Glitter Twinkle Sparkle Glow

This is the card I designed to send out this year. Back when I had a lot more time on my hands, I made my cards every year. But in recent years, I've tended to go out of December 26th and buy cards for the following year half-off. Well, last year, I didn't do that, so I had the opportunity to make something again. Except, that this year, I let Zazzle do most of the work for me. 

I designed the card specifically to go with my goals for the holiday season, that it be filled with light. I even created a custom stamp to go along with it. 

It was funny, thinking about printing cards which I don't even have to physically sign led me to question the entire concept of holiday cards in general. First, I thought, even though I don't have a picture of a cute child to put on my card, doesn't mean I can design and get something printed like the rest of the world out there. But then, does it take away something if nothing is hand written on the card? I mean, hardly anyone writes anything by hand these days. Addresses are printed on labels. Some people even use online services to send the cards out for them, so they don't even touch the cards, let alone lick the envelopes to seal them.

So why is that we send out the cards? Is it an obligation?

(all of this questioning has made me think about what Christmas means to me, and how I will share that with Violetta when she finally shows up...but that is a subject for another post)

I concluded that because I designed the card, it has special meaning, even if I don't sign it. As do cards with pictures of cute kids with parents who don't sign the cards either. I send cards because it's an opportunity to remind my family and friends—who I don't see often enough—that I do think of them, and wish them well, regardless of time or miles. And, I also enjoy having an excuse for a design project. Although, next year, I may hunt around more for less expensive printing options.

But, I wanted to support Zazzle, where I have a storefront, which I have been extremely delinquent in sharing with you. I just haven't had the time to transfer as many products from my old store (not very anonymous!) to the new one. Remember what I said about being too hard on myself? So, without further ado, I introduce to you...

Click image or here to visit the store. I'm hoping find time to add more stuff soon. I want to expand into customizable invitations and cards. Someday...

PS - If anyone is interested in visiting my old store that I'm phasing out, just send me an email and I will send you the link.