ribbons, and other purchased embellishments – to enhance special photographs. |
|
|
Punch Out Page-A-Day Calendar $38.79 New – Enjoy incredible “Punch art” throughout the year. Printed on Acid-and Lignin-Free cardstock (micro-perforated for easy punching), Punch-Outs are perfect for cardmaking, scrapbooking, invitations, gift tags and other papercraft projects. Punch-Outs are grouped in seasonal themes for every occasion . . . from holidays to birthdays, smiling flowers to elegant floralsit’s fun, easy, and downright punchy!You name it, we have a “Punch-out” for it.Easy access date cards included.Patent # 6,925,73 |
|
|
Scrapbooking Childhood Moments: 200 Page Designs $5.87 New – Pictures of baby’s first step, of Halloweens and Christmases, birthday parties, school plays, sporting events, vacations, and graduations: these 200 clever and creative ideas for scrapbook pages celebrate those special childhood moments in a delightful, freewheeling style. Every lively arrangement was created with lighthearted flair and lots of fun, dimensional objects. A Helping Hands layout has rubber-stamped handprints, background cardstock in contrasting blue and stonewashed green, plu |
|
|
Scrapbooking with Cardstock & Canvas $8.92 New |
|
|
Scrapbooking with Cardstock & Canvas $8.89 Used – Explore intriguing possibilities using all your favorite supplies to make clever calendars and memory pages. Combine canvas, cardstock and chipboard to make memo boards, wall hangings and photo displays. A crafting adventure! |
|
|
Step-Up Your Scrapbooking $17.88 New – Pages You Can Create with 2, 3, 4 and More Supplies Ever wondered how Hall of Famer Lisa Brown Caveney creates such beautiful pages with just a set of basic supplies? In this book, Lisa will teach you the secrets of her clean, graphic style. First, she?ll show you how to build a beautiful page using only the basics. Then, she?ll share options for creating layouts with two, three, four, and more accents. Learn how to create beautiful layouts with only photos, cardstock and a pen. Discover L |
|
|
The Pocket Size Scrapbooking Companion $6.74 Used – This pocket-sized hardcover journal is designed for people who practice scrapbooking. It has 180 lined pages divided by 6 colorful, subject-specific tabs; Mounting Supplies, Albums & Page Protectors, Embellishments, Paper & Cardstock, Tools & Accessories, Resources. Each companion also features a nameplate and clear, zippered pocket for easy storage of notes and sundries. |
