“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Thursday, July 5, 2012

The Ultimate Crafters

Joyce McCarthy, 92, left, and Annabelle Dale, 100, create birthday cards for fellow residents.





When I saw this story in our local newspaper, I knew it had to go into my blog. These ladies should have the title of  Ultimate Crafters! They have been doing this independently all their lives. Recently they teamed up and now work together to produce some wonderful and original birthday cards. Not only for friends and relatives, but for other residents in the senior apartment complex where they live.

Annabelle is a poet and Joyce is a water-colorist. Each month they collaborate to create birthday cards for the residents.  Joyce designs a cover birthday greeting on her computer, and then adds an original work of art that reflects the season.  Annabelle writes the interior greeting. The cards reflect the seasons and range from snow and pine trees to bright colored poppies. 

A tiny boat floats on water in another card. Here is the greeting inside -- “If wishes were fishes/And we had a net/We’d gather them all/And then you would get/So many you’d have/A bundle to share/We are sending you some/To show you that we care!” On the back, Joyce includes credit where credit is due: “Greeting by Annabelle Dale. Painted and printed by Joyce McCarthy.” “This is no two-bit operation,” Annabelle says.

I am so inspired by these two ladies. They have found a craft they love and have been enjoying it off and on throughout their lives. I take comfort that there is hope for an occasional crafter like me, that if I never give up, maybe someday I too will be an Ultimate Crafter!



For the article in the Star Tribune click here.  Photos via Star Tribune.