Fall colors have set the world ablaze in many areas, but the dark days of winter are just around the corner. It’s a season for kindness, I’ve always thought. And especially now, with so much ugliness in the world around us.
I don’t know about you, but I”m always looking for a way to brighten the day of someone who’s going through a hard time. Winter can be hard. Or maybe lend a friend a little inspiration, that nudge to help get them moving in a different, more positive direction.
So maybe, like me, you want to send a kind and thoughtful gift without breaking the bank. Here’s what I do:
If you’re a good friend who falls in one of those categories, I might have sent you something by my favorite inspirational artist, Mary Lou Falstreau, who does inspirational art for women. What I love about her cards, posters and coloring books is that there’s a message for anyone and everyone, wrapped in bright colors and whimsical art. I love sending these–they’re more than just a card, they’re a keepsake, a gift that can keep on giving for a very long time.
The Women and the Hourglass series of products are divinely inspired and have a beautiful, inspirational impact on the people who receive them.Some people frame them, some post them near their toothbrush or on a refrigerator so they are sure to see them every day. Not too long ago I was over at Mary Lou’s studio in Grass Valley, CA and saw some of her newest work, which I’m sharing with you today.
I’ve recently sent this card to someone I love who, well, DOES TOO MUCH. A woman who just can’t say NO, even when saying yes is to her own detriment. Do you know someone like this? So my friend? She loved it! And you know what? She’s begun to practice saying “no!”
Like me, you may have a friend who can’t see her own gifts and the beauty that she brings to her world. Maybe someone you know suffers from low self-esteem. Here’s a card that might inspire them.
At least four of my friends are on the brink of starting new ventures but afraid to pull the trigger — or they want to do something new but let mental blocks stop them in their tracks. I love this card (below) because it inspired ME to get off the stick and make my new business reality. I’m working on it! And maybe someone you know will find their motivation from it.
Stuck? Need to step out of a rut? Here’s a card that might remind a friend to break free of old patterns. I love it! But then again, I’ve always been a rebel.
I don’t think I need to say much about this, except I sent it to a friend with a note about how wonderful she is.
I think following our hearts has gotten a bad rap. It may not be an easy route, but it can be interesting and fulfilling and there are times when following our heart is the best decision of all. Which is why I think I love this card best of all.
Ok, so let’s get serious. These inspirational pieces of art come in many formats: greeting cards, posters, an affirmation deck, magnets, a coloring book and amazing original art. They make great little holiday gifts, birthday gifts, thinking of you notes and more.
There’s something for every woman, too!
So if someone in your life needs a little lift, chances are Mary Lou has something that fits. Shop HERE.
There really is no quid pro quo here. I love her stuff and want to share it with the world. She’s a pretty cool woman, too, and her husband’s a cool cat. They’re fast becoming some of my favorite friends.
These cards are so pretty and creative
I really like the fact that they’re unique and not like the regular.
I’d definitely check them out.
Thanks for sharing!
I love these cards! Thanks for sharing such a talented artist with us. I make my own greeting cards but these are definitely ones I need to buy to have in my stock pile. Thanks!
Wow, I adore the colors and the artwork is incredible. Thanks for sharing them. I have them bookmarked for over the holidays. I know some friends who will love them too!
I love her sayings! If we don’t follow our hearts and dreams we are wasting our lives. It’s strange how many people feel that is selfish. Her cards are great reminders! Cute too.
These cards would brighten anyone’s day Carol. Unfortunately, I don’t think there are many like you who take the time to purchase, write something thoughtful and then send a card. Now it is a quick text or email if you are lucky! Let’s start a movement to bring back the thoughtful gift.
Sometimes it’s really hard for me to come up with gift ideas, your cards are really pretty and inspiring to any gift giver. I hope that I can fulfill the Christmas wish list this year.
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These cards are so pretty and creative
I really like the fact that they’re unique and not like the regular.
I’d definitely check them out.
Thanks for sharing!
I love these cards! Thanks for sharing such a talented artist with us. I make my own greeting cards but these are definitely ones I need to buy to have in my stock pile. Thanks!
What wonderful fun, inspired saying, cards that make great gifts to put anywhere as a reminder.
That’s the best part!
Wow, I adore the colors and the artwork is incredible. Thanks for sharing them. I have them bookmarked for over the holidays. I know some friends who will love them too!
It’s a lovely way to remember a friend or loved one!
You sent a wonderful box to me and I kept part of it next to my bed to remind me of kindness. xxoo
I love her sayings! If we don’t follow our hearts and dreams we are wasting our lives. It’s strange how many people feel that is selfish. Her cards are great reminders! Cute too.
What a wonderful idea, these are awesome!
These cards would brighten anyone’s day Carol. Unfortunately, I don’t think there are many like you who take the time to purchase, write something thoughtful and then send a card. Now it is a quick text or email if you are lucky! Let’s start a movement to bring back the thoughtful gift.
I love the cards. So colorful, inspirational, and wonderfully original. Thanks so much for sharing them. I will pin some.
These cards are so pretty! I love all the colors.
these look like so much fun love all the great colors
They look like they’re very lovely
I actually do have a couple friends who really need something like this. I feel like gifting them. Thank you for sharing the idea!
I love gifts where you KNOW the give really thought outside of the box on them!!! I have been known to be a pretty awesome gift giver 😉
What a nice thoughtful gift to give someone special. I love all the uplifting sayings and fun art.
Thank you, Carol, for your generosity…and for all of the beautiful comments here!
“We are all in is together” and a little kindness goes a long way….
Such lovely, colorful cards with great messages. Something you won’t find anywhere else. Thanks for highlighting them today!
what a beautiful gift idea! This is so unique and has a good messages.
Thank you for sharing. Love the idea of not only sending a thoughtful and inspiring gift but also helping to support the work of an artist. Win. Win.
I love, love, love, love love these. How inspirtional and colorful.
I love these gift ideas. Very unique and would make the perfect gift.
These cards are so pretty. I love their vibrant colors. These would definitely brighten anyone’s day.
Sometimes it’s really hard for me to come up with gift ideas, your cards are really pretty and inspiring to any gift giver. I hope that I can fulfill the Christmas wish list this year.
With the gift giving season coming up, this is very timely information. Thank you for sharing.
Love this idea! These cards are so pretty and I love all the great colors!
I think these are some great artworks which are quiet creative as well. Such a wonderful gift idea and the cards are really unique & colorful!
These all look like great affordable little gifts to give out. I also like to do homemade gifts as well 🙂
love these all great unique gifts. Love all the great colors
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Lovely.