Tweet to support our heroes @MsVeronicasEtsy

I know, weird title for a post. Stick around, let me explain.

April was a full and fun month with new cards and books and a giveaway. However, I was a little disappointed by the responses to the Operation Write Home post. So, I want to give everyone an easier opportunity to participate and send some encouragement to the US Heroes serving abroad. (Read more about Operation Write Home.) Until the end of April I will donate one card for every tweet (one per person) of this post. Just click the Twitter button at the end of the post and tweet. That’s all. And that’s why the post is titled that way:-) You can still leave a comment here and that will count for another card donated.

Also: we finally have a warm day here in my neck of the woods. I’m so loving it and I’m hoping everyone else is having great weather too. Can’t wait for summer. The lovely sunshine allowed me to take some pictures today of some new creations. My recently revived yoga practice has inspired some new items soon to be in my shop. But you get a sneak peek.

And lastly – Ms. Veronica’s will be joining the Creative Grove Market (at least for the summer). Creative Grove is one the coolest markets in Jersey City, NJ – lots of handmade, artists, live musician and other performers, games, a farmer’s market in the summer, just all around fun. So if you’re in our neck of the woods, stop by and say hi.

And remember you have until noon EST on Wednesday, April 27th to enter our Mother’s Day giveaway with items from four (4) Etsy shops.

Thanks for sticking around, now click that tweet button:-)

Operation Write Home

My brother and sister-in-law are career military folks. Between them, they’ve been deployed seven times since 9/11. I also know several other people currently serving their country and one of them, thank God, recently survived a land mine attack. I know how we feel when our loved ones are deployed, especially into a war zone; but I can only begin to imagine how these soldiers feel. *wipes away a tear*

About a week ago I came across a post on the Etsy Paper Street Team by Jennifer of Jenuinememories that talked about Operation Write Home. Having a heart connection to our military servicepersons, I quickly hopped over to their website to check it out. I don’t think I got to the second page before I decided that this is something I have to be a part off. To think that this organization has been around for as long as they have and I didn’t know about them. And the coolest thing is that they only accept handmade cards.

Their mission is stated as “Supporting our nation’s armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them.” “…all ages and levels of experience” are welcomed to participate. They have so many resources available that even the most amature crafter shouldn’t feel intimidated. They even offer artwork and a free stamp to tag your cards. And yes, they accept monetary donations.

Each box of cards that is shipped to our servicemen, is topped with a bag of ‘AnyHero‘ mail – letters, pictures, drawing or even a short note to anyone on the frontline in need of some encouragement.

There are some rules in place (ie how to package your submissions) for the ease of handling the large amount of cards they process and to keep our soldier safe (ie no glitter because it makes them visible to night goggles.)

You can find all the information, resources, etc on their website and their Stars and Stamps blog, but their facebook page is the most happening spot.

Going forward, for every card sold at Ms. Veronica’s, one will be donated to Operation Write Home. But, I want to start a little better than that. I want to give you guys an opportunity to participate and send some joy to our service men and women. Until the end of April, the total number of responses to this post will be my first donation to Operation Write Home. One comment per email address please. Let’s support our Heros – they make it possible for us to do what we do everyday.

- Roanne.