We’ve all heard the cliché “Laughter is the best medicine.” Cliché or not, it’s true. Researchers have found that laughter can boost your immune system because it produces antibodies and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. It can relieve stress because a good laugh actually reduces the level of stress hormones. It can create and strengthen friendships. People connect with humor. A good laugh makes everyone feel good and puts people in a good mood.

Humor comes in many forms--irony, puns, slapstick, sarcasm, the unexpected … these are just a sampling of the kinds of things that bring a smile to someone’s face. Below are three cards that use words to incorporate humor. Melisa’s card uses a cute pun with a funny scene to match. Annette’s card makes a play on words. Perfect is spelled like Purrr-fect. A cat chasing a mouse and trying to convince the poor rodent to “play” is a great use of irony. Smitha’s card also uses a play on words – Sending you “sum” love with a mathematical equation.

Stinkin’ of You by Melisa Alzammar

Supplies: Paper: Scenic Route, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Recollections, Ink: Memento (Tsukineko), Specialty Ink: Colorbox (Clearsnap). Tools: Electronic Cutter: Cricut Expression 2 (Provo Craft), Cartridges: Campin’ Critters, Close to my Heart (Provocraft), Stamps: Pink by Design.

Design Notes: I used my Cricut Expression 2 and the Close to my Heart Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge to cut out the base of the card and the square for the patterned paper. I then used the Campin Critters Cricut cartridge to cut out the skunk and the trapezoid for my sentiment. I then pieced everything together and stamped my sentiment.

Let's Play by Annette Allen

Supplies:Paper: Jillibean Soup, Cardstock: American Crafts, Neenah: Ink: Memento (Tsukineko), Tim Holtz (Ranger Industries): Markers: Copic. Tools: Punches: Fiskars, Stamps: Paper Smooches, The Alley Way Stamps.

Design Notes: I always try to imagine the scene before creating it. I pick my stamps first and go from there. In this case I was looking for something funny…well I thought a little cat and mouse would be fun. I tried to create a fun grass scene where the cat is trying to hide from the mouse.

Sending You “Sum” Love by Smitha Katti

Supplies: Paper: Wausau, Fonts: CK Ali hand, Cooper, American Typewriter, Digital Stamp, Numbers: Queen of Quirk, Software: Adobe Photoshop. CS5.

Design Notes: I mixed up different fonts and alphas to create an interesting title. Use of color also helps.