I create about 500 unique cards a year. Seriously. So why do I find it so hard to design my own Christmas Cards? I think I put too much pressure on myself to make them a perfect representation of my style. Usually I am stymied by my own pressure. I almost invariably end up CASING cards from other people (or at least using them for inspiration)...
I also make 4 or so different cards -- some whimsical, some non-denominational, and some elegant (usually because I get bored making too many of one card!). My DH addresses the envelopes and fills out the inside sentiments, thankfully, so it is up to him to determine who gets which card. Oh, did I mention that my husband is a Creative Director with 20 artists who work for him that we send cards to? No pressure there, right?
This year I am a little behind the 8-ball. I have designed several cards, and I think I am happy with two or three of them. This one I know I am using (please ignore the "scanner blur" on the left of the piece):
This card was basically inspired from a card from Karen Cielen. Her's is prettier than mine! I changed the colors, some of the stamps, and simplified my version a bit. This card is very elegant in real life. The red berries are glitter -- I just love the way it looks. Okay, here is one I am NOT going to use:
It is just too Blah, don't you think?
...and this one -- My DH likes this for our whimsy card. It was inspired by something my friend Dee Ruger made (hi Dee!). I like it because I can whip these out! I have to re-work the ribbons a bit, but you get the idea. It is sparkly IRL.
Then there is this one:
This was done using the Dry Embossed Wash Technique from the December '07 TJNL. I love this technique and I really like this card -- I am still pondering this one to make it even better.
Also, I have this one:
I really like this one, too. It is done using the Technicolor Dye Ink Technique from the Newsletter -- I think the bling is the perfect balance with the soft background and the strong snowflakes. (Did I mention that I LOVE snowflake stamps? I have tons of them!).
Okay, finally, here is another NO GO:
DH just simply hates the colors. He asked me to change out the green...uh, that would be a little tough since it is designer paper!!!! (I thought it was too simple anyway).
Okay, now you see my quandary this year. Only one card I really really love (okay, too -- I like the Noel card, too). I need help! Anyone have any sensational cards I can CASE? Please?
Oh well, back to the drawing board tomorrow...
19 comments:
I love your purple/teal card. A little ribbon tab might give it just a little kick.
Yes, I agree, it is hard to design my Christmas cards. Pressure, pressure. I really like what you came up with.
Hi to you,Pat.
Thank you. You know the commercial about the power of cheese? Well, my life is Ahh...the power of Hero. Love your cards.
Dee
Ok first thing I love the snowman card. I agree Xmas cards are the toughest... I get a lot of "oh I can't wait to see what you come up with this year"!!! You have some good ones to choose from though!
I like the card with the little Christmas tree that you nixed. Perhaps you could do the strip behind with the Cuttlebug and dress it up a bit or jazz up the color scheme.
The cards are very nice. I agree with your hubby about the last one though and hope you find something nice you can both agree on - not that it was a bad card, just that you will find the perfect card that both of you will love!
Allie
I think the first one is very sophisticated; #2 mite look better w/ a red bkrnd.?; #3 snowman has a "cute" vibe; #4 & 5 not sure; and #6, the Jingle? I a LOVE those colors! stop listening to your DH. lol
KathyR
I think the first one is very sophisticated; #2 mite look better w/ a red bkrnd.?; #3 snowman has a "cute" vibe; #4 & 5 not sure; and #6, the Jingle? I a LOVE those colors! stop listening to your DH. lol
KathyR
I went hunting for you for some of my favorite, easy to mass produce cards, since you are running close to a deadline!
http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2007/11/honorable-menti.html - Check out Jen DelMuro's card.
http://debbiedesigns.typepad.com/muse_and_amuse/2007/12/my-first-sketch.html - I liked this sketch and the stamps she used - maybe this will inspire you.
http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com/amyr/2007/11/peace.html - different and very cute
Hope these help.
Allie
Designing Christmas cards is so stressful! On my blog people post their designs or works in progress for the world to offer constructive feedback. Holiday cards are on everybody's mind these days!
You would think that since we love stamping that Christmas would be the most exciting time for the year for us!
How about giving them a little gift with your card? I just posted one with a tea bag ornament. Feel free to case it or not. But any of your cards are great! It seems as though we are toughest on ourselves. Have a great day and use any of your current cards. Even though these people are artists I'm sure that they could never do your art work! So I know that they are amazed when they receive any of your cards.
Cheryl
www.cherylhorton.typepad.com
First off I can't believe you are making that many cards but I really admire you for doing it. I think all the cards are really nice but my favoite is the first one you cased too. Who's stamp is that? I love this card by Jen at http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/ I bet you could make a lot of those quickly. I like the dry embossed tech card you did too you might want to try adding some ribbon to it. What stamp did you use on that one too? I am in the process of designing some holiday cards right now too but I am only making a few of them though.:)
I love the first card...I just TODAY ordered Peaceful Wishes, is that sad? If it doesn't come in time to make some cards this year I am definately using it for next year's cards. All of your cards are beautiful...I really like the snowman card. I did one similar with a snowflake and made it in every monochromatic color scheme I could find. You're way ahead of me...I have to make about 250 and right now I've got 70 done, with another 70 all cut out. Have fun!
Terri
You're too hard on yourself. I really like the tree one. Cuttlebug the background if you want to dress it up.
My favorite is the first one Peace on Earth. I love the colors and the design.
I love your cards. They have a real graphic edge to them. So hard to say who to case, but I got tremendous inspiration from this card by Lynda Benden:
http://stampact.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/12/today-is-a-spec.html
I simplified her technique on my blog. But it may not be your style...
:0) Best of luck in continuing with your gorgeous work (under the world's greatest pressure: 20 artists!?! Squeek!) :0) Mel
I love the first card and the tree card. I think the tree card just needs some ribbon to jazz it up a bit.
Good Luck
June
I think that the all green Merry christmas one would be a better card if you used more colors, probably in the snowflake strip, and then echoing the new colors in the sentiment.
I agree with your husband about the colors in that last card. Use different paper.
Please enter me in contest by 11 :59 EST on Friday, Dec. 14th
Barb Oliver
miatagal@shaw.ca
Pat, you're way to hard on yourself...I love your cards..the diversity is fun. Perhaps next year make x amount of cards each month. Really takes the pressure off. BTW, I just received this really pretty but simply made card. Navy blue BG, white embossed snowman and a simple greeting. I think one of the layers was silver. Very pretty, but simple. I was wondering why I didn't do something that simple for my cards! LOL. Anyway..de-stress and make something YOU like. Julie
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