Make and take cards, gift tags, book marks and more
By Barb Pert Templeton
Handmade gifts and greeting cards may not be the norm any more but they are still appreciated by most recipients and are much less likely to hit the recycling bin.
“Something about making a special, one-of-a-kind, handmade card for someone to let them know how much they mean to you or sending well wishes to someone who needs it the most brings so much joy to the recipient,” said Sherry Appleton, a professional paper crafter.
Appleton, of Algonac, launched her business, Unfeigned Treasures LLC, a little over three years ago and recalled that she originally got into making greeting cards to simply use up the scraps left over from a scrapbooking hobby and instantly fell in love with that too.
Appleton will host her first community paper-crafting class on Sunday, May 18th at Fred Quant VFW Post 3901 from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $35 for supplies and any left-over money will be donated to the Algonac VFW. Pre-registration is required and interested crafters can do so at the website unfeignedtreasures.com.
Local paper crafter Sherry Appleton creates handmade greeting cards, tags, scrapbooks, gift tags, calendars, home/wall decor, bookmarks, refrigerator magnets, photo holders, sticky note covers, ornaments. She also does custom orders.
“I’m excited to be able to share my love for paper-crafting with others and I’m very much looking forward to meeting new people from the community while building lifelong friendships,” Appleton said.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Appleton via email to pose a few questions about her hobby and plans to teach it to interested members of the public.
Blue Water Healthy Living: What brought about your interest in this hobby?
Sherry Appleton: I’ve been a paper crafter for over 30 years and simply fell in love with the art. I started out in scrapbooking which then led into making greeting cards. I still do both and then some. With scrapbooking, I love being able to document and preserve memories that can be handed down from generation to generation. Each scrapbook tells the stories behind the photos in an artistic, creative way.
BWHL: Can you share some examples of what you create and how long it takes to make an item?
Appleton: I’ve uploaded several examples in the Gallery of my website to show my artistic style and provide people with an idea of what I do. I create many unique items but spend my time mostly on greeting cards and scrapbook albums. To make a greeting card, it can take me about one to three hours depending on how much detail I put into the piece. To make a mini album, it can take me several days due to the overall tasks being more involved. I typically don’t hold back or skimp on quality.
BWHL: How will a typical public event/class work – will there be a lesson, helpers in addition to yourself there and is this for total beginners?
The first public paper crafters class is set for Sunday, May 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fred Quant VFW Post 3901 in Algonac.
Appleton: With each class, participants will make three items…two greeting cards and a miscellaneous item like a party favor or something fun. I will be teaching a technique or two depending on the projects being offered and what the group would like to learn. Yes, there will be folks there to help, if needed. Both beginners and paper crafting veterans are welcomed.
BWHL: Who will your public classes be open to?
Appleton: I want this class to be open to all (adults only – at any level) who are either wanting to learn the artform or simply want to be a part of a great, local group who loves the art of paper crafting.
BWHL: For those interested in a community class, what do they need to bring to the class?
Appleton: All supplies will be provided. The small registration fee for the class will cover the cost of supplies needed and light refreshments. Once all supply costs are covered, remaining fees will be donated to the veterans of the VFW.
BWHL: What is the cost for the class?
Appleton: Registration cost is $35.00. Due to planning purposes, registration is required and can be done through my website. Please see my website under the Events tab for more information.
BWHL: What do you enjoy most about being a paper crafter?
Appleton: Being able to plant smiles on faces and joy in hearts with each unique hand-created piece. Everyone loves to receive “happy mail” and folks tend to save those cards that have been hand-created. Store bought cards are nice but they are mass produced. A handmade card is unique and means so much more due to the time put into creating it for that person. Being able to write words from the heart is so much more meaningful and moving than simply having a pre-printed saying on the inside of the card.
BWHL: What classes do you have planned for this year?
Appleton: The first one is May 18; the second one will be in August and then the next in November. My plan is to offer these classes each quarter unless there is more interest, then it might be more often. Each class will focus on different projects while either perfecting a previous technique taught or learning a new technique altogether. The idea is to get folks together to create something special for someone while having fun fellowshipping with folks who live in the community.
