It is a Watercolor World in Neighboring

Watercolor how to video https://youtu.be/at8_66UG49c

When a neighbor receives a kind note from us, especially if it is handwritten, they feel like the writer has a deeper desire to serve them or connect.

Isolated and lonely people desire a personal touch. This has always been true. But it is especially true during this period in our social history.

As a speaker and writer on the topic of neighboring, I am seeing a surge of interest in connecting with the people who live nearby, and notecards are a great way to do introductions or invites.

Taking the time to personalize a notecard, like with watercolors, can be relaxing for you, but it also tells the receiver that you invested time in the communication.

Quentin Schultze, a Communication Professor Emeritus at Calvin College, is a fan of handwritten notes and personal letters. He has written books and blogs on communication topics, and when it comes to a handwritten note, he says a nicely written note is gold.

“If there’s something very personal that’s encouraging and complimentary in the note, it makes a huge difference,” said Schultze. “Communication is about connecting so fundamentally it is about creating relationships. Handwritten notes are a way to do that, and especially now since so few people take the time to send them.”

In addition, a hand-created notecard is the opposite of what happens on social media. There is no public exposure or influence, or group laughter. But there is also none of the negative that comes with social media, including the possibility now that your account might be removed.

Hand-painted notecards, for example, are tremendously powerful because they are so personal. Very few people will take the time to create a card, write a note of some type, and then send or deliver it to someone. It just does not happen much. That makes a note like this much more personal and meaningful.”

Handwritten notes are a great way to be an encourager and tell someone they are valued or are doing a great job. These notecards also provide an excellent way to connect with neighbors, even if you are sticking them in the door of a neighbor you do not know yet.

Even introverts, who might be uncomfortable knocking on the door and handing a plate of cookies to a neighbor as part of an introduction, can send a kind hand-painted and handwritten note as an introduction.

LET’S GET STARTED

Where do you start with creating notecards? An easy way is with water-colored paints, small brushes, a pencil, and painting paper cut in 4x6 or 5x7 sizes.

I prefer to create the art and then slide it into “photo frame notecards.” This type of card has plenty of room for a handwritten note, and it allows your art to be showcased easily on the cover. But simply using your painted piece of paper as the notecard is fine too.

I attended a workshop recently organized by The Hopeful Neighbor, and they taught us how to use stencils and watercolors to create some beautiful water-colored cards,. And, I have to say I found the whole experience very relaxing and positive.

After making your creation, the next step is to write out a heartfelt note saying thank you for something a neighbor has done recently or just offering a word of encouragement. Even if you write one note a week to somebody else, just four or five sentences, it is a positive step.

"Don’t make the note long. Don’t give all kinds of explanations. Just get immediately to the point from your heart. That will mean a lot to the person that receives it,” said Schultze.

The perfect place to start is with a neighbor.

I am hearing about positive changes in how people connect with their neighbors. But there is still room for improvement. You can take a few steps this week that will have a positive impact on your neighborhood and personal relationships. Plus, you can have fun creating the cards and even involve your whole family.

###