Printing with kids - Christmas Cards [WHA?]

I can hear your groan from here - Christmas? you're saying. I know. Here's the thing though. I'm headed to the National Stationery Show next month as I've mentioned and I had to have them done for that. Retailers have to order early.

But there was a fun project that I got to do with these holiday cards. Two years ago when the kids were in 3rd grade, each child did a winter themed drawing. Those drawings were then composed into one piece of artwork and the class had a field trip over to see the piece printed. I must admit we were not prepared for 40-ish 3rd graders and the energy they bring with them!

The field trip was successful, but I kept staring at these little drawings and loving the whimsy of them. Most notably Sammy's Penguin. So when I decided to add holiday into my lineup this year, I contacted parents and kids and asked them to be a part of my project.

I selected 4 drawings to start with. Each child got $20 for their drawing [artists should be paid of course] They also got a set of their final printed cards and then I donated to the elementary school's art program as well. I invited the kids and their parents over to print with me - so they could get more one-on-one on the press. We printed the hangtags that accompany the greetings. Below is each child with their drawings printed. They were pleased to see their signatures on the backside too, along with my Richie logo. I really wanted them to take ownership of their art.

I'm currently working with the elementary school, in hopes to continue the project in some fashion.

If you're a store, interested in purchasing. Hope to see you at booth 1370 at NSS next month. or contact us for wholesale info. richele (at) richiedesigns (dot) com

Aden Blue with his reindeer

Grace with her angel

Jake with his snowman

Sammy with her Penguin

[how much do you love this?!]

The holiday cards will be available in the Etsy store later this summer and hopefully in stores nation-wide after the show!