Happy New Year

It’s hard to believe that 2014 is drawing to a close and that we are looking ahead to the new year. I hope you will be blessed with good health, prosperity, creativity, fulfillment and all you wish for.

When I was in Kyoto, Japan, I was lucky to see people of all ages happily strolling in gardens and admiring the profusion of cherry blossoms. Since before the 8th Century there have been many meanings attached to them. For me, they represent freshness, rebirth, growth, and, sadly when they fall, the end of the wonderful moments in time when we are touched by their exquisite beauty and grace. It’s a reminder to be optimistic, make plans for happiness, seek what is good in each day, and to let things go when the time has come.I made this e-card with a photo I took of a cherry blossom last spring. There is a small rural road, not far from my place near Ft. Langley, BC, lined with cherry and plum trees. I try to go there every year to make images before the blossoms fall.

Wishing you all the best and Happy New Year!

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved

 

Merry Christmas!

When I was making my Christmas e-Cards this year I was contemplating how to incorporate this lovely fresco.  I took the picture in Italy and was surprised to see the fresco so well-preserved.  Using a slight watercolor effect and a simple border, I created this card to wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2013.

Photography Quick Tip 9 – Create Photo Greeting Cards

Share your love of photography by giving the gift of a one of your favorite images on a greeting card.

You’ve probably taken lots of pictures that would make beautiful greeting or note cards.  I like to give them individually or as a set wrapped in a box and tied with a pretty ribbon.

It’s fun to make Christmas cards with images I’ve taken in past years.

There are many pictures we take throughout the year such as landscapes, flowers, architecture, travel, and so on.  I crop them at 4×6 so that they fit perfectly on 5×7 blank greeting cards.  These cards can be found in art and craft stores or ordered online.

There are many ways to attach your photos to the cards.  I find Glue Dots quick and easy.  The most difficult part is placing the picture straight on the card.

a sepia photograph is perfect for a beautiful card

Often the cards come flat and need to be folded.  It’s a good idea to do this before attaching the picture.  I use a bone folder to firmly swipe along the crease at the back of the card to give it a neat, clean fold.  I plan the location of the photo on the front of the card, turn it over, attach six glue dots, (four in each corner and one in the middle of the long edges.)  I carefully line the photo up on the front and press it into place.

A nice touch is to sign your card just under the image. I prefer to use pencil.  Some friends have framed my cards and placed them on a desk or bookshelf.  It’s nice to know that my images are enjoyed by others.

I buy clear boxes and silver tins at a packaging supply store

Sometimes I use my printer to add quotes or greetings on the inside and my logo on the back. 

I am a self-confessed quote collector and keep them in little notebooks.  I love quotes of inspiration, art, and photography. Sometimes I use photo editing software to write text on my photographs.

"Are not flowers the stars of the earth?" by A. J. Balfour

There’s still time to give your loved ones some of your favorite, artistic photographs for Christmas. Share the joy…they’ll be glad you gave them such a wonderful, personal gift.

a tin with 5 of your photo cards and envelopes creates a gift that will be treasured

More of my photographs can be seen at
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All photographs copyright © Marion McCristall