11 May 2009

Handmade Hellos

Isn't that a heart-warming title? It's not only the theme for this week's posts but the title of an actual book. Handmade Hellos is a collection of do-it-yourself greeting cards for life's exciting occasions. I have yet to grab a copy of this book but I certainly like the concept. In a world bombarded with texting, twittering and e-mailing, it's rare to receive a greeting card, let alone a handmade one. That's what makes it special.

Everyday this week I will attempt to to turn the fading art of letter writing from blah to Tada!

Today's inspiration comes from a spool of ribbon. After using up the ribbon, how can we re-purpose the spool? Why not make it into a letter?! I can see that quizzical look on your face. Here, let me explain:

We'll turn a piece of paper into a ribbon. Ruled notebook paper works well so we can easily cut along the lines .Then glue the ends together to form a long strip. To write the letter, you can either compose the letter on the computer first, then print it on notebook paper before cutting, or...

...Write the letter directly on the paper strip.

Roll the letter strip around the spool & secure both ends with tape.
Decorate the spool with stickers.


Make an envelope using a sheet of scrapbook paper.

Tuck in your letter and send it on its way!

Curious as to what I'll be making tomorrow?

You have to stop by to find out.

Happy Monday!

21 comments:

  1. WOW! Great Idea! I will use this!

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  2. Hi Dani! Here's to writing more letters =)

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  3. Oh my!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE This!!!! Have a great week Claire!

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  4. Hi Nuit! This is so easy to do =) Have a fabulous week, too!

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  5. That is a hoot...I will keep that in mind next time I finish my ribbon :)
    Janet

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  6. That is just TOO cute! Claire, you are amazing!

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  7. Claire, thanks so much for leaving a comment on my blog - I have just been enjoying your really pretty site- LOVE your banner...

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  8. Hi Janet, Vanessa and Gillian! Thank you so much for your notes. What a nice way to start the week!

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  9. Well now that is just adorable!

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  10. What a creative, fun idea. I want to try that out. Thanks.
    hugs,
    ~dee

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  11. Hello Desiree & Dee! Sending a "spool" of thank yous your way! =)

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  12. What a great idea!!! I have often looked at those empty spools wondering what to make with them! Very creative!
    And thank you for visiting my blog today!

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  13. Hi Nathalie -- thanks for visiting mine, too =)

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  14. This is adorable! Good thing I go through lots of ribbon, I won't have to wait very long to try it :)

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  15. Hi there Amanda...yes! S.O.S. (Save the spools)!

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  16. Claire, I used this tutorial for some thank yous today. Shared on my blog (I don't have many readers, so I don't know how much more traffic you'll get). www.orangesalad.blogspot.com
    Thanks for your ideas everyday! They give me ideas and help to inspire me to reuse things around my house!

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  17. Oh my Dani! Thanks for the shout-out on your blog! I am truly touched! I like to share ideas here and for wonderful folks like you who actually make/use these ideas & make them your own -- I can't help but break into a happy dance! I'm doing one right now...woohoo!!!

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  18. Cute idea! I def would have done this back in the day when my husband was my boyfriend. We wrote letters all the time, decorated envelopes, folded letters into origami shapes, etc - fun times.

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  19. Hi Ann! Thanks for visiting! Yes, I wrote my husband a lot of letters & cards, too when we were still dating =)

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