Share Your Joy; Mixed Media Shareable Art Book Review

 Title: Share Your Joy; Mixed Media Shareable Art

Author: Sarah J. Gardner

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster

Publication Date: September 5, 2023

Length: 128 Pages

About the Author
Sarah J. Gardner is a mother, practicing lawyer, and self-taught artist in Southern California. She works with mixed media and seeks to help others who want to explore their creativity and play with art supplies. 

Shareable Art
Sarah Gardner provides inspiration and instructions for eight art paper projects and nine shareable projects in this colorful mixed-media art book.
The sharable projects include;

• Sewn Collage Postcards
• Printed Layers Postcards
• Watercolor Rainbow Greeting Card
• Abstract Collage Note Card
• Embellished Envelopes

My Thoughts
This is an inspiring and instructional book for mixed-media artists. The focus of the book is creating art that can be shared with others. This is a perfect selection for artists who create handmade greeting cards and mail art.

The step-by-step directions are excellent for both beginners and experienced mixed-media artists. The color photos add great value to the text. The original designs and techniques will motivate the reader to take their creativity to the next level.

The book includes interviews with two artists who have been swapping and sharing art for many years. 

Ms. Gardner (juicy.s.art) shares samples of her work on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

I read a digital copy of this book and hope to order a print copy in the future.  I really love everything about this book.

Highly recommended!!!

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5 

Thank you to NetGalley for a wonderful reading opportunity.

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Handmade Life is Gourd Halloween Card

Don't you love these happy jack-o-lanterns?

I didn't make very many cards for Halloween this year but had to use these cheerful "gourds" to spread some cheer.

This card features the pre-colored digital stamp/sentiment "Life is Gourd" designed by Maurie J. Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil. This image was an October pre-release for Ms. Manning's Patreon supporters.

I usually hand color my digital stamps but this pre-colored image is just perfect. It is also great to use when you need a card in a hurry.

I embellished the card with some decorative die-cut corners and faux pearls.

I will enter this card in the following challenge:
Mo's Digital Challenge #308

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All Hail the Birthday Girl Card

 

All hail the birthday girl! 

This handmade card features the pre-colored digital stamp/sentiment "Hail Birthday Girl" designed by Maurie J. Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil. This image was a pre-release given to Ms. Manning's supporters on Patreon.

I usually color my digital stamps with markers, but this pre-colored image is so pretty that I had to use it. The background paper is from the "Que Sera Sera" paper pad by K and Company. The banners and confetti die cuts were made with the "Celebration Borders #664516" dies by Sizzix. The card measures 5" by 7".

I will enter this card in the following challenge;

Mo's Digital Challenge #306

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Gnome, Gnome on the Range Card

 

Gnome, gnome on the range...

This little cowboy gnome is so cute! This card features the digital stamp/sentiment "Gnome on the Range" designed by Maurie J. Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil.

I colored the image with Copic Sketch markers and embellished the card with some die-cut clouds and fancy corners.

I will enter this card in the following challenge:

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #306

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Wrinkles Masculine Birthday Card

 

"Wrinkles merely indicate where the smiles have been." Mark Twain

This handmade card features the digital stamp/sentiment "Wrinkles" designed by Maurie J. Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil. The ground cover digital stamp was given to Ms. Manning's Patreon supporters.

I colored the images with Copic Sketch markers. I die-cut the clouds, butterfly, and decorative corners and attached them to the card. The finished card measures 5" by 6.5".

I will enter this card in the following challenge;

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #306

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Flower Baby Handmade Birthday Card

 

I love daisies and this little flower baby is just darling. I was chosen in a random drawing to be the guest designer on Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge Blog for the month of August. This is the card I made for my entry.

This card features the digital stamp/sentiment "Flower Baby" designed by Maurie J. Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil. I colored the image with Copic Sketch markers and cut it out with Spellbinder's "Fancy Edged Ovals" dies.

The background digital paper is "Daisies Digital Papers" by DigitalNights on Etsy.

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Christmas in July Handmade Card 2021

 

This is my first Christmas card for the 2021 holiday season. July is almost over so I thought I had better get started on my Christmas cards. 

This card features the PRE-COLORED digital stamp "Ragged Winnie" designed by Maurie J. Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil. I usually color the images myself, but this image is so beautiful that I had to have it. I die-cut the image and red background with a Spellbinders "Fancy Edged Ovals" set.

The background paper and sentiment are from a Tim Holtz Christmas paper pad.

I will enter this card in the following challenge;

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #305

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

Leprechaun Paddy Card for St. Patrick's Day

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day. This is one of the cards I made to send to my granddaughters. Please click on the picture below to enlarge it.

 This card measures 5" by 6.5". The background paper is from the Tim Holtz Wallflower scrapbook paper pad.

The digital image/sentiment is "Paddy" from Mo's Digital Pencil. I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Copic Sketch markers. I used a Sizzix die to cut a scalloped oval around the image. I sponged some distress ink around the edges of the oval.

I attached the sentiment to a piece of black cardstock and attached it to the top of the card.

I will enter this card in the following challenge;

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #301

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Little Irish Dancer Handmade Card

 I made three handmade cards to celebrate Pt. Patrick's Day on March 17th. This card features a little Irish dancer. Please click on the picture to enlarge it.

This card measures 5" by 6.5". The background paper is from the Que Sera Sera scrapbooking paper pad by K&Co. 

This card features the digital stamp "Little Irish Dancer" from Mo's Digital Pencil. I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Copic Sketch markers. I cut it out and attached it to the background paper.

I heat embossed the sentiment at the top of the card. I then embellished the card with some shamrock stickers.

I will enter this card in the following challenge;

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #301

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

I Like You (A LOT) Handmade Card

I like you (A LOT)

The girl on the front of this card reminds me of my youngest granddaughter, Khloe. This is a card that could be used for special occasions or just to let a special person know that you care.

Please click on the picture below to enlarge it.

 This handmade card measures 5" by 6.5".

I used the digital image/sentiment "I Like You" designed by Maurie J. Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil. This image was a pre-release freebie to Ms. Manning's Patreon supporters in January, 2021.

I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Copic Sketch markers. I mounted the image on black cardstock. The background paper is a Gelli print that I made with Distress Oxide inks and a stencil.

I embellished the card with two hearts and a butterfly die cut. 

I will enter this card in the following challenge;

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #300

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Billy Boy with Honey Bees Card

Billy Boy with two lovely sunflowers and honey bees.

My husband is a beekeeper so I love to make cards with bees on them. 

This is a wonderful all-occasion card that should brighten the day of a lucky recipient.

Please click on the picture below to enlarge it.

This card measures 5" by 6.5".

I used the digital stamp "Billy Boy" designed by Maurie J. Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil. This image was presented to Ms. Manning's Patreon supporters for Valentine's Day. It came with the sentiment "Bee My Valentine".

I colored the image with Copic Sketch markers. The background paper is from the "Que Sera Sera" scrapbooking paper pad by K&Company. I finished the card with a die-cut sentiment and a butterfly sticker from my stash.

I will enter this card in the following challenge:

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #300

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

Little Fairy Maxie Card

 Thinking of you...Little Fairy Maxie.

This sweet fairy is perfect for many occasions. Please click on the card below to enlarge.

This handmade card measures 5" by 6.5". 

I used the digital stamp "Little Fairy Maxie" designed by Maurie J. Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil.

This image was pre-released to Maurie Manning's Patreon supporters.

I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Copic Sketch markers. I used a circle die to cut out the image and a black frame.

The background paper is from the Que Sera Sera scrapbooking paper pad by K&Company.

I will enter this card in the following challenges;

Aud Sentiments Clallenge #268
Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #300

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

Be My Cupcake Handmade Card

 Be My Cupcake!

I used this as a Valentine's Day card but it could also make a sweet birthday card.

Please click on the picture to enlarge it.

This card features the digital stamp/sentiment "Love Cupcake" from Mo's Digital Pencil. The background paper is from the "Que Sera Sera" paper pad by K&Company. I embellished the card with a cupcake and heart stickers from my stash.

I will enter this card in the following challenge;

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #300

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

Handmade Pirate Girl Valentine Card

 Happy Valentine's Day! I hope this day of love and friendship brings you many lasting memories.

I made this valentine's card for my oldest granddaughter. I think it is a cute design for a teenager. Please click on the picture to enlarge it.

This card features the digital stamp/sentiment "Pirate Lass" from Mo's Digital Pencil.  

I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Copic sketch markers. The background paper is a digital Gelli print from SigitasCoffeeStains on Etsy.

I will enter this card in the following challenge;

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #300

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS Section below.

Keep Calm, I'm Under Your Bed Halloween Card

 This Halloween card features an old "haunted house" with a foggy night and full moon in the background. 

I used the digital stamp "Crow's Roost" from Mo's Digital Pencil. The "Foggy Night" digital paper is included with this digital stamp. I used Microsoft Word to merge the house and the background. I colored the image with Copic Sketch markers. 

The sentiment is from a Halloween Collage Sheet Phrases by Lisa's Altered Art on Etsy.

The image was mounted on pieces of black and white cardstock. It was then positioned onto a kraft cardstock card. The finished card measured 5" by 6.5".

I will enter this card in the following challenges;

Crafty Cardmakers Challenge #267

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #296

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS below.

The Advantages Of DIY Greeting Cards by Christina Delgado

 
Happy Easter! I hope you had a wonderful and blessed holiday weekend.
Many of you know that making handmade greeting cards is one of my favorite hobbies. I am happy to welcome a fellow paper crafter and guest blogger Christina Delgado.

Today we find ourselves in the age of Do-It-Yourselfers. There are many reasons that people are shifting toward making their own products. The first, and probably most influential reason, is to save money in a time of recession. However, people are also finding that by making products that they would normally buy, they can get exactly what they want, rather than settling for mass-produced items that are close, but not perfect. One industry that is not immune to the effects of the Do-It-Yourself generation is the greeting card industry. The number of people engaging in DIY greeting cards is increasing every year and here are the biggest reasons why:

1. Money

Although buying all of the different materials that are required to make greeting cards can be expensive if you're not doing it right, the cost is actually generally still cheaper per card than the cards one would buy at the local drugstore or grocery store. The benefit is that you buy a good amount of materials once and don't need to spend more money every time you need to send out a greeting card. You simply gather the materials you bought and make your own. This makes every greeting card you make after the initial purchase seem free!

 

2. A Personal Touch

Even the most unique cards from a store will be somewhat generic. Although some of them have funny sayings or cute animals on the front that you think your loved one will enjoy, the card was not made just for them. There will be other copies out there, and ya never know - they might get the same one twice. When making your own greeting cards though, you can personalize them so that you can demonstrate how well you know the person you are giving the card to, and you can make sure that they will truly enjoy it. A personalized card shows that you took the time to design and construct a card that celebrates their unique personhood. They will seem exponentially more thoughtful.

3. Creative Outlet

Everyone has those days where all you want to do is come home and unwind. You don't want to think about the stresses of work or family life. You simply want to do something that you truly enjoy to get your mind off of the things that you don't want to think about. An activity that can help you to take your mind off of all of these things is making greeting cards. It allows you to be creative, but also gives you a finished product that you can be proud of, a definite mood lifter for most everyone. If you are looking for a hobby that will make other people happy and will allow you to get your creative juices flowing, DIY greeting cards are a great choice.

Christina Delgado is an art teacher that writes about the arts and education. Her recent work can be found on the list of 30 Great Blogs for Teachers and Educators.

Do you make handmade greeting cards? If you enjoyed this article by Ms. Delgado, please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: 31 Days To Greeting Card Marketing Mastery

Bruce Brown provides some helpful hints on how to use greeting cards to build relationships and promote your business. "31 Days To Greeting Card Marketing Mastery" is a brief handbook that explains how you can grow your business by sending out greeting cards. He explains that all people want to feel appreciated and sending cards is a wonderful way to express your thanks and appreciation.


About The Author
Bruce Brown is a real estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty in Leland, NC.
Bruce and Marge Brown are also Senior Managers with SendOutCards. Their independent distributorship, Fat City Cards, can be found at FatCityCards.com.
Quantum Results Coaching is Bruce and Marge's coaching and publishing company. In addition to writing the 31 Days to Mastery Series, of which this is the second volume (12 volumes are planned), Bruce also works with entrepreneurs and triathletes who are seeking rapid, significant improvement in their business or sport.

Greeting Cards From The Heart
Bruce Brown is a senior manager with SendOutCards but this book is not a sales pitch for SendOutCards. The tips, techniques and strategies in this book will work for any card that you can personalize with graphics, photos, art work, handwriting and your personal signature. Mr. Brown believes that the more personal the cards you send, the better they'll work for you. The author does not believe that electronic greeting cards are effective business marketing tools.

Bruce Brown shares 31 tips for using greeting cards to promote and build your business. The book has one page per tip with several additional pages for note-taking and questions for personal planning at the end of each tip.

Here are five of my favorite tips from the book;

• It's personal, not business.
• It's more about them than about you.
• An un-birthday card.
• Simple appreciation.
• Cards for all seasons.

Bruce Brown believes that sending greeting cards is a fun and effective way to reach out to your customers. He emphasizes that you must customize your greeting cards to help the recipient feel special and strengthen the relationship-building effectiveness of the cards.

My Thoughts
I wanted to read this book because I have been an enthusiastic handmade card maker for the past two years. I am familiar with SendOutCards and have no objections to them, however I am not promoting or endorsing this company. The author shows examples of photo cards that he has designed with SendOutCards. The ideas that he presents in this book can be used with any personalized greeting card.

This book is a quick read and has some original ideas for sending greeting cards to customers/business associates. I would advise you to read the entire book and then go back and concentrate on one tip at a time. I like the idea of working on a different strategy each day for a month.

I think greeting card marketing is a wonderful way to communicate with people and let them know that you care. This book provides ideas that will motivate and inspire you to start sending out cards.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.