Write, Craft, Create: A Wellness Practice in Making Handmade Cards

Course Dates: March 5, 12 & 19

Express yourself creatively in a supportive, cathartic environment in this interactive three-part course devoted to writing and making heartfelt handmade cards. Instructor Kerstin Rao, the artist behind the fine art and gift shop Vivid Cottage, will provide a safe space for participants to tap into their feelings and craft earnest messages in a safe space.

This course will focus on the time-honored tradition of writing to a friend. Each session will open with instructor-led opportunities to de-stress and get inspired. Thereafter, participants will receive materials and instructions to make and take home their own memorable pieces.

Intentions for this course:

• Focus on crafting a clear and moving message
• Tap into your authentic voice when writing
• Use craft techniques to envelop your message inside a clever card

Session 1 - Writing to Comfort and Celebrate

What makes a treasured card? Clarity of purpose, sincerity, wit, insider details, and timing. In this session, each participant will identify one person they want to write to and why. A range of examples both personal and historic will be shared for inspiration. Then, each person will draft and write their card. (Blank cards will be provided or you can bring your own.)

Session 2 — Crafting a Standout Card

What makes a standout card? We will look at examples of clever and touching greeting card designs with the intention of crafting your card's design in such a way that will delight your recipient. Instruction in building pop-up cards will be offered using an easy technique and simple materials. Each person will have a card to celebrate and take home.

Session 3 — Cultivating a Card-Writing Habit

What makes card-writing worthwhile? In this session, we will talk about the healing practice of sending cards, with benefits for both the sender and receiver. We will get geeky about materials (some are pen people, some are sticker people, and what the heck is washi tape anyway?) We will also discuss social impact, whether it’s comforting a child in the hospital, giving thanks to veterans, brightening the day of an elder friend, and more. Setting up a card-writing space, putting reminders in our calendars, and savoring the quiet moments of creation are all part of a healthy practice.

Materials each attendee will receive (covered by the materials fee):

• Scissors
• Elmer's Glue
• A set of fine markers
• Card stock paper - 11 x 14
• A7 envelopes
• Pens in a variety of thicknesses and colors

Additional materials — optional but very handy:

• Blank cards
• A cutting board for each person
• An Exacto knife for each person
• A metal ruler for each person
• Variety of washi tape
• Variety of stickers
• Stationery pages that are ruled (for folks who want lines for writing)
• Postage stamps

About Kerstin Rao

Kerstin Rao studied art at Vassar College, earned a master’s degree in special education, and taught in Westport for 21 years. During the pandemic lockdown, she founded her art and gift business, Vivid Cottage. Her work is in 65 shops in 18 states, including seven museum shops across the country. She is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport and the Greeting Card Association and has a keen interest in the connective joy of sending hand-made greeting cards.

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About Verso University

Verso University is the Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative, serving up year-round offerings of classes, workshops, and lectures designed to further education and learning. Offerings run the gamut of educational opportunities, ranging from one-time lectures to ongoing courses to classes that meet weekly or perhaps monthly.

Important Information About Verso University Classes:

• Classes are structured as a consecutive series.
• Class size is limited.
• Each series has a one-time fee registration fee of $25, covering all classes in the series.
• Registration is mandatory.
• The Westport Library wants to ensure that all interested students are able to participate in Verso University courses. If the registration fee is a barrier to entry for you, please contact [email protected].

Verso University programs are made possible by the generous support of the Nancy J. Beard Lifelong Learning and Education Fund.

Host or Publisher The Westport Library