Frequently Asked Questions

1) From where do you draw your inspiration?

I draw inspiration from the colorful world around me, including my musical life, family and garden.

My mom is another source of inspiration. She was a fine and meticulous artist. In the 1930’s and 40’s, she hand-painted Christmas cards for her family and friends.

2) How did you get started?

I have been drawing, designing and painting since I was a little girl.

3) Since some of these cards were created by your mother, what inspired her to paint the initial designs?

My mother painted her entire life. She grew up on a farm and many of her holiday designs depict scenes from the picturesque, rural life of long ago.  Her cards provide a timeless, vintage feel.  Click here to for the seasonal cards

4) What are your favorite greeting cards?

My favorite greeting cards are vivid, colorful and clear images, printed on beautifully textured stock, suitable for all pens.

5) Why do you believe greeting cards will be long lasting?

I think there will always be a market for hand-written greeting cards.  There is something magical in receiving a heartfelt message written inside a beautiful card.

There are so many circumstances when a greeting card is appropriate: holidays, Mother’s Day, birthdays, get well wishes, thank you’s, condolences in memory of a loved one, congratulations for achievement, or just a simple acknowledgement of friendship.

A greeting card is completely different from an email or an ecard.   It is long lasting and can be displayed on a table, a bulletin board or a refrigerator.  It can also be kept in a memory box to be read again over time.

6) What is the difference between cards and prints?

My hand-designed cards and prints involve similar images but have very different uses.   The cards, although suitable for framing, are smaller in size and ideal to be sent to family and friends.   As a group, they make lovely presents.

The 9” x 12” giclée prints are signed and produced in limited editions. They make a striking visual statement when framed and hung on the wall.

7) What materials are used with these designs?

My designs for both cards and prints are originally created with Prismacolor and Pantone markers. I have developed a blending technique with these markers that gives the impression of dynamic watercolors.

The process of making the cards involves photographing the artwork and digitally preparing the images to be printed on 100% recycled 120 lb matte, white paper.  Most measure 5-1/2” wide x 5-1/2” high when folded, are blank inside and come with an envelope in a color inspired by the art. Please click here to purchase cards

For the prints, the original paintings are photographed professionally. They are then reproduced using the giclée process.  This involves printing the artwork on textured watercolor paper using high quality ink jet machines and fade-resistant, archival inks. Please click here to purchase prints.

In shipping these products, both prints and cards are protected with plastic sleeves. Great care is taken to insure that there is no damage to the product during delivery.

8) Those flowers are beautiful. Where did you get the inspiration for those flowers?

Most of the flowers on both the cards and prints can be found in my garden.

I choose flowers with interesting structure and colors that pop. I love to create these images outdoors. Please click here to purchase flower cards

9) What is the history behind the musical designs?

As a piano teacher, I initially created the musical designs as covers for recital invitations and programs.  Many of my students wanted to purchase cards featuring these designs.  I was fortunate to win a recital program cover competition through the Music Teachers Association of California. Please click here to purchase musical cards.

 10)  How can the cards with musical designs be used by musicians and music teachers?

Our musical designs make ideal recital programs and invitations.  The musically themed greeting cards make a personal statement for anyone in the field of music, or for anyone who loves music.  Please click here to check out the musical cards.

11) What is the history behind the geometric designs?

I have always enjoyed creating abstract, geometric designs. Many of these are kaleidoscopic and resemble mandalas. You can find these in the General Card category.  Please click here to purchase geometric cards

12) Do you have other products featuring your designs?

Yes, on the Zazzle website, I sell a range of products featuring my designs. My store is nan_kester. To access this, click on: Please click here to visit my store.