I was reading through graphic design blogs today in anticipation of the Winter CHA trade show.  It's always fun to see what the professionals are up to.

For example, Pantone has decided this is the color of the year:

MIMOSA

"PANTONE® 14-0848 Mimosa, a warm, engaging yellow, as the color of the year for 2009. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow."

I find it funny that there even is a color of the year.  But I don't find this color very hopeful.  Or perhaps it does make me hopeful?  I am hopeful that it doesn't start cropping up in makeup or fashion any time soon!  No color looks more dreadful next to my skin tone.

What's next?  Diet Mimosa Coke?  I shudder at the thought.

Make Something

And then I was going through a discussion from a few years ago about scrapbooking, by professional graphic designers.  In the face of criticism as to whether scrapbooking, paper crafting, 'mixed media', etc. in the present context was in any way an art form… I found this opinion refreshing.

"When I see something not "my cup of tea," whether it is a painting, design, etc., 

I try to keep in mind that it is amazing for something to get made at all in this day & age.

Someone" took their time and energy AND made something! Yay for them. Who am I to judge? The world is a better place for "it" – whatever it is. Yeah, I have my preferences and peeves, but I try to limit my communication of them to others. Why try to knock someone off their path? If they want critique, they can go to art or design school, otherwise let them be happy and make stuff."

pbhastings was the author of the comment above.  I've credited with a userid, but the blog it references no longer exists, so I cannot attribute as well as I'd like to.  pbhastings, you rock.

Upload and Be Merry

Just the other day one of my scrapbooking friends was commenting on the handmade greeting cards I have been posting recently.  She says,

"while you've been crafty, i spent a whole 12 minutes sending my photo card order to costco, and they were ready in an hour ;-D
 
kudos to all the crafty ladies that put their hearts into handmade christmas cards…i can't bear the thought that some {insensitive} recipients will eventually toss them out!!!"

Well sure they will.  At some point even the friends that do appreciate a handmade card will have to clean up for clutter's sake alone.  But at least they will appreciate the effort.  I uploaded my share of photos to send out too.  Frankly, not everybody will get a handmade card.  But whether it is a handmade card, a gift card, a smile, a shout of "Merry Christmas" with the windows rolled down as we drive past or a status update on Facebook — it's the thought that counts.