Earth Day!

 I'm excited about Earth Day 2021!

also check out NASA Earth Day Page

So far, I have sent over 50 S.A.G.E cards out into the world, and I'm really happy to report that everyone I've sent a card to or have told about my project to make greeting cards much more sustainable, has been so accepting of and into the idea and concept of sharing my SAGE cards multiple times!

It's a small accomplishment I realize, but it feels really good to make even a small change, and I believe it just takes one person with an idea, and if more people tell others, and continue to share and re-share my SAGE cards, and I continue to send more and more out into the world, maybe it will catch on, and just maybe it won't be such a small thing after a while.

I make all my SAGE cards using recycled materials, re-purposed packaging, along with papercraft and art supplies I buy retail, and whatever else I find around my studio. I make my cards sturdy so they can stand up to being shared and re-shared multiple times. I never make the same card twice. Each card is unique, hand crafted, and I think of each one as a small piece of art.

Sturdy, Sustainable, Shareable, Sage cards… share a smile!

How to Participate in the S.A.G.E. Project:

Join the quest to reduce, re-use, recycle, and re-Share!

This unique handcrafted greeting was made specifically to share multiple times - Like a travelling mini Art Show! 

Here’s How! 

• Don’t write directly on the card itself - Just use the enclosed inside sheet(s) to write your personal message.
• include the extra inside sheets, extra envelope, instruction card/sheet for future shares.
• Then address and apply postage if mailing, and you have just made a Difference! Thank You!

When you receive a S.A.G.E. card, keep it for as long as it serves you, then use the above instructions to send it to the next person to enjoy, the cycle continues. Sending a SAGE card, is a tangible way to bring a caring message to friends and family, and help us all to feel more connected, and feel good that we are making a difference.

Share and re-share SAGE cards, Send Smiles, even the Earth Smiles

Learn How you can Help me continue this one woman project to promote Sustainability through sharing SAGE Greeting cards - Donate any amount - powered by Safe and Secure PayPal

4R Earth Project: S.A.G.E. Shared Art Greetings Exhibit

4R Earth Project: S.A.G.E.

Shared Art Greetings Exhibit

What are the 4Rs?

Reduce

Reuse

Recycle

Reshare

S.A.G.E. stands for Shared Art Greetings Experience

I have designed unique handcrafted greeting cards combining recycled, upcycled, found objects, new material, acid free inks, paints, and whatever else I find around my studio. I never make the same card twice.

I don’t have a business, I buy retail art and card-making supplies, and re-use most of my packaging, cereal/tissue boxes, take out containers, paper bags, etc. I also make my own handmade paper using shredded scraps, packaging, and junk mail, etc.

I am one person doing what I can to share good feelings through sending my one of a kind handcrafted greeting cards in hopes that I bring a smile to the recipient, yet also reduce my impact on our Earths’ resources with the materials I use, AND if the recipient shares the greeting card again, it’s a double win that keeps on going as long as each card is shared again and again!

What happens to the estimated 7 billion greeting cards that are purchased each year? After being displayed on a desk, counter, or mantle for a few weeks, some may end up in a keepsake box for longer, but the vast majority end up in with the recycling, or in the trash to be taken to the landfill. To me, it seems like a shame as well as having a large monetary and environmental impact.

When I receive a card in the mail, I feel good. If I’m sending my cards to friends and family, I feel good knowing they’ll smile. I know that having a unique tangible card one can hold, and display and read again and again, it is special, a whole different experience than an email.

If you’re like me, you like to keep these thoughtful tangible items around for a while, and have them displayed as reminders how much people care. However, there does come a time where you realize you can’t really keep every single card anyone ever gave you… 

Yet it doesn’t feel right to just throw them away or recycle them.

What if you didn’t have to?!

What if you could keep S.A.G.E. cards for as long as they serve a purpose for you, and when it’s time to let them go, you can keep the personal message that was inside, they are written on separate papers from the card. Now you can keep the small and easy to store message, and then using the extra personal message sheets included in the card, or your own, along with the included project instructions and included envelope, address and stamp if required, now you can re-Share the SAGE card with someone you’d like to send a smile to, and they can continue the cycle.

You’ll feel good that you are helping the Earth. By participating in this project, you are reducing your impact on this planet, and the more that participate, the better it gets. And think about it, You are sending a smile to someone, while also being part of change to improve our environment. 

I make my SAGE Cards sturdy and strong, in hopes they will stand up to being shared again and again. You could start a tradition and send the same card back and forth with a friend for a certain occasion, or you can choose to send to recipients all over the world, and help spread the idea of Shareable Art Greetings everywhere. 

I’m starting the Project by sending out a number of cards to a group of friends and family, asking them to send out the cards along with the instructions, I will send out as many as I can into the world, but I will eventually run out of funds to do this, I’m not a business, I buy and use my own personal art supplies, stamps/postage, and packaging from things I consume. 

If you have a SAGE card that seems to shabby to re-Share, if you mail it back to me and include your return address, I will send you a fresh SAGE card! 

B. Wansink

1236 Dreamcatcher Pl

Langford BC V9B 0T6

If you would like to help out with this project, your donation will go directly to the process of creating more SAGE cards, as well as postage to get them out into the world. 

I'm using a PayPal donation method, so it is safe and secure. 

There is a 'donate' button right on my home page, or you can use the link below.

I have a couple of incentives for those that wish to donate;

Donate using PayPal

• If you donate $10 CAD or more, and you have provided your mailing address, you will be receiving a fresh from the studio SAGE card via mail!* 

• If you were wonderful and opted for a monthly recurring donation of $10 CAD or more per month, and you have provided your mailing address, you will be receiving a fresh SAGE card via mail each month your donation is received!* Thank you for being so amazing!

Thank You!