I didn't grow up in a family that did annual newsletters or picture cards. It just wasn't our thing. I'm sure, at some point, my mom did this but not that I can remember. I always loved getting them though so I knew when I was out on my own I would make a point to start the tradition.
The first year, 2008, ended up being a rush job. I wasn't sure how to go about doing them and where the best places to get them. I can't remember where we ended up buying them from but I learned a hard lesson that year: photo quality matters! The pictures ended up blurry but the point was made. Lesson learned.
In 2009 we tried our hand at making them from scratch. No template, no anything. It actually turned out pretty well. We didn't learn any hard lessons except when you design them yourself and then get them printed .. envelopes aren't included. Oops :)
The 2010 season brought us back to pre-made template designs. No complaints from this girl. I still like those cards. We designed them online, submitted them and picked them up at the local store within 30 minutes. It was efficient and great.
This year, once again, we tried something new. We went with Shutterfly. The price ended up double what we paid in years past so that gave me some pause. (I'm sure there are more affordable options and I will be sure to check them out next year.) I love this year's card. The paper quality is fantastic and I love the printing on both sides. One side (the side pictured) is matte finish and the other side is glossy. Love. It.
Who knows what next year's card will look like (and where it will originate from, for that matter) but, in the mean time,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from our family to yours!
 |
| 2011 |
.. from years past ..
(side note: these cards have been stuffed in folders so I apologize for the poor quality. They were scanned in .. wear and tear and all.)
 |
| 2010 |
 |
| 2009 |
 |
| 2008 |
Okay, I have to ask. Did Mark wear the same shirt for 2009 and 2010? Silly boys. =)
ReplyDeleteHaha that's funny you ask. The 2009 photo was photoshopped; the stripes were bright blue and didn't look good with the card. The 2010 shirt is real. I didn't notice until writing this post. We will have to keep that in mind for future cards ;)
ReplyDelete