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Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff Art Blog
Tips, Tricks, Thoughts, and inspiration from across the art spectrum.
When Is A Christmas Card Not Just A Christmas Card?
When is a Christmas card not just a Christmas card? When it is a gift of art!
Sending Christmas cards is a time honored tradition that has been practiced officially since the 1840s. The majority of us look forward to sending and receiving them every year. Why not pair the holiday sentiment with a gift by creating your own personal art greeting cards. They don’t always have to be Christmasy, just reflect a part of yourself. Then, the recipient can frame them and enjoy them all year long! If they are predominately Christmas like, they can still frame them and display them during the holiday season. Just keep this in mind if you are designing your card to be a gift as well!
Did you know?
1.5 Billion cards are sent during Christmas in the US each year?
85% of the cards purchased are by women?
91% of people over 55 send Christmas cards each year.
45% of all cards sent are Christmas cards.
Every year, I love designing a new Christmas card to give to all of my family and friends. I will pick something familiar and paint it in a large size. Then, I take pictures of it and have them printed in mass at my local photo center. I love using the Cheap Joe’s Goof-Proof Blank Greeting Cards to complete my cards as they come with everything I need in one package!
Cheap Joe’s Goof-Proof Blank Greeting Cards include Cards, Envelopes, Stik It To Em adhesive strips, and 4×6 watercolor paper blanks. Everything you need to create your Christmas Greeting cards!
Winter Horses-
Transfer the pattern to the Ampersand Aquaboard.
Ampersand Aquabords have a unique clay surface that is textured and absorbent. They make lifting a breeze for watercolor so you really can’t make a mistake! They are available in flat or cradled panels in various sizes.
Ampersand Aquabord
Completely saturate the surface with clean water.
This was my first big project using Golden’s New QoR Modern Watercolors. I was very impressed with the clean, vibrant colors. Oh, and I just love the black created by mixing ultramarine blue and burnt sienna! I only used five colors in this painting.
The first wash.
The second wash.
Adding detail.
Refining detail.
Completing the painting detail.
Finished painting photographed and cropped for printing.
This painting yielded a three-fer! Take separate photos of each horse and create an individual card from each.
You end up with three unique cards from one painting!
With an average size of 5×7 in, a standard greeting card can be matted and framed economically with ready to use frames and can instantly be transformed into a wonderful work of art. Hand signing each printed card gives it a special touch.
For a beautiful finish with double floated matting try the Nielsen Bainbridge Gallery Airfloat Wood Frame!
Framed card prints from painting.
The Miller’s Traditions Gallery Wood Frames are a perfect value for framing greeting cards!
Framed Christmas card.
You can be sure when you take the time to create something memorable for your card, your friends and family will look forward to receiving one every year! The great advantage to this kind of gift is that it can be delivered to those who live far away for the price of a postage stamp!
So, when is a Christmas card more than just a holiday greeting? When it is also a work of art. It’s the gift that keeps giving all year long!
Happy Christmas Card Day!
And Keep The Tradition Alive and Paint On!
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