Monday, May 08, 2006

Handmade Greeting Cards

I came across this article by Linda Pace, a very talented and spiritual greeting card designer. I think you will enjoy taking a journey with her on how she approaches her greeting card design.

handmade Greeting Cards by Linda Pace

My handmade greeting cards are the result of my deep trust in Spirit. Each one is always different and unique, and they are all imbued with great love and attention to detail. Following is an explanation of what I call the "Pace Process:"

After creating an environment of peace and tranquility, I begin with prayer and meditation, invoking assistance from Spirit, and letting go of self-doubt, worry and self-criticism. I paint with my heart and soul, not my head. I reach for colors that attract me, and I use brush strokes that feel good. Losing track of time and space, I often paint for hours, sometimes filling the room with sheets of art-filled paper. I know when I'm done, so I stop and leave the works to dry overnight. I am always amazed and delighted when I return the next morning. The sheets of paper take on an entirely new look once they are dry. This is the first step in the process of creating my handmade greeting cards.

The second step begins with cutting the large sheets into the smaller versions that fit on the card stock. Again I invoke Spirit, and trust that I will cut the pieces at just the right place. Then I assemble the artwork onto cards, and leave them to dry overnight.

I begin the third day, and step three, by again invoking Spirit with great trust and love. I take each card and look deeply into what it's trying to convey, and if guided to do so, I assist it with little additions of paint, 'pen-work,' or glitter. As I do this, I meditate on the message it wants to express. I simply ask for the message, and then write whatever first pops into my head.

I know and trust that this message, or the name of the artwork, is just perfect for the person whose hand receives it. Sometimes these messages are quite profound, or mysterious, or downright irreverent! Step four, the last step, begins with signing and numbering if appropriate.

After this is completed, I fold all the cards and turn them over, artwork sides face down. I ask for an "angel word" for each card. Again, I write whatever word first comes to mind, trusting that it is exactly the perfect word for the receiver. This completes the "Pace Process" of creating my handmade greeting cards.

The original article, handmade Greeting Cards, can be found in PDF format, at ArborAria.com
Article Service by DET-Online

About the Author
Currently working in watercolors, Linda Pace focuses primarily on abstractions expressing her emotional, psychological and spiritual life journey. Many of her works have been inspired from her native Oregon upbringing, her love and respect of trees, the natural environment, and her ever-evolving spiritual beliefs. Linda's Blog is a spiritual journey of discovery, creating Handmade Note Cards.

I think you will agree, Linda's approach is different, she takes a spiritual journey and uses her angels and the divine spirit as her guide. I think I will try this approach to help me find new inspiration and I get to meditate at the same time. How relaxing and fulfilling.

Till next time.
Greeting Card Business

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I am just beginning my journey into handmade greeting cards. I am a visually impaired interior designer that cannot work because of this limitation. However, the creative juices are always flowing and I need an outlet for this passion of art and soul.
I found the article uplifting and motivating. I have done a few altered books and would like to use this type of media to create my cards.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Tina from WI