Using a small press, I pull the wood-cut image. The press combined with the hard edges of the wood leaves a lovely embossing on the bfk print paper.
 The wood block. Sometimes these are as beautiful, if not more, than the print. |  Assembled and delivered to the USPO (since 1843). |
The card.
Though this year I made the decision to be "the bearer of glad tidings" in the New Year rather than Christmas, it is a time embraced. When walking to the mailbox in December with dog Teeka at my side, her excitement for the next stick found beneath the snow rivals mine for the next card amid the bills. Some days I patiently wait until getting back up the hill to a cup of coffee and sun streaming in through the studio to open them carefully with a letter opener, other days I admit, tear the envelope open while at the box! A photograph of you smiling at me might be there waiting or a hand painted tree with silver ornaments (Jen)! And I know, from my own experience, that I was on your mind, if only for a brief moment while you placed the stamp on.
a little background:
Beginning in 1843 in London, the first Christmas Card was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole and illustrated by John Callcott Horsley. His thinking was not at all romantic (as mine is). Cole was very interested in the new Public Post Office and wondered how it could be used by ordinary people, thus producing the card and selling them for 1 shilling each.
Though this year I made the decision to be "the bearer of glad tidings" in the New Year rather than Christmas, it is a time embraced. When walking to the mailbox in December with dog Teeka at my side, her excitement for the next stick found beneath the snow rivals mine for the next card amid the bills. Some days I patiently wait until getting back up the hill to a cup of coffee and sun streaming in through the studio to open them carefully with a letter opener, other days I admit, tear the envelope open while at the box! A photograph of you smiling at me might be there waiting or a hand painted tree with silver ornaments (Jen)! And I know, from my own experience, that I was on your mind, if only for a brief moment while you placed the stamp on.
a little background:
Beginning in 1843 in London, the first Christmas Card was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole and illustrated by John Callcott Horsley. His thinking was not at all romantic (as mine is). Cole was very interested in the new Public Post Office and wondered how it could be used by ordinary people, thus producing the card and selling them for 1 shilling each.
 The first Christmas Card - 1843 The image was controversial as a child was depicted drinking wine! |  A "not so charming" card (in my opinion a little eery!) |  A charming Norwegian card (in my opinion). |
Next week I hope to have a preview of a large painting--it may not be done, but it's time to go big! Until then enjoy the OLYMPICS, one of the wonders of our world!
