Handmade Cards

Pansie watercolor notecard by Lucinda Keller

 

I received this beautiful handmade watercolor note card from my friend Lucinda today. It’s one thing to get a card or letter in the mail, but even better when it isn’t expected AND the person took time to make it! The photo doesn’t do justice to the beautiful shades of purples and greens that are in it. I’ve known Lucinda since high school (way back in the 80’s!). She’s a fabulous artist, actress and art teacher. Lucinda’s blog inspired me to start one of my own. She is great with all things travel, art, photography and she uses the best quotes to go along with each post.

I’ve always said I’m not that artistic, but the older I get I believe we are all artistic or creative in our own way. I may not be a true artist, but maybe simply sending a card picked specifically for someone counts.
Another friend, (yes, again from high school, but different schools) Mary, started her own photography business about six years ago. She sent me some notecards of photos she had taken and made cards out them. They are all blank inside which is perfect as they can be used for any occasion. More of Mary’s photography can be seen here. She is one of Carlsbad’s top baby photographer’s today!

                                            Notecards from MKPimages.com

I’m so fortunate to have friends who not only write hand written notes, but make them from talents they have!

Graduation time

Here are some photos of graduation cards I’ll be sending out in the next week. I love getting “Aunt Julie” addressed envelopes from my friend’s kids. I’m an aunt, but with no kids of my own, by choice-it’s all good! I love being a part of their lives and giving younger kids cards and gifts.

 

                                             Graduation cards for “Aunt Julie”

 

                              Economic Gaduation Cards

I think I’ll be sending out six cards this year, four high school graduations and two for college. Two of the people I don’t know that well and will be sending these cards. One I purchased from a party supply store where all cards were half off last year and I had in my file. The other card I recently purchased at Trader Joe’s. For .99 cents, you can’t beat that! I think I that same sentence in my last post!-point being you can be thoughtful without having to spend a lot.
I’m really excited to give this 5″X7″ card below as a graduation gift for someone who in my eyes will take risks to be successful. The oranges and yellow of this card burst out with the charcoal grey background. I have a few favorite calligraphers that I buy cards from and Emily Poe-Crawford, with EmDashPaperCo made this card. I’ll have to post more of hers later, but check out her Etsy site and another site I hadn’t heard of, but am now sponsoring her with future works, is called Patreon. Instead of a one-time donation like Kickstarter, you can “pledge” at different levels to support the artist. All the supporters were able to vote on which piece she would work on next. I support and get pieces of work! Fun!

                    Virgil’s quote brilliantly designed by EmDashPaperCo

Long Overdue Thank You Notes

I have to give Hallmark credit. I am normally one who likes to send stationery that isn’t from a Hallmark store. However, due to not being able to get around that good after hip surgery, I was limited to go to my local Hallmark store. I don’t mean to sound like a snob, but I think I am when it comes to stationery. I love boutique vendors and way too expensive letter press stationery. Limited to time and money on this trip, I found these adorable thank you note cards. I love the colors and the raised ink. Hallmark is a good gig. You gotta hand it to them for also having a special .99 cent card area.
Target and Michael’s can have good selections too. I am having my own cards made as we speak-I’ll tell you more about that soon!

The cards above are being sent to friends who sent me a get well gift or card during my recovery. It is amazing how a note from a loved one can support you when you are under the weather or in my case, laying around for days.

I saw a card once that said, “You’re welcome” on the outside and on the inside read, “Thank you for the thank you card”. I thought that was quite clever.

Who can you send a thank you card to today?