This week I’m features on the fabulous Cindy Ann Ganaden’s Sketchbook stories. Thanks so much Cindy Ann!

I’ve had this idea for several years and have decided to “launch” it with a challenge to all creative Moms (Dads, Grandparents, etc. can join in too!) to get out those craft supplies and send a little lunch box love in you’re child’s lunch everyday for the week of Valentine’s (Feb. 14th – 18th, 2011). You can get your juices flowing by looking at some here.

When my daughter was 3 I began making her notes when she would take her lunch to Mother’s Day out. Almost 3.5 years later, I’m still doing it. She chooses her lunch box every year based on if she think it has room to “display” a note. She looks forward to it everyday and will sometimes come into my studio the morning of and try to take a peek at what I’m making for that day, but I try and keep it a surprise until lunch time. They range from simple “i love yous” to more elaborate pieces that sometimes highlight what she’s learning at school or what’s going on that week. When we went to Disney a few years ago I did a countdown to Disney day in a series of notes, and this year when we were finding out if she would have a little sister or little brother, I counted down the days to the ultrasound via her lunch notes. It’s always been a little way to make her lunchtime special.

I’ll be posting her lunch notes everyday next week and I encourage you to do the same and send me a link to them or link them over on the “a little lunch box love” facebook page, where I’ll be posting notes, ideas and other lunch goodies throughout the year. If you have an older child, maybe a backpack note will work best, or if you have a younger child, think about adding a little note by their plate at lunch. Just show them that you love them!