Next Saturday is World Card Making Day and I'm so excited! Lately I've been so busy that I need an excuse to make cards, and this is the perfect reason. Why do we need a whole day dedicated to card making? Why not? It's a great way to celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family, plus October is the start of the busiest card making season of the year. Just think, you could get all your Christmas cards done next Saturday! What, you don't start on your Christmas cards two months in advance? Okay, neither do I, but I should. Jessica does and I'm jealous of her when I'm trying to cram the last few in the week before Christmas, and she's sitting back, happily enjoying the holiday festivities.

Last year we joined in the fun with a virtual card swap, and we thought we'd try it again. A virtual swap is where you, our lovely readers, send us a picture or scan of a card you've made, and we post them here for the rest of our readers to "ooh" and "ahh" over. The best part? You only have to make one card! Easiest swap ever.

So if you'd like to participate, e-mail us at littlebirdiesecrets@gmail.com with a copy of your card by Thursday, October 1 at 5:00pm PT. Be sure to include your first and last name in the e-mail if you'd like us to give you credit. We'll also link back to your blog or Web site if you give us that information. As always, we can't wait to see what you all come up with! Even if you don't participate, be sure to come back for tons of great card ideas on World Card Making Day, October 3, 2009!

P.S. If you're local (Seattle-Everett area), come by Lasting Memories to make a really cute card for free on World Card Making Day! (Yes, another shameless plug for my favorite scrapbooking store.) I'll be there, so be sure to come say 'hi!'