If you’ve waited in line to take a class, it’s probably one taught by Karen Czerwinski and Linda Dungey. Their Sun City class often had a waiting list. Residents registered monthly to create handmade cards for all occasions. Czerwinski and Dungey taught their last class in November 2023. Their creativity and hard work preparing for great classes will be missed. A Sun City resident, Chris Wojtas, said, “Karen and Linda, our previous teachers, were wonderful, and we were sorry to see them retire.”
Class attendees were happy to see that in the November Lifestyles Magazine, a greeting card class taught by Jane Hancock was starting in January 2024.
New Greeting Card Instructor Jane Hancock holds a display of cards made by class participants. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
“Six handmade cards in one workshop. The instructor will lead you step by step,” she said.
On January 22, registered class participants started their new year by making greeting cards to send to family and friends and meet the new instructor, Jane Hancock.
Hancock said, “I have loved all kinds of crafts since I was a small child. I have done sewing, quilting, amigurumi, drawing, watercolor painting, crocheting, you name it. I grew up in the upper peninsula of Michigan where the winters were long, and crafts were a welcome distraction to the long hours spent inside.”
Hancock attended Michigan Technological University and got a degree in Medical Technology. She worked as a medical technologist in a hospital laboratory and then enjoyed the job of parenthood. She was a stay-at-home mom, raising four boys.
Hancock said, “We moved to Huntley about 16 years ago. With all my boys in junior high school and beyond, I decided to try to substitute teaching in District 158. I loved doing that but decided not to continue after Covid disrupted us all. I decided to use my love of card-making to make my own ‘Covid Cards by Jane.’ My family loved them and thought it was kind of funny and cute. Cards are a great way to connect with people on a personal level. I love using them to encourage people and let them know I care about them. My grandkids love getting personal cards.”
In the January class, participants crafted a birthday, sympathy, thinking of you, anniversary, two Valentine’s Day cards, and one with a chocolate treat. A bonus card kit was sent home with participants to complete.
Hancock said, “I use various means to create the cards we make in the class. Some cards use stamps, some use dies, and some use a Cricut machine to enhance the final look. No matter which means I use, I try to make it an enjoyable experience for students to create and connect with others while making something fun.”
Wojtas said, “The new instructor and format were very refreshing. We accomplished a great deal during the class.”
Rita Shank also enjoyed the class. “I enjoyed the class. Jane is extremely pleasant, and we made some lovely cards. I plan on attending future classes,” she said.
Hancock said, “In future classes, I plan to introduce paper flower rolling using the Cricut cutouts, pop-up cards using a die cut, and possibly trying our hands at a simple watercolor card front. It should be a fun year.”
Class participants promised to return next month to create more greeting cards.
Janet Kargol, who has been attending the card-making classes for a while, said, “I was happy with the cards. I still had a good time. I will go to next month’s class. Jane’s very pleasant, organized, and open to suggestions.”
Surprise a friend or family member on their day with a fun and intimate birthday greeting that you made. Register for the Greeting Card Class online or at Prairie Lodge on February 26, March 25, or April 22.
