Crafty Teacher: Note Cards for Students

I teach 11th and 12th grade English here in Philadelphia, and one of the most powerful teaching tools in my tool shed is the unexpected--and mailed!--note of appreciation home to a student or family.  Throughout the year, especially on those days when I'm frustrated or stressed, I try to sit down and write a few notes to the students who are working hard, being kind, or standing out in some positive way.  It not only soothes my psyche, but those students come in to my class a few days later, having received their note, with a spring in their step and renewed vigor to learn. I'm serious! They love it. I usually use little postcards from the Dollar Tree (like the ones to the left), but this year, maybe I'll step up my game. Here are some gems I found on Etsy for some super special students... 

This cute card is found on SheriWilder's Etsy shop Noteworthy. 

 

Simple and sweet, this set of 12 letterpress note cards (designed by Presse DuFour) will carry your teacherly sentiments to multiple mailboxes!

Save a stamp and just slip one of these mini cards (available from MamaJamaCrafts) onto students' desks at the end of a particularly productive class! Not only will the recipient beam with pride, but maybe it will spark some interest from the more reticent members of your class - positive motivation can do wonders (even for high schoolers!).

Philly Phind: Frankadelphia

I decided to "go local" for today's post: Meet Frankadelphia, a lovely Etsy design shop by Nicole DuCoin. She creates bold and beautiful Philadelphia-inspired items. Click on the images below to visit (and support!) this local crafter and show your Philly pride, kids!

Technique: Upcycled Cards

I love the term "upcycling". Like, not only are we giving an old old object a second chance, but this chance is BETTER. Karmic upgrade. The term also seems to get a lot of hits on Etsy, and my upcycled cards, like these (from an old calendar), have gotten rave reviews.  

So how are other Etsy card artisans upcycling? 

Here are a few designs I simply adore...

These cards were crafted by PinkFlamingoCrafting from old sheet music, maps, book pages, and crossword puzzles. 

This set of cards, created by SimplySweetNothings, was upcycled from old Curious George books: I love the scenes added into the envelope backs! So cute!

And this lovely collaged crown, designed by JaneKoopman, is made from a set or authentic (and international!) stamps. Love the colors and theme! 

GO WEST! Craft Fest: Vendor Applications are OPEN for the Fall Fest!

GO WEST! Craft Fest: Vendor Applications are OPEN for the Fall Fest!: We are now accepting  vendor applications  for our Fall Fest! It will be held on September 7, 2013 (rain date September 8) from 11-5 at Th...

MPC Item Highlight: Mini Note Cards

So I have been happily using up leftover paper lately making darling mini note cards. New minis are being posted throughout this month on my Etsy shop! 

They are 3x3" and perfect to have on hand when you need a last minute card to include with a gift! Think of the possibilities - all those occasions when you don't want to arrive empty handed: House-warmings, pot luck dinners, visiting a friend who needs a little pick-me-up, a quick "thanks" for a co-worker who helped you out... 

Etsy Find of the Day: Wedding Menu Stamps!

My wedding planner recently suggested, when making table place cards, to use a stamp to indicate meal choice. Since we're getting married in Mexico, and all the waitstaff may not speak English, she said this was especially important! So, I hopped right on Etsy and found this darling set of meal-designating stamps, handmade by EtchyThings! Click the image to visit this item on Etsy!

Technique: Embossing

I recently purchased a bunch of embossing folders to use with my Sizzix Big Shot, and I'm excited to try them out on note cards and mini cards. Here is my dose of daily Etsy inspiration...click on the images to link directly to these crafters' shops!

   I love the sweet simplicity of these white on white birthday cards designed by Michelle Mach. The neutral palette really lets the texture shine.

 This is a technique I've yet to really experiment with: Distressing or inking the raised edges of the embossed pattern. I love how it really brings dimension to the pattern! This simple but striking card was designed by Rush Creek Stationary. 

Here's a great alternative to stamping your message: Emboss it! These super cut mini cards feature a variety of greetings embossed into the center circles. Great idea, SimplySuzie2!