In this electronic age of e-mail, beepers and cell phones, very few hand-addressed envelopes make their way to the red-flagged mailbox at the end of the driveway. An electronic message simply cannot generate the warm feelings awarded by an old fashioned handwritten letter.
AÂ personal note can be taken to a higher plane with machine embroidery. For milestone birthdays, weddings or other special occasions, the embroidery machine can stitch special affection and meaning into greeting cards.
Add her favorite flower to your aunt’s birthday greeting. For a new baby, include the name and birthday so the card can be framed as a keepsake. For special a special thank you note, stitch an heirloom basket of flowers.
A small set of embroidered note cards make a unique gift for favorite grannies, sisters or far away friends. Since there are designs available on virtually any topic, the cards can reflect the interest of the recipient. There are even embroidery collections designed specifically for note and greeting cards, shaped to fit the cut-outs on commercially available trifold car stock.
To stitch the embroidery, simply hoop fabric with lightweight batting and embroider the chosen design. Often, I use scraps of silk dupioni or batiste. With batiste in particular, a background stippling patern emphasizes the texture.
Cut the embroidered piece slightly smaller than the card stock and attach with double sided tape.
I find it hard to shop for greeting cards. They never say what I want to say, they are expensive, and usually I need the card NOW, for a shower tomorrow or for a sick friend. When I am in a rush, there is little or no time to shop and then mail the card.
Considering the time it takes to sort through all the unsuitable cards at the greeting card aisle, not to mention the time for a special trip, I can custom make just what I want.
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