Cranky gets Cranky about.....holiday cards

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

It’s that time of year again. Time to choose what holiday card we are going to send out to all those lucky people on our list. Every year this gets tougher, as I seem to add (a) more people and (b) more conditions.

This year, this is what we’re working with.

The card must be large enough to enclose a 4 X 6 photo of yours truly with husband and offspring.

The card must be artistic and pleasing to the eye. In other words, Mr Cranky (the guy with the artsy background) must like it.

The card must not be so artsy that it is godawful expensive. One year I sent Crane cards and I didn’t notice anyone inviting us to fancier dinners because of it. It ain’t worth it, plus I lack the funds this year. if I had the money, I’d rather it go to charity anyway.

The card must have a sentiment that is not overly religious. I’d prefer it not say “Christmas” but instead say something about “The season” or “the holidays.”

The picture or design must likewise not feature mangers, baby jesuses, santas, angels (unless abstract), wise men, shepherds, lions and lambs lying down together, christmas trees (although generalized pine-shaped trees pass muster), little drummer boys, or steeples (no matter how charming and snow-covered)

NO Thomas Kinkade. NO teddy bears of any sort. NO cats, no bunnies. No squirrels unless perched on appealing snowmen.

The card must not be too much like any card we have sent in previous years.

The card must not be too much like any card we recieved last year.

No foil accents. I am too young to be sending out foil-acented cards.

The card must be available in quantity. One single box of unique cards screws me, as I need at least 60 of them.

Given recent world events, I have decided that the card must have some sort of peace theme or saying. Not like some wimpy little dove in the corner. I want a big-ass dove with an olive branch that could knock a cat flat. Or maybe a symbol of the earth, say with cute little kids of all races holding hands on it. Or maybe some intertwined thing with a jew, a christian, and a muslim kicking back and having eggnog together. You get the idea. Think that’s easy? No, because 98% of the ones I’ve seen that fit that theme are either cheap-looking or cheesy as hell.

IF I cannot find a peace theme then I want cards that send proceeds to a cause I support. Say, our local Ronald McDonald house, or the Children’s Hospital, or breast cancer. Of course, given the examples I’ve viewed thus far, these run the risk of violating the dual requirements of not breaking the bank and not being cheesy.

So. Here we are. I have begun Day One of the Great Cranky Search For Suitable Holiday Cards. Wish me luck. God knows I’m gonna need it.

2

An old standby for me has always been the cards from the Museum of Modern Art, which seem to pretty much satisfy all your criteria, though of course I can’t say whether they’re too expensive for you or not.

3

Cranky, your holiday card criteria sound a lot like what I was looking for in my client holiday cards this year. See, I’m self-employed, and I think the holidays are a nice time to say “Thanks for sending me work this year” and “Best wishes for next year.”

Ideally, I’d do this at either Thanksgiving or New Year’s to avoid the whole religious thing. But just try to find a whole box of 20 Thanksgiving or New Year’s cards. Not gonna happen, my friend. SO I’m stuck with finding non-religious, businesslike yet interesting, generic “holiday” Christmas cards. (I’m reasonably sure that all my clients celebrate Christmas, but I prefer not to assume.) Also nothing too ostentatious, as I am a company of one. And of course, this year, I was thinking of the “peace” idea too.

I found some nice cards at Hallmark, though. The front is solid red with an inset white rectangle. The rectangle has a silver border and contains an abstract landscape of silvery leafless trees on a snowy background. The message is, “With warmest appreciation at this holiday season and sincere good wishes for every joy a successful new year will bring.”

Of course I will write a brief note in addition, but I think these struck just the right note.

As for personal Christmas cards, we gave up on the mongo list of everybody we know. We have no kids, so don’t need to send pictures. Now we just send them to people we want to keep in touch with and don’t see much. Touching base, as it were. No more sending them to Mr. S’s brother who lives next door, or friends we see every week. Bah!

4

Palm Press is another good source.

5

Why don’t you make some, Cranky?

I’d almost bet money that either my mom or wring has a stamp like you’re looking for, or they know where to find one. They’ve definitely got ink, and wring has paint (I love that paint…:D). I’ve got ink too, and a bunch of holiday stamps–I’ll take a look & if I’ve got anything you could use. I’d even be more than happy to hook up with you (bet wring would, too) and help out. :smiley:

6

You might look at these cards from UNICEF. You’d be supporting an international children’s cause with these. I didn’t look at the cost.

http://www.supportunicef.org/cards/index.html

StG

7

I usually get some of my cards from http://www.roswellcards.com

These cards benefit the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and the cards are all designed by kids who are treated at Roswell. Now, I have to confess that I am not overly fond of the “cute” art of 4 year olds, cancer patients that they may be. But some of the designs are very nice. I stocked up earlier this summer, if I hadn’t, I would have gone for their “Peace” card. It also fits your requirements for being available in quantity, big enough for your picture, doesn’t mention a specific holiday, and has a big-ass dove.

8

Why yes Cranky we can certainly help. What you’re looking to do is relatively simple, elegant and won’t take a whole lotta time, right?

*I do have a world view stamp and have others that would in fact be appropriate. We should talk…

9

Wouldn’t that be baby jesi? :slight_smile:

Seriously, like Persephone said, make your own. You can buy some decent stamps at any craft store (even Wally-mart). Or, if Cranky Jr is old enough, you can do a real Martha Stewart thing and do some Potato Stamping around the border of the photo.

10

So…you mean that just going out and buying an individual card for each person…you mean there is an easier way?!

Shit!

I spent probably $50 on, oh, maybe 20 Chirstmas cards last year. I’ve never been able to find a pack of cards that seems right but some of what y’all have linked to here looks really nice. Thank you!

11

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Why A Duck *
**

Slight hijack here, but do you think Martha Stewart – with her show and her books and her magazine and her soft-focus pumpkin-pie scented CBS specials, Martha Stewart who must be a bizillionare – do you think Martha Stewart still when she reaches that cardboard tube at the end of a toilet paper roll still involuntarily looks at it and thinks to herself “Hmmm, a little glue. Some glitter. Maybe some seashells…”?

12

I usually buy my cards from the National Wildlife Federation:

http://store.yahoo.com/nationalwildlife/fallcards.html

but this year I bought some from UNICEF. It felt more appropriate this year, even though I love the NWF card of the deer nibbling the snowman’s carrot-nose.

You could also consider getting cards that act as frameholders for your photo, or just having a photo card done. I like the stuff Exposures has:

http://www.exposuresonline.com/

Click on the Online Store and then Holiday.

13

Weeeeeeeel, I’ve thought of doing the photo cards. I was really impressed with some of the Snapfish ones we saw last year, and in the long run I think it would be cheaper since paying for 60 cards and 60 duplicate photos adds up.

I am pondering this option. wring and perspehone may also get me talked into making some cards. I really loved this “Peace” symbol wring had last time we rubber stamped. However, the thought of me working card-making into my schedule is gut-bustingly funny.

14

I can help you with the stamping if you want, Cranky. I’ll be home for Thanksgiving break starting Friday night, and I don’t see myself having much to do besides hang around and watch tv. Email me if you’re interested.

15

Your criteria are (is?) pretty much the same as mine. I also enclose a photo, but just of the KinseyKids. I don’t want Thomas “the painter of light/excuse me while I barf” Kincaide, cutesy-poo bears or cartoony-looking stuff. And no foil!
Snowmen, angels and cardinals are always good, provided they aren’t too cutesy. Religion themes are fine, as long as it’s not too religious or sappy. I prefer something simple.

I also was thinking of something Peace-related. Definitely. I like that idea…the globe surrounded by little kids of varying races.

The bad news? I bought four boxes of pretty cardinal-in-the-snow cards last year, after Christmas, half-off.
The good news: I have no freakin’ idea where they are.
So I guess I can go look for a pretty peace-themed card.

16

Aigh! Cranky, I am at the library where they ( oxford) has several huge three ring binders of organzations pandering…errr selling their Xmas cards.

I logged on here tonight (taking up my valuable time of wandering the aisles kid-free ) to ask this very question of WHAT do you want on your holiday cards.

And you kinda - sorta beat me too it.

BAH. I’m beginning to think we are seperated at birth.

17

Back on track… A Jew - Christian themed card I saw…

Through the Ronald McDonald House (sorry no link given in flyer) they have a lovely Black and shite drawing of your victorian kinda homes. One has a menorah in the window, the other has a wreath. The sentiment inside is " Happy holidays." $18 for a pack of $25. A little pricy.

But they are local. 734 994 4442

18

You’re a mind-reader, Shirley. I actually saw those last night and gave them serious thought. I’m keen into the Ronald McDonald House and I was all over that menorah/christmas tree (there’s a tree in the wreath house, too) contrast. Those cards are contenders. I just figured getting 60 of them would be hassle. Perhaps not, if you’re seeing them up in your neck of the woods, too.

19

Will this do?

20

Yeah Cranky, I kinda figured time might be a problem. I do know how that is, oh yeah.

Those Ronald McDonald cards do sound kinda cool, though. :smiley: