Karen Cole Paper

A Fun Twist on Christmas Cards

If you haven’t sent out your Christmas cards yet, it’s not too late! I got a late start on mine this year and probably would not have gotten around to them at all if it hadn’t been for my “fans” asking about them. You see, it’s all about the photos, people.

These days, more and more families are sending photo cards. They are my favorite cards to receive because I love to see pictures of friends and family and its fun to see how people have changed throughout the year. I keep all of the picture cards I receive every year. I make a collage of them on a 12×12 page (or two) and stick them in the back of my scrapbook for that year.

A few years ago I was inspired to try a new twist on the photo Christmas card. It’s a scrapbook page card and it was a big hit. Every year now, I create an 8.5 by 11 (standard paper size) scrapbook page of photos from the year and add a little greeting. It usually takes me one full evening to create the card and then I take it to a color copy center and run off however many I need. I keep the original in a separate album that holds all my yearly Christmas cards.

I’ve been surprised over the years how many times I’ve found my Christmas card stuck to the refrigerator of different friends and family even months after Christmas. They keep it up all year until they receive a new one. It’s nice to know that they appreciate all the hard work and love that went into making it.

I’ve also convinced some of my friends to make scrapbook page cards for their own families every year. And you know what? Those are the ones that stay on my fridge through the whole year.

Here are some examples to hopefully get you inspired to try something new!

2006 Christmas by Rachelle Powers

2006 Christmas by Lucy Matthew

2008 Christmas by Rachelle Powers – This card was created entirely digitally using Photoshop Elements 6. I downloaded a Christmas kit by Katie Pertiet from www.designerdigitals.com

Happy Crafting!

Rachelle is an all around craft-alholic with a major in scrapbooking.  A mama of three, she is very busy staying home all day.  She also blogs every hilarious thing her children say here, http://happyhothead.livejournal.com/ and other family happenings here, www.powersalaska.blogspot.com

Simple Salutations

I honestly could not believe it today when I realized its already December, where in the world has this year gone to so quickly?  It feels like I just put away all the Christmas decorations and cleaned up the wrapping paper….now I’m pulling it all out again (any offers to come clean it up after this year will be gladly accepted!)

This is also the time of year when parties seem to be occuring every time you turn around.  Maybe you’re the one throwing some of them, and attending others (always more fun to attend someone else’s party, they have to do all the work that way, right?)

Simple Salutations will have just the solution should you need a pretty, holiday-inspired invitation, and even if you just need birthday invitations, or perhaps just a simple thank-you…they have it all!

Simple Salutations is a small company run by 2 sisters, one a graphic designer and one with great organizational skills; they also have little children as well, which is a full time job in and of itself, right mommies!  This business is something that they have wanted to do for some time and now are very excited that they are finally doing it!

The samples of cards I received in the mail really are beautifully crafted, and very sturdy/durable.  I always hate having to go search for cards when I need them (I’m very fussy) and I want my card to make a great impression, no matter who will see it!  You will find a one-stop card shop at Simple Salutations, so don’t wait a second longer…go order some Christmas themed cards!

Erin is a single mom to 2 great kids (4 if you count the dogs) and blogs regularly over at Life Around Here Blogging is a huge passion of hers, and she’s thrilled to be a part of the Peekaboo Picks team!

Boo Boo Stick Cards

Ok, I must admit, after receiving a sample of Boo Boo Stick Cards I now think I have a new obsession!  These cards are beautiful and unique and made oh so well! They make cards for kids from cute little choo choo trains to zoo animals to a cute little ballerina.  They have holiday cards and cards for men and women, but you’ll have to take a look for yourself because there is something for everyone!  I’m interested in the holiday cards because I just send out a few to close family and friends and Boo Boo Stick Cards are DARLING!

Besides just selling cards they provide a unique service for their customers.  As a customer you can choose a card, customize a message and pick the date you would like the card sent out and Boo Boo Stick Cards will send the card on the appropriate date. You can choose 1 card or numerous cards and be set for the entire year!  What a great way to help you not forget birthdays, anniversaries and holidays!  Also, they will email you when the ‘date’ comes to let you know they have mailed out the card.  They have covered all of the bases and now so have you! No more forgetting to send out cards to family and friends!

Courtney is a mompreneur who invented The Original Changing Clutch found at www.theappleofmyeye.com.  She resides in Rochester,  MI with her husband, two daughters and ANOTHER girl on the way.

Giveaway: $50 Gift Certificate to Paper Shouts!

This contest is now closed.  Congrats to Anne Lantto!

Now is the time to start thinking about the annual holiday card…I know, I can’t believe it’s that time already either!  But speaking from experience, it’s best to get these things taken care of early, otherwise, they just might not get done.

So where is the hip place for cards this year?  How about checking out the very hip, fresh and fun Paper Shouts!  Choose from traditional, vintage, and modern designs and find the perfect one for your family.  Even better, we’ve got a $50 Gift Certificate to Paper Shouts to giveaway to one lucky reader.  Here’s how you enter:

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