Buying Vintage Greeting Cards

Buying Vintage Greeting Cards

As an alternative to sending e-cards, people still enjoy the pleasure of selecting and writing on paper cards that are sent to friends, loved ones and acquaintances on special occasions, from religious holidays to birthdays, births, marriages and anniversaries.  vintage greeting cards They are exchanged to express sympathy and encouragement, or simply to let someone know that you are thinking of them.   The greeting card industry demonstrates an extraordinary resilience, with sales continuing to climb even as the public increasingly turns to e-cards and social media for these purposes.

Early greeting cards were one-of-a-kind pieces that required a great deal of time and skill to produce.  vintage greeting cards They were often hand-painted and/or decorated with elaborate techniques such as quilling, which involved cutting paper into thin strips and bending them to create different shapes.   These cards could be expensive, especially for those who couldn’t afford to hire an artist.

By the late 1700s, printed cards started to become more widely available and affordable.  vintage greeting cards This was helped by the advent of a formal mail delivery system that could reach far more of the population.   Also, lithographic technology enabled the reproduction of detailed and colorful artwork on a card surface that was affordable for more people.

Today, collectors of vintage cards are most interested in the designs that are reminiscent of past eras.   These include a Victorian style, which is characterized by figurative art and floral and avian motifs.

In addition to a good design, it’s important that a card is appropriate for the occasion and conveys the sentiment you intend.   Avoid any references that are likely to date quickly, or that may not be understood by the recipient.   The best copy reflects the way that you would say something to a friend in person – it should feel conversational, not like a piece of marketing or advertising.

Choosing the right card can be as simple as identifying your recipient’s style.   Look at their clothes, furniture and decor to get an idea of what kind of cards they might like.   You can also ask them about their hobbies and interests to find out what kinds of cards they might like.

When it comes to a holiday card, it helps if you can give some thought to the message you wish to convey.   In many cases, a simple card with a thoughtful message will be appreciated more than one that is over-produced and doesn’t have much meaning behind it.

Another benefit of making a homemade holiday card is that it can be a fun activity for the whole family.   It can be a great opportunity for young children to learn a craft and develop their creativity.   It can also be a chance for older members of the family to pass down their skills and knowledge to younger generations.   In addition, making a holiday card is an environmentally friendly practice that can help to reduce the amount of materials that are discarded.

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