When I am making my greeting cards they are the result of my deep trust in Spirit. Each one is always different and unique, and they are all imbued with great love and attention to detail. Following is an explanation of what I call the “Pace Process:”
After creating an environment of peace and tranquility, I begin with prayer and meditation, invoking assistance from Spirit, and letting go of self-doubt, worry and self-criticism. I paint with my heart and soul, not my head. I reach for colors that attract me, and I use brush strokes that feel good. Losing track of time and space, I often paint and design note cards for hours, sometimes filling the room with sheets of art-filled paper. I know when I’m done, so I stop and leave the works to dry overnight. I am always amazed and delighted when I return the next morning. The sheets of paper take on an entirely new look once they are dry. This is the first step in the process of creating and making my handmade greeting cards.
The second step begins with cutting the large sheets into the smaller versions that fit on the card stock. Again I invoke Spirit, and trust that I will cut the pieces at just the right place. Then I assemble the artwork onto cards, and leave them to dry overnight.
I begin the third day, and step three, by again invoking Spirit with great trust and love. I take each card and look deeply into what it’s trying to convey, and if guided to do so, I assist it with little additions of paint, ‘pen-work,’ or glitter. As I do this, I meditate on the message it wants to express. I simply ask for the message, and then write whatever first pops into my head. I know and trust that this message, or the name of the artwork, is just perfect for the person whose hand receives it. Sometimes these messages are quite profound, or mysterious, or downright irreverent!
Step four, the last step, begins with signing and numbering if appropriate. After this is completed, I fold all the cards and turn them over, artwork sides face down. I ask for an “angel word” for each card. Again, I write whatever word first comes to mind, trusting that it is exactly the perfect word for the receiver. This completes the “Pace Process” of making the Arboraria greeting and note cards.
