April 24, 2011

easter greetings


For holidays, I usually go into mass production mode. It was no different this Easter, except that I decided to make a little something different for my parents and daughter. For both designs, I turned to Melissa Phillips for inspiration, using some cards she made with the PTI Take Three sets for spring and fall.


The cards are a little smaller in scale, made by cutting a sheet of cardstock in thirds along the 11-inch side. My color palette was dictated by Easter ribbon found at Michael’s. Each of the nine cards was unique in its color mix allowing me to choose a card that would best (or, at least, better) fit the recipient. Here are a few individual shots.





For me, the only problem with mass production is the signing of the cards. I like to write a personal note inside each card, but find I’m usually running out of steam by that time and end up with one great message used for all. Should I believe my spin that it is better to send these cards with the thoughtfully written but non-personalized note than nothing at all? What do you think/do?


The card design used for my parents and daughter has a similar feel as the mass-produced cards, but is a standard 4¼ x 5½” size. With the colors and use of gingham, this yielded a sweet card that put a smile on my face. I hope it produces the same reaction when pulled from the envelope.


This was an unexpectedly happy Easter weekend with my daughter. It wasn’t unexpected that it was happy, although, I am always grateful for that feeling. The surprising part is that Brianna and I had the entire weekend together. The original plan was for me to drive to Vermont and spend part of the day with Brianna. Instead, she drove home Friday afternoon and we went fabric shopping, watched movies, saw a dance performance and celebrated Easter together until late this afternoon when she returned to school. It was a most unexpected gift.


I hope that your Easter was joyous and your weekend filled with surprising blessings.

nancy

supplies:
paper:  white c/s (Staples); green c/s (Recollections); rustic white c/s (PTI); yellow pp (Martha Stewart); baby boy and baby girl pp (Debbie Mumm); gingham pp (A Muse)
stamps:  Happy Easter (Crafty Secrets); Bitty Background Blocks (PTI); Borders (Heidi Grace); Series 29 (Studio G)
ink:  VersaMark; dandelion, rose bud and new sprout dye (Memento); sunflower yellow pigment (Brilliance); robin’s egg and fresh green pigment (Colorsnap)
dies:  button card collection and tiny tags (PTI)
extras:  clear embossing powder (PSX); Swiss Dots embossing folder (Cuttlebug); ribbon and flowers (Michael’s); buttons (PTI); floss #4077 (DMC)

11 comments:

Janelle said...

Hi, Nancy! All the Easter cards look great... super colors and great layouts. (Can't go wrong gaining inspiration from Melissa Phillips, now can you?!) I often struggle to get card in the mail... all because I want to write the "perfect" thing on the inside. I know... I've gotta let that go. I think most people are just thrilled to receive something that is not a bill or a catalog... especially if it is handmade. I still have three Easter cards sitting on my counter waiting to be mailed. So... do I send these cards or not? (Oh, the dilemmas I create for myself! :) )
I scrolled down a bit to catch up... love the cards for Brianna... the tutu birthday card and, especially, the persevere card. So sweet and personal, both of them. Glad the two of you had a great Easter weekend together!

Kelly said...

Nancy, your cards are beautiful, all springy and pretty. I absolutely smiled when I saw the card you made for Brianna and when you expressed your happiness at spending girl time with her this weekend. What could have been happier? I believe your spin...it is the same thing I tell myself at Christmas and Easter and Thanksgiving. I always try to hope for the best.

lam said...

your cards are beautiful, love the happy spring look they all have. Happy Easter

Marybeth said...

What can I say Nancy! Your cards are amazing . The cards you made for your daughter and parent are just perfect for Easter. The other cards in the set are just beautiful . I love seeing what you will be making next.

Chris said...

I love your fun springy sets. And the gingham ribbon is so cute! Your talent and love shows clearly. On all your cards! I'm glad you had such a nice weekend with your daughter!

Margaret M said...

Nancy..so glad you got to spend a wonderful Easter with your daughter! I love your cards...all the Easter colors! TFS!

Michelle said...

Beautiful cards Nancy I love the way you have used your dies.!!

BethieJ said...

Nancy your cards are BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE them all! I too mass produce.. and by the time I get to the sentiment I am usually short on time.. so out they go with a short similar note.. I think it matters I get them sent.. :) thats my story and I am sticking to it! HA! :)
Have a GREAT day!

Unknown said...

Great cards! I love how you can take one simple design and make a variety of cards. Great job with the dies!

Jessie said...

Nancy great cards! I so did not get any Easter cards in the mail this year! Yours are wonderful! the colors are so springy and vibrant!

Michelle Philippi said...

Gingham has always reminded me of Easter...like on big bows on Easter baskets or something. These are really fun, bright and springy. So glad you had a lovely Easter!