A few days ago, I expected to announce fantastic news of JADE Studio® Christmas cards — hot off the press — boxed and ready for delivery. Now I learn my geographical area is not served by “Facebook Shops.” My plan for a shop on Facebook is foiled before it’s begun. So chuck the lemons, I just don’t feel like making lemonade.
Hope Deferred
Foiled or failed, the result is the same – we’re screwed. We all know the feeling of failure that comes sometimes through no fault of our own. But “foilure” or failure brings the same heartache, and heartache hits the instant hope is gone. Learning my JADE Studio® shop won’t be opening after weeks of work was more than a little disappointing. You can say, my hope was, most surely, deferred.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but, when desire comes it is the tree of life.
Ancient Proverb
Heartache can make us so sick we’re tempted to quit. We may believe in ourselves, we may have faith in our idea; but, how many times do we beat our heads against a brick wall without going crazy? Doesn’t it make you just want to give up completely? Trash the idea — pull the covers over your head — who cares anyway? Wait a minute! I care!
While in a state of anger and discouragement I wondered, “Who can help?” Who. Can. Help? Then my skewed thinking shifted, and I began a mental chant; like the Little Engine that Could I said, “I guess I can.” And like that “Little Engine,” I started assessing my ability to DO. “I guess I can” evolved into, “I think I can” and slowly my confidence grew. Now, I’m faced with one basic question: Do I go forward publishing cards under JADE Studio®?
Being “jaded” is part of my success story.
JADE Studio® began twenty-five years ago in my home. I started Jade mainly to illustrate and publish greeting cards but did other design work, as well. A few of the designs and illustrations from that early studio still rate as some of my favorites.
Over time, I invested myself more in watercolor painting and the printed artwork was set on the backburner. Now C HINTZ STUDIO is the home of my original artwork. Naming my art studio allows my printed work to resurface: JADE Studio® now continues as an imprint of C HINTZ STUDIO for greetings cards and all printed artwork.
CHRISTMAS CARDS 2017
You bet I’m going forward! JADE Studio® Christmas cards have been printed. We are starting with two Christmas card designs, but there will be other cards and maybe bookmarks, postcards, etc. down the road. I have hope for the future, and — while not the tree of life — I have a higher perspective. I’m so happy to be a jaded lady!
This first card, “Contemporary Nativity,” is a card originally produced in 2003, which I am bringing back this year. There is no written greeting – the illustration says it all. This card is die cut in a shape that can fold to become its own envelope – 3X5″ when folded. They come packaged in eights with 8 gold seals.
This second card, “Christmas Treats,” is a new design from my 2016 watercolor painting. This is the first year for Christmas Treats, It is a 5X7″ Christmas card with Merry Christmas in hand-scrawl, are blank on the inside, and include envelopes. They come boxed in eights.
You can find more information about JADE Studio® cards on the “Contact” page.
Love and Joy,
PEN & INK 