Do you have a holiday card tradition?
I have long wanted to start a tradition of sending out handmade cards each holiday season. But I always think about it at the beginning of December, which is obviously too late. This year, I’m ahead of the game! I used my #CarveDecember Workbook and went through all the steps that class teaches: research, sketching, troubleshooting…
…and then ended up with this hand carved block:
When I was carving it, I knew that I wanted to make chine-collé prints with it. Here’s what the first batch looks like:
Because they’re chine-collé prints, each one is slightly unique. The hand made collage paper I used and the way I cut it, is different each time.
And now, here’s my dilemma. These take a looooong time to make. For each card, I need to:
- make/find the collage paper
- cut the collage paper into the shapes I want
- add adhesive to the collage paper
- ink up the block
- carefully place the collage paper on the block
- line up the card to print properly
- print it
- hang it to dry
Whew!
So here’s the part I’m questioning: I know that some people on my list will appreciate all that work and keep the card. But I also feel like some people on my list won’t care and it will go into the garbage. I thought about having two lists – one who appreciate handmade and one who don’t care. But it feels weird to me to do that. Plus do I really know what people will do with them?! And in the spirit of the holidays, it’s a gift that’s meant to be given with no strings attached, right?!. And yet, I hate the idea of spending hours making something that will go straight into the bin.
And so, one solution I’ve come up with, is to put stickers on the back of the card that say:
“This is a hand made chine-collé monoprint. Chine-collé is a printmaking process and roughly translates from French as “chine”= tissue, and “collé” = glue or paste. The word chine is used because the thin paper that printmakers traditionally used for this process, was imported to Europe from China, India and Japan. I use paper that I paint, stamp, and draw on. After I make the paper, I hand cut it to fit the design. Then, during the printmaking process, paper and the hand carved design are fused together to create the final result.
This 4×6 work of art is designed to fit into a 5×7 photo frame. The white edge of the card will appear as a mat when it’s in the frame.”
But I can’t decide whether that’s obnoxious?
Steve suggested that I should simply send hand made cards to a few people I know will appreciate it and then make copies (like through a holiday card service) for the rest of the list.
What do you think?
I’m so with you on waiting until the last minute to make cards. I think make two sets. Even if it’s not an original, a copy, it’s still YOUR work! What if you had just made one and copied the rest… it would still be your work. Go for half and half. I would love to be on either one of your list! Xoxox
I’m so with you on waiting until the last minute to make cards. I think make two sets. Even if it’s not an original, a copy, it’s still YOUR work! What if you had just made one and copied the rest… it would still be your work. Go for half and half. I would love to be on either one of your list! Xoxox
I’m so with you on waiting until the last minute to make cards. I think make two sets. Even if it’s not an original, a copy, it’s still YOUR work! What if you had just made one and copied the rest… it would still be your work. Go for half and half. I would love to be on either one of your list! Xoxox
I’m so with you on waiting until the last minute to make cards. I think make two sets. Even if it’s not an original, a copy, it’s still YOUR work! What if you had just made one and copied the rest… it would still be your work. Go for half and half. I would love to be on either one of your list! Xoxox
I’m so with you on waiting until the last minute to make cards. I think make two sets. Even if it’s not an original, a copy, it’s still YOUR work! What if you had just made one and copied the rest… it would still be your work. Go for half and half. I would love to be on either one of your list! Xoxox
I’m so with you on waiting until the last minute to make cards. I think make two sets. Even if it’s not an original, a copy, it’s still YOUR work! What if you had just made one and copied the rest… it would still be your work. Go for half and half. I would love to be on either one of your list! Xoxox
I’m so with you on waiting until the last minute to make cards. I think make two sets. Even if it’s not an original, a copy, it’s still YOUR work! What if you had just made one and copied the rest… it would still be your work. Go for half and half. I would love to be on either one of your list! Xoxox
I think Steve’s suggestion is a good one – you’ll still be sharing something personal and your art with everyone, but you won’t be spending hours on something that will go into the bin.
I think the sticker on the back of the card is great, too – I would love to get a card like that, and know what process was used, etc!
I think Steve’s suggestion is a good one – you’ll still be sharing something personal and your art with everyone, but you won’t be spending hours on something that will go into the bin.
I think the sticker on the back of the card is great, too – I would love to get a card like that, and know what process was used, etc!
I think Steve’s suggestion is a good one – you’ll still be sharing something personal and your art with everyone, but you won’t be spending hours on something that will go into the bin.
I think the sticker on the back of the card is great, too – I would love to get a card like that, and know what process was used, etc!
I think Steve’s suggestion is a good one – you’ll still be sharing something personal and your art with everyone, but you won’t be spending hours on something that will go into the bin.
I think the sticker on the back of the card is great, too – I would love to get a card like that, and know what process was used, etc!
I think Steve’s suggestion is a good one – you’ll still be sharing something personal and your art with everyone, but you won’t be spending hours on something that will go into the bin.
I think the sticker on the back of the card is great, too – I would love to get a card like that, and know what process was used, etc!
I think Steve’s suggestion is a good one – you’ll still be sharing something personal and your art with everyone, but you won’t be spending hours on something that will go into the bin.
I think the sticker on the back of the card is great, too – I would love to get a card like that, and know what process was used, etc!
I think Steve’s suggestion is a good one – you’ll still be sharing something personal and your art with everyone, but you won’t be spending hours on something that will go into the bin.
I think the sticker on the back of the card is great, too – I would love to get a card like that, and know what process was used, etc!
Julie-The cards are so lovely and we know all the work you put in to making them. Your Steve is a smart man; I would go with his idea. I echo Candace and Kristy by saying that I would be thrilled to receive either of these cards and I love the idea of the info on the back. Keep us informed about your decision.
Julie-The cards are so lovely and we know all the work you put in to making them. Your Steve is a smart man; I would go with his idea. I echo Candace and Kristy by saying that I would be thrilled to receive either of these cards and I love the idea of the info on the back. Keep us informed about your decision.
Julie-The cards are so lovely and we know all the work you put in to making them. Your Steve is a smart man; I would go with his idea. I echo Candace and Kristy by saying that I would be thrilled to receive either of these cards and I love the idea of the info on the back. Keep us informed about your decision.
Julie-The cards are so lovely and we know all the work you put in to making them. Your Steve is a smart man; I would go with his idea. I echo Candace and Kristy by saying that I would be thrilled to receive either of these cards and I love the idea of the info on the back. Keep us informed about your decision.
Julie-The cards are so lovely and we know all the work you put in to making them. Your Steve is a smart man; I would go with his idea. I echo Candace and Kristy by saying that I would be thrilled to receive either of these cards and I love the idea of the info on the back. Keep us informed about your decision.
Julie-The cards are so lovely and we know all the work you put in to making them. Your Steve is a smart man; I would go with his idea. I echo Candace and Kristy by saying that I would be thrilled to receive either of these cards and I love the idea of the info on the back. Keep us informed about your decision.
Julie-The cards are so lovely and we know all the work you put in to making them. Your Steve is a smart man; I would go with his idea. I echo Candace and Kristy by saying that I would be thrilled to receive either of these cards and I love the idea of the info on the back. Keep us informed about your decision.
I think Steve has the right idea
I think Steve has the right idea
I think Steve has the right idea
I think Steve has the right idea
I think Steve has the right idea
I think Steve has the right idea
I think Steve has the right idea
i agree with Steve and everyone else. Send hamdmade cards to those who will keep them, love them, appreciate them as works of art and may even display them every year. Get copies made for everyone else.
lovely card.
i agree with Steve and everyone else. Send hamdmade cards to those who will keep them, love them, appreciate them as works of art and may even display them every year. Get copies made for everyone else.
lovely card.
i agree with Steve and everyone else. Send hamdmade cards to those who will keep them, love them, appreciate them as works of art and may even display them every year. Get copies made for everyone else.
lovely card.
i agree with Steve and everyone else. Send hamdmade cards to those who will keep them, love them, appreciate them as works of art and may even display them every year. Get copies made for everyone else.
lovely card.
i agree with Steve and everyone else. Send hamdmade cards to those who will keep them, love them, appreciate them as works of art and may even display them every year. Get copies made for everyone else.
lovely card.
i agree with Steve and everyone else. Send hamdmade cards to those who will keep them, love them, appreciate them as works of art and may even display them every year. Get copies made for everyone else.
lovely card.
i agree with Steve and everyone else. Send hamdmade cards to those who will keep them, love them, appreciate them as works of art and may even display them every year. Get copies made for everyone else.
lovely card.
I agree with Steve. Or you could come up with a second card design that’s much simpler for the folks who might not appreciate the art as much.
I agree with Steve. Or you could come up with a second card design that’s much simpler for the folks who might not appreciate the art as much.
I agree with Steve. Or you could come up with a second card design that’s much simpler for the folks who might not appreciate the art as much.
I agree with Steve. Or you could come up with a second card design that’s much simpler for the folks who might not appreciate the art as much.
I agree with Steve. Or you could come up with a second card design that’s much simpler for the folks who might not appreciate the art as much.
I agree with Steve. Or you could come up with a second card design that’s much simpler for the folks who might not appreciate the art as much.
I agree with Steve. Or you could come up with a second card design that’s much simpler for the folks who might not appreciate the art as much.
I don’t think your note is obnoxious, but I agree with Steve. Only make them for those who will appreciate them. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think your note is obnoxious, but I agree with Steve. Only make them for those who will appreciate them. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think your note is obnoxious, but I agree with Steve. Only make them for those who will appreciate them. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think your note is obnoxious, but I agree with Steve. Only make them for those who will appreciate them. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think your note is obnoxious, but I agree with Steve. Only make them for those who will appreciate them. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think your note is obnoxious, but I agree with Steve. Only make them for those who will appreciate them. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think your note is obnoxious, but I agree with Steve. Only make them for those who will appreciate them. Thanks for sharing.
Go with Steve’s suggestion
Go with Steve’s suggestion
Go with Steve’s suggestion
Go with Steve’s suggestion
Go with Steve’s suggestion
Go with Steve’s suggestion
Go with Steve’s suggestion
Sorry girl … I agree with Steve.
I too make handmade cards – but only give those to friends who truly appreciate them.
Making a copy of your original card is a great idea, and a thoughtful send.
I don’t bake Christmas cookies for everyone … or make their gifts.
You will still be a sparkling star in everyone’s mind.
Sorry girl … I agree with Steve.
I too make handmade cards – but only give those to friends who truly appreciate them.
Making a copy of your original card is a great idea, and a thoughtful send.
I don’t bake Christmas cookies for everyone … or make their gifts.
You will still be a sparkling star in everyone’s mind.
Sorry girl … I agree with Steve.
I too make handmade cards – but only give those to friends who truly appreciate them.
Making a copy of your original card is a great idea, and a thoughtful send.
I don’t bake Christmas cookies for everyone … or make their gifts.
You will still be a sparkling star in everyone’s mind.
Sorry girl … I agree with Steve.
I too make handmade cards – but only give those to friends who truly appreciate them.
Making a copy of your original card is a great idea, and a thoughtful send.
I don’t bake Christmas cookies for everyone … or make their gifts.
You will still be a sparkling star in everyone’s mind.
Sorry girl … I agree with Steve.
I too make handmade cards – but only give those to friends who truly appreciate them.
Making a copy of your original card is a great idea, and a thoughtful send.
I don’t bake Christmas cookies for everyone … or make their gifts.
You will still be a sparkling star in everyone’s mind.
Sorry girl … I agree with Steve.
I too make handmade cards – but only give those to friends who truly appreciate them.
Making a copy of your original card is a great idea, and a thoughtful send.
I don’t bake Christmas cookies for everyone … or make their gifts.
You will still be a sparkling star in everyone’s mind.
Sorry girl … I agree with Steve.
I too make handmade cards – but only give those to friends who truly appreciate them.
Making a copy of your original card is a great idea, and a thoughtful send.
I don’t bake Christmas cookies for everyone … or make their gifts.
You will still be a sparkling star in everyone’s mind.
I agree with your initial idea of two lists (kind of what Steve suggested, too) and give the really nice ones that take a lot of work to those you know will appreciate them – and you really DO know who those people are, I bet. And take a photo or scan or whatever so you can mass produce a print you can use on the cards for the other people who may/may not appreciate it quite so much and likely won’t keep them. I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. I don’t mind the idea of the sticker on the back if it’s short and basic, maybe telling what type of print it is and maybe just a link to a website, yours or a a basic info page from somewhere else, so people can look it up if they are really interested (some people probably will be if they are arty friends. But personally, I’d keep it basic so it doesn’t have that feeling of “look how much trouble and work I went to, to make you a card” which is what I’m guessing you want to avoid. But since you likely know a lot of arty people, I bet some would be curious abut the art process and what type of print it is. Hope that helps – just how I’d view it. I hand make between 50-60 cards and I definitely carefully consider which cards are going to which people on my list.
I agree with your initial idea of two lists (kind of what Steve suggested, too) and give the really nice ones that take a lot of work to those you know will appreciate them – and you really DO know who those people are, I bet. And take a photo or scan or whatever so you can mass produce a print you can use on the cards for the other people who may/may not appreciate it quite so much and likely won’t keep them. I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. I don’t mind the idea of the sticker on the back if it’s short and basic, maybe telling what type of print it is and maybe just a link to a website, yours or a a basic info page from somewhere else, so people can look it up if they are really interested (some people probably will be if they are arty friends. But personally, I’d keep it basic so it doesn’t have that feeling of “look how much trouble and work I went to, to make you a card” which is what I’m guessing you want to avoid. But since you likely know a lot of arty people, I bet some would be curious abut the art process and what type of print it is. Hope that helps – just how I’d view it. I hand make between 50-60 cards and I definitely carefully consider which cards are going to which people on my list.
I agree with your initial idea of two lists (kind of what Steve suggested, too) and give the really nice ones that take a lot of work to those you know will appreciate them – and you really DO know who those people are, I bet. And take a photo or scan or whatever so you can mass produce a print you can use on the cards for the other people who may/may not appreciate it quite so much and likely won’t keep them. I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. I don’t mind the idea of the sticker on the back if it’s short and basic, maybe telling what type of print it is and maybe just a link to a website, yours or a a basic info page from somewhere else, so people can look it up if they are really interested (some people probably will be if they are arty friends. But personally, I’d keep it basic so it doesn’t have that feeling of “look how much trouble and work I went to, to make you a card” which is what I’m guessing you want to avoid. But since you likely know a lot of arty people, I bet some would be curious abut the art process and what type of print it is. Hope that helps – just how I’d view it. I hand make between 50-60 cards and I definitely carefully consider which cards are going to which people on my list.
I agree with your initial idea of two lists (kind of what Steve suggested, too) and give the really nice ones that take a lot of work to those you know will appreciate them – and you really DO know who those people are, I bet. And take a photo or scan or whatever so you can mass produce a print you can use on the cards for the other people who may/may not appreciate it quite so much and likely won’t keep them. I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. I don’t mind the idea of the sticker on the back if it’s short and basic, maybe telling what type of print it is and maybe just a link to a website, yours or a a basic info page from somewhere else, so people can look it up if they are really interested (some people probably will be if they are arty friends. But personally, I’d keep it basic so it doesn’t have that feeling of “look how much trouble and work I went to, to make you a card” which is what I’m guessing you want to avoid. But since you likely know a lot of arty people, I bet some would be curious abut the art process and what type of print it is. Hope that helps – just how I’d view it. I hand make between 50-60 cards and I definitely carefully consider which cards are going to which people on my list.
I agree with your initial idea of two lists (kind of what Steve suggested, too) and give the really nice ones that take a lot of work to those you know will appreciate them – and you really DO know who those people are, I bet. And take a photo or scan or whatever so you can mass produce a print you can use on the cards for the other people who may/may not appreciate it quite so much and likely won’t keep them. I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. I don’t mind the idea of the sticker on the back if it’s short and basic, maybe telling what type of print it is and maybe just a link to a website, yours or a a basic info page from somewhere else, so people can look it up if they are really interested (some people probably will be if they are arty friends. But personally, I’d keep it basic so it doesn’t have that feeling of “look how much trouble and work I went to, to make you a card” which is what I’m guessing you want to avoid. But since you likely know a lot of arty people, I bet some would be curious abut the art process and what type of print it is. Hope that helps – just how I’d view it. I hand make between 50-60 cards and I definitely carefully consider which cards are going to which people on my list.
I agree with your initial idea of two lists (kind of what Steve suggested, too) and give the really nice ones that take a lot of work to those you know will appreciate them – and you really DO know who those people are, I bet. And take a photo or scan or whatever so you can mass produce a print you can use on the cards for the other people who may/may not appreciate it quite so much and likely won’t keep them. I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. I don’t mind the idea of the sticker on the back if it’s short and basic, maybe telling what type of print it is and maybe just a link to a website, yours or a a basic info page from somewhere else, so people can look it up if they are really interested (some people probably will be if they are arty friends. But personally, I’d keep it basic so it doesn’t have that feeling of “look how much trouble and work I went to, to make you a card” which is what I’m guessing you want to avoid. But since you likely know a lot of arty people, I bet some would be curious abut the art process and what type of print it is. Hope that helps – just how I’d view it. I hand make between 50-60 cards and I definitely carefully consider which cards are going to which people on my list.
I agree with your initial idea of two lists (kind of what Steve suggested, too) and give the really nice ones that take a lot of work to those you know will appreciate them – and you really DO know who those people are, I bet. And take a photo or scan or whatever so you can mass produce a print you can use on the cards for the other people who may/may not appreciate it quite so much and likely won’t keep them. I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. I don’t mind the idea of the sticker on the back if it’s short and basic, maybe telling what type of print it is and maybe just a link to a website, yours or a a basic info page from somewhere else, so people can look it up if they are really interested (some people probably will be if they are arty friends. But personally, I’d keep it basic so it doesn’t have that feeling of “look how much trouble and work I went to, to make you a card” which is what I’m guessing you want to avoid. But since you likely know a lot of arty people, I bet some would be curious abut the art process and what type of print it is. Hope that helps – just how I’d view it. I hand make between 50-60 cards and I definitely carefully consider which cards are going to which people on my list.
While I would frame and display that card in a heartbeat, not everyone feels the same way. I agree with you and Steve – two lists of recipients, a handful of original cards to those who would appreciate them, and a printed card for the rest. Gorgeous design Julie!
While I would frame and display that card in a heartbeat, not everyone feels the same way. I agree with you and Steve – two lists of recipients, a handful of original cards to those who would appreciate them, and a printed card for the rest. Gorgeous design Julie!
While I would frame and display that card in a heartbeat, not everyone feels the same way. I agree with you and Steve – two lists of recipients, a handful of original cards to those who would appreciate them, and a printed card for the rest. Gorgeous design Julie!
While I would frame and display that card in a heartbeat, not everyone feels the same way. I agree with you and Steve – two lists of recipients, a handful of original cards to those who would appreciate them, and a printed card for the rest. Gorgeous design Julie!
While I would frame and display that card in a heartbeat, not everyone feels the same way. I agree with you and Steve – two lists of recipients, a handful of original cards to those who would appreciate them, and a printed card for the rest. Gorgeous design Julie!
While I would frame and display that card in a heartbeat, not everyone feels the same way. I agree with you and Steve – two lists of recipients, a handful of original cards to those who would appreciate them, and a printed card for the rest. Gorgeous design Julie!
While I would frame and display that card in a heartbeat, not everyone feels the same way. I agree with you and Steve – two lists of recipients, a handful of original cards to those who would appreciate them, and a printed card for the rest. Gorgeous design Julie!
I made very elaborate, time consuming Christmas cards last year and had the same thoughts as you do now. I ended up making two sets of cards. The “fancy” cards went to people I know who would appreciate and love them. I made a less detailed set of cards for people who would like them but probably toss them. I also think that if you’re not a card maker, the back of the card isn’t even looked at. So…go with Steve’s suggestion!
I made very elaborate, time consuming Christmas cards last year and had the same thoughts as you do now. I ended up making two sets of cards. The “fancy” cards went to people I know who would appreciate and love them. I made a less detailed set of cards for people who would like them but probably toss them. I also think that if you’re not a card maker, the back of the card isn’t even looked at. So…go with Steve’s suggestion!
I made very elaborate, time consuming Christmas cards last year and had the same thoughts as you do now. I ended up making two sets of cards. The “fancy” cards went to people I know who would appreciate and love them. I made a less detailed set of cards for people who would like them but probably toss them. I also think that if you’re not a card maker, the back of the card isn’t even looked at. So…go with Steve’s suggestion!
I made very elaborate, time consuming Christmas cards last year and had the same thoughts as you do now. I ended up making two sets of cards. The “fancy” cards went to people I know who would appreciate and love them. I made a less detailed set of cards for people who would like them but probably toss them. I also think that if you’re not a card maker, the back of the card isn’t even looked at. So…go with Steve’s suggestion!
I made very elaborate, time consuming Christmas cards last year and had the same thoughts as you do now. I ended up making two sets of cards. The “fancy” cards went to people I know who would appreciate and love them. I made a less detailed set of cards for people who would like them but probably toss them. I also think that if you’re not a card maker, the back of the card isn’t even looked at. So…go with Steve’s suggestion!
I made very elaborate, time consuming Christmas cards last year and had the same thoughts as you do now. I ended up making two sets of cards. The “fancy” cards went to people I know who would appreciate and love them. I made a less detailed set of cards for people who would like them but probably toss them. I also think that if you’re not a card maker, the back of the card isn’t even looked at. So…go with Steve’s suggestion!
I made very elaborate, time consuming Christmas cards last year and had the same thoughts as you do now. I ended up making two sets of cards. The “fancy” cards went to people I know who would appreciate and love them. I made a less detailed set of cards for people who would like them but probably toss them. I also think that if you’re not a card maker, the back of the card isn’t even looked at. So…go with Steve’s suggestion!
I would commercially print the cards and include an original for the few you want. The printed card will help protect the original, and it will be obvious that it’s hand printed so you can skip the sticker.
I would commercially print the cards and include an original for the few you want. The printed card will help protect the original, and it will be obvious that it’s hand printed so you can skip the sticker.
I would commercially print the cards and include an original for the few you want. The printed card will help protect the original, and it will be obvious that it’s hand printed so you can skip the sticker.
I would commercially print the cards and include an original for the few you want. The printed card will help protect the original, and it will be obvious that it’s hand printed so you can skip the sticker.
I would commercially print the cards and include an original for the few you want. The printed card will help protect the original, and it will be obvious that it’s hand printed so you can skip the sticker.
I would commercially print the cards and include an original for the few you want. The printed card will help protect the original, and it will be obvious that it’s hand printed so you can skip the sticker.
I would commercially print the cards and include an original for the few you want. The printed card will help protect the original, and it will be obvious that it’s hand printed so you can skip the sticker.
I agree with previous sentiments . For those who do not keep cards for any reason, avoid the trash bin and send the cards minus or with the interior greetings to your local reuse Center and give others a chance to use the often beautiful graphics to make into new things. I do not tolerate waste very well, but certainly love other people’s efforts at sending something they put their heart and soul into. I treasure those gifts since that is what they are.
I agree with previous sentiments . For those who do not keep cards for any reason, avoid the trash bin and send the cards minus or with the interior greetings to your local reuse Center and give others a chance to use the often beautiful graphics to make into new things. I do not tolerate waste very well, but certainly love other people’s efforts at sending something they put their heart and soul into. I treasure those gifts since that is what they are.
I agree with previous sentiments . For those who do not keep cards for any reason, avoid the trash bin and send the cards minus or with the interior greetings to your local reuse Center and give others a chance to use the often beautiful graphics to make into new things. I do not tolerate waste very well, but certainly love other people’s efforts at sending something they put their heart and soul into. I treasure those gifts since that is what they are.
I agree with previous sentiments . For those who do not keep cards for any reason, avoid the trash bin and send the cards minus or with the interior greetings to your local reuse Center and give others a chance to use the often beautiful graphics to make into new things. I do not tolerate waste very well, but certainly love other people’s efforts at sending something they put their heart and soul into. I treasure those gifts since that is what they are.
I agree with previous sentiments . For those who do not keep cards for any reason, avoid the trash bin and send the cards minus or with the interior greetings to your local reuse Center and give others a chance to use the often beautiful graphics to make into new things. I do not tolerate waste very well, but certainly love other people’s efforts at sending something they put their heart and soul into. I treasure those gifts since that is what they are.
I agree with previous sentiments . For those who do not keep cards for any reason, avoid the trash bin and send the cards minus or with the interior greetings to your local reuse Center and give others a chance to use the often beautiful graphics to make into new things. I do not tolerate waste very well, but certainly love other people’s efforts at sending something they put their heart and soul into. I treasure those gifts since that is what they are.
I agree with previous sentiments . For those who do not keep cards for any reason, avoid the trash bin and send the cards minus or with the interior greetings to your local reuse Center and give others a chance to use the often beautiful graphics to make into new things. I do not tolerate waste very well, but certainly love other people’s efforts at sending something they put their heart and soul into. I treasure those gifts since that is what they are.
I’m on Team Steve too. I think the sticker is a great idea — and I’d do one that outlines the process and makes it clear the card is an OOAK and one that explains how the original was made (“The card I/we are sharing with you is a reproduction of a piece of Julie’s work. [followed by chine colle explanation] — never miss a chance to educate!).
I still have the cards that my first art mentor/inspiration sent me in my teens and twenties (let’s just say I’m past the usual retirement age now) — they are treasures even if they’re not originals.
I’m on Team Steve too. I think the sticker is a great idea — and I’d do one that outlines the process and makes it clear the card is an OOAK and one that explains how the original was made (“The card I/we are sharing with you is a reproduction of a piece of Julie’s work. [followed by chine colle explanation] — never miss a chance to educate!).
I still have the cards that my first art mentor/inspiration sent me in my teens and twenties (let’s just say I’m past the usual retirement age now) — they are treasures even if they’re not originals.
I’m on Team Steve too. I think the sticker is a great idea — and I’d do one that outlines the process and makes it clear the card is an OOAK and one that explains how the original was made (“The card I/we are sharing with you is a reproduction of a piece of Julie’s work. [followed by chine colle explanation] — never miss a chance to educate!).
I still have the cards that my first art mentor/inspiration sent me in my teens and twenties (let’s just say I’m past the usual retirement age now) — they are treasures even if they’re not originals.
I’m on Team Steve too. I think the sticker is a great idea — and I’d do one that outlines the process and makes it clear the card is an OOAK and one that explains how the original was made (“The card I/we are sharing with you is a reproduction of a piece of Julie’s work. [followed by chine colle explanation] — never miss a chance to educate!).
I still have the cards that my first art mentor/inspiration sent me in my teens and twenties (let’s just say I’m past the usual retirement age now) — they are treasures even if they’re not originals.
I’m on Team Steve too. I think the sticker is a great idea — and I’d do one that outlines the process and makes it clear the card is an OOAK and one that explains how the original was made (“The card I/we are sharing with you is a reproduction of a piece of Julie’s work. [followed by chine colle explanation] — never miss a chance to educate!).
I still have the cards that my first art mentor/inspiration sent me in my teens and twenties (let’s just say I’m past the usual retirement age now) — they are treasures even if they’re not originals.
I’m on Team Steve too. I think the sticker is a great idea — and I’d do one that outlines the process and makes it clear the card is an OOAK and one that explains how the original was made (“The card I/we are sharing with you is a reproduction of a piece of Julie’s work. [followed by chine colle explanation] — never miss a chance to educate!).
I still have the cards that my first art mentor/inspiration sent me in my teens and twenties (let’s just say I’m past the usual retirement age now) — they are treasures even if they’re not originals.
I’m on Team Steve too. I think the sticker is a great idea — and I’d do one that outlines the process and makes it clear the card is an OOAK and one that explains how the original was made (“The card I/we are sharing with you is a reproduction of a piece of Julie’s work. [followed by chine colle explanation] — never miss a chance to educate!).
I still have the cards that my first art mentor/inspiration sent me in my teens and twenties (let’s just say I’m past the usual retirement age now) — they are treasures even if they’re not originals.
I totally agree with Steve’s idea to print cards and only give originals to people who will really appreciate them. Also, it’s not always a matter of appreciation, some people might not have wall space to hang a beautiful card, etc. On the other hand, I too think before gifting handmade items. My friend, comes to mind, who said: “it’s not another wool scarf, is it?”. Well, yes it was a handknit scarf made from beautiful yarn. She never mentioned being allergic to wool & I do not think she is allergic. I think I gave her 3 over several years. After her comment, I did not give her anymore.
I totally agree with Steve’s idea to print cards and only give originals to people who will really appreciate them. Also, it’s not always a matter of appreciation, some people might not have wall space to hang a beautiful card, etc. On the other hand, I too think before gifting handmade items. My friend, comes to mind, who said: “it’s not another wool scarf, is it?”. Well, yes it was a handknit scarf made from beautiful yarn. She never mentioned being allergic to wool & I do not think she is allergic. I think I gave her 3 over several years. After her comment, I did not give her anymore.
I totally agree with Steve’s idea to print cards and only give originals to people who will really appreciate them. Also, it’s not always a matter of appreciation, some people might not have wall space to hang a beautiful card, etc. On the other hand, I too think before gifting handmade items. My friend, comes to mind, who said: “it’s not another wool scarf, is it?”. Well, yes it was a handknit scarf made from beautiful yarn. She never mentioned being allergic to wool & I do not think she is allergic. I think I gave her 3 over several years. After her comment, I did not give her anymore.
I totally agree with Steve’s idea to print cards and only give originals to people who will really appreciate them. Also, it’s not always a matter of appreciation, some people might not have wall space to hang a beautiful card, etc. On the other hand, I too think before gifting handmade items. My friend, comes to mind, who said: “it’s not another wool scarf, is it?”. Well, yes it was a handknit scarf made from beautiful yarn. She never mentioned being allergic to wool & I do not think she is allergic. I think I gave her 3 over several years. After her comment, I did not give her anymore.
I totally agree with Steve’s idea to print cards and only give originals to people who will really appreciate them. Also, it’s not always a matter of appreciation, some people might not have wall space to hang a beautiful card, etc. On the other hand, I too think before gifting handmade items. My friend, comes to mind, who said: “it’s not another wool scarf, is it?”. Well, yes it was a handknit scarf made from beautiful yarn. She never mentioned being allergic to wool & I do not think she is allergic. I think I gave her 3 over several years. After her comment, I did not give her anymore.
I totally agree with Steve’s idea to print cards and only give originals to people who will really appreciate them. Also, it’s not always a matter of appreciation, some people might not have wall space to hang a beautiful card, etc. On the other hand, I too think before gifting handmade items. My friend, comes to mind, who said: “it’s not another wool scarf, is it?”. Well, yes it was a handknit scarf made from beautiful yarn. She never mentioned being allergic to wool & I do not think she is allergic. I think I gave her 3 over several years. After her comment, I did not give her anymore.
I totally agree with Steve’s idea to print cards and only give originals to people who will really appreciate them. Also, it’s not always a matter of appreciation, some people might not have wall space to hang a beautiful card, etc. On the other hand, I too think before gifting handmade items. My friend, comes to mind, who said: “it’s not another wool scarf, is it?”. Well, yes it was a handknit scarf made from beautiful yarn. She never mentioned being allergic to wool & I do not think she is allergic. I think I gave her 3 over several years. After her comment, I did not give her anymore.
I make approx. thirty cards. Half for people who I know will really appreciate them and the other half, less detailed, but still handmade. I agree with Pam; keep your explanation short and add a website for the curious.
I make approx. thirty cards. Half for people who I know will really appreciate them and the other half, less detailed, but still handmade. I agree with Pam; keep your explanation short and add a website for the curious.
I make approx. thirty cards. Half for people who I know will really appreciate them and the other half, less detailed, but still handmade. I agree with Pam; keep your explanation short and add a website for the curious.
I make approx. thirty cards. Half for people who I know will really appreciate them and the other half, less detailed, but still handmade. I agree with Pam; keep your explanation short and add a website for the curious.
I make approx. thirty cards. Half for people who I know will really appreciate them and the other half, less detailed, but still handmade. I agree with Pam; keep your explanation short and add a website for the curious.
I make approx. thirty cards. Half for people who I know will really appreciate them and the other half, less detailed, but still handmade. I agree with Pam; keep your explanation short and add a website for the curious.
I make approx. thirty cards. Half for people who I know will really appreciate them and the other half, less detailed, but still handmade. I agree with Pam; keep your explanation short and add a website for the curious.
I agree with Steve. Keep things simple. Handmade for those who will appreciate the effort and treasure your art. Prints of one of the originals for everyone else. I do a version of that – handmade cards for a select group. Commercial cards for those who don’t “get” my art.
I agree with Steve. Keep things simple. Handmade for those who will appreciate the effort and treasure your art. Prints of one of the originals for everyone else. I do a version of that – handmade cards for a select group. Commercial cards for those who don’t “get” my art.
I agree with Steve. Keep things simple. Handmade for those who will appreciate the effort and treasure your art. Prints of one of the originals for everyone else. I do a version of that – handmade cards for a select group. Commercial cards for those who don’t “get” my art.
I agree with Steve. Keep things simple. Handmade for those who will appreciate the effort and treasure your art. Prints of one of the originals for everyone else. I do a version of that – handmade cards for a select group. Commercial cards for those who don’t “get” my art.
I agree with Steve. Keep things simple. Handmade for those who will appreciate the effort and treasure your art. Prints of one of the originals for everyone else. I do a version of that – handmade cards for a select group. Commercial cards for those who don’t “get” my art.
I agree with Steve. Keep things simple. Handmade for those who will appreciate the effort and treasure your art. Prints of one of the originals for everyone else. I do a version of that – handmade cards for a select group. Commercial cards for those who don’t “get” my art.
I agree with Steve. Keep things simple. Handmade for those who will appreciate the effort and treasure your art. Prints of one of the originals for everyone else. I do a version of that – handmade cards for a select group. Commercial cards for those who don’t “get” my art.
I think your dilemma is completely valid. I cannot stand the idea of your gorgeous cards which took so much time going into the trash. I think Steve’s idea is great. The people who do not appreciate the effort your cards take will be perfectly satisfied with copies from a card service. Now your dilemma is making the list and checking it twice.
Good luck.
Gail Larsen
I think your dilemma is completely valid. I cannot stand the idea of your gorgeous cards which took so much time going into the trash. I think Steve’s idea is great. The people who do not appreciate the effort your cards take will be perfectly satisfied with copies from a card service. Now your dilemma is making the list and checking it twice.
Good luck.
Gail Larsen
I think your dilemma is completely valid. I cannot stand the idea of your gorgeous cards which took so much time going into the trash. I think Steve’s idea is great. The people who do not appreciate the effort your cards take will be perfectly satisfied with copies from a card service. Now your dilemma is making the list and checking it twice.
Good luck.
Gail Larsen
I think your dilemma is completely valid. I cannot stand the idea of your gorgeous cards which took so much time going into the trash. I think Steve’s idea is great. The people who do not appreciate the effort your cards take will be perfectly satisfied with copies from a card service. Now your dilemma is making the list and checking it twice.
Good luck.
Gail Larsen
I think your dilemma is completely valid. I cannot stand the idea of your gorgeous cards which took so much time going into the trash. I think Steve’s idea is great. The people who do not appreciate the effort your cards take will be perfectly satisfied with copies from a card service. Now your dilemma is making the list and checking it twice.
Good luck.
Gail Larsen
I think your dilemma is completely valid. I cannot stand the idea of your gorgeous cards which took so much time going into the trash. I think Steve’s idea is great. The people who do not appreciate the effort your cards take will be perfectly satisfied with copies from a card service. Now your dilemma is making the list and checking it twice.
Good luck.
Gail Larsen
I think your dilemma is completely valid. I cannot stand the idea of your gorgeous cards which took so much time going into the trash. I think Steve’s idea is great. The people who do not appreciate the effort your cards take will be perfectly satisfied with copies from a card service. Now your dilemma is making the list and checking it twice.
Good luck.
Gail Larsen
I totally agree!
I totally agree!
I totally agree!
I totally agree!
I totally agree!
I totally agree!
I totally agree!
I am lucky enough to be able to make all my own cards throughout the year and have done for over 20 years. I think this is a dilemma all crafters come to at some stage and it’s a difficult one. The way I do it is everyone gets a handmade card but I have a sort of tear system. I decide on 2 designs, one that takes work ( tear 1 ) the other has less work and is usually a design that I can put together quickly ( tear 2 ). Family and friends I know will definitely know the love and care that has gone into the card get a tear 1 card then everyone else get a tear 2 card. Just because they have less work in them dosen’t mean they don’t look as good though. You could do your collage look as tear 1 but then just a simple plain print as tear 2. I think it’s just the plain truth that someone either appreciate something bespoke and hand made or they don’t. As long as I have had fun making them then that’s enough for me at the end of the day. Katrina
I am lucky enough to be able to make all my own cards throughout the year and have done for over 20 years. I think this is a dilemma all crafters come to at some stage and it’s a difficult one. The way I do it is everyone gets a handmade card but I have a sort of tear system. I decide on 2 designs, one that takes work ( tear 1 ) the other has less work and is usually a design that I can put together quickly ( tear 2 ). Family and friends I know will definitely know the love and care that has gone into the card get a tear 1 card then everyone else get a tear 2 card. Just because they have less work in them dosen’t mean they don’t look as good though. You could do your collage look as tear 1 but then just a simple plain print as tear 2. I think it’s just the plain truth that someone either appreciate something bespoke and hand made or they don’t. As long as I have had fun making them then that’s enough for me at the end of the day. Katrina
I am lucky enough to be able to make all my own cards throughout the year and have done for over 20 years. I think this is a dilemma all crafters come to at some stage and it’s a difficult one. The way I do it is everyone gets a handmade card but I have a sort of tear system. I decide on 2 designs, one that takes work ( tear 1 ) the other has less work and is usually a design that I can put together quickly ( tear 2 ). Family and friends I know will definitely know the love and care that has gone into the card get a tear 1 card then everyone else get a tear 2 card. Just because they have less work in them dosen’t mean they don’t look as good though. You could do your collage look as tear 1 but then just a simple plain print as tear 2. I think it’s just the plain truth that someone either appreciate something bespoke and hand made or they don’t. As long as I have had fun making them then that’s enough for me at the end of the day. Katrina
I am lucky enough to be able to make all my own cards throughout the year and have done for over 20 years. I think this is a dilemma all crafters come to at some stage and it’s a difficult one. The way I do it is everyone gets a handmade card but I have a sort of tear system. I decide on 2 designs, one that takes work ( tear 1 ) the other has less work and is usually a design that I can put together quickly ( tear 2 ). Family and friends I know will definitely know the love and care that has gone into the card get a tear 1 card then everyone else get a tear 2 card. Just because they have less work in them dosen’t mean they don’t look as good though. You could do your collage look as tear 1 but then just a simple plain print as tear 2. I think it’s just the plain truth that someone either appreciate something bespoke and hand made or they don’t. As long as I have had fun making them then that’s enough for me at the end of the day. Katrina
I am lucky enough to be able to make all my own cards throughout the year and have done for over 20 years. I think this is a dilemma all crafters come to at some stage and it’s a difficult one. The way I do it is everyone gets a handmade card but I have a sort of tear system. I decide on 2 designs, one that takes work ( tear 1 ) the other has less work and is usually a design that I can put together quickly ( tear 2 ). Family and friends I know will definitely know the love and care that has gone into the card get a tear 1 card then everyone else get a tear 2 card. Just because they have less work in them dosen’t mean they don’t look as good though. You could do your collage look as tear 1 but then just a simple plain print as tear 2. I think it’s just the plain truth that someone either appreciate something bespoke and hand made or they don’t. As long as I have had fun making them then that’s enough for me at the end of the day. Katrina
I am lucky enough to be able to make all my own cards throughout the year and have done for over 20 years. I think this is a dilemma all crafters come to at some stage and it’s a difficult one. The way I do it is everyone gets a handmade card but I have a sort of tear system. I decide on 2 designs, one that takes work ( tear 1 ) the other has less work and is usually a design that I can put together quickly ( tear 2 ). Family and friends I know will definitely know the love and care that has gone into the card get a tear 1 card then everyone else get a tear 2 card. Just because they have less work in them dosen’t mean they don’t look as good though. You could do your collage look as tear 1 but then just a simple plain print as tear 2. I think it’s just the plain truth that someone either appreciate something bespoke and hand made or they don’t. As long as I have had fun making them then that’s enough for me at the end of the day. Katrina
I am lucky enough to be able to make all my own cards throughout the year and have done for over 20 years. I think this is a dilemma all crafters come to at some stage and it’s a difficult one. The way I do it is everyone gets a handmade card but I have a sort of tear system. I decide on 2 designs, one that takes work ( tear 1 ) the other has less work and is usually a design that I can put together quickly ( tear 2 ). Family and friends I know will definitely know the love and care that has gone into the card get a tear 1 card then everyone else get a tear 2 card. Just because they have less work in them dosen’t mean they don’t look as good though. You could do your collage look as tear 1 but then just a simple plain print as tear 2. I think it’s just the plain truth that someone either appreciate something bespoke and hand made or they don’t. As long as I have had fun making them then that’s enough for me at the end of the day. Katrina
I have a slightly different approach. I don’t send hand made cards at the holidays. There are so many cards during that time of year, and people are so busy, that it’s hard to appreciate them. Instead, I save all my special cards I make for during the year. Birthdays, get well, or many just to send a hug when someone is going through something, or just to tell a friend I appreciate them. I say, don’t make any more than you have already; commercially print them and perhaps use the time to create a few cards that can be ready to go when you need them. I love the chine-colle process, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort put into it.
I have a slightly different approach. I don’t send hand made cards at the holidays. There are so many cards during that time of year, and people are so busy, that it’s hard to appreciate them. Instead, I save all my special cards I make for during the year. Birthdays, get well, or many just to send a hug when someone is going through something, or just to tell a friend I appreciate them. I say, don’t make any more than you have already; commercially print them and perhaps use the time to create a few cards that can be ready to go when you need them. I love the chine-colle process, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort put into it.
I have a slightly different approach. I don’t send hand made cards at the holidays. There are so many cards during that time of year, and people are so busy, that it’s hard to appreciate them. Instead, I save all my special cards I make for during the year. Birthdays, get well, or many just to send a hug when someone is going through something, or just to tell a friend I appreciate them. I say, don’t make any more than you have already; commercially print them and perhaps use the time to create a few cards that can be ready to go when you need them. I love the chine-colle process, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort put into it.
I have a slightly different approach. I don’t send hand made cards at the holidays. There are so many cards during that time of year, and people are so busy, that it’s hard to appreciate them. Instead, I save all my special cards I make for during the year. Birthdays, get well, or many just to send a hug when someone is going through something, or just to tell a friend I appreciate them. I say, don’t make any more than you have already; commercially print them and perhaps use the time to create a few cards that can be ready to go when you need them. I love the chine-colle process, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort put into it.
I have a slightly different approach. I don’t send hand made cards at the holidays. There are so many cards during that time of year, and people are so busy, that it’s hard to appreciate them. Instead, I save all my special cards I make for during the year. Birthdays, get well, or many just to send a hug when someone is going through something, or just to tell a friend I appreciate them. I say, don’t make any more than you have already; commercially print them and perhaps use the time to create a few cards that can be ready to go when you need them. I love the chine-colle process, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort put into it.
I have a slightly different approach. I don’t send hand made cards at the holidays. There are so many cards during that time of year, and people are so busy, that it’s hard to appreciate them. Instead, I save all my special cards I make for during the year. Birthdays, get well, or many just to send a hug when someone is going through something, or just to tell a friend I appreciate them. I say, don’t make any more than you have already; commercially print them and perhaps use the time to create a few cards that can be ready to go when you need them. I love the chine-colle process, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort put into it.
I have a slightly different approach. I don’t send hand made cards at the holidays. There are so many cards during that time of year, and people are so busy, that it’s hard to appreciate them. Instead, I save all my special cards I make for during the year. Birthdays, get well, or many just to send a hug when someone is going through something, or just to tell a friend I appreciate them. I say, don’t make any more than you have already; commercially print them and perhaps use the time to create a few cards that can be ready to go when you need them. I love the chine-colle process, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort put into it.
A card IS a gift you give with no strings attached. You send it to people who, theoretically, you love and they love you. If a simple “Handmade by Julie” isn’t enough to prevent it from being chucked, a long explanation won’t either.
It’s fair for you to choose whom you send a handmade gift to. Just because the gift is a card doesn’t mean you have to send it to The Whole List.
You don’t have time put hours of work into something you know will get thrown away. Totally OK to have an “art-worthy” list.
If it was ANY other handmade gift – a scarf, knitted socks, a mini quilt – you wouldn’t feel weird about paring down the list. Steve’s plan is an interesting compromise, so is just only sending a card to the “art-worthy” list and don’t bother with copies for the rest.
(I’d probably do my short list of art-worthy people and allow Steve to do the work of sending out the rest, giving permission to make a copy of the artwork…)
Another thing to consider: what’s the purpose of sending out cards? And what fits that purpose? What will be joyful for you?
Personally, I love sending out a photo card because it makes me go through all my photos for the year. Lots of great memories, and I also pick out photos of each kid indivually and them together, and I make 3 collages each year that I hang in my house. I do it to connect and the pictures also serve that purpose. I make sure our first and last names are on it (because I forget names and I hate seeing “from the Johnsons” and I’m all “what’s the husband’s name again?”) And I make sure there’s at least one pic each of myself and my spouse. The worst is when I get a card with a lot of cute kid pics “from the Johnsons” or “Rúben says hi!” and if I don’t recognize how I know that kid…..
Anyway, I do it for myself, not for everyone else, I remove names that don’t spark joy, and at the end of the day I know most people will recycle them in January, so it doesn’t phase me if they do it a bit early. Because my goal was met – they opened the envelope and thought of my family.
Your mileage may vary.
A card IS a gift you give with no strings attached. You send it to people who, theoretically, you love and they love you. If a simple “Handmade by Julie” isn’t enough to prevent it from being chucked, a long explanation won’t either.
It’s fair for you to choose whom you send a handmade gift to. Just because the gift is a card doesn’t mean you have to send it to The Whole List.
You don’t have time put hours of work into something you know will get thrown away. Totally OK to have an “art-worthy” list.
If it was ANY other handmade gift – a scarf, knitted socks, a mini quilt – you wouldn’t feel weird about paring down the list. Steve’s plan is an interesting compromise, so is just only sending a card to the “art-worthy” list and don’t bother with copies for the rest.
(I’d probably do my short list of art-worthy people and allow Steve to do the work of sending out the rest, giving permission to make a copy of the artwork…)
Another thing to consider: what’s the purpose of sending out cards? And what fits that purpose? What will be joyful for you?
Personally, I love sending out a photo card because it makes me go through all my photos for the year. Lots of great memories, and I also pick out photos of each kid indivually and them together, and I make 3 collages each year that I hang in my house. I do it to connect and the pictures also serve that purpose. I make sure our first and last names are on it (because I forget names and I hate seeing “from the Johnsons” and I’m all “what’s the husband’s name again?”) And I make sure there’s at least one pic each of myself and my spouse. The worst is when I get a card with a lot of cute kid pics “from the Johnsons” or “Rúben says hi!” and if I don’t recognize how I know that kid…..
Anyway, I do it for myself, not for everyone else, I remove names that don’t spark joy, and at the end of the day I know most people will recycle them in January, so it doesn’t phase me if they do it a bit early. Because my goal was met – they opened the envelope and thought of my family.
Your mileage may vary.
A card IS a gift you give with no strings attached. You send it to people who, theoretically, you love and they love you. If a simple “Handmade by Julie” isn’t enough to prevent it from being chucked, a long explanation won’t either.
It’s fair for you to choose whom you send a handmade gift to. Just because the gift is a card doesn’t mean you have to send it to The Whole List.
You don’t have time put hours of work into something you know will get thrown away. Totally OK to have an “art-worthy” list.
If it was ANY other handmade gift – a scarf, knitted socks, a mini quilt – you wouldn’t feel weird about paring down the list. Steve’s plan is an interesting compromise, so is just only sending a card to the “art-worthy” list and don’t bother with copies for the rest.
(I’d probably do my short list of art-worthy people and allow Steve to do the work of sending out the rest, giving permission to make a copy of the artwork…)
Another thing to consider: what’s the purpose of sending out cards? And what fits that purpose? What will be joyful for you?
Personally, I love sending out a photo card because it makes me go through all my photos for the year. Lots of great memories, and I also pick out photos of each kid indivually and them together, and I make 3 collages each year that I hang in my house. I do it to connect and the pictures also serve that purpose. I make sure our first and last names are on it (because I forget names and I hate seeing “from the Johnsons” and I’m all “what’s the husband’s name again?”) And I make sure there’s at least one pic each of myself and my spouse. The worst is when I get a card with a lot of cute kid pics “from the Johnsons” or “Rúben says hi!” and if I don’t recognize how I know that kid…..
Anyway, I do it for myself, not for everyone else, I remove names that don’t spark joy, and at the end of the day I know most people will recycle them in January, so it doesn’t phase me if they do it a bit early. Because my goal was met – they opened the envelope and thought of my family.
Your mileage may vary.
A card IS a gift you give with no strings attached. You send it to people who, theoretically, you love and they love you. If a simple “Handmade by Julie” isn’t enough to prevent it from being chucked, a long explanation won’t either.
It’s fair for you to choose whom you send a handmade gift to. Just because the gift is a card doesn’t mean you have to send it to The Whole List.
You don’t have time put hours of work into something you know will get thrown away. Totally OK to have an “art-worthy” list.
If it was ANY other handmade gift – a scarf, knitted socks, a mini quilt – you wouldn’t feel weird about paring down the list. Steve’s plan is an interesting compromise, so is just only sending a card to the “art-worthy” list and don’t bother with copies for the rest.
(I’d probably do my short list of art-worthy people and allow Steve to do the work of sending out the rest, giving permission to make a copy of the artwork…)
Another thing to consider: what’s the purpose of sending out cards? And what fits that purpose? What will be joyful for you?
Personally, I love sending out a photo card because it makes me go through all my photos for the year. Lots of great memories, and I also pick out photos of each kid indivually and them together, and I make 3 collages each year that I hang in my house. I do it to connect and the pictures also serve that purpose. I make sure our first and last names are on it (because I forget names and I hate seeing “from the Johnsons” and I’m all “what’s the husband’s name again?”) And I make sure there’s at least one pic each of myself and my spouse. The worst is when I get a card with a lot of cute kid pics “from the Johnsons” or “Rúben says hi!” and if I don’t recognize how I know that kid…..
Anyway, I do it for myself, not for everyone else, I remove names that don’t spark joy, and at the end of the day I know most people will recycle them in January, so it doesn’t phase me if they do it a bit early. Because my goal was met – they opened the envelope and thought of my family.
Your mileage may vary.
A card IS a gift you give with no strings attached. You send it to people who, theoretically, you love and they love you. If a simple “Handmade by Julie” isn’t enough to prevent it from being chucked, a long explanation won’t either.
It’s fair for you to choose whom you send a handmade gift to. Just because the gift is a card doesn’t mean you have to send it to The Whole List.
You don’t have time put hours of work into something you know will get thrown away. Totally OK to have an “art-worthy” list.
If it was ANY other handmade gift – a scarf, knitted socks, a mini quilt – you wouldn’t feel weird about paring down the list. Steve’s plan is an interesting compromise, so is just only sending a card to the “art-worthy” list and don’t bother with copies for the rest.
(I’d probably do my short list of art-worthy people and allow Steve to do the work of sending out the rest, giving permission to make a copy of the artwork…)
Another thing to consider: what’s the purpose of sending out cards? And what fits that purpose? What will be joyful for you?
Personally, I love sending out a photo card because it makes me go through all my photos for the year. Lots of great memories, and I also pick out photos of each kid indivually and them together, and I make 3 collages each year that I hang in my house. I do it to connect and the pictures also serve that purpose. I make sure our first and last names are on it (because I forget names and I hate seeing “from the Johnsons” and I’m all “what’s the husband’s name again?”) And I make sure there’s at least one pic each of myself and my spouse. The worst is when I get a card with a lot of cute kid pics “from the Johnsons” or “Rúben says hi!” and if I don’t recognize how I know that kid…..
Anyway, I do it for myself, not for everyone else, I remove names that don’t spark joy, and at the end of the day I know most people will recycle them in January, so it doesn’t phase me if they do it a bit early. Because my goal was met – they opened the envelope and thought of my family.
Your mileage may vary.
A card IS a gift you give with no strings attached. You send it to people who, theoretically, you love and they love you. If a simple “Handmade by Julie” isn’t enough to prevent it from being chucked, a long explanation won’t either.
It’s fair for you to choose whom you send a handmade gift to. Just because the gift is a card doesn’t mean you have to send it to The Whole List.
You don’t have time put hours of work into something you know will get thrown away. Totally OK to have an “art-worthy” list.
If it was ANY other handmade gift – a scarf, knitted socks, a mini quilt – you wouldn’t feel weird about paring down the list. Steve’s plan is an interesting compromise, so is just only sending a card to the “art-worthy” list and don’t bother with copies for the rest.
(I’d probably do my short list of art-worthy people and allow Steve to do the work of sending out the rest, giving permission to make a copy of the artwork…)
Another thing to consider: what’s the purpose of sending out cards? And what fits that purpose? What will be joyful for you?
Personally, I love sending out a photo card because it makes me go through all my photos for the year. Lots of great memories, and I also pick out photos of each kid indivually and them together, and I make 3 collages each year that I hang in my house. I do it to connect and the pictures also serve that purpose. I make sure our first and last names are on it (because I forget names and I hate seeing “from the Johnsons” and I’m all “what’s the husband’s name again?”) And I make sure there’s at least one pic each of myself and my spouse. The worst is when I get a card with a lot of cute kid pics “from the Johnsons” or “Rúben says hi!” and if I don’t recognize how I know that kid…..
Anyway, I do it for myself, not for everyone else, I remove names that don’t spark joy, and at the end of the day I know most people will recycle them in January, so it doesn’t phase me if they do it a bit early. Because my goal was met – they opened the envelope and thought of my family.
Your mileage may vary.
A card IS a gift you give with no strings attached. You send it to people who, theoretically, you love and they love you. If a simple “Handmade by Julie” isn’t enough to prevent it from being chucked, a long explanation won’t either.
It’s fair for you to choose whom you send a handmade gift to. Just because the gift is a card doesn’t mean you have to send it to The Whole List.
You don’t have time put hours of work into something you know will get thrown away. Totally OK to have an “art-worthy” list.
If it was ANY other handmade gift – a scarf, knitted socks, a mini quilt – you wouldn’t feel weird about paring down the list. Steve’s plan is an interesting compromise, so is just only sending a card to the “art-worthy” list and don’t bother with copies for the rest.
(I’d probably do my short list of art-worthy people and allow Steve to do the work of sending out the rest, giving permission to make a copy of the artwork…)
Another thing to consider: what’s the purpose of sending out cards? And what fits that purpose? What will be joyful for you?
Personally, I love sending out a photo card because it makes me go through all my photos for the year. Lots of great memories, and I also pick out photos of each kid indivually and them together, and I make 3 collages each year that I hang in my house. I do it to connect and the pictures also serve that purpose. I make sure our first and last names are on it (because I forget names and I hate seeing “from the Johnsons” and I’m all “what’s the husband’s name again?”) And I make sure there’s at least one pic each of myself and my spouse. The worst is when I get a card with a lot of cute kid pics “from the Johnsons” or “Rúben says hi!” and if I don’t recognize how I know that kid…..
Anyway, I do it for myself, not for everyone else, I remove names that don’t spark joy, and at the end of the day I know most people will recycle them in January, so it doesn’t phase me if they do it a bit early. Because my goal was met – they opened the envelope and thought of my family.
Your mileage may vary.
Steve is a smart and clever guy and his idea i great. Go with it! And I also love the sticker idea. Sometimes I get cards with awesome techniques used and I always want to know how it was made.
Steve is a smart and clever guy and his idea i great. Go with it! And I also love the sticker idea. Sometimes I get cards with awesome techniques used and I always want to know how it was made.
Steve is a smart and clever guy and his idea i great. Go with it! And I also love the sticker idea. Sometimes I get cards with awesome techniques used and I always want to know how it was made.
Steve is a smart and clever guy and his idea i great. Go with it! And I also love the sticker idea. Sometimes I get cards with awesome techniques used and I always want to know how it was made.
Steve is a smart and clever guy and his idea i great. Go with it! And I also love the sticker idea. Sometimes I get cards with awesome techniques used and I always want to know how it was made.
Steve is a smart and clever guy and his idea i great. Go with it! And I also love the sticker idea. Sometimes I get cards with awesome techniques used and I always want to know how it was made.
Steve is a smart and clever guy and his idea i great. Go with it! And I also love the sticker idea. Sometimes I get cards with awesome techniques used and I always want to know how it was made.
Julie, I would welcome getting more info about your creative process, techniques and history as you proposed to explain on the sticker. That might encourage more people to want to display and cherish your handmade holiday card. I would not find it obnoxious in the slightest.
Julie, I would welcome getting more info about your creative process, techniques and history as you proposed to explain on the sticker. That might encourage more people to want to display and cherish your handmade holiday card. I would not find it obnoxious in the slightest.
Julie, I would welcome getting more info about your creative process, techniques and history as you proposed to explain on the sticker. That might encourage more people to want to display and cherish your handmade holiday card. I would not find it obnoxious in the slightest.
Julie, I would welcome getting more info about your creative process, techniques and history as you proposed to explain on the sticker. That might encourage more people to want to display and cherish your handmade holiday card. I would not find it obnoxious in the slightest.
Julie, I would welcome getting more info about your creative process, techniques and history as you proposed to explain on the sticker. That might encourage more people to want to display and cherish your handmade holiday card. I would not find it obnoxious in the slightest.
Julie, I would welcome getting more info about your creative process, techniques and history as you proposed to explain on the sticker. That might encourage more people to want to display and cherish your handmade holiday card. I would not find it obnoxious in the slightest.
Julie, I would welcome getting more info about your creative process, techniques and history as you proposed to explain on the sticker. That might encourage more people to want to display and cherish your handmade holiday card. I would not find it obnoxious in the slightest.
I am with Steve. Handmade for those who will appreciate a JFFB original and prints for others.
I am with Steve. Handmade for those who will appreciate a JFFB original and prints for others.
I am with Steve. Handmade for those who will appreciate a JFFB original and prints for others.
I am with Steve. Handmade for those who will appreciate a JFFB original and prints for others.
I am with Steve. Handmade for those who will appreciate a JFFB original and prints for others.
I am with Steve. Handmade for those who will appreciate a JFFB original and prints for others.
I am with Steve. Handmade for those who will appreciate a JFFB original and prints for others.
I make 80 cards, all by hand starting around October. There is a set of 20 that are more detailed than the 60 that I give to close family and close friends. And I make different versions of the 60 so if sending cards to 2 members living in the same household, they get different cards. Now after reading this post, I am rethinking my Christmas card making for 2023. Mass producing for me is just repeating the same design, but still creating a hand made card.
I make 80 cards, all by hand starting around October. There is a set of 20 that are more detailed than the 60 that I give to close family and close friends. And I make different versions of the 60 so if sending cards to 2 members living in the same household, they get different cards. Now after reading this post, I am rethinking my Christmas card making for 2023. Mass producing for me is just repeating the same design, but still creating a hand made card.
I make 80 cards, all by hand starting around October. There is a set of 20 that are more detailed than the 60 that I give to close family and close friends. And I make different versions of the 60 so if sending cards to 2 members living in the same household, they get different cards. Now after reading this post, I am rethinking my Christmas card making for 2023. Mass producing for me is just repeating the same design, but still creating a hand made card.
I make 80 cards, all by hand starting around October. There is a set of 20 that are more detailed than the 60 that I give to close family and close friends. And I make different versions of the 60 so if sending cards to 2 members living in the same household, they get different cards. Now after reading this post, I am rethinking my Christmas card making for 2023. Mass producing for me is just repeating the same design, but still creating a hand made card.
I make 80 cards, all by hand starting around October. There is a set of 20 that are more detailed than the 60 that I give to close family and close friends. And I make different versions of the 60 so if sending cards to 2 members living in the same household, they get different cards. Now after reading this post, I am rethinking my Christmas card making for 2023. Mass producing for me is just repeating the same design, but still creating a hand made card.
I make 80 cards, all by hand starting around October. There is a set of 20 that are more detailed than the 60 that I give to close family and close friends. And I make different versions of the 60 so if sending cards to 2 members living in the same household, they get different cards. Now after reading this post, I am rethinking my Christmas card making for 2023. Mass producing for me is just repeating the same design, but still creating a hand made card.
I make 80 cards, all by hand starting around October. There is a set of 20 that are more detailed than the 60 that I give to close family and close friends. And I make different versions of the 60 so if sending cards to 2 members living in the same household, they get different cards. Now after reading this post, I am rethinking my Christmas card making for 2023. Mass producing for me is just repeating the same design, but still creating a hand made card.
That’s a lot of work, Barbara! Are you thinking of having some commercially made instead?
That’s a lot of work, Barbara! Are you thinking of having some commercially made instead?
That’s a lot of work, Barbara! Are you thinking of having some commercially made instead?
That’s a lot of work, Barbara! Are you thinking of having some commercially made instead?
That’s a lot of work, Barbara! Are you thinking of having some commercially made instead?
That’s a lot of work, Barbara! Are you thinking of having some commercially made instead?
That’s a lot of work, Barbara! Are you thinking of having some commercially made instead?
So hard to know, though, isn’t it?
So hard to know, though, isn’t it?
So hard to know, though, isn’t it?
So hard to know, though, isn’t it?
So hard to know, though, isn’t it?
So hard to know, though, isn’t it?
So hard to know, though, isn’t it?
Thank you! That’s very helpful!
Thank you! That’s very helpful!
Thank you! That’s very helpful!
Thank you! That’s very helpful!
Thank you! That’s very helpful!
Thank you! That’s very helpful!
Thank you! That’s very helpful!
Me too!
Me too!
Me too!
Me too!
Me too!
Me too!
Me too!
I think the important thing here is the idea that you do it for yourself. So I need to think about what will be joyful for me.
I think the important thing here is the idea that you do it for yourself. So I need to think about what will be joyful for me.
I think the important thing here is the idea that you do it for yourself. So I need to think about what will be joyful for me.
I think the important thing here is the idea that you do it for yourself. So I need to think about what will be joyful for me.
I think the important thing here is the idea that you do it for yourself. So I need to think about what will be joyful for me.
I think the important thing here is the idea that you do it for yourself. So I need to think about what will be joyful for me.
I think the important thing here is the idea that you do it for yourself. So I need to think about what will be joyful for me.
That’s a good idea, Robin. The holiday rush of cards does tend to make everything kind of disappear.
That’s a good idea, Robin. The holiday rush of cards does tend to make everything kind of disappear.
That’s a good idea, Robin. The holiday rush of cards does tend to make everything kind of disappear.
That’s a good idea, Robin. The holiday rush of cards does tend to make everything kind of disappear.
That’s a good idea, Robin. The holiday rush of cards does tend to make everything kind of disappear.
That’s a good idea, Robin. The holiday rush of cards does tend to make everything kind of disappear.
That’s a good idea, Robin. The holiday rush of cards does tend to make everything kind of disappear.
I think the idea of a tiered system is such a good one. And I love your last sentence. That’s the most important thing after all!
I think the idea of a tiered system is such a good one. And I love your last sentence. That’s the most important thing after all!
I think the idea of a tiered system is such a good one. And I love your last sentence. That’s the most important thing after all!
I think the idea of a tiered system is such a good one. And I love your last sentence. That’s the most important thing after all!
I think the idea of a tiered system is such a good one. And I love your last sentence. That’s the most important thing after all!
I think the idea of a tiered system is such a good one. And I love your last sentence. That’s the most important thing after all!
I think the idea of a tiered system is such a good one. And I love your last sentence. That’s the most important thing after all!
Good advice, Gail. Thank you!
Good advice, Gail. Thank you!
Good advice, Gail. Thank you!
Good advice, Gail. Thank you!
Good advice, Gail. Thank you!
Good advice, Gail. Thank you!
Good advice, Gail. Thank you!
It’s a good idea! Thanks for the feedback!
It’s a good idea! Thanks for the feedback!
It’s a good idea! Thanks for the feedback!
It’s a good idea! Thanks for the feedback!
It’s a good idea! Thanks for the feedback!
It’s a good idea! Thanks for the feedback!
It’s a good idea! Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks, Lynn!
Thanks, Lynn!
Thanks, Lynn!
Thanks, Lynn!
Thanks, Lynn!
Thanks, Lynn!
Thanks, Lynn!
LOL! Thanks, Holly!
LOL! Thanks, Holly!
LOL! Thanks, Holly!
LOL! Thanks, Holly!
LOL! Thanks, Holly!
LOL! Thanks, Holly!
LOL! Thanks, Holly!
That’s so true Candace — it’s still my work. Thank you for that perspective!
That’s so true Candace — it’s still my work. Thank you for that perspective!
That’s so true Candace — it’s still my work. Thank you for that perspective!
That’s so true Candace — it’s still my work. Thank you for that perspective!
That’s so true Candace — it’s still my work. Thank you for that perspective!
That’s so true Candace — it’s still my work. Thank you for that perspective!
That’s so true Candace — it’s still my work. Thank you for that perspective!
That was my thought on the sticker too, Kristy. I just wasn’t sure if it was weird to non-makers.
That was my thought on the sticker too, Kristy. I just wasn’t sure if it was weird to non-makers.
That was my thought on the sticker too, Kristy. I just wasn’t sure if it was weird to non-makers.
That was my thought on the sticker too, Kristy. I just wasn’t sure if it was weird to non-makers.
That was my thought on the sticker too, Kristy. I just wasn’t sure if it was weird to non-makers.
That was my thought on the sticker too, Kristy. I just wasn’t sure if it was weird to non-makers.
That was my thought on the sticker too, Kristy. I just wasn’t sure if it was weird to non-makers.
Will do, Donna! Thank you!
Will do, Donna! Thank you!
Will do, Donna! Thank you!
Will do, Donna! Thank you!
Will do, Donna! Thank you!
Will do, Donna! Thank you!
Will do, Donna! Thank you!
He’s a smart guy!
He’s a smart guy!
He’s a smart guy!
He’s a smart guy!
He’s a smart guy!
He’s a smart guy!
He’s a smart guy!
Thanks, Teresa! i appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Teresa! i appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Teresa! i appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Teresa! i appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Teresa! i appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Teresa! i appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Teresa! i appreciate the feedback!
Steve is going to have a big head with all these people agreeing with him! 😉
Steve is going to have a big head with all these people agreeing with him! 😉
Steve is going to have a big head with all these people agreeing with him! 😉
Steve is going to have a big head with all these people agreeing with him! 😉
Steve is going to have a big head with all these people agreeing with him! 😉
Steve is going to have a big head with all these people agreeing with him! 😉
Steve is going to have a big head with all these people agreeing with him! 😉
Thanks, Dorothy! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Dorothy! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Dorothy! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Dorothy! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Dorothy! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Dorothy! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Dorothy! I appreciate the feedback!
You’re in the majority with that vote!
You’re in the majority with that vote!
You’re in the majority with that vote!
You’re in the majority with that vote!
You’re in the majority with that vote!
You’re in the majority with that vote!
You’re in the majority with that vote!
Thanks, Jennifer. I like the idea of being a sparkling star! 😉
Thanks, Jennifer. I like the idea of being a sparkling star! 😉
Thanks, Jennifer. I like the idea of being a sparkling star! 😉
Thanks, Jennifer. I like the idea of being a sparkling star! 😉
Thanks, Jennifer. I like the idea of being a sparkling star! 😉
Thanks, Jennifer. I like the idea of being a sparkling star! 😉
Thanks, Jennifer. I like the idea of being a sparkling star! 😉
That’s a lot of cards, Pam! I’m impressed!
That’s a lot of cards, Pam! I’m impressed!
That’s a lot of cards, Pam! I’m impressed!
That’s a lot of cards, Pam! I’m impressed!
That’s a lot of cards, Pam! I’m impressed!
That’s a lot of cards, Pam! I’m impressed!
That’s a lot of cards, Pam! I’m impressed!
Thanks so much, Sherri!
Thanks so much, Sherri!
Thanks so much, Sherri!
Thanks so much, Sherri!
Thanks so much, Sherri!
Thanks so much, Sherri!
Thanks so much, Sherri!
That’s true. Does everyone even look at the back of a card?!
That’s true. Does everyone even look at the back of a card?!
That’s true. Does everyone even look at the back of a card?!
That’s true. Does everyone even look at the back of a card?!
That’s true. Does everyone even look at the back of a card?!
That’s true. Does everyone even look at the back of a card?!
That’s true. Does everyone even look at the back of a card?!
Good point!
Good point!
Good point!
Good point!
Good point!
Good point!
Good point!
Thanks, Maria! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Maria! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Maria! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Maria! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Maria! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Maria! I appreciate the feedback!
Thanks, Maria! I appreciate the feedback!
That’s awesome! I love that you still have those cards!
That’s awesome! I love that you still have those cards!
That’s awesome! I love that you still have those cards!
That’s awesome! I love that you still have those cards!
That’s awesome! I love that you still have those cards!
That’s awesome! I love that you still have those cards!
That’s awesome! I love that you still have those cards!
Aw, that stinks Sherry!
Aw, that stinks Sherry!
Aw, that stinks Sherry!
Aw, that stinks Sherry!
Aw, that stinks Sherry!
Aw, that stinks Sherry!
Aw, that stinks Sherry!
I love the note you want to put on the back of the card. And I also think if you want to do original ones for those who would appreciate them and have copies made for those who might not, that’s a great solution.
My husband and I have been sending out cards for many years. Currently we’ve collected about 100 people we want to keep in touch with. When it comes to cards, we have very different styles — I want everything to coordinate: card, envelope, border on the letter we include, stamps. He could care less about this need of mine. So 6 years ago I suggested we trade years. I’ll hand make them my year and he can do whatever he wants (including using the fronts of cards we’ve received in years past) his year. I might mention in our letter that it’s his year, but other than that I let him be. Our friends know he’s a character. Heck, they may even prefer his odd cards to my carefully thought out, hand made ones.
Last year he decided to make them and they were really cute. He’s a musician not a paper artist, but I limited my input to “here’s glue, scissors, star punch, let me know if you want any help.” Except for printing out address labels he didn’t! This year it’s my turn and I am determined NOT to procrastinate. I plan to start after Labor Day, when the Cape slows down. I’m not sure that everyone we send them to will appreciate the hand-made part, but I actually do this for me, so if they throw them in the bin, as long as it’s a recycle bin, I don’t mind.
I love the note you want to put on the back of the card. And I also think if you want to do original ones for those who would appreciate them and have copies made for those who might not, that’s a great solution.
My husband and I have been sending out cards for many years. Currently we’ve collected about 100 people we want to keep in touch with. When it comes to cards, we have very different styles — I want everything to coordinate: card, envelope, border on the letter we include, stamps. He could care less about this need of mine. So 6 years ago I suggested we trade years. I’ll hand make them my year and he can do whatever he wants (including using the fronts of cards we’ve received in years past) his year. I might mention in our letter that it’s his year, but other than that I let him be. Our friends know he’s a character. Heck, they may even prefer his odd cards to my carefully thought out, hand made ones.
Last year he decided to make them and they were really cute. He’s a musician not a paper artist, but I limited my input to “here’s glue, scissors, star punch, let me know if you want any help.” Except for printing out address labels he didn’t! This year it’s my turn and I am determined NOT to procrastinate. I plan to start after Labor Day, when the Cape slows down. I’m not sure that everyone we send them to will appreciate the hand-made part, but I actually do this for me, so if they throw them in the bin, as long as it’s a recycle bin, I don’t mind.
I love the note you want to put on the back of the card. And I also think if you want to do original ones for those who would appreciate them and have copies made for those who might not, that’s a great solution.
My husband and I have been sending out cards for many years. Currently we’ve collected about 100 people we want to keep in touch with. When it comes to cards, we have very different styles — I want everything to coordinate: card, envelope, border on the letter we include, stamps. He could care less about this need of mine. So 6 years ago I suggested we trade years. I’ll hand make them my year and he can do whatever he wants (including using the fronts of cards we’ve received in years past) his year. I might mention in our letter that it’s his year, but other than that I let him be. Our friends know he’s a character. Heck, they may even prefer his odd cards to my carefully thought out, hand made ones.
Last year he decided to make them and they were really cute. He’s a musician not a paper artist, but I limited my input to “here’s glue, scissors, star punch, let me know if you want any help.” Except for printing out address labels he didn’t! This year it’s my turn and I am determined NOT to procrastinate. I plan to start after Labor Day, when the Cape slows down. I’m not sure that everyone we send them to will appreciate the hand-made part, but I actually do this for me, so if they throw them in the bin, as long as it’s a recycle bin, I don’t mind.
I love the note you want to put on the back of the card. And I also think if you want to do original ones for those who would appreciate them and have copies made for those who might not, that’s a great solution.
My husband and I have been sending out cards for many years. Currently we’ve collected about 100 people we want to keep in touch with. When it comes to cards, we have very different styles — I want everything to coordinate: card, envelope, border on the letter we include, stamps. He could care less about this need of mine. So 6 years ago I suggested we trade years. I’ll hand make them my year and he can do whatever he wants (including using the fronts of cards we’ve received in years past) his year. I might mention in our letter that it’s his year, but other than that I let him be. Our friends know he’s a character. Heck, they may even prefer his odd cards to my carefully thought out, hand made ones.
Last year he decided to make them and they were really cute. He’s a musician not a paper artist, but I limited my input to “here’s glue, scissors, star punch, let me know if you want any help.” Except for printing out address labels he didn’t! This year it’s my turn and I am determined NOT to procrastinate. I plan to start after Labor Day, when the Cape slows down. I’m not sure that everyone we send them to will appreciate the hand-made part, but I actually do this for me, so if they throw them in the bin, as long as it’s a recycle bin, I don’t mind.
I love the note you want to put on the back of the card. And I also think if you want to do original ones for those who would appreciate them and have copies made for those who might not, that’s a great solution.
My husband and I have been sending out cards for many years. Currently we’ve collected about 100 people we want to keep in touch with. When it comes to cards, we have very different styles — I want everything to coordinate: card, envelope, border on the letter we include, stamps. He could care less about this need of mine. So 6 years ago I suggested we trade years. I’ll hand make them my year and he can do whatever he wants (including using the fronts of cards we’ve received in years past) his year. I might mention in our letter that it’s his year, but other than that I let him be. Our friends know he’s a character. Heck, they may even prefer his odd cards to my carefully thought out, hand made ones.
Last year he decided to make them and they were really cute. He’s a musician not a paper artist, but I limited my input to “here’s glue, scissors, star punch, let me know if you want any help.” Except for printing out address labels he didn’t! This year it’s my turn and I am determined NOT to procrastinate. I plan to start after Labor Day, when the Cape slows down. I’m not sure that everyone we send them to will appreciate the hand-made part, but I actually do this for me, so if they throw them in the bin, as long as it’s a recycle bin, I don’t mind.
I love the note you want to put on the back of the card. And I also think if you want to do original ones for those who would appreciate them and have copies made for those who might not, that’s a great solution.
My husband and I have been sending out cards for many years. Currently we’ve collected about 100 people we want to keep in touch with. When it comes to cards, we have very different styles — I want everything to coordinate: card, envelope, border on the letter we include, stamps. He could care less about this need of mine. So 6 years ago I suggested we trade years. I’ll hand make them my year and he can do whatever he wants (including using the fronts of cards we’ve received in years past) his year. I might mention in our letter that it’s his year, but other than that I let him be. Our friends know he’s a character. Heck, they may even prefer his odd cards to my carefully thought out, hand made ones.
Last year he decided to make them and they were really cute. He’s a musician not a paper artist, but I limited my input to “here’s glue, scissors, star punch, let me know if you want any help.” Except for printing out address labels he didn’t! This year it’s my turn and I am determined NOT to procrastinate. I plan to start after Labor Day, when the Cape slows down. I’m not sure that everyone we send them to will appreciate the hand-made part, but I actually do this for me, so if they throw them in the bin, as long as it’s a recycle bin, I don’t mind.
I love the note you want to put on the back of the card. And I also think if you want to do original ones for those who would appreciate them and have copies made for those who might not, that’s a great solution.
My husband and I have been sending out cards for many years. Currently we’ve collected about 100 people we want to keep in touch with. When it comes to cards, we have very different styles — I want everything to coordinate: card, envelope, border on the letter we include, stamps. He could care less about this need of mine. So 6 years ago I suggested we trade years. I’ll hand make them my year and he can do whatever he wants (including using the fronts of cards we’ve received in years past) his year. I might mention in our letter that it’s his year, but other than that I let him be. Our friends know he’s a character. Heck, they may even prefer his odd cards to my carefully thought out, hand made ones.
Last year he decided to make them and they were really cute. He’s a musician not a paper artist, but I limited my input to “here’s glue, scissors, star punch, let me know if you want any help.” Except for printing out address labels he didn’t! This year it’s my turn and I am determined NOT to procrastinate. I plan to start after Labor Day, when the Cape slows down. I’m not sure that everyone we send them to will appreciate the hand-made part, but I actually do this for me, so if they throw them in the bin, as long as it’s a recycle bin, I don’t mind.
How fun! And its a good point that you do it for you!
How fun! And its a good point that you do it for you!
How fun! And its a good point that you do it for you!
How fun! And its a good point that you do it for you!
How fun! And its a good point that you do it for you!
How fun! And its a good point that you do it for you!
How fun! And its a good point that you do it for you!