Christmas e-cards

Remember e-cards? They were hot stuff when it first came out at the end of the 1990s. I remember sending them out when it was Christmas time and it was fun. No postage stamps! It’s so fast! It was novelty! And that was fun… for a little while.

So when I got an email request from Michelle from Pattern Observer about finding new e-cards, I took it as a challenge. I haven’t really looked into the scene for years and I thought that this was going to be one tough post to do. But lo and behold — I did find a few interesting e-card dispensing websites that were more keeping with the times (and my fondness for humor and illustration!) So drumroll please:

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A funny and pretty little e-card by Violeta Dabija.

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Haha funny videos by JibJab (some of these are premium, which you have to pay for)

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E-cards that you actually put together yourself at Flashcan. There are a few illustrators’ palette to pick from, so this could keep you entertained for a good hour while you compose your card.

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Funny, heartwarming and silly video based e-cards (and a lot of them are illustrated as well!) from Katie’s Cards

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Last but not least, e-cards with a touch of sarcasm and dry humor that grownups would enjoy from Someecards.

And there you have it! If you find any other e-cards worth mentioning that we’ve overlooked, do leave your suggestions in the comments! 🙂

Janice Nadeau

Janice Nadeau

Janice Nadeau

Janice Nadeau

Janice Nadeau

As a former art director who was schooled in Canada and France, Janice Nadeau’s portfolio is a mix of retro and modern illustrations beautifully rendered in watercolor. Whimsical in nature and playful in message, it’s no wonder that she is the three-time recipient of the Governor General’s Award for Illustration (Canada).

And also, what’s great is the atmospheres in each of her drawing — don’t they just draw you in? For example, in some of her illustrations, she provides just enough key visual cues that lead you to unravel the entire picture in your own mind. Brilliant!

Christmas Ornaments

As Christmas nears I’ve become obsessed with vintage and handmade Christmas ornaments. A quick search on Etsy pulled up some terrific finds. Including a Blown Glass Ornament Ball by Texas based artist wolfartglass that looks like a soap bubble, so delicate and fragile!

A Vintage German Cuckoo Clock Ornament by smilemercantile for your favorite Teuton. And these Vintage Radko Shiney-Brite Ornaments listed by geeminycricketts to make your tree, well… shiny and bright! I think a handmade or vintage ornament makes the best gift, something that will be treasured and admired year after year! So put on Jingle Bell Rock, whip out the egg nog and get decorating or at least sending some really unique ornaments!

(Plus I came across these Scottish Highlands Finger Puppets by NYC based artist babyanimals which I love and thought would make fantastic stocking stuffers!)

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