Today is International Non-Binary People's Day

 International Non-Binary People's Day is observed annually.

I made this card to celebrate a friend on this day. I had not known there were many multiple Pride flags and meanings behind all the colours. A search online to help make a nice card enlightened me to the idea of using these colours.

Non-Binary is an umbrella term for people who don't identify with the binary categories of male or female.   I hadn't heard a lot about non-binary people.  Nonbinary includes people who may identify as having two or more genders, moving between genders (gender fluidity), or not identifying with any gender. We are becoming more accustomed to the idea of transgender people, maybe it’s easier to explain the idea of feeling more attuned to the ‘opposite gender’.  Non-binary brings in the understanding that gender identity is a spectrum.

It isn’t hard to be supportive and respectful of non-binary people, even if we are just started to learn about them. Being supportive and respectful of nonbinary people can be as simple as showing respect for someone’s identity by following their lead and using the pronouns they’ve asked you to. You don’t have to understand what it means for someone to be non-binary to respect them.  Saying something like, "I use the pronoun she/her, what pronouns do you use?"    It's like asking, "my name is Laurie, what's yours?" 

Non-binary gender acknowledges and celebrates individuality. Sending a card letting someone know you see them can really put a smile on their face.  By learning more about and celebrating other people’s differences we can create safer environments. We each do make a difference!

Eating ice cream — Syttende Mai

May 17th is Syttende Mai, Norway's Independence day. Celebrations include festivals, parades, eating and is one day where the kids get to eat pretty much as many ice creams as they want. They do this even if the weather is sleeting in Norway. My Mom holds up her heritage well in this department, she loves her icecream, enjoying it all the year through, sometimes instead of a meal!

I decided to work with the wonderful Sweet Ice Cream set from the Jan-June catalogue. A set that I am quite happy to see crossover to the new Annual Catalogue! Between the 'sweet' images and the fabulous font on the sentiments, I've fallen in Love. The possibilities and versatility of the set is great!

so to all the Norwegians, this Cone is for you!

smiles, Laurie

Celebrating Ramadan

 

 I am excited to share a couple card and décor ideas to celebrate upcoming Muslim celebrations. 

Ramadan begins on April 12. This is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. It ends approximately May 11 this year; the ending is called on the crescent moon's sighting,  which can vary in different countries. This smiling moon marks the end of a very special month of prayer, fasting, and charity, pillars of the Islamic faith. Ramadan is meant to be challenging; fasting allows Muslims to practice self-control, helps them with their spiritual devotion, and develops a kinship with Muslims worldwide. Families wake early to share a meal, sohour, before sunrise and after sunset, break the fast with a meal called iftar. Small children don't fast. To help them connect and keep them interested in this special month, you could help parents with crafting ideas to add to the daily activities many families do. Families can use a Ramadan calendar to mark the days. 

Much like our recent advent calendar kit, they can be decorated and hold small treats. I found several ideas online that could be made and decorated with our paper or envelopes and could include printables, listing small activities or good deeds. These calendars mark the days and also countdown to the Blessed Feast or Festival of Breaking Fast, called Eid al-Fitr.

 Eid al-Fitr is a big celebration marking the end of Ramadan, starting at sundown on May 12 and ending at sundown on May 13. The Festivals traditionally are large community events, welcoming everyone to celebrate, not just Islamics. The more, the merrier to enjoy the reward of the hard work of Ramadan. There is music, games, food and plenty of sweets! Eid Mubarak is a popular expression to congratulate each other for celebrating the holy month. This is a good greeting for cards to use for banners and other décor. Gifts are given, often money and gift cards. Gift boxes of chocolates, too. Ideas for dressing up gift card holders, small boxes, and money envelopes would be helpful for your customers. Help celebrate this month of Blessing and prepare for the festivities of Eid al-Fitr. 

smiles, Laurie