Our cards take advantage of the fact that at middle age (which is where the 4 of us rest happily at present), we all come to the realization that as far as "stuff" goes, we have more than enough of it! Rather than encouraging yet another hostess gift, Christmas gift, birthday gift, or even a wedding gift for those who were married later in life and really have no need for more things, why not share the wealth with a favorite charity? It gives the giver and chance to give in your name to the charities you love and spares your looking for more closet space for more "stuff.". Everyone wins!

Holiday seasons are especially hard on charities since most people are out buying more "stuff" for everyone they know and have no surplus to give to organizations that could really benefit from the giving. All of us have special charities to which we contribute or which are close to our hearts due to our life experiences. Our card project recognizes that there is a constant need for many organizations as far as funding. This gives us all an opportunity to help throughout the year.

By the time we reach middle age, a large number of people are beginning second marriages where most material needs have already long been satisfied. With today's independent lifestyles, even the younger folks have been out on their own for years before they make a commitment to marriage, and even they are expressing a wish for "no more stuff" as wedding gifts. Recently we have received a few marriage announcements with the request for "no gifts" but which instead request a donation to the couple's favorite charity in their names. Our cards give you a beautiful opportunity to convey that message.

Our cards set contains 4 of each of 5 deferent designs, 20 in number. The five of us are all artists and some of us are art teachers. We have chosen angels as our motif to reflect a giving and protection theme, and have executed our art in various ethnic styles including the classic Byzantine icon, the Spanish retablo, and Celtic styles. The angel each of us has selected is very personal. We are thrilled and honored to be able to include the work of santero (saint maker), Frank Zamora whom we met at Spanish Market in 2008 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Frank's design brings with its image an artistic tradition from New Mexico and Colorado which is over 400 years old. It is an art form which is an American treasure, and like any treasure it must be preserved. Incredibly few Americans are even aware of this art (and the people who make it) which has flourished within our own country for centuries. We are hoping to bring an awareness of this beautiful art and culture through Frank Zamora's beautiful design. For more information about retablos, please visit our LINKS page.

We stress the importance of the "little gifts" which can really mount up more than large corporate gifts which may only happen once. Your sharing the wealth would be a constant source of contributions to so many needy organizations, especially at times when the flow of donations may not be very high.

We are truly excited about this project and can not wait to "share our abundance" and to help others to do the same.