I’m going to be honest, I STRESS OUT over our Christmas cards every year. There’s a backstory to it– before my daughter was born, my plan was to leave teaching for a few years and start my own stationary and invitation business. I’ve always loved paper and printing, fonts and letterpress. Figuring it was worthwhile to follow my passion while I raised my babies, my plan was to open a business helping others create their perfect invitations and paper dreams.
Then the unthinkable happened.
Obviously our business plan took a backseat to taking care of my daughter. Amazingly, a new business was born; in fact, you’re reading it now. 😉 My blog became something I could do part-time and still stay home with my kids. However, my love of all things paper never left. In fact, it grew stronger as I saw brands bring to fruition what I’d always hoped to do as well… create beautiful and memorable keepsakes to capture irretrievable moments in time.
Which brings me back to the stress. Finding the perfect photo to match the perfect card to express our love for friends and family because overwhelming. It was more than just a card to me. Sending Christmas greetings in the mail was akin to the hugs and kisses we wanted to heap on loved ones. Ever hesitant of my own photography skills, I hauled my kids to various photo studios and endured a few epic disasters along the way. This year was no exception: we ran out of time to have our usual photographer do our photos, we weren’t able to capture a decent family photo during any of our vacations, nor did I have the energy to attempt the mall photo studio.
A few days before Thanksgiving, I left my laptop open to the Pear Tree Greetings page while I went to run a few errands. I’ve worked with Pear Tree Greetings for years because I love their designs and the company so much, and this year was no exception. However, quite frankly I assumed it would be New Years before I made a decision about which ones to order since I had no photos yet.
When I came home, my husband had done this:
He’d used three photos from my DIY blanket tutorial (can I just add: those photos were totally impromptu photos in our backyard after school where I bribed the kids with Halloween candy if they took a few pics) and used them to make our cards. He didn’t stress over which design best sums up our year or our style, but instead matched the card to the blanket in the photos. HE MATCHED. THE. CARD TO. THE. BLANKET.
I love my guy.
In a matter of minutes, the cards were ordered. They arrived just a few days later, and while watching football my husband sealed and stamped them.
Which is a really long story to tell you two things:
1. Pear Tree Greetings makes ordering Christmas cards so easy that even a husband can do it.
2. I have a really great husband.
Here’s a few of the other Christmas photo card designs I loved:
As mentioned in my Gifts For Her holiday gift guide, Pear Tree also offers gorgeous canvases. I ordered a set of four, using the same photos from our cards with the addition of one more. I’ll share a pic on my Facebook page as soon as they arrive.
In the end, ‘done’ is better than stressing about perfection. Though having our cards done before the holidays (and, by someone else) feels a lot like perfection to me. Now I just need to get myself to the post office for stamps and I may have them mailed before Christmas. {wink}
Christmas cards courtesy of Pear Tree Greetings. Many thanks for sponsoring our annual keepsake cards!
Adorable!!! I agree that perfect is the enemy of done. Sometimes you just have to say “that’s good enough!” But of course there’s nothing wrong with your cards — they ARE perfect!
You are so lucky your husband has some sense of style. When my husband takes photos he always gets someones butt or bald spot in the main portion of the photo. He just doesn’t get the overall look. Your husband did a great job on it! Jealous!
So cute, love them! Great job Casey!!
Your husband did a great job. The card is adorable!!