Be Inspired By Nature

Don't overlook the beauty of nature when thinking about artwork to use on your cards. Leaf prints make wonderful cards, and if you're creative with the colors you'll be able to come up with a botanical print that will not only look great on the front of your cards but could also be a neat print that's suitable for framing.

Making Cards from Original Artwork

I love to give original art as gifts and recently I started making cards that complimented the artwork that I was giving. I make reproductions of the piece and add it to the front of a card blank making a neat gift set. That way whoever gets it has something to frame and hang on the wall as well as a matching card that is filled with whatever special sentiments I'm sending their way.

Working On Recycled Card Blanks

I like when cards have an earthy feel to them, so a lot of times I work with recycled card blanks or recycled paper to make the card. On this card I used fabric, handmade and corrugated papers to create the mini collage on the front.

Making Holiday Bookmarks With The Kids

My kids decided that they wanted to make bookmarks this morning (not something that I'd planned, but it was doable). I have a lot of holiday stickers and stamps laying around since I'd been working on all the Christmas and Holiday cards, so finding supplies was not an issue.

We decided on a basic layout that we would use as a guide, and then I let them go to town. It's always interesting when everybody gets the same stuff to work with and you end up with 3 different outcomes.

Stamping On Painted Papers

I do a lot of work on canvas and acrylic and mixed media papers, and because I tend to be obsessed with minimizing waste I save scraps that I know I'll be able to use again.

When I was working on this 'Thank You ' card I stamped the dancing images on a scrap sheet of acrylic paper that I had already painted on (a remnant from another project) and the burnt orange really did the trick. I liked the way that the painted acrylic background made the dancers appear to 'pop' right off the card and added just the right amount of color to the composition.

Christmas and Holiday Cards are Finally Finished

I've finally finished working on my own stash of cards for my family and friends and the last batch will go out today. I know-- they're late -- but USPS says that if you get your cards out by Thursday, they'll get there in time. We'll see if this happens.

I did a mixed batch this year. Some cards had mini artwork on them ( some from the doodle pad), some were simple, and some were more detailed. Hopefully I've done my job well by matching the right cards with the right recipients.

Using Photographs On Cards

I have a friend that takes awesome pictures, and she's very good at capturing 'the moment'. Her shots are perfect for making cards. I decided to make a set of cards for her using her images. I kept this card simple and clutter free so that the picture remained the focal point of the card.

I know that there are many of you out there that have pictures that capture that perfect moment in time, don't leave them laying around or stuffed in a shoe box somewhere -- print them and use them on a card!