Valentine Cards

Last year we sent out valentines instead of Christmas cards and I loved it so much that we're doing it again this year!  We just might have a tradition in the making.  Not worrying about holiday cards is great; it's one less thing to do and gets me that much closer to the simple, relaxed Christmas I'm always aiming for.  And besides that, after Christmas winter just sort of yawns huge and long ahead of me, and I love having something pretty and fun to break up the onslaught of short, dark, chilly days.  I have a feeling other people might enjoy a spot of bright and pretty in their midwinter as well, so I love sending out stacks and stacks of cheerful Valentines.

This year, Clay illustrated a portrait of our little family and then digitally added a greeting, which he painted separately, so that we can frame the portrait, but still use the image with the greeting to print cards from. 

Check out some in-progress shots and read about our printing experience after jump.

Just like last year our Valentines started out with a bunch of photographs.  We took a few shots of the kids and us in the positions we would be painted in and then Clay got to work.  This time it was with brush and paint, instead of photoshop:)  The photos didn't need to be fancy, just clear (and flattering!).  Clay worked out the color scheme and how to arrange everyone.  I love checking in throughout the process to see how his paintings evolve.
We've worked with Nextdayflyers.com before and thought they were great.  They offer inexpensive and fast printing services, and it's pretty flexible with what you can make.  Last year we did postcards, which is a nice option if you're looking to do it a little cheaper.  This year we're doing folded cards with the portrait and greeting on the front, and then, I'm not sure yet about the inside, but I was thinking about something akin to a holiday letter, but shorter, for the inside, then a little blank space for a personal note. 

Clay's taking orders for Valentine portraits, which I have to say, would make a pretty AMAZING Valentine surprise;)  And, of course, some rad Valentine cards if you wanted to go that route.  I've updated the Portraits and Commissions page with info about the three Valentines themes, prices and other info. 

Do you usually send Valentine's?  How do you celebrate Valentine's Day?  We don't usually make a very big deal about it, except for sending cards and Clay and I usually go out to dinner (and hopefully I get flowers!).  As the kids get older I kind of want to do fun stuff for them though...  Do you have any fun kid traditions for Valentine's Day?