I like cards. Not all cards. Some are ugly, some are completely without thought or meaning, and some are flat-out distasteful. But some cards are amazing: they bring together color, texture, rhythm, and other elements of design combined with uplifting and heartfelt words. They can be pieces of art that are available to almost anyone and made personal oh-so-easily. I enjoy receiving cards from people for most of those reasons. I keep most of the cards I receive out of the blue for no regularly scheduled holiday (such as my birthday on September 13...). And my holidays would be incomplete without these small tokens of thought and love. When the anticipated holiday draws near I start checking my mailbox fanatically. Did anyone remember me? Is the card funny? Is it beautiful? What will it say? Maybe it will be a simple message and a signature to let me know I'm not forgotten. Perhaps its a direct paragraph with meaningful expressions of love. Sometimes its both plus a chatty update from the sender.
Then there are the ones that touch my heart simply because they aren't expected. For a reason unknown to me at the time, someone was thinking of me and put action behind their thought. I have cards from people cheering me through a tough week, notes expressing prayer for me, cards with encouragement and support when I'm approaching an event (like the start of another semester).
In architecture school we talked about art and creating, the uniqueness of putting something of yourself in an object-the art of design. The beauty that comes from having your hand, heart, and head involved. Even in the simplicity of a handwritten message.
I've been combining these things into my own handmade cards and for the past couple of years I've been playing with papers and styles and techniques. My cards aren't glossy and pristine like the ones in the racks of department stores. They've got torn edges and multiple layers that are assembled with some design methods... They don't look like anything else I've seen out there, but I sure enjoy making them-and sending them. Recently I've even made sets to give away as gifts, a start that I hope to expand upon someday. Eventually I'd like to put together sets to sell. That's down the road a bit, but if anyone has any sort of ideas or tips for me, please send 'em my way! I'd love to hear about it!
