A Fine Balancing Act

Jennifer Doheny never ceases to amaze me.

In addition to being the incredible talent behind Urban Bird Designs greeting card line, she continues to push the artistic envelope in her other artwork as well.  Her newest art, involving gorgeously painted paper curtains, are a stunning reminder of how art can blur the lines between form and function.

Her curtains have the effect of transforming a simple window into a frame for her art, while the filtered sunlight illuminates the piece. Sigh. I could probably spend the better part of a day watching how the sunlight changes the look and feel of the curtains throughout the day.  Instead of using plain old curtains or blinds, she has turned something as mundane as window coverings into an artistic expression.  Pretty genius, I think. www.jenniferdoheny.com

Now I may be biased, but I think that greeting cards and other personalized gifts can have the same effect.  There is something so loving and lavish about giving someone a beautifully-made, well-chosen greeting card. Sure, the standard, drugstore variety greeting card might contain the same heartfelt message, but I’ll venture to say that a great card has the potential to elevate the act of gift-giving into an art form for both the sender and the recipient.

Like her curtains, Jennifer’s unique, and exquisitely detailed Urban Bird cards are a perfect example of balancing form and function.

I mention this because whether you’re managing a business, a household, or both, finding that balance of form and function is such a great way to spread a little joy for yourself, your customers, and the people around you.

I’m sure I’ll have more to say on the matter in coming blogs, but in the meantime, what are you doing to ensure that your customers and loved ones know how valued they are?

I’d love to hear your comments and ideas!

P.S. Be sure to check out the wonderful new line Collage Greetings is proudly distributing. Click on Studio Expressio at our website: www.collagegreetings.com