The result of sending some encouragement via handmade

I finally achieved what I set out to do ...

I wanted to help people to encourage others in some way, using what I make as a springboard. Hence, the 'Snail Mail Surprise' challenge was created.

Well, the deadline for completion has arrived. And the result? A small group of us (including myself) signed up for the challenge to encourage someone who was sick or has been sick, and I posted out packs. I have received photos/feedback from a couple of participants, showing how these cards have been used to write encouraging messages, particularly for those who have been in hospital.

Despite the small number of participants and feedback, I would still call it a success. Why? Because if this exercise brought just one smile and one realisation that someone cares, then it was all worth it. Am I going to organise another challenge? You bet! Not only was it fun creating items to be placed in surprise packs, but I firmly believe that sharing words of encouragement, love and compassion can be powerful in the midst of despair and hopelessness.

Therefore, I'll keep in touch with the details of the next challenge. I already have ideas for new items to be placed in surprise packs. As for my special surprise that I am sending to one of my participants, that will be sent out very soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you don't want to miss out on the next Snail Mail Challenge, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

Snail Mail Surprise Challenge # 1 - Send some Happy Mail!

Everything is set and ready to launch! ‘Snail Mail Surprise #1’ is about to proceed.

For this ‘Snail Mail Surprise’ challenge, you are required to surprise someone that is feeling unwell/has been sick.

I’m very excited about this. This is NOT a competition or a giveaway, rather it is a way a way in which we can do something little, yet wonderful to encourage others – to simply show them that someone cares. I’m calling on you and others to join with me to help out.

It’s simple to join! Here are the steps:

• ·         You can now visit the sign up page. To do so, please click here. There are limited places available.

• ·         If you are successful, you will be sent one of the above Tupsy Turvy Designs mixed media cards (for free!).

• ·         Use this card to surprise someone who is unwell or has been sick. As an extra idea, you could team this card with a cooked meal or a bunch of flowers, or any other idea.

• ·         Take a photo of it – the card with your gift, or the card on your table as you are about to write in it, or as you put the card in the letterbox, or any other idea. Please do not photograph any names or photograph the recipient as I will post these photos on social media.

• ·         Send me your photo – either by email or post it on Instagram or on my Tupsy Turvy Designs Facebook page and tag me (@tupsyturvydesigns) and add the #ttdsnailmailsurprise1

• ·         Please note: By sending in your photo to me you are giving me permission to use it on social media, my blog and newsletter.

• ·         Make sure you complete all these steps by: 30th July 2016

I will participate in this challenge as well and will follow the above procedure. As a special surprise and as a random act of kindness, I will surprise one of the registered participants with a little gift from me.

You don’t necessarily need to live in Australia to register, as long as you receive post I will send you the card (still for free) in order for you to participate. By registering, you are prepared to receive the card and undertake the challenge.

Want to join in the fun? Click here to register.

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Jen.

Introducing the 'Snail Mail Surprise Challenge' and how you can make a difference

Sometimes life is hard …

Hardship is evident in our lives, in the lives of our friends and in the lives of much loved family members. Turn on the TV or get on the web and we hear about awful things happening in our world. I am often left feeling helpless. Sometimes we need a ray of light and a little encouragement. I got to thinking about this and realized that I can do something as I make handmade cards - the perfect method for encouragement. So I came up with an idea and I’m hoping that this might inspire you also. I’ve called it ‘Snail Mail Surprise’.

At various times of the year I will instigate a challenge of encouragement (eg. 'to encourage a family member' or 'to encourage someone who is older than you') and I will call on a limited number of interested people to subscribe to the challenge (for free and for this one event, unless you want to participate in more later on). Those people who managed to subscribe for the event will be sent a (free) handmade card from me to fill out and give to someone who fits the challenge. Sharing of each challenge will be encouraged, not to ‘do the best deed’, but to celebrate these glimmers of hope and encouragement. I will even surprise one lucky subscriber for participating.

This will only go ahead if people are interested in participating. There will be a limited amount of subscribers for each ‘Snail Mail Surprise Challenge’. I would love to know if this is something that you would be interested in participating in. The only outlay for you would be time - to write in a card and give it someone (or post it, in which case you would need to pay postage costs), but I know that the impact that this small amount of effort could make on someone’s life at a particular moment would be enormous.

I am currently creating a batch of cards to be used in the first ‘Snail Mail Surprise’ challenge. I will let you know when I am looking for subscribers. 

Thanks for viewing!

~ Jen.