Other useful ornaments, not only for Christmas but also for Easter and Hallowe’en, are found in Plates [12] and [13]. The test of a student’s ability lies in the way he is able to arrange such motifs into a good card, or the manner in which he derives ideas from these motifs for original work.
Plate 14 gives us some very effective motifs for Washington’s Birthday. These figures can be cut in paper, done in opaque wash, or finished in pen and ink. Original poems may be written by members of the class and added to the card. School programs or invitations can be made a class problem for this topic.
Valentines also afford a good opportunity for a class problem. Try to encourage in the students the development of new ideas or original treatment in the handling of their valentine cards. A card does not need to be gaudy, over-elaborate, or grotesque, in order to be attractive. A few simple motifs, well placed, and with good coloring, will produce the most pleasing kind of a card. Humorous cards, containing good clean fun are always acceptable, if well done.
A Valentine containing unique possibilities is shown in [Plate 16]. The same idea can be varied so as to make a number of novel cards. The little envelope, which this card features, is easily constructed and will hold quite a message, if written carefully. The figure of the messenger can be hand colored in buff and vermilion.
The cards and motifs shown on these plates make a series of general suggestions. Based on the types shown here, as regards lettering, design, and card sizes, gift cards for the various holidays and for birthdays can be planned and worked out. Once your students produce such cards, they will never again be satisfied with stock cards. Successful students can find remuneration as well as much joy in designing gift cards for their friends’ needs, and in time may be able to create a market in their own locality.
Outline for Problems in Gift Card Work
Problem 1. Have students select or originate a good Christmas sentiment. Next, sketch on an 8 x 10 sheet of pencil paper four different arrangements of this idea.
Problem 2. After selecting the best composition from sketches in Problem 1, plan a card and envelope arrangement to go with it. Study over suggestions given in [Plate 2].
Problem 3. Using three colors and a tinted paper, complete the idea planned in Problems 1 and 2. Possibly two varied types of cards can be worked up.
Problem 4. As a variation, design and complete two simple cards in cut paper. Use about four colors, using the background as one of the colors.