Creating Joy with EndlessPens

First, it is cheaper.

If you already have usable tools and materials on-hand such as fountain pen, inks, and paper, you are basically ready to go! Take stock of what you presently have, select your favorites, and gather them in your working area. Plus, this is a productive reason to lighten your hoard, erm, collection (yes, this applies to me too ;P). Personally, I would rather make some than wade through the last-minute shopping crowds in the stores.

Second, it is a fun activity.

Creating something on your own — and even better with loved ones — makes for a wonderful atmosphere that tickles the brain and warms the heart. It allows you to dip into your creative well and/or bond with others through a shared endeavor. Make it a crafting day with snacks and drinks to get those imaginative juices flowing!

Third, it is personal.

I think this is the most meaningful for both giver and recipient. For you as the giver, there is your own effort and care that are harnessed into making. For the recipient, there is a heartfelt charm when accepting something made by hand. That connection of intention is felt, even through a seemingly simple creation as a gift card. Unless you work with total machine-like precision and uniformity, each gift card you create will be unique to each person — and therefore more special.

Know your skills and strengths.

If you have lovely handwriting, well and good. If you are familiar with calligraphy, even better. Harness that penmanship or decorative handwriting to make your gift cards more ornate or distinctive. If you have time and energy, this can also be an appropriate time to learn. Do not despair if you feel like your handwriting is not up to snuff — it is what makes your creation uniquely yours!

If you are more comfortable with doodling or sketching, make a tiny one the focus of your gift card. If swatching and ink blots are more your thing, then use those as decorative elements in your card. The possibilities are bound only by your imagination!

Tailor your gift card to your recipient.

Here is some next-level stuff — add an element that resonates with that particular person — and include that in your card. Ask yourself — What is their favorite color? Do they like flowers or leaves? What patterns do they like on their things? Do they like cats or dogs? Any favorite authors or quotes? This requires you to know a bit more about that particular person — but if you do, you can include that to make their card even more memorable.

Make use of what you have.

Crafting your own gift cards focuses on the experience of letting your creativity flow. There is also that added challenge of making what materials and tools you already possess go together. For example — without cardstock, fountain pen-friendly paper can be folded into a tiny letter and affixed to your gift. Fountain pen inks can be used with paint brushes or cotton swabs to create ink washes or swathes of rich color. And do not forget your shimmering inks! This is also the perfect time to play with those fountain pens with flex nibs.