Everyone I know is already officially off at this time of year, with only a day before Christmas. The roads around town are noticeably more sparse than usual, save for the last minute shopping rush at the malls!

And me? The weather for December is lovely — it’s a little cold for this time of year as it’s raining everyday, and since it’s a tropical country, the cold nights are a refreshing change from the hot sticky humidity. I look forward to cuddles under the warm covers as I wait for 2011 to arrive (after feasting with my family, that is!)

Thank you all for being a part of the Pikaland blog this year, and I look forward to share more inspirational finds with you next year! And look out for some exciting developments coming your way soon — there’s quite a few in the pipeline and I’m excited to reveal them… soon! 😉

xoxo
Amy

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:

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

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

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.

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

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! 🙂

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!