Love Conquers All

Today is National Kiss-and-Make Up Day. Usually when we have an argument with someone and then go to make amends we call that "kiss & make-up".  That means we have forgiven each other and have made peace with each other.  Of course we don't really need to actually kiss someone to make up with them.  We can often times hug, shake hands or even just give a pat on the back.  It's not the actual physical action that creates the peace between us but the heart action. The forgiveness comes out of our love for the other person and our desire to keep that love whole and undamaged. That kind of love was the inspiration for this card from my shop.  The words are latin but the feeling is the same no matter the language.  If you are quarelling with someone kiss and make-up, if not just give those you love a reminder today, after all that's what today is for.

Sneaky Art of the Spitball

On this day in 1982 Gaylord Perry of the Seattle Mariners was ejected from a game for throwing an illegal spitball. A spitball is an illegal pitch in baseball. The idea is to coat the ball with some kind of substance that will then alter the aerodynamics of the ball and thus alter it's path and make it more difficult to hit. The invention of the spitball has been credited to a number of individuals, however it was Elmer Stricklett who introduced it to the majors. The pitch was widely popular in the 1900's but was banned from use by the 1920's. The league however allowed an exception for up to two pitchers on each team, who would be allowed to throw spitballs but no other kind of defaced ball pitch. While the exemption was originally intended to last for just one season, the leagues backed off slightly after the season. They identified 17 "bona fide" spitball pitchers who were allowed to continue throwing the spitball for the remainder of their careers. The art of the spitball lied greatly in it's decption. The pitcher had to be sneaky in his actions so that the batter would never know it was coming. The most popular methods were to hide petrolleum jelly behind the knee or under the brim of the hat. Once the pitch was banned the players had to be even more creative in there methods of secrecy because if caought they would be ejected from the game. Gaylord Perry, who went so far as to title his autobiography Me and the Spitter, would put vaseline on his zipper because umpires would never check there.

If you have a baseball fan in your life impress them with your knowledge of the spitball and it's sorted history. If you are looking for a baseball themed card check out my etsy shop for one like this.

You could even add a special gift like these awesome cufflinks from qacreates shop to the card for any special occasion, even for finally mastering the sneaky art of the spitball...just don't tell the umpire.

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered.

Although now a familiar sight at busy intersections in every city, mailboxes were not used until the 1850s, after the introduction of postage stamps. Before 1847, everyone had to take his or her letters to the post office, pay the postage, and have the postmaster mark each item “paid.” After the introduction of stamps, people wanted a more convenient place to drop-off their mail than the post office. In the 1850s, the Post Office Department began installing collection mailboxes outside of post offices and on street corners in large cities. People can drop their letters in these mailboxes throughout the day, and the postal service collects the accumulated mail at specific times, usually marked on the box.
On March 9, 1858, the first U.S. patent for a street mailbox was patented by Albert Potts of Philadelphia (No.19578). It comprised a simple metal box designed to attach to a lamppost. By August, these boxes were found along the streets of Boston, Mass., and New York City, N.Y. His patent described the "object of this improvement is to afford greater facilities to the inhabitants of large cities for the depositing of letters, and to enable the carriers to collect, or the citizens to deposit therein, at any period of time." The boxes had a central hole for the shaft of a lamp post, lids covering the drop hole to exclude weather, a sight hole so a carrier could see if any letters had been deposited, and a small door secured with a lock for the carrier to empty the box.

Even though e-mail has become the first method by which most of us now "mail", there is nothing like the thrill of pulling out a real, honest to goodness card or letter from your mailbox. It almost makes all that junk mail bearable!

In honor of Albert Potts and the ease with which his invention made "depositing a letter", send a real letter to someone today. There are loads of great note cards out there. Etsypaper has many talented artists that design cards and stationary. Etsygreetings even has a blog dedicated to the beauty of the handmade card that often includes giveaways. Of course you can always stop by my etsy shop and pick up a few things to have handy to "drop in the mailbox". When you do, think of Albert and smile.

Rock Legends.

On this day in 1964 The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Approximately 74 million viewers — about half of the American population — watched the group perform on the show. I think most of them were screaming girls when you look at the video!!
The next morning, many newspapers wrote that The Beatles were nothing more than a 'fad', and 'could not carry a tune across the Atlantic'.

Funny how history works isn't it.

Just recently 45 years later they have opened a theme hotel in Liverpool based on The Beatles called "A Hard Day's Night Hotel".
You have to love the imagination behind this. Check it out for yourself.

After you watch this video of their first performance tell someone you know what a "rockstar" they are. Head over to my etsy shop and check out this mini-album


If a card is more what you are looking for I can create a custom card for you similar to this one for a "rock star" on his 50th birthday. Or even one for your "rocking" mom, seen below.

Here's to The Beatles...you guys ROCK!

7 days and counting...

Just a reminder for all those holiday challenged types. Valentine's day is only 7 days away. If you head over to my etsy shop right now I can get you your order just in time for the big day.
Everyone deserves a valentine, the paper boy, your neighbor who takes in your trash cans for you when you are away, the UPS guy who walks you package up the hill when his truck can't make it through the snow. Stop by the shop look around in the valentine's goodies section and pick out a card or two. If you mention you saw this post on my blog I'll even give you an extra 10% off. Just let me know when you order.

Are you my TYPE?

On this day in 1957 Smith-Corona Manufacturing of New York, began selling portable electric typewriters. The first one weighed 19 pounds. It's unbeleiveable how far we have come in 52 short years. It's amazing that now even a laptop doesn't weigh 19 pounds. If typewriter history is your TYPE of thing then you want to check out this site by Will Davis, who apparently is all about the typewriter. Smith-Corona also has a history timeline for their products here.

If you're not really into that but know

someone who is...look for this Valentine card in my shop and send it out the old- fashioned way...snail mail.

Birthday Madness

WOW... July has hit me with birthday madness. In the last week I have known and/or celebrated about 6 different birthdays, including my own. It's funny how things like that hit you in packs, birthdays, new babies, weddings. It seems as soon as you go to one you are going to several. One of the birthdays we helped celebrate was a milestone...60 years. A good friend of the studios turned 60 and we had a surprise party to go to. Of course such a monumental occasion called for an awesome card and I hit the boards to create one. I came up with this, a bit nostalgic, but fun as well. Inside is a pocket that can hold a gift card or even cash if you wish to give it. A a great quote about growing old..or not growing old I should say.

Since it turned out so well I thought I would offer it in my etsy shop. It's a great card that can be personalized for the birthday boy by YOU. You can take out the replica photo and replace it with one of your own, or send us you photo here at the studio and we'll include it for you. While you're at the shop checking out this card take a look at some of the others we offer for birthdays too. If you are having or had a birthday this month...to you I say..HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Those daring young women in their flying machines.

On May 21, 1932, Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic ocean.

It was five years to the day after Lindbergh's famous flight, when she took off in a Lockheed Vega, in an attempt to become the second person after Lindbergh (and first woman) to fly solo across the Atlantic. Starting from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, her flight lasted almost 15 hours, when she touched down in a pasture near Londonderry, Northern Ireland. With this flight she had broken several records ...the first woman to fly the Atlantic solo and only person to fly it twice...the longest non-stop distance flown by a woman...and a record for crossing in the shortest time. (The distance from Newfoundland to Ireland being considerably shorter than Lindbergh's route from Long Island to Paris, her flight time was correspondingly shorter than his 33 hours.)

Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897 in Atchison, Kansas. Her grandparents raised her during her early childhood. From the age of ten, she lived with her mother and father. She was a tomboy - climbing trees, sledding in the snow, and hunting She saw her first airplane in 1908, at the Iowa State Fair, but her interest in aviation lay dormant for another ten years. She served as a nurse in World War One, and took her first ride in an airplane in 1920. After her flight with barnstormer Frank Hawks, she said:

"As soon as we left the ground, I knew I myself had to fly."

Indeed, within a few days, she took her first flying lesson, in a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny. Six months later, she bought her own airplane.

This birthday card from the studio reminds me of Amelia. Perhaps you know someone who has a great spirit of adventure as she did. Look for this card in our etsy shop and celebrate the daring and adventuresome spirit of great women like Amelia.

I leave you with a quote from Amelia made before her attempt at flying around the world, what has become know as her last flight. This quote sums up much of how I think she lived her life.

"Please know I am quite aware of the hazards...I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail their failure must be but a challenge to others."
Bravo Amelia!

The Sultan of Swat...begins.

Today in 1915, Babe Ruth hit his first homerun while with the Boston Red Sox. May 6, 1915

In the third inning at the Polo Grounds, 20-year-old pitcher Babe Ruth slammed the first pitch off Yankee right-hander Jack Warhop into the second tier of the right field grandstand for a home run. It was the first home run for the youngster in his 18th time at bat in the major leagues. As Ruth trotted around the bases running out the home run he had blasted, the 8,000 in attendance, cheered him on.

Ruth's impact on American culture still commands attention today. Top performers in other sports are often referred to as "The Babe Ruth of ____." He is considered one of the greatest baseball players in history, in fact many polls place him as the number one player of all time. His name comes up anytime home runs are discussed, including Barry Bond's passing Ruth's career number in 2006. You can find his baseball stats here.

In honor of america's favorite pasttime and the huge number of baseball fans out there, we have created this card in the studio.

It features a replica T-206 baseball card, often times called tobacco series cards since they came in the package of tobacco (not chewing gum !)

It has been a popular seller from our studio and can be personalized for any occasion. We may even have your favorite old time players replica card to put on the front. Look for it in our etsy shop.

In the meantime ...get out there and knock one outta the park...The Babe is cheering you on.

Happy Birthday...Dear Leo.

Today in 1452 Leonardo Da Vinci was born.

He was the illegitimate son of a notary and a peasant girl, born just outside Florence Italy. He was a painter, draftsman, sculptor, architect, scientist and inventor. He learned from observing things and constantly asking questions. There is a great site from the Museum of Science that showcases the "Leonardo at the Museum" exhibit. I especially like the way his eyes move in his portrait on the first page...but hey that's just me.

I also found this quote from Da Vinci that I think is great and still applies to our lives today.

Life is pretty simple: You do some stuff. Most fails. Some works. You do more of what works. If it works big, others quickly copy it. Then you do something else. The trick is the doing something else.

In honor of Leonardo's birthday I would like to present him with this card, to encourage him to celebrate his birth and life accomplishments. If there is someone whose birth you wish to celebrate you can find this card at my etsy shop.

So, get out there today and do some stuff, if it works...then do some more. That's what Leo would have done.

Remember this GUY?

Twenty-six years ago....

On an April 10, 1982 installment of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, the Not-Ready-for-Prime-Time Players threatened to boil a real lobster named "Larry the Lobster" live on-the-air.
As Eddie Murphy informed the audience: [speaks fast] "You want to save Larry the Lobster dial 1-900-720-1808. [speaks slowly]. If you want to kill him dial 1-900-720-1809. Now unless you call in to save him, we're going to boil Larry's little butt right here on national television. Now you call in. The phone company is going to charge you fifty cents, but isn't it worth fifty cents to save Larry's life? Or look at it this way: Isn't it worth half a buck to see us boil Larry on TV?" Nearly 500,000 viewers dialed into the program with in the span of 30 minutes.

The final tally? KILL LARRY: 227, 452; SAVE LARRY: 239,096.

Larry is cited to this day in discussions of cruelty to animals and in rosters of famous animals.

I'm hoping that no one is having as bad a day as Larry did 26 years ago today, but if you do know someone who needs a little encouragement. This card is available in my shop in a set of three cards meant to encourage those going through a bumpy patch.

Enjoy the day!

Reach for the Sky!

Today in 1930 the first steel columns for the Empire State Building were set. As an Architect this has real interest to me. This was a time when the reach for the highest building was a passion for those who wanted to leave a mark in the world. To many it is still a passion, to lay claim to the tallest building in the City, State or World. Besides the sheer brilliance of the design what amazes me is the courage and daring of the workers who erected the building. There were no "safety " regulations like we have today. This picture is an awesome look into the workers daily task. It was taken by Lewis Wickes Hines, more of his images can be seen online here. Below are some basic facts on the Empire State Building...maybe you knew them maybe not. You can also take a virtual tour of the building online by clicking here.

Empire State Building
Architect: Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates

Facts & Description:

- The Empire State Building is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world, built in just 18 months during the Great Depression, it was the world's tallest building from 1931-1972. It was surpassed by the World Trade Center, since 9/11/2001 it has regained that title.

-It is 1,453 feet to the top of the lightning rod. There are 102 floors in the building.

-There are 57,000 tons of steel in the structure of the building.

- The shape of the Empire State Building was inspired by its developer, John Jacob Raskob, who is said to have pulled a pencil from his drawer, held it up to his architect (William Lamb), and asked "Bill, how tall can you make it so that it won't fall down?"

- The observation tower at the top of the Empire State Building was originally intended to be a dock for mooring airships. However, after several futile attempts at mooring a zeppelin in the strong winds present at 1250 feet, the idea was scrapped.

- The top of the Empire State Building is lit up at night in different colors to celebrate various holidays.

- The 86th floor observatory is visited by 3.5 million people every year.

In honor of the desire, perseverance and gifts of those who dreamed and created this outstanding building I present this card. I wish you were all around to receive it. WELL DONE! You can find this card in my etsy shop, if you have someone who you wish to honor for their perseverance.

ROAD TRIP !

Today is National Reading a Roadmap Day.

Where would we be without maps. Especially today, with the internet and mapquest, it's easy to find your way from here to there. Once a futuristic idea, a car that tells you where to go has become the standard for many people. National Geographic has a great site called Map Machine that will give you maps for places all over the world, even maps of Mars from the sattelite.

Sometimes though it's nice to just wander, without having a place to be and a time to be there. I made this card in honor of that wandering spirit. It is available in my etsy shop.

This weekend...get the vehicle gassed up...call shotgun, and hit the road to see where it takes you. Remember "All who wander are not lost".

Apology NECESSARY

Our Border Collie is a terrific pet. Faithful and obedient (mostly). She doesn't chew on anything..including our shoes which are always lying about. She knows the boundaries of her yard without an invisible fence. She has a great sideways walk and always has something to tell you with her "growly" kind of talking. She does have one issue that we can't seem to break though. For some strange reason she thinks that some members of our family are dying to eat her dog food. This is the nasty dry kind of food, not the gravy soaked wet stuff. No matter how we try she can't seem to understand that we really, REALLY, are NOT interested in her food and if we were we have thumbs and can open the container and get as much as we like at any point and time.


















In her honor, I created a card, that if she were able to sign it, she could give to all those members of our family that she "has food issues" with. Perhaps you too know a dog that needs to send this to some family members. Maybe you yourself are the "dog" and need a card to express your remorse. You can find this card at my etsy shop.

The doghouse on the front is hand colored with prismacolor markers. The font used is even called"good dog cool". This card is a nice forest green but can be custom made in any color...just ask. In the mean time try to stay out of the "doghouse" and be good.

Girl Scout Cookies!

Today is the day that the Girl Scouts were founded in 1912! Who would have thought then that they would still be around in 2008. I don't think I know anyone who doesn't love a good (let's face it they're all good) Girl Scout Cookie. In case you missed getting your supply, or already ate it, I found this site on the web to help you find some or some more. http://www.girlscoutcookies.org/

In honor of the great cookie, I am posting this card today in my etsy shop. A good cup of coffee goes great with a yummy samoa! Leave a comment with your favorite Girl Scout Cookie flavor.

Inspiration

I've been looking at a lot of old photos lately. Between the photos and the etsygreetings color challenge of a few weeks ago I've been inspired to work out a new line of greetings. This also goes along with my passion of giving people a card that is also a gift, something that will be put on display not just tossed in a drawer. I've been playing around with this idea for a while and have just decided to really start rolling with it. I had created a 40th birthday card a few years ago that ran along these lines. A listing for a custom card similar to it is currently available in my etsy shop. By the way that is my Mom (she's gonna be mad ) and she does ROCK.

So here is a Mother's Day card that really lets your Mom know what you think of her. The idea is to replace the photo with one of your own, to give Mom that truly unique greeting.

ETSYGREETINGS Color Challenge

The etsy greetings group is holding a color challenge. All those participating were to post in their shop a card using the colors of green and lilac. You can see all the cards on the etsygreetings blog. Please visit and vote for your favorite (mine I hope, #38)

This is my submission for the color challenge. I decided to do a Mother's Day card that would allow you to add a photo of your own Mom, but look as if you produced the card with that picture in mind. I accomplished this by having a pull-out tag that is overlaid with a clear transparency on which I stamped a flourish in a lovely metallic champagne color. It has really turned out well and I am excited to begin a new line in my shop with this type of card. Look for more soon both here and in my etsy shop.

Sarcasm...another service we offer

I just listed some new cards at my etsy shop. I had forgotten about this great list of sarcastic jokes I had found somewhere, probably emailed to me ages ago. I thought they would make some hilariuos greeting cards. So far I have two sets, but I may do more. I love sarcasm as a form of humor, and while I understand not everyone feels that way, I think this set of cards will appeal to those of us that do!