Merry Christmas from franCTcreative
Express Yourself Through Card Making
Join us in crafting connections and memories through our card making community.
please excuse the mess because we're always making changes
and come back often; we're so glad you're here!
Mission
We strive to help those who serve, have served, and their families through the healing power of creativity and cards
Our mission is to foster community through cards; the togetherness in the making, and the joy in the giving and receiving whether it be in-person or online.
Create
Craft Together
Create beautiful cards using our detailed instructions and creative ideas, encouraging shared moments among friends and family.
Learn
Explore Tutorials
Explore our plethora of tutorials, accessible for every skill level. From beginners to advanced, there's a project for everyone.
Join
Become Involved
Join our local workshops in the NCR, Cards, Company & Coffee, or sign up to participate in Smiles Across the Miles for online sessions, bringing communities together.
Creating Connections
Our Vision
At franCTcreative, we believe in the power of crafting to foster community.
Francine knows this first hand. When she joined Stampin' Up! as an independent demonstrator her goal was to bring women and creativity into her almost all male life of engine rooms at sea.
When Francine's health took a turn that ended her Air Force career she again found herself looking for women and creativity as part of her healing journey and stumbled on Women Warriors' Healing Garden (WWHG).
At WWHG Francine found a way to heal and be healed through sharing her love of card making by running workshops sponsored by WWHG.
Now after over 30 years of service, Francine has retired and once again finds herself seeking community and creative outlets and so, created franCTcreative.
Our Purpose
We are a not-for-profit business that strives to create a welcoming space for veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, first responders, and their families to engage in card making. With workshops, tutorials, and community support, we aim to spread joy and creativity through our shared passion for crafting.
Upcoming Events
Cards, Company & Coffee - Jan 2026Sun, Jan 25The Big Red Barn
Smiles Across the Miles - Happy New Year!Sun, Jan 25Your Favourite Place
Cards, Company & Coffee - Feb 2026Tue, Feb 10The Big Red Barn
Smiles Across the Miles - Feb 2026Sun, Feb 22Your Favourite Place
Cards, Company & Coffee - March 2026Tue, Mar 10The Big Red Barn
Smiles Across the Miles - March 206Sun, Mar 29Your Favourite Place
Cards, Company & Coffee - Merry Christmas!Tue, Dec 16The Big Red Barn
Smiles Across the Miles - Lest We ForgetSun, Nov 30Your Favourite Place
Cards, Company & Coffee - Lest We ForgetTue, Nov 11Ottawa
Smiles Across the Miles - Oct 2025Sun, Oct 26Your Favourite Place
Cards, Company & CoffeeTue, Oct 14The Big Red Barn
Smiles Across the Miles Online WorkshopSun, Sep 28Your Favourite Place
Cards, Company & CoffeeWed, Sep 17The Big Red Barn
Gallery of Cards & Tutorials
Explore our collection of unique handmade cards, perfect for every occasion.
Get inspired by our creative designs and learn how to craft your own with our step-by-step tutorials.
Click the image of the tutorial you wish to download.
November Session of SAM Cards
The Tutorial Vault
Video Tutorials
All Videos
Snow Globe North Pole Delivery
Snow Globe North Pole Delivery
Sending Tidings North Pole Delivery 20251129
Tis The Season
Sending Love and Joy
Cards for Sale
all proceeds go towards funding workshops for veterans, their families & friends.
Resources
for veterans
True Patriot Love is Canada’s foundation for the military community, supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, and their families through grants, research, and advocacy to improve well-being, inspire recovery, strengthen families, and foster community connection.
Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) is a national mental health service provider dedicated to serving
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Trauma Exposed Organizations (TExO)
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Trauma Exposed Professionals (TExP), and their
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Trauma Exposed Families (TExF)
WWC specializes in providing culturally informed services that utilize a combination of education, counselling, and training approaches to support resiliency and recovery from post-trauma injuries.
Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans serve selflessly in the face of adversity and danger. They give their country everything, fulfilling missions with grit, loyalty and determination. Canadians need to understand the physical, emotional and mental stressors that result from service. The onus of recovery should not fall on Veterans and their Families only. They have long advocated for access to safe, meaningful care and supports for their long-term health and well-being. Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families exists because of this need for action. We work with Veterans, Families, service providers and researchers to bridge the divide between research and practice so Veterans and their Families can get the best possible mental health care and supports.
Women Warriors’ Healing Garden (WWHG) was founded in 2015 as a federally-registered Canadian not-for-profit corporation (#999247-2). We are headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. WWHG understands that members of minority groups often feel marginalized, or even unsafe, in traditional programs designed for veterans. WWHG's vision is to provide caring and professional community-based support for those who have selflessly served our country, but who do not fit the societal stereotype of a military veteran, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous people and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
The Pepper Pod is a retreat centre that serves, supports and inspires women in the Canadian veteran community—including women veterans, soon-to-be veterans and spouses of veterans.
Our mission is to connect women in tightly knit tribes that support one another as they navigate life's adventures as a veteran. We serve our community by creating programs specifically designed for women veterans and give them an opportunity to connect through a multitude of events throughout the year.
The Polka Dot Wheelbarrow is a veteran owned farm in the NCR that is all about the bees! If you and your service have left you with too much in your wheelbarrow let Alaina & Brian Mundy teach you how to unload it at the farm. Learn how beekeeping can help you find peace.
While we believe strongly in the results of our program, we recognize that there is no perfect solution for every person or situation. The resources listed on this page offer free or specialized programs for former CF and RCMP members, but are not endorsed or verified by the VTN.
If you are a current or former member of the CAF or RCMP, or a family member, we have targeted services and benefits to improve your well-being.
Providing programs and services for CAF members, Veterans and their families in your community, and across the nation.
Soldier On is a program of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAFTG) which contributes to the recovery of ill and injured CAF members and veterans by providing opportunities and resources through sport, recreational, and creative activities. Soldier On is recognized for improving the quality of life of the ill and injured and is a highly visible and integral component of the Department of National Defence and the CAF’s commitment to the care of ill and injured members. Generous Canadians support the program through donations and fundraising to the Soldier On Fund, which is managed by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services.
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) provides support services to people affected by sexual misconduct who are:
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currently serving and former Canadian Armed Forces individual members and chain of command;
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current public service employees, executives and management in the Department of National Defence;
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Cadets aged 16 and older;
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Junior Canadian Rangers aged 16 and older;
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families of the above aged 16 and older;
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members of the Defence community and caregivers who support those affected by sexual misconduct.
