A Farmgirl Party {And A Give-Away}

IMG_6588-003

.

There are a few things that I really, really love to do.

.

IMG_6572-002

.

One of those things is making and sending home-made cards.  I think there is something so special in the whole process… getting my supplies out, taking the time to make the cards, writing a special note, addressing the envelope and dropping it in the mail box!

.

.IMG_6570-002

.

The last couple years I’ve hosted a Card Making Party at my house.  I have to say that it is just about the funnest day of the year for me!  I thought you Farmgirl friends would probably love to hear how it goes!

 

IMG_3192-001

.

Setting it all up is probably almost as much fun as the actual event!  I use my amazing sewing/craft room for the party and I rearrange some of the furniture to make room for the long folding tables and chairs.   This year there were 16 of us and that was just about full capacity!

.

IMG_3187-001

.

I cover the tables with paper partly to protect the surface from tape and glue… but also to make a more uniform look.  Because I’m a little weird that way!  Then I spread out the supplies in the middle of each table.  (More on the supplies in a minute.)

.

IMG_3216-001

.

And of course a party must have a snack and drink table right?  I have a wonderful old farm table that serves as my desk in my sewing/craft room, so I cleared off my computer, printer and my office supplies and turned the table into a snack bar.  It works perfectly.

.

IMG_3204-001

.

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and ice water for drinks….

.

IMG_3199-001

.

…and all kinds of chocolates, granola bars, fruit, nuts and Girl Scout cookies of course!  The perfect snack bar!

.

IMG_7629-002

.

As for the supplies that I like to always keep on hand (and purchase extra for the party), I get them all at Hobby Lobby on their 50% off week.

.

IMG_7582-002

.

Start with blank notecards.  The Value Pack at Hobby Lobby is a great deal.  50 cards and envelopes for about $3.50 (half price).  They come in white, cream and craft paper.

.

IMG_7585-002

.

You can use roll on glue, but I love the glue runners.  They go a long ways.

.

IMG_7588-002

.

I’ve found the best decorative paper to use are these great paper packs.  A lot of bang for your buck at the half price.  Most of them have at least 30 pages in them, some a lot more.

.

IMG_7576-002

.

Stamps and ink are a great addition, but not necessary.

.

IMG_7571-002

.

The supplies themselves make me happy!  Much less the finished cards!

.

IMG_7607-002

.

I actually store my cards and supplies in a wooden Coco-Cola crate as it can easily be moved from my cupboard to my table when I’m in the mood for making cards.

.

IMG_3223-001

..

And then?  Just get crazy, make a mess and let your creative juices flow.  The above picture was from the party day.  I don’t limit my card party to adults and this year we had these five darling girls join us!  I’ve found that children are so creative because they have nothing holding them back, and it is a great example to us adults that worry about perfection!  Even Rosetta, my little 4 year old grand-daughter (upper left, above) made cards.  (Plus, I think in this world of everything done electronically it is really important to teach our young ones to make and send cards.)

..

photo 1-12

.

photo 2-11

.

This was an all-day party that included lunch.  To make it so that I was able to do the majority of the food prep ahead of time, I fixed a large pot of chile, a salad, and baked potatoes with all the fixings.  I was able to quickly put lunch on, buffet style, and it was absolutely perfect.   (And the terrible pictures above were quickly snapped from my cell phone… with the last minute lunch rush, I sadly forgot to take pictures.)

.

photo-12

.

It was a perfect party… the weather was dreary outside, but inside it was festive, lively, loud, and positively the best day ever.  I can’t wait until next year!

.

And the giveaway?  A pack of home-made cards of course!  Let me know in the comments below if you still make and send the old-fashioned hand written cards!  A winner will be announced on my next post here on March 10th. 

.

Until our gravel roads cross again… so long.

.

Dori

  1. Emily says:

    Yes, I love to send home-made cards. And guess who gave me the ideas I use—You!

    Thanks for all the great tips you give us.

    Take care.

    Emily

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Emily,

      I don’t always have the greatest ideas, believe me! But when I do… they get used over and over! 🙂 Thanks for always encouraging me!

      – Dori –

  2. Laura Staley says:

    I love using my collection of cards, adding my own sentiments for birthdays,anniversaries, “thinking of you”, and congratulations for meeting goals. Dropping them off at the post office first thing in the morning…enchanting!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Laura,

      It does make it easy to send cards if we’ve got a collection and can just add the sentiment doesn’t it? I’ve made cards in the past where I put the sentiment on them and then realized later it worked better to add that as I needed. I do love dropping them in the mail too!

      – Dori –

  3. Angela says:

    And it was so much fun! And delicious! Used a handmade card this week to send my sil a Thank you note. It’s so fun to have a stack on hand.

  4. Cyndie Gray says:

    I still make hand made Valentines for all my daughters & my grandkids!! I had to forego my Valentine Making Tea Party this year due to working 2 jobs but I love to make hand made cards & little gift booklets, “A B C’s of a 16 year old grand-daughter”~~you get the idea :^)
    Love your photos & your creativity!!!
    Cyndie

  5. Kathleen says:

    I WANT to but seem like I need a shot of creativeness in the card area:)

  6. Renee Pontious says:

    I LOVE making cards and one of my favorite things is making card packs to give as gifts. This also encourages others to send hand written notes.

  7. Anita Hansen says:

    Sadly, I don’t make them (that’s gonna change now!), but I do love sending them. It’s a lost art. I love finding pretty vintage postcards with sweet sentiments written on them from way back when, especially holiday ones.

  8. Carol says:

    Card sending is a huge part of my family history. My family loved sending cards and they saved the ones they received through the years. It is so much fun to see those little cards I sent to my own grandmother when I could barely write!
    My son (17 yo) just made a card to thank his grandmother, my mom, for a gift she gave him for his birthday.

  9. Bonnie B says:

    I have making cards for about 20 years now. A friend and I used to go to large stamping conventions and glean wonderful ideas and of course BUY. Consequently I have 3 large vintage picnic baskets full of stamps and a rolling set of craft drawers with all the papers, stamp pads and accessories. And shame on me – lately I have been buying cards! Perhaps with the inspiration you have provided I will get back to making!!

  10. I certainly do still send out handwritten cards. I think e-cards are cute but not as personal as when you write your own thoughts and feelings down. My grandchildren love getting cards from Grandma, and my sister and friends appreciate the time and the thought it took to find just the right card and write something personal. I loved the idea of making homemade cards and now that I am retired, I might just give it a try. Thanks for sharing!

  11. Karen says:

    I do send notes of encouragement cards but never have made my own. This is something I do believe that I would enjoy doing and may have a night of crafting with my mentor ladies! Thank you for sharing!❤️

  12. Dorothy S says:

    I love to send homemade cards. I have made them or bought them. My older relatives who are not computer owners love, love getting them. Well, everyone loves getting them and yours are beautiful.

  13. Marie Webber says:

    Yes, I make cards. I love making them. I made 16 Valentine’s cards and sent them to friends. My grandson had to make Valentine cards for his classmates, it was a fun day together creating cards.
    Marie

  14. Jo says:

    Oh, my goodness! I love your sewing/craft room!! Simply adorable from wall to wall! It looks like a wonderful card making atmosphere! Sending cards is a very favorite “hobby” of mine!! I instilled in my girls the importance of writing thank-you’s at a very young age and am pleased to say they still practice that gesture and it makes this momma’s heart happy!! Your “made with love” cards turned out adorable and I am anxious to use some of your shared ideas. We, too, like to make and send our own cards. Thank-you so much!! I do so enjoy your blog and look forward to each new one. With goodness, Jo

  15. Marjorie Wieweck says:

    I use to make cards with my 2nd graders but haven’t done the creative ones you do. Need to come see you!

  16. Carleen Sisler says:

    Yes..i do make cards and i always send cards..i always think its nice to see a pretty envelope between the bills

  17. Brisja says:

    We do make cards, especially for Valentine’s. I think handmade Valentines are much more special than ones you find at the store. I will be teaching a class to our homeschool group this spring on how to make your own cards. I think it will be a lot of fun!

  18. Rebecca McCoy says:

    This looks like such fun! I love cards…getting them and sending them. Yours are beautiful.

  19. Rosanne Mulhern says:

    Hi Dori, this post really hit home for me. I spend most of my free time making and sending homemade cards. I believe you even received one from me. This is such a rewarding as well as super fun hobby. You always need cards, so why not enjoy making them yourself. I also agree that collecting card making supplies is part of the fun and so easy to get carried away with…but you can never have enough and there is always going to be that really cute stack of paper that you MUST have! Thanks for sharing your party….it looks like it was so much fun!

  20. Sandy says:

    It’s been quite awhile since I’ve sent a handmade card. After reading this I was thinking how much fun it would be to receive one. I would love to brighten someone’s day by making them a nice card. Thanks for the inspiration! Thank you for the opportunity to win these.

  21. Kim says:

    my sister and I enjoy getting together to make cards – the laughter and time together is as important as the cards we end up making!

  22. Mandy Post Maddocks says:

    Oh, what a great idea for a party! I love giving and receiving homemade cards. It let’s the person know that you took the time for them and that you really care.

  23. Judy says:

    Love your party ideas! Homemade cards are the best & I try to make them as often as possible.

  24. denise says:

    I love to make home made cards too! it is such fun and I belong to a monthly stamp making club so I learn a lot each month.

  25. Sunnie says:

    Yes, I love sending cards in the mail!! Mostly birthdays, and thank you cards! Cute giveaway!

  26. Deborah says:

    Hi Dori,
    Your card party is a wonderful idea for gloomy winter days. Here in the NW we’ve had many a rainy day this winter, but SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. Making bright & beautiful cards are a great way to pass the time with family and friends. One idea I will use in the future. I create my cards by using photos I’ve taken of barns, cows & cornfields and the beautiful water and mountains that surround my island home. Then, I add embellishments to make them country perfect. Island life, its an amazing Sisterhood place to live and create.
    Thank you for sharing your creativity and love of all things country.
    Deborah

  27. Lin says:

    Such a fun post!! Thank you for sharing….what a neat idea for a gathering!! I have raised all my girls that a simple Thank You note or Birthday note is very important and I have pointed out that the recipient appreciates the time and effort put into to it. I love the handmade cards and you have given us such great fun ideas. We have a Hobby Lobby close and I need to remember to get in for the 50% sale! Thanks for the info and thank you for sharing your excitement!!

  28. Mary Rauch says:

    Yes, I do send out homemade cards. Three this past week. However, I found out the hard way that ALL my acquaintances don’t appreciate “homemade”, including 2 of our relatives. They don’t seem to understand the love, time, concentration and special feelings that are put into these greetings?
    Please consider me in your giveaway. I’d really appreciate it.

  29. Rho says:

    I love to send cards, although they aren’t always homemade, I try to write a note in each card I send.

  30. Vivian V says:

    I do, but only for my best friend. I think it might be time to expand my card making 🙂

  31. cheri says:

    I adore the personal touch of handmade cards (and any item handmade honestly) I firmly believe in writing letters & cards. I think everyone should open their mailbox and find a smile on a regular basis (not just bills & junk mail) I have collected quotes for years that I use to add a personal touch when sending a card, gift or letter

  32. Although I don’t make cards like you do, I do send cards through the mail. My kids enjoy making simple cards just by drawing decorations on them.

  33. Robin Reichardt says:

    I must do like you have and get all my supplies collected into one container! Loved this post–a great ladies get-together idea!

  34. Marilyn Collins says:

    I enjoy making homemade cards. Homemade cards are so much more personal. Thank you for this lovely giveaway.
    Marilyn

  35. Joan says:

    Homemade cards are so much nicer than store bought cards. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Joan

  36. Marion says:

    I would rather make a homemade card. My sisters and I buy blank note cards and personalize them to send for numerous occasions. Thank you for the giveaway.
    Marion

  37. shawna says:

    I have been scrapbooking for years & just started making my own cards. So much fun! I love sending them to my kids who are away in college. I am actually going to a card making party this weekend.

  38. Maxine says:

    Wow, this is just lovely! I love your room set up & everything just looks so inviting!

  39. Cathy R says:

    Oh what fun! Would love to be your neighbor and friend! I enjoy making and sending homemade cards. It’s my winter project to brighten up the dreary weather and long nights in the hills of Idaho. Thanks for the giveaway! Blessings!

  40. Raimie Harrison says:

    Adorable party! How fun! I do still make and send cards and Felicity is enjoying it a lot now too. A fun way to be creative and thoughtful at the same time! Xoxo

  41. CJ Armstrong says:

    Looks like a ton of creative fun! Love the idea and I just might copy it someday!
    I have been a papercrafter for years, making cards, tags, journals and whatever else I could come up with. I have sold many of the papercraft things I make, have gifted them and use them myself.
    I take great pride in sending my own cards! But I love to use other handmade cards too!
    I’d like to enter your giveaway and thank you for the opportunity!
    CJ

  42. Marilee Smith says:

    Oh Dori, I love this. I wish Coleen & I could have been there.

  43. Genevieve V. says:

    Oh my, Dori! You are truly inspiring! You have the BEST ideas. Love everything that you put together. Wish that I was there! 🙂 You know that I loved your original posts and that I started to make our own and sent them to family and friends during my cancer battle last year. Thanks so much for sharing your heart, sweet friend.

  44. Krista says:

    I love making cards. The best thing is the card swaps with fellow farmgirls. I have really been enjoying it and always look forward to making my next set. Your party sounds like so much fun and your snacks look absolutely delicious. Maybe one day I will throw a card making party! Thanks for all the great ideas!

  45. Jodie says:

    I love sending cards! I used to buy store bought until two years ago when I realized I had paid $4.99 for ONE card! Mama on a budget started making her own! It’s been fun. And now my babe is 3, so he “helps” with the art and decorating. Too fun. Love the look of your cards and LOVE the idea of a card making party! Too fun. I’ll have to gather my girlfriends for a day of fun like this! Thanks for the inspiration!

  46. Pam says:

    Thank you for bringing me back to the “homemade card girl” I used to be 50 plus years ago! I can’t wait to go to Hobby Lobby at their next big sale. You are very inspirational in all you post here online. Thank you so very much

  47. Brenda says:

    I think we should re-introduce card sending. It is so special to receive one in the mail from someone you know in the midst of all that impersonal junk mail. And when it is hand crafted it is over the moon. I don’t make many cards. Wish I did. They are lovely. I do send some handmade thank-you cards after our clown troupe has performed for a group. I hand-craft a simple envelope in a bright colored paper and put a clown sticker on the back. I think that sets our brand as special. Please keep up all your good work and inspiration.

  48. I love making cards!!! And have actually been to a party similar to yours!!!

  49. Vivian Monroe says:

    I love it. Looks like so much fun. I love geting cards in the mail and sending. They just mean so much more than an email or electronic card. 🙂 Great job! Neta

  50. Wendy Bohl says:

    This looks like fun, You gave a lot of great ideas. So personal. Thank you for the fantastic ideas.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *