I struggle coming up with ideas for festive winter designs. I should get a start in the summer but I never do. Then, when I finally start thinking about a Christmas card, time is short. Last year I lucked out and found this stuffed toy bear in my sketch book.
The close-up of his head turned out more like a mouse but everyone appreciates a Christmas Rodent card, right?
Here's the little guy carved into a block of soft-cut rubber.
And here's a row drying on the line. Nothing I love more than looking at multiples of the same image -- almost identical but always with a subtle variation.
This year I was still buzzed with the ink and eye dropper drawings and a pine bough from our forest made a ideal subject.
I stamped a tiny Red Gate "chop" on the front and one of my hand-carved pine tree stamps on the back. And, for good measure, I added the same stamp to the envelopes.
As I type, these cards are winging their way to family and friends. And not a moment too soon! Might be an idea to jump in this January while it's snowy and wintery and get a head-start on cards for 2021 -- but why break with tradition? Likely I'll be scrambling again next December!
Before I sign off, I want to take a moment to send a round of applause to all the postal and delivery workers who've kept us supplied with mail and provisions -- they've shouldered an extraordinary workload this year. And while this hasn't been the Christmas season we were expecting it hasn't been a year without joy. Or resilience. Or innovation. Or kindness.
Sending warmest wishes for peace and contentment to you and yours. Merry Christmas!
