in the mailbox are another of the perks of the season. My spirit is uplifted each day as I sort through the cards from those whose lives have touched our own. I am lucky to be on the lists of a few artists who continue to craft personal greetings. That is always such a treat! In addition, we exchange names in each of the classes for those willing to spend time on such a project. (And those who choose not to participate are always always forgiven and, in fact, complimented on their ability to say "no" in this season of way-too-much-to-do.) The two I received this year were both complete surprises and works of wonder....I realized the tenderness of time spent in each effort. I am amazed and pleased....these will be keepers. The cardinal by Jackie Roberts has been worked on 140# watercolor paper to a standard envelope size and folded in half. It appears that Carol Weigand's was worked on a watercolor postcard whose edges were taped down with artists' tape....this card was then mounted on a piece of colorful card stock which had been cut to a standard envelope size. The taped edges became a crisp border. Carol attended my demo at Summit Artspace early in the month and I distinctly remember someone taking photos. She has translated this photo into a charming little work. While individual paintings would be out of the question for cards, there are other possibilities for sure: linoleum printing; linoleum printing on printed paper; scanned and printed images on card stock; assemblages from craft supplies and rubber stamping. Thanks to: Ann Emmitt, Susan Mencini, Mo Mosyjowski, Janet Neubert and Delores Zink for their handcrafted cards!!!!
I should also mention a yearly project by artist Norma Ott. She and her husband Dave do a lot of traveling. As a result, she has lots of watercolors done at national parks. Each year, she makes up a calendar (at Kinko's) featuring 12 of her paintings which she presents to friends and family as a gift. What a wonderful idea! When her calender arrives in my box, my heart goes pitter-pat. Thank you, Norma!
