clio
Full Member
Posts: 117
Dec 3, 2017 13:07:05 GMT
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Post by clio on Sept 23, 2020 20:23:52 GMT
Posted 136 cards to Bring Smiles to Seniors yesterday - generic hello, Halloween (because everyone needs a little "normalcy"), generic fall and a few valentines that didn't get sent because we were moving. Starting Christmas today!
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Post by wendifful on Oct 8, 2020 3:29:50 GMT
I'm donating some cards to Scrapbook.com's Cards for Kindness and they have several card categories they're accepting submissions for. I'm donating over 200 cards, but I have about 15 cards that are general love themed (either they just have a "love" die cut on the front or say "I love you more than ice cream. That's a lot.") "Love" is not one of the categories Scrapbook.com has, so would you think that these cards fall under any of the below categories or should I just not include them? Thanks for your input! Thinking of you Happy hello General cards/no specific sentiment (I'm gonna tag joblackford since she started this thread and I'm not sure how much visibility this post will get with the thread being pinned. I'm hoping to send the cards tomorrow so your opinion would be much appreciated!). |
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Post by joblackford on Oct 8, 2020 17:27:45 GMT
I'm donating some cards to Scrapbook.com's Cards for Kindness and they have several card categories they're accepting submissions for. I'm donating over 200 cards, but I have about 15 cards that are general love themed (either they just have a "love" die cut on the front or say "I love you more than ice cream. That's a lot.") "Love" is not one of the categories Scrapbook.com has, so would you think that these cards fall under any of the below categories or should I just not include them? Thanks for your input! Thinking of you Happy hello General cards/no specific sentiment (I'm gonna tag joblackford since she started this thread and I'm not sure how much visibility this post will get with the thread being pinned. I'm hoping to send the cards tomorrow so your opinion would be much appreciated!). Ooh, that's a tricky one! I'd probably go with general. I don't have any experience with their drive specifically. Is there an contact you can email for advice specifically from them? I'll tag gmcwife1 and see what she thinks... ETA and azcraftyIf you decide to leave them out and wanted somewhere else to send the extras to that doesn't care about categories Bring Smiles to Seniors will take them. Good for you creating so many cards to donate! I'm sure they will be greatly appreciated. |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Oct 8, 2020 17:48:07 GMT
I'm donating some cards to Scrapbook.com's Cards for Kindness and they have several card categories they're accepting submissions for. I'm donating over 200 cards, but I have about 15 cards that are general love themed (either they just have a "love" die cut on the front or say "I love you more than ice cream. That's a lot.") "Love" is not one of the categories Scrapbook.com has, so would you think that these cards fall under any of the below categories or should I just not include them? Thanks for your input! Thinking of you Happy hello General cards/no specific sentiment (I'm gonna tag joblackford since she started this thread and I'm not sure how much visibility this post will get with the thread being pinned. I'm hoping to send the cards tomorrow so your opinion would be much appreciated!). Ooh, that's a tricky one! I'd probably go with general. I don't have any experience with their drive specifically. Is there an contact you can email for advice specifically from them? I'll tag gmcwife1 and see what she thinks... ETA and azcraftyIf you decide to leave them out and wanted somewhere else to send the extras to that doesn't care about categories Bring Smiles to Seniors will take them. Good for you creating so many cards to donate! I'm sure they will be greatly appreciated. I believe scrapbook.com gives cards to children's hospitals, you can always put them in a ziploc bag and just add a note with it- for parents to give to their child or nurses to their little patients. Im very sure that they will love cards like that. |
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Post by joblackford on Oct 10, 2020 14:14:41 GMT
I just mailed a box to Bring Smiles to Seniors. I knew my storage box was full, but I figured I might have to add some more to fill the box up. NOPE. All my repurposed/upcycled Christmas cards fit, and a good handful of random cards, but I ran out of space for the cards I made most recently (which is fine because they’re a bit summery). So I’m already started on my next box. I must make a note that my storage box is about the same size as the medium flat rate box.
Anyway, I don’t have a count because I’m too lazy, but it was a 7lb box, which is pretty satisfying!
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Post by wendifful on Oct 10, 2020 23:55:05 GMT
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Post by curiouscrafter on Oct 17, 2020 2:15:39 GMT
I sent 35 Halloween cards to Bring Smiles to Seniors about a week ago.
It was nice to use my old paper that has been sitting for way too long.
Not sure why I had so much Halloween paper as I don't really "do" Halloween.
Ron was happy with the cards as he always lets me know he receives them.
I thought it was going to be too late to send them out, but he assured me it wasn't.
I'm now working on some Thanksgiving cards for them.
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Post by joblackford on Oct 17, 2020 4:12:22 GMT
I sent 35 Halloween cards to Bring Smiles to Seniors about a week ago. It was nice to use my old paper that has been sitting for way too long. Not sure why I had so much Halloween paper as I don't really "do" Halloween. Ron was happy with the cards as he always lets me know he receives them. I thought it was going to be too late to send them out, but he assured me it wasn't. I'm now working on some Thanksgiving cards for them. They seem to be very flexible with timing and always very appreciative. I love making use of that older paper and turning it into something that can be enjoyed. So satisfying! |
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suzyuk111
Junior Member
Posts: 63 
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Post by suzyuk111 on Nov 1, 2020 13:44:08 GMT
Hi all. I have been trying to find where I can donate cards in the UK. Sadly we don’t seem to have charities who are requesting cards like you do in the US & Canada. I would love to hear from other Brit card makers who have contacts. Many thanks in advance x
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Nov 1, 2020 22:05:09 GMT
Hi all. I have been trying to find where I can donate cards in the UK. Sadly we don’t seem to have charities who are requesting cards like you do in the US & Canada. I would love to hear from other Brit card makers who have contacts. Many thanks in advance x Have you contacted organizations to find out if its a need they haven't thought about? This organization is hospice for children, I would think that they would like some uplifting cards for kids and parents. www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/ |
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suzyuk111
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by suzyuk111 on Nov 2, 2020 13:15:36 GMT
Hi all. I have been trying to find where I can donate cards in the UK. Sadly we don’t seem to have charities who are requesting cards like you do in the US & Canada. I would love to hear from other Brit card makers who have contacts. Many thanks in advance x Have you contacted organizations to find out if its a need they haven't thought about? This organization is hospice for children, I would think that they would like some uplifting cards for kids and parents. www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/Many thanks azcrafty. I have managed to contact a hospice in our county who want my Christmas cards. I will contact your link to see if they would like cards for the rest of the year for birthdays, thinking of you etc cards. Thanks again xx |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Nov 2, 2020 14:11:27 GMT
suzyuk111 you're welcome. I'm happy that you found an organization who will take your Christmas cards. Good luck
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Post by joblackford on Nov 4, 2020 2:20:55 GMT
Have you contacted organizations to find out if its a need they haven't thought about? This organization is hospice for children, I would think that they would like some uplifting cards for kids and parents. www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/Many thanks azcrafty. I have managed to contact a hospice in our county who want my Christmas cards. I will contact your link to see if they would like cards for the rest of the year for birthdays, thinking of you etc cards. Thanks again xx Glad you found someone! I don’t think we have many UK card makers around, but hopefully we can get more ideas over time. I was going to ask if there are nursing homes in your area who might be interested. Kristie Marcotte on YT makes a card for every resident of her local nursing home for every holiday. Some nursing homes also have a box for residents to take cards from to send or give to their family members. You would probably have to call/email each nursing home and ask the activities director, or whatever that’s called in your area, whether they have a program like this or if they would interested in starting one. Might be easier if you know someone who has a relative in a nursing home. |
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clio
Full Member
Posts: 117
Dec 3, 2017 13:07:05 GMT
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Post by clio on Nov 24, 2020 14:43:51 GMT
167 Holiday cards off to Smiles. Most of my crafting mojo seems to be hibernating cards are the perfect solution. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
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Post by curiouscrafter on Nov 27, 2020 2:47:02 GMT
I am now in the middle of a move, so all my card making supplies have been boxed away.
I will be on hiatus for about 6-months as it will all be in storage, so sadly I won't be sending any cards to Bring Smiles to Seniors for awhile. I'm already getting depressed realizing that I won't be creative for 6-month, trying to figure out how I can keep a small supply to keep me happy.
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Post by joblackford on Nov 27, 2020 17:36:07 GMT
I am now in the middle of a move, so all my card making supplies have been boxed away. I will be on hiatus for about 6-months as it will all be in storage, so sadly I won't be sending any cards to Bring Smiles to Seniors for awhile. I'm already getting depressed realizing that I won't be creative for 6-month, trying to figure out how I can keep a small supply to keep me happy. Oh no! That's sad. What's your normal crafting style - are you more of a stamper or do you like playing with papers? Do you like coloring or working with cut aparts or do you enjoy all the things? I'm thinking maybe you could make a very basic kit for yourself with black ink and your favorite coloring option, maybe pick a specific theme to work in and see how creative you can get within floral hello cards using watercolors, for instance. Or maybe signing up for a card kit for a few months would be a better option. Especially if it was one like the Stampin Up kits where (I think) you get everything you need in the kit, no assumption of digging into stash. Maybe we need to set up a Pea swap or kit for you - mail you stamped images to color or send little bundles of papers or something?! |
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Post by curiouscrafter on Nov 27, 2020 22:05:10 GMT
I am now in the middle of a move, so all my card making supplies have been boxed away. I will be on hiatus for about 6-months as it will all be in storage, so sadly I won't be sending any cards to Bring Smiles to Seniors for awhile. I'm already getting depressed realizing that I won't be creative for 6-month, trying to figure out how I can keep a small supply to keep me happy. Oh no! That's sad. What's your normal crafting style - are you more of a stamper or do you like playing with papers? Do you like coloring or working with cut aparts or do you enjoy all the things? I'm thinking maybe you could make a very basic kit for yourself with black ink and your favorite coloring option, maybe pick a specific theme to work in and see how creative you can get within floral hello cards using watercolors, for instance. Or maybe signing up for a card kit for a few months would be a better option. Especially if it was one like the Stampin Up kits where (I think) you get everything you need in the kit, no assumption of digging into stash. Maybe we need to set up a Pea swap or kit for you - mail you stamped images to color or send little bundles of papers or something?! Well - I just spent 4 hours in my studio, figuring out how I can make it work to bring some things with me. I had to narrow it down to one ink-pad collection (I chose concord/9th and Archival Black Ink) and one cardstock collection (I chose concord/9th to match the ink). Along with a few blocks, a few stamp sets that I can use in several ways, and a few other basics - I think I may be set! Definitely feeling better now that I will have some things to play with. It will be limiting, but better than nothing! I won't have any dies as the Vagabond is too big to take with me, but I'm feeling good. I grabbed a couple stencils, ribbons, and punches too. It had to fit all in one craft bag! Thanks for the offer of a pea swap/kit - so sweet! |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Nov 28, 2020 17:18:37 GMT
Oh no! That's sad. What's your normal crafting style - are you more of a stamper or do you like playing with papers? Do you like coloring or working with cut aparts or do you enjoy all the things? I'm thinking maybe you could make a very basic kit for yourself with black ink and your favorite coloring option, maybe pick a specific theme to work in and see how creative you can get within floral hello cards using watercolors, for instance. Or maybe signing up for a card kit for a few months would be a better option. Especially if it was one like the Stampin Up kits where (I think) you get everything you need in the kit, no assumption of digging into stash. Maybe we need to set up a Pea swap or kit for you - mail you stamped images to color or send little bundles of papers or something?! Well - I just spent 4 hours in my studio, figuring out how I can make it work to bring some things with me. I had to narrow it down to one ink-pad collection (I chose concord/9th and Archival Black Ink) and one cardstock collection (I chose concord/9th to match the ink). Along with a few blocks, a few stamp sets that I can use in several ways, and a few other basics - I think I may be set! Definitely feeling better now that I will have some things to play with. It will be limiting, but better than nothing! I won't have any dies as the Vagabond is too big to take with me, but I'm feeling good. I grabbed a couple stencils, ribbons, and punches too. It had to fit all in one craft bag! Thanks for the offer of a pea swap/kit - so sweet! Great idea joblackford. I would be happy to send you some diecuts or card fronts with fancy cuts. |
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clio
Full Member
Posts: 117
Dec 3, 2017 13:07:05 GMT
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Post by clio on Nov 29, 2020 14:18:45 GMT
Well - I just spent 4 hours in my studio, figuring out how I can make it work to bring some things with me. I had to narrow it down to one ink-pad collection (I chose concord/9th and Archival Black Ink) and one cardstock collection (I chose concord/9th to match the ink). Along with a few blocks, a few stamp sets that I can use in several ways, and a few other basics - I think I may be set! Definitely feeling better now that I will have some things to play with. It will be limiting, but better than nothing! I won't have any dies as the Vagabond is too big to take with me, but I'm feeling good. I grabbed a couple stencils, ribbons, and punches too. It had to fit all in one craft bag! Thanks for the offer of a pea swap/kit - so sweet! Great idea joblackford . I would be happy to send you some diecuts or card fronts with fancy cuts. Glad you packed a bag! I went through something similar earlier this year - Packed a bag of essentials and it was strangely productive. Wouldn’t have made it without my watercolors. I’d also be happy to send something along. Just ask. Good luck with the move! |
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Post by joblackford on Jan 9, 2021 19:38:18 GMT
Hey card donating folks! Here's a new community for card donating: caringbycard.com/and her Instagram www.instagram.com/nursinghomecardproject/This one is a self-motivated community, not for the lazy folks such as myself who prefer to make cards and let other people find good homes for them. But if you're interested in supplying a local rest home with cards this might be a good follow. Spread the word  |
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Post by joblackford on Jan 9, 2021 19:43:28 GMT
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craftgranny
Full Member
Posts: 174
Jul 30, 2020 11:56:27 GMT
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Post by craftgranny on Jan 30, 2021 15:56:04 GMT
This is a great thread. I would love to know more legit places to send cards to. I have sent cards to Bring Smiles to Seniors a couple of time over the past year. I just filled a medium flat rate box for them over the weekend. Their website is here for anyone interested. This a fantastic thread ! Thank you ditzydoodle for providing this Senior link! I'm sending them cards today! With Covid, so many seniors are being left behind and lonely! Hopefully these help cheer them up! |
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Post by joblackford on Jan 30, 2021 18:46:08 GMT
This is a great thread. I would love to know more legit places to send cards to. I have sent cards to Bring Smiles to Seniors a couple of time over the past year. I just filled a medium flat rate box for them over the weekend. Their website is here for anyone interested. This a fantastic thread ! Thank you ditzydoodle for providing this Senior link! I'm sending them cards today! With Covid, so many seniors are being left behind and lonely! Hopefully these help cheer them up! Yay! Welcome and I'm glad it's helpful. I'm sure your cards will spread a lot of cheer. |
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Post by joblackford on Feb 10, 2021 17:10:25 GMT
There's a new card drive going on this month (February) and there are good prizes too... gift cards donated by some great brands. "Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, nursing homes everywhere are closing their doors to visitors in order to protect their residents. While it's being done for everyone's safety, it still makes for some very lonely days for our elderly neighbors. To help spread some cheer I'm starting a greeting card drive and will be delivering the cards to local nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. My goal is to collect 1,000 cards so I can brighten 1,000 peoples' faces!" Claire's Card Drive for Seniors |
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Post by joblackford on Feb 16, 2021 19:37:17 GMT
I just mailed some cards to Claire's senior card drive and got a nice thank you email from her. Her drive ends in a couple of weeks. If you'd rather make cards for young people there is a foster kids card drive coming up in March. I have some general "happy day" cards set aside for kids I'll be sending to this one. I might be able to make some more for the older kids. I'm sure older masculine cards will be in short supply for this drive, but I think I have some digital images that I can color and use. Here are the (pretty standard) guidelines for the Bearly Art Cards for Cubs drive: bearly.art/pages/cfc-card-guidelines |
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Post by joblackford on Mar 18, 2021 18:28:11 GMT
A reminder that Cards for Cubs ends March 31st. I'm sending a 4lb box off today - 113 cards.
I also learned that there's a way to send boxes via priority mail that may be cheaper than flat rate for heavy boxes if the destination is fairly close to you. They're badly named Regional Rate boxes, only available for click n ship (online, not over the counter postage) and you can ship up to 15lbs in the A (small) sized box for the same cost as if you were shipping 2lb. It's a bit confusing because the rate changes depending on the zone you're sending to, just like normal priority mail, but if you are mailing donations to a charity in a nearby state you'll probably save a few bucks using a regional instead of a flat rate box. The boxes are free online.
I can try to explain better if anyone has questions but I just saved about $4 (vs flat rate) or $11 (vs use your own box) shipping to Texas, which isn't even that close to me. For folks in the middle of America or near their favorite charities it might save even more.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Mar 22, 2021 16:28:12 GMT
Thank you joblackford. I will look into it for the next time. When I was posting mine on Saturday the lady at the post office said I can save about $3 if I send it in a different box. At that point I didn't want to mess with it. |
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Post by joblackford on Mar 22, 2021 17:27:25 GMT
Thank you joblackford . I will look into it for the next time. When I was posting mine on Saturday the lady at the post office said I can save about $3 if I send it in a different box. At that point I didn't want to mess with it. Yeah, it's not worth worrying about $3. I saw your box and I think there were way too many cards for the Regional Rate A box I used - it's a little smaller than the medium flat rate box, good for about 100-125 cards + envelopes probably. The big catch with Regional Rate boxes is that you have to order the boxes and print the postage online, so that might be a deal breaker for some people. |
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Post by kkrenn on Mar 23, 2021 1:21:18 GMT
I'm sending out my 100 cards to Cards for Cubs tomorrow! I had originally only pledged 10 cards but by the time I had sorted through everything and compiled what I could it turned out to be 96!!! I made 4 more to make it an even 100 and I'm so excited!
Now I need to find another place since this one ends next week....
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Post by kiwikate on Mar 23, 2021 8:32:41 GMT
If any New Zealand Peas know of any similar organisations here, I would love to donate. I already do my local care home, but would love to do more. My production absolutely overtakes my use!
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Feel free to drop a link if you see anything that the card donators might enjoy though! 
