Monday, May 23, 2016

How it all Started!

Just recently one of the parents of my former players shared this photo with me ... with the caption, "Can you believe this is how it all began?"

The original Match Point Gift Letters
As I look over these letters, I am first extremely proud of my first effort. I made each of these by hand - printing the photos on my home computer, individually cutting out the photos, and decoupaging each photo one by one onto each letter.

I remember thinking to myself, after I finished the lonely first letter, that "this is going to take forever!" And I wanted to quit. But the competitor in me wouldn't let me quit. These are 6 of the 10 letters that I made for my team.

Everyone always asks me, why did you start doing this? At the time I made these letters, I was looking for a way to use all of the amazing photos that one of our parents had taken. It seemed a shame to leave them in digital folders on the internet!

Over the last few years, my methods have changed. I no longer print and cut everything by hand - I use photoshop. I no longer by the letters at craft stores - I make them myself! But what stays the same is the effort and care that I put into each one.

That's because I know how much these letters mean to the ones who receive them, and even to their parents - if they are for young athletes. They are amazing frames of memories, of times and teammates and moments full of magic and hope.

I am so glad that I can share this photo with you! I hope it gives you a little glimpse into my process and the "why" of my shop! I look forward to our next project together!

Sincerely,
Crystal

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