October 26, 2010

T-minus 7 weeks

It all started because I wanted a project that required me to peruse and purchase lots of the brightly colored specialty papers that I saw at my favorite art supply store.

And now, 13 years into the tradition, it's time again to think ...
H O L I D A Y C A R D S !

Every fall, I make the personal cards my husband and I send out. I spend several weekends working on them ... first designing, then creating the elements and finally assembling them.

These little creations are important to me for three reasons.

First, I enjoy a creative outlet outside of the office.This can be tougher than you think for a graphic designer – really, why spend weekends doing the same thing you do all week? But my cards are often the only personal artistic project I have all year.

I also refuse to turn the joy of the holiday greeting into a chore. Taking time to make these cards slows me down, in a good way. By starting in October, the card creation becomes a quiet simmer that builds up to the holiday madness of December.

Finally, it is fulfilling to create a personal year-end wish for my family and friends that ties back to my profession. There is a long tradition of artists creating handmade cards. I am proud to have my own little place in it.

* * * * * * * *

Holiday 2007:Cut paper – often with a few 3-dimensional additions
– is my preferred medium

Holiday 2005: Sometimes our cat makes it
into the design

Holiday 2002:My niece chose the
paper and helped with the design

* * * * * * * *

Last year, the Smithsonian had an exhibition of handmade holiday cards. Following are some favorites:


Screen-print by Noche Crist, 1962

Screen-print by Frederick Hammersley, no date

Mixed media collage by Julia Thecla, 1975

If you want to see more inspiration, go to Smithsonian.com/cards