I didn't plan on sending cards this year. I've been creatively blocked since my dog Darby died last December. But, I live in Nevada County, a place where everyone's an artist and everyone's connected.
Here's how I went not sending cards this season to sending custom-made ones with hand-crafted envelopes distressed, stamped, and lettered to look like they came from the gold fields of California.
First there's John Burnett…
John Burnett is a web consultant, graphic designer, artist, and photographer. I contacted him regarding SEO optimization after he photographed my sister, Sheila Cameron, and redesigned her website, Watching the Paint Dry. Sheila is another Nevada County artist…
Sheila met John through Erin Thiem…
Erin owns and runs The Outside Inn, an authentic motor court built in the 1930s, originally called The Airway Mote. Here's a photo which doesn't have to do with the story, but I love this postcard…
Erin not only runs The Outside Inn, a quaint and funky Nevada City treasure with 16 individually-themed rooms, she also writes the best blog in Nevada County about what to do and see. It's called InnSide Nevada City. It's beautiful and informative, and she has lots of contests, which is how Sheila met John, by winning his design services.
So I met with John and he helped me with my web traffic. Later, he told me he wanted to make dog portraits using vintage photographs. He sent me this…
I told John that if he made me a card with my two dogs, Tyler, my current dog who is a macho survivor, and Darby, my first dog who had the sensitive heart of a poet, I would send it out as my holiday cards. He met my challenge with these guys…
Then, I decided I wanted the cards to look like they came from 19th century California. After 1.) making this Pinterest board and 2.) panicking (is this how brides feel?), I called Erin at The Outside Inn. Because Erin is also a passionate card maker. She told me that if I brought lunch and could guarantee "each envelope would be individual" she would help me.
I drove over to The Outside Inn bearing turkey sandwiches and a gift basket with a bottle of Montoliva wine (from a vineayard a few miles away), brie, and homemade pomagranate jelly (I made with my neighbors in November with fruit from their tree). Erin and I sat in the front office, greeted guests, and made these…
I had the cards printed locally at The Real Graphic Source where Kim and Ceihra helped me through the process. And I faked the calligraphy and they turned out like this…
It might sound absurd to hand make envelopes or care about stamps that will get thrown away. But this year, through your readership, advertising, and donations, I saw how significant the individual gesture is.
Making these cards with Nevada County artists brought that lesson home to me, and I wanted to share that. This has been a year of loss and recovery. I didn't believe that I would get through it, or that I would find another dog. But you kept telling I would. I trusted you. I am grateful. And I wanted to let you know.
I would be happy to send you a handcrafted Tyler & Darby card from the gold fields of California if you email me your address.
If you would like a vintage portrait of your dog visit John Burnett's Vintage Dog Portraits Facebook page.
If you're coming to Nevada County call Erin at The Outside Inn. Yes, it is dog friendly. To see what it's like to live here visit her blog.
