Look how cute! I just love making watercolour greeting cards. They’re a little tradition that gets me in the holiday spirit, and being handmade, they’re filled with loving gratitude for their recipients, plus the joy that lies in the making.
I like to choose a theme and try to incorporate a little something to reflect the person or people I’m thinking of in each one — maybe a vibe, something that reminds me of them, or something they like.
Then I make them all together in a couple of batches.
A tip for busy crafters: It’s hard to find time to just sit down and craft or paint, so I break them down into many little sessions.
During “card-making season”, I just leave all of my supplies out so that I can quickly slide in and add a wash or a detail in a quiet little moment.
Usually I’ll pick a theme around something that I feel like drawing, or a neat painting technique I wanted to try, but this year I was really inspired by connection. The idea actually came to me after many mornings sitting in a cozy office across from my counsellor, staring at the cups of coffee on either side of the table.
Connection.
When was the last time you connected with someone over a beverage?
Now in parenthood, it feels like a total luxury.
My husband and I love to sit and talk over coffee in the morning, and we still manage to pull it off most weeks, at least once. It’s just a bit more chaotic than it used to be.
It feels exhausting, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I tried to capture the magical chaos that is this season of life for our dear friends with kids of similar ages as ours. Can you spot the card that illustrates an attempt at calm connection interrupted by movement and joyful splatters surrounding what look suspiciously like Paw Patrol badges?
Speaking of connections in parenthood, it’s amazing to see how our annual holiday parties have evolved, with many of our friends having growing families of their own.
Not that long ago, we would sit around with our beverages, just catching up and sharing laughs (and perhaps a harrowing story here or there).
Now we quickly say our hellos and get the scoop on each other’s holiday plans before hurrying off to see what kind of trouble our kids are getting into!
It’s a total blessing. It also means we don’t always have the chance for the same depth of connection with our friends and family… But that doesn’t mean we don’t share the same depth of loving gratitude for their place in our lives.
This is why I love making these silly little cards — I love to paint, but I also love this opportunity for unspoken yet meaningful connection.
(Also a win as an introvert, am I right?!)
Wishing you much love, connection, and creative self-expression this holiday season!
Speaking of connection, I write a monthly letter for creative inspiration and encouragement, and I would love for you to join us there if you’re so called! You can opt in here.
