I was a bit pressed for time this Valentine’s day, so no massive, hand-crafted works of art from me. Fortunately, my nearest and dearest are forgiving recipients.
A pair of cats, dashed off late at night, for my husband. The theme and composition kind of suggested itself, once I’d started doodling on the one size of card blank I had around the place.
I quite like it though, as the seed of an idea. Would it be oh so wrong to develop it into a more polished piece, for sales purposes? Woman in ‘exploits relationship for gain’ shocker.
And this card was for my daughter, who is still at the age where she is thrilled to get a card, even if it’s from mum. Again, this was very much a last-minute job. There is something about it that reminds me of cartoony cards of the Seventies – maybe the colour scheme?
I was also gratified to receive a card back from her – an enormous one, that had made – with permission! – use of my collage pile. I know this is a cliche, but it was kind of effortlessly beautiful, graphic, exuberant… plus she’d done something with a speech balloon inside the card that I never would have thought of, and it looked brilliant.
So hooray for small people, I guess. It’s nice to feel like the learning isn’t all one-way. Lots of lessons there, if we look for them.
Myfanwy Tristram 