Thank you SO much?for the gift, the hospitality, your help?or for just spreading a little sunshine. Expressing gratitude has never been easier, or more stunning, than with these unique handmade cards for any occasion. Incorporating everything from crochet to tin tiles, they make sending that required note a pleasure, not a chore. Every one has been beautifully crafted by a top designer, and exquisitely photographed.
Just imagine how appreciative a favorite teacher will be when she receives an adorable card fashioned from notebook paper, small alphabet rub-ons, ribbon, and flowers. Tell someone ?You rock!” with a brightly-colored spinner card. And, because finding the right words is so important, there’s helpful advice on composing your own greetings or choosing the perfect quotation to adorn your handiwork.
How rare is it to find a crafts book with contemporary designs that zing, but words that somehow fall flat? This Massachusetts-based already-published authorial duo has created 40 cards in a retro (and simple) style to serve as thank-yous for not just tangible gifts but also the presence of time and friendship. Each includes a roster of materials with step-by-step directions, with color photographs illustrating strategic moments in the do-it-yourself mode. Some render choices of the more creative variety: a gallon-size merci buckets photo-collaged paint can, a well-decorated plastic bag filled with candies, and a thanks a latte holder ready for a thank-you coffee card. Yet the first chapter, centered on materials and tools, does little more than name the types that can be used. Plus the actual design instructions can be vague or misleading: Find something round to trace. Or use bone folder to score and fold with no description. And flowers, as specified on the materials list, give little else to guide the crafter. Nonetheless, any card beats an e-mail thank-you! --Barbara Jacobs