Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how I made this year's Thanks cards, which are currently available for purchase in my shop. As with many of my projects, it all starts with several hand-lettered sketches (above) which are narrowed down to my top choices. From there, I scan and begin the clean-up process in Illustrator.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazVbrC8-d8seq1ajPeOFjd8bC6AH2bngUKVsPClBWNeU5wKqOp-vXm4AL8kVQD-kei7k_pzcXyhzNvx1uEUtxXeGU46BGU8UpF66ZNCRMbfgaI97w2VDXAca-2Rg7l0dxJkSv/s1600/2014Thanks1.jpg)
Here's a look at the sketch vs. the finished version. Notice the differences?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXE2SFmDHr-LIMSABTuaH3E3gD85_KD0bGrgCcBXaa2TOgqqDivKtuwzDK5AJfph-XfbpNOBTgQ1bOkjIKfwSzVJJJDrSNOK4-L0MnmqttszvIKx-TXEKI9kwCsXgwwHFqpLb/s1600/2014Thanks5.gif)
Then, I transfer the reversed image onto a lino tile and begin carving.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJa9iulykjv8h7KqAwFLTpgKfU5bD2gfqk3NwXl9U1MbTtJjC9B5gw3qeSNZajTH0jMe4N1hKDCnOGcDobIESs4YdkSwvTAIX-tlgVXa5c_2d8GY5N1SH-qlUdQzyaLQ7aLwu/s1600/2014Thanks2.jpg)
Add a little ink, and...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgveJBjP_ideorJ9NIkdL4dISBKiv5Lr1grYGWL1spDEOnnrMLwJplN4ucWSCHACERd4t1-O2uzxHHz95-7IQ6OH1xcci4uDn8M2FNGADpwJ1bMRV3Oyb8mV4jp-fVHgEaR6a/s1600/2014Thanks3.jpg)
VoilĂ ! The finished pieces!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7WuBERysJ4MdMVj5Hh6qOD6x-TTWdL533jSLB5Co5yo1M6hnN1XbBjmb26AAFDG0mBvPsbgICpNKpufRLNVcmv7sYkiLVeC6QlOzBFhnmqIKw1UHGNjeJQsJPmDJaggNRNh3/s1600/thanks_all.jpg)
Pick up your 4-pack of these handmade Thanks cards for only $20 in my shop.
Thank YOU!