Dog Art Today

Dog Art Today's Holiday Cards from Paperless Post (review)

 

 

Paperless Post Custom Photograph Tyler Foote Holiday Card

After last year's hand-stamped-Pony-Express-community-produced-and-globally-distributed holiday card, I decided to go a different route this year: free and digital. I worried that would mean sacrificing quality, design options, or list size, but then I discovered Paperless Post.

In my opinion, they are the best because:

1.) they have the best designs
2.) the letterpress, real-paper vibe looks terrific
3.) no fancy fonts that you have to pay extra for (I hate when the font you want is an upgrade)
4.) the animated quality gives the card "life"

And most of all:

5.) free really does mean free

I chose this option, uploaded my own photo, and changed the text.  

Here's the back of the card:

 

Full disclosure, there were a few issues I ran into. For example, I couldn't figure out how to export my newsletter email list into the Paperless Post contacts. The columns were flipped.  So I decided to export my Apple Address Book.   Paperless Post asks that you import it as a CSV.  Apple exports as a vCard.  Don't worry, go ahead and do it anyway.  It will work. 

**Note** any contacts that don't have emails will not appear.  I had to enter over half of my contacts' emails manually.  This had more to do with my contact list than Paperless Post, and it forced me to do some long overdue administrative housekeeping.   It took time.

The other option I'd like to see is a link to my card so I could show you how the automation looks here on my blog or embed it in my newsletter. 

And an affiliate program would be cool.

But, the thing that endeared me to Paperless Post and negates these quibbles, is that although there is a 500 person limit to the free cards, the help section gives your a work-around to send out a larger list for free by simply copying the card.  How nice is that?

I know most of you are artists or dog owners or both, so I think Paperless Post is a great option for sharing your artwork or a photograph of the love of your life. 

Visit Paperless Post to create your own card.  Let me know what you think. 

Look for my card on December 18.   If you were on my list last year, you're still there.  If you would like to be included or removed email me.

I am trying to send some cheer while respecting your inbox.  Like everything during the holidays, it's a delicate balance. 

Cheers.

Dog Holiday Cards

 

Boy with Dog Letterpress Holiday Card via SweetPeonyPress

More dog art holiday cards and digital downloads.

H1020 by LOinLONDON

 

 

Happy Howlidays via JackMaster

 

 

Vintage Telegram Holiday Dog Printable Download via GaiaDesignStudios

 

 

 

Labrador Retriever Holiday Cards via Hello Sprout

Holiday Christmas Cards With Dogs

Chihuahua Letterpress Holiday Cards from Rigel Stuhmiller on Etsy

Top picks for holiday and Christmas cards this year.

Shopping Dog Holiday Letterpress Cards from Fickle Hill Press on Etsy

Jack Russell and Snowman Card from Terrierzs on Etsy

Joy, Peace & Wags Holiday Cards from Pop Doggie on Etsy

Happy Holiday Dachshund Cards from WalkingBeans on Etsy

Golden Retriever Holiday Card from A.A.M. Photo on Etsy

Dog Art Today's Holiday Cards: It Takes a Village

Tyler + Darby by John Burnett

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 by 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 Cameron by John Burnett

Sheila met John through Erin Thiem...

Erin Thiem at The Outside Inn

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...

Vintage postcard of The Airway Motel now The Outside Inn via flickr

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...

 

Tyler Foote by John Burnett

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...

Tyler & Darby 2012 Holiday Cards for Dog Art Today by John Burnett, Erin Thiem, The Real Graphic Source and Moira McLaughlin

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.

Top Dog-Art Christmas Cards for 2012

Here are some of my favorite dog-art holiday cards of 2012. 

Lewey by Jared Dunn

French Bulldog Personalized Happy Holiday Cards by Fiona Designs

Joy Joy Joy Dachshund Note Cards by Whimsy Two

Santa's Little Helper, Aalto, the Whippet by Anna Wilson-Patterson

Mini Schnauzer Letterpressed Cards by Rigel Stuhmiller

Pug Riding Sled by Square Paisley Design

Bully Run by Terriers' Club

Rat Terrier Christmas Card by Angie Ketelhut