Card game

It is halfway through November and my brain is swirling with holiday thoughts. Not the turkey and stuffing sort of thoughts, but the paper and glue and doo-dads and envelopes and stamps variety. This time of year the brain automatically shifts to Christmas Cards and their deadline looming on the horizon. I start fondling paper and caressing it like silk, weighing options and experimenting with vellums and threads and glitters, deciding on a shapes and messages, and then whittling the list of recipients. Yes, I go a bit nuts. OK, more than a bit. Try Hi-my-name-is-Jess-and-I'm-a-Christmas-card-aholic. Here. Check out some of previous Christmas card designs:

The "joy" is actually a gift tag and the pink underneath is sparkly wrapping paper. This is one of those designs where it was more conceptual, and each card was distinctly different although the materials and inside greeting were the same. Here's another "joy" card:

Then we move to simple, crafted from recycled card stock, paper bags and gingham fabric. The text was scribbled in brown magic marker.

Here are two from my square card kick. The pink one was a ton of fun and time consuming. "Joy to the world" is printed on vellum and tacked to a big square of pink. Framing the text is a slide frame with funky thread peeking out from beneath.

And blue, the color of advent. These were simple squares of blue and white, hand cut so they were a bit wonky. The swirly vellum was a great backdrop for a pewter snowflake.


So what to do for 2008? Whatever the concept I'm determined to go 100% recycled materials. That's right card fans, only materials currently inhabiting the drawers and boxes and shelves of the house. Believe me, there's PLENTY to choose from! I already have some wacky ideas. Stay tuned for the final result(s)!