Well, Spring is nearly here. The flowers are beginning to peek through the soil in a few areas of Colorado Springs.  New beginnings is what Spring is all about for me. Time for clearing out the old and adding or just rearranging a few pieces of art and adding fresh flowers can give your home or office\studio a fresh new look. Ahhhh.

Spring is a great time to send someone a fun little greeting card to let them know you’ve been thinking of them. I love that feeling after I’ve taken the time to write a quick note to someone special. The anticipation of them opening it always brings a smile to my face as I drop it in the mail box. When was the last time you sat down with a cup of coffee or tea, pen and paper and wrote to someone dear to your heart? Below is an idea for a note to a friend.

Title of original painting for this card is, "How did you get in here?"

Here is an idea for a note to a friend who loves gardening or change it to read what fits your friend’s interests. Short notes are fine, it’s the thought that counts. I have a little book by William Strunk and E.B. White (who wrote Charlotte’s Web) the pages are yellowed from age, in  the book Mr. White ends one of his letters with an apology to the recipient  for the length of the letter; he said, “if I’d had more time, it would have been shorter.”

Sample letter:

“Dear Joan,

Thoughts of you have been popping into my head of late. With Spring just around the corner memories of your beautiful, abundant flower gardens warm my heart. Your love of nature along with your creative design talents make visiting your home a treat to all who stop by. I’m sure you are busy planning the annuals you will be adding to your flower beds this year. Hope to see you soon.

All my best to you and Evan for a fun-filled Spring.”

For even more information on writing notes please visit a dear customer of mine, Elizabeth Cottrel at Heartspoken where you can sign up for a free download of tips on how to write notes that encourage and inspire.

Just a quick post to share a new 5″ x 7″ Birthday card. It’s fun and full of happy hues from one of my more playful watercolors. Paper has an elegant leather texture, envelope is a high quality 60# white with square flap. Box of 6 cards/7 envelopes/$15 or sold separately $5 each. Happy birthday all you Capricorns!

5" x 7" Birthday Card

Inside Card Reads . . .

Kate Harper had another interesting article a while back. For those who think greeting cards are becoming a thing of the past, read this and check out the links. Her newsletter read:

I recently listened to an excellent interview on Kindle Chronicles podcast, with Neil Strandberg, manager of operations at Denver’s renowned Tattered Cover Book Store, about his experience of the e-book revolution.

He made an interesting statement:
In the most financially successful bookstores, the fastest growing inventory now is not a book, but sideline items (includes cards and gifts) . They are now the most profitable part of the business.

I was surprised to hear this.

Perhaps the gift industry is keeping the bookstore industry afloat?

Check out the audio interview online: http://www.thekindlechronicles.com/2011/02/11/tkc-134-neil-strandberg/

You can also subscribe the podcast on itunes.

~ Kate Harper Designs www.kateharperdesigns.com

"Been thinkin' of ya . . .How are ya? . . Whatcha been up to?" 5.5"x 4.25" Greeting Card, Blank Inside

"It's Here ... It's Here ... Spring is Finally Here!" 5"x7" Greeting Card, Blank Inside

Saying “Thanks for a Job Well Done” is always appropriate. To follow is an idea of what you might say to someone who has done a great job on their presentation.

“Hello . . .

As anticipated your presentation was fabulous. Sandy had mentioned you were good with colors and I concur. Thank you for your help.

As promised, I am enclosing information about my company. We’ll get together to discuss opportunities soon.”

Here is one of many cards created from my watercolor paintings that would be appropriate for a business contact.

#162, Kristy's Rose Note Card, blank inside, 5.5"x4.25", $15 box of eight, $25 box of 20