Sometimes a friend is hurting and it’s not possible to deliver a hug in person.  What is it about the touch of another person that brings such comfort?  I called a friend today and she said “I was just thinking of you.  I need an Anne hug.”  It was a reminder to me that a small gesture can have the great impact – and I may never know that it did.

There’s a woman in our church – and she’s a saint, she really is – who has taken on the unseen task of sending cards to people in our community who are hurting.  It’s a big job, and I’m happy to help by keeping her supplied with cards.  Sometimes I have trouble coming up with a design that is generic enough to suit whatever need arises, but still has that hand-made touch.  They also have to be 100% easy to mail:

• Stamps:  Simply Soft (Retired 13-14 Hostess) and Trust God stamp sets
• Color Palette:  Very Vanilla, Pool Party and Wild Wasabi
• Accessories:  Etcetera DSP, 3″ Circle Bigz, 3 1/2″ Circle Bigz, Big Shot, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Aqua Painter

Simply Soft is one of those retired stamp sets that I can’t bring myself to sell.  I used it for my daughter’s engagement party invitations.  I am so fond of those Dandelion-like flowers –  or maybe they’re Alliums, or perhaps Agapanthus.   It doesn’t matter.  I like them.

I have to admit that I’m a little anti-OCD when it comes to this sort of two-step stamping.  I kind of LIKE that it’s not lined up perfectly.    On the other hand, I would have really liked to put a little ribbon on this card…but it needs to be flat.

This copycat uses Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Crisp Cantaloupe and Calypso Coral.  The Polka Dots TIEF (it survives another year!!!!!) adds a little texture, and the Sweet Sorbet DSP from Sale-a-bration adds a bit more with its tone-on-tone colors.  The flowers from Too Kind (another survivor!) are a lighter version of the Dandelion/Agapanthus/Allium flower, and the contrasting mat distracted my eye, so I let the Very Vanilla circle to stand on its own.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes….BIG SIGH OF RELIEF…my right-hand-stamp will also be around for at least another year.

Here’s a little more “rock the boat” two step stamping.  Now you’re seeing my rebellious side.

The Etcetera DSP, the 3″ Bigz and the 3 1/2″ Bigz are all retiring.  If you have circles framelits, you really don’t need the Bigz – unless you make multiples.  I’ve gotten my money’s worth many times over cutting 6 or more circles at one time with these dies.

If you’re anything like me, you have a small stash of cards that have been collecting dust for a while.  Each one of those cards has the potential to make someone’s day…you just need to write a line or two, sign your name, and attach a stamp.  Shoots, you don’t even have to lick the stamp any more.  Go send a card.  You’ll be glad you did.