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Owner
and Artist Vanessa M. Hughes began hand made art cards more than
15 year ago.
The process for my greeting cards began the way many hand crafted products do – out
of necessity. I simply couldn’t find anything appropriate in the stores;
anything that represented me. I’m not a frills and lace person, nor am
I sentimental, which at that time eliminated about 90% of printed matter. So,
I started making cards that made a statement – about me, about the occasion
and about the person receiving the card. Once you start sending people hand made
cards, anything else seems impersonal. Also, I’m a long-time enthusiast
of correspondence.
I have always enjoyed writing letters and still get a thrill
when I receive a hand-addressed envelope in the mail. Email is wonderful and
very efficient. Nothing, however, can compete with the intimacy and expression
of a good, old-fashioned hand-written letter.
As with all good things, the word started to spread. My first request for hand
made wedding invitations was, of course, from my mom’s friend who’s
daughter was getting married. [What would we do without our moms!] Then it was
a Christening invitation, then a baby announcement, then another wedding. I had
actually started the business long before I realized I was in business.
With a studio in Portland, Oregon, Vanessa is motivated to create products that
are a reflection of the person. With her cards, the designs are often inspired
by an event for a friend or relative. The invitations are; of course, completely
customize to show the style and theme of the special event.
I have a card in my recent collection with the quote; “If at first you
don’t succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.” This was inspired
by a very dear friend who has been looking for work for such a long time. She
is smart, motivated, hard working and still hasn’t found a decent job.
Yet, she keeps such a positive attitude. So, I made a card for her to keep that
wonderful smile on her face. |
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