Julie Walton Shaver Photography Blog

Friday, February 15, 2008

My Holiday Cards: 19th Design



DESIGN 19: FRONT



DESIGN 19: INSIDE
Message: “May your holidays be merry and bright.”

The card was signed under the little picture.



DESIGN 19: BACK
Specs: Vertical 5×7 card on archival linen with the inside design spanning the inside spread, folded in the middle.

Do you know this family? Help them win a prize by leaving a comment about their card design!

What I love about this design — TALK about a keepsake! Mom and dad will NEVER forget Jack’s first Christmas card. At least I hoped they wouldn’t when I was designing it! I love the Christmas lights on the front, and the cute pictures of Jack in his little Santa hat are just ADORABLE! He’s so cute with mom and dad in his derby on the back too.

This post marks the last of the holiday card posts, well, there is ONE more, but you can’t vote on that one because it’s MINE! One-by-one I will disable comments on the cards that have already been posted, up to the point that Jack’s card is up as long as the first one was. Then the tallying of comments will begin! If you haven’t been playing all along, you can still win the big prize of a free family session! It just take a little strategizing: you have to visit the blog everyday and you have to figure out which cards you posted comments on and which ones you missed. You don’t have to say something nice about the design, a simple “awwwww” will do! Several people are in the running for the big prize but even if today is your first day on the blog, you can still win, so KEEP PLAYING! (If you’re wondering where your friend’s card is, some clients’ cards aren’t posted for privacy reasons.)

Click here for contest details, but be sure to click your browser’s “back” button to get back to this post so that you can leave a comment about THIS card design, especially if you are commenting in order to help your friends win the prize!

Cheers! And thanks for visiting the blog!

posted by Julie Walton Shaver at 8:15 am  

72 Comments

  1. I like that this one has a hint of holiday but the focus is more on the baby. Definitely a keepsake that celebrates him and his first Christmas. The muted background colors really make his eyes pop - like they need any help! Excellent job Julie!

    Comment by Stacey — February 15, 2008 @ 11:05 am

  2. an unforgettable first-christmas card

    Comment by bob — February 15, 2008 @ 3:58 pm

  3. Of course I love everything about this card. It’s so hard to choose a favorite shot when you’ve captured so much of his personality in each one! Thank you again for such a great memory from Jack’s first Christmas.

    Comment by Katie — February 19, 2008 @ 2:01 pm

  4. Just gotta vote for Jack! I usually hate sappy baby first anything but this one’s a keeper. Love the background of the “front”, fadded photo with the layers of snowflakes….

    Comment by linda from edison — February 20, 2008 @ 9:59 am

  5. What a fantastoc job at capturing how beautiful Jack is. You showed his smiley face, his surprise face and his serious face. What a wonderful keepsake. I look forward to seeing more of his shoots.

    Comment by Elizabeth (Pround Godmother) — February 20, 2008 @ 5:34 pm

  6. What a lovely card design, I only wish I had one in had to take a closer look. Each time I look at each side I find a new detail. I love the fact that the front cover gives you a few angles and expressions but the baby also being the background is cleverly done.
    The nuetral colors give this card an elegant feel and simultaneously making the color red pop, reminding the card holder that this is a holiday card.
    Lastly, I think the parents being included on the card is a nice touch. All too often people send cards that only include the children. This allows the recipents to compare the baby to his parents and their facial characteristics.
    What a goregeous “Gerber Baby”!

    Comment by Carla — February 23, 2008 @ 8:01 am

  7. What a fantastic card! Katie - add me to your Christmas card list - Jack is too cute to not hang on my fridge!
    I have loved all of your photo collections!

    Comment by Meera — February 26, 2008 @ 10:17 pm

  8. I love this card so much its still hanging on my fridge!! XOXOX

    Comment by Sara B — February 27, 2008 @ 8:52 pm

  9. Truly an innovative and special design enhanced by a beautiful child with a precious expression. I am a proud recipient and will keep it forever:)

    Comment by Jen — February 27, 2008 @ 9:05 pm

  10. Love this card! So artistic and the photos are amazing!

    Comment by allison gaffey — February 27, 2008 @ 9:29 pm

  11. LOVE THIS CARD!!! Also helps that Jack is one of the cutest babies ever!
    xoxoxox
    Melissa

    Comment by Melissa — February 28, 2008 @ 7:17 am

  12. Jack is a beautiful baby and this card embraces and depicts his sweetness. I can’t wait for next year’s :)

    Comment by Becky — February 28, 2008 @ 8:24 am

  13. I love this card - Jack is one of my best buds! I’m jealous of all his great pictures but I have more hair!
    Your pal - Brendan

    Comment by Brendan S — February 28, 2008 @ 9:16 am

  14. This is one of our favorite cards this year! Can’t wait for the first birthday pictures!
    Good luck!
    Sharon

    Comment by Sharon — February 28, 2008 @ 9:20 am

  15. It was such sweet surprise when I received this unique Christmas card. Jack looks precious- like a porcelain doll! Beautifully done!!

    Comment by Sonia — February 28, 2008 @ 9:40 am

  16. We shared the card with friends and relatives who didn’t receive one and they all commented that it was the most unique and beautiful card they had ever seen. The picture of Jack in his Santa hat is framed on our mantle and will stay there until next Christmas. Thanks again for capturing our family so perfectly.

    Comment by Barbara McKeon — February 28, 2008 @ 10:15 am

  17. What a great first Xmas card. He is such a gorgeus little man. I can’t believe how well these pictures have captured dfifferent perspectives of his personality

    Comment by Lisa — February 28, 2008 @ 4:29 pm

  18. I absoulutely loved this Christmas card! Jack looks so adorable in every shot! He’s a natural.

    Comment by Kerry — February 29, 2008 @ 2:40 pm

  19. Jack is adorable and we loved the card! I especially love the whole family shot on the back.

    Comment by Meaghan — March 1, 2008 @ 10:36 am

  20. This is, BY FAR, the most precious and unique card we have ever received. It made me pick up the phone and inquire whether or not you’d travel to our home to take pictures of our family! Amazing work and what else can I say but ADORABLE baby Jack.

    Comment by Jen — March 3, 2008 @ 2:06 pm

  21. Just adorable

    Comment by Angela — March 5, 2008 @ 9:49 am

  22. At first glance, I’m awed by the beauty of Jack. Then I’m struck by the artistry in capturing his spirit in the photo. I’m especially fond of the family shot. It truly reflects the core of family values and gives us the hope of future in Jack’s face.

    Comment by Joan Geardino — March 5, 2008 @ 9:53 am

  23. This is one of the best Christmas cards I have ever seen! The baby (and his family) are gorgeous. And the design and layout of the card make it very special. Each picture tells a story and the card is something that both the sender and all recipients can treasure.

    Comment by Robin — March 5, 2008 @ 9:55 am

  24. This is a beautiful card - Jack is sooo adorable! The photos are first rate! The card can’t help but make you smile when you open it!

    Comment by Connie — March 5, 2008 @ 9:55 am

  25. How cute! Picture-perfect of Jack and the family for the holidays. Jack’s face says it all–delight and surprise. Wonderful!

    Comment by Ida Corbitt — March 5, 2008 @ 9:56 am

  26. A precious face, a special family, a Christmas card to remember for a lifetime….priceless!

    God Bless the Murphy family :)

    Comment by Toni Rhatican — March 5, 2008 @ 10:02 am

  27. Jack is delicious in his own right and makes me melt. I am consistently amazed at Julie’s talent. She is able to capture the emotion of the moment in an unforced setting and it feels like you are witnessing her photos as if you were present. The creativity of this card overall is impressive and so well done from a graphics perspective. There was a delightful surprise on every page!

    Comment by Uncle Jen — March 5, 2008 @ 10:09 am

  28. I love the wonder in the eyes of this baby. It looks like he has seen Santa just pop out of the chimney. I wish that they had cards like this when my boys were babies. The are work and design around the photos really make for a beautiful card. Just wonderful!

    Comment by susan pitonak — March 5, 2008 @ 10:12 am

  29. This little fella’s expression is just too adorable - like he just saw Santa. In addition he reminds me of his Grandma who adores him. This photo is sure to cheer you up during the holiday season and any time for that matter.

    Comment by Patty Fredas — March 5, 2008 @ 10:13 am

  30. Definitely one of the BEST cards I’ve seen…will definitely consider doing this for my boys next Christmas!

    Comment by Kerry Jones — March 5, 2008 @ 10:23 am

  31. What an adorable baby - the look of wonder in those amazing blue eyes leaves you tingling - yes life is AMAZING and especially when Santa is near!

    Comment by Ann-Marie Purcell — March 5, 2008 @ 12:28 pm

  32. I love this one! Jacks first Christmas card is so amazing! Great job Julie and Murphy family!

    Comment by Lesley — March 5, 2008 @ 4:39 pm

  33. Jacks first Christmas card is precious. I will never forget it. Awesome job

    Comment by Grady family — March 5, 2008 @ 4:40 pm

  34. What a precious face! A beautiful Christmas Card!

    Comment by Ronda — March 6, 2008 @ 1:47 pm

  35. This was the most unique Christmas card I have ever received. I showed all my holiday guests the card and they couldn’t believe how artistic and tasteful it was. I will cherish the card always and can’t wait for next year’s.
    Thank you Murphy family for including me on your list. I look forward to meeting Jack in person someday. He is an adorable baby but look at his parents! What would you expect? Murphy/Kacani kids are the best!

    Comment by Truanne Keane — March 7, 2008 @ 4:49 pm

  36. Jack’s Christmas card is amazing! He is so precious, it was the best card we got this year!

    Comment by the ryans — March 9, 2008 @ 7:44 pm

  37. Jack’s gorgeous pictures inspired us to book our own photo shoot of our son Owen. What an incredible memory of the Murphy’s first Christmas with Jack captured in this card. Simply adorable!

    Comment by Nicole Riley — March 9, 2008 @ 8:35 pm

  38. This Christmas card was the clincher in MY decision to choose Julie to capture Alexander’s beautiful moments on camera this year. Next year I’ll be voting for Alex, but this year, Jack Murphy takes the cake! XOXO

    Comment by Kirsten — March 9, 2008 @ 9:35 pm

  39. Great picture. Jack and his family are beautiful people. Jack is so cute. Those eyes-look out girls!

    Comment by lori — March 10, 2008 @ 6:49 am

  40. Jack is just tooooo cute for words. The card made us smile from ear to ear. Hugs and Kisses!!

    Comment by Pat and John McKeon — March 10, 2008 @ 7:17 am

  41. What a beautiful “First Christmas” card…as always, I love Jack in all of his different hats! Too cute =)

    Comment by Dana — March 10, 2008 @ 7:24 am

  42. Big vote for Jack but can we just get a solo shot of his Dad? He is a handsome fellow.

    Comment by Sean — March 10, 2008 @ 7:41 am

  43. Jack is a terrific little guy. Thanks for the awesome pictures.

    Comment by Ryan — March 10, 2008 @ 8:04 am

  44. Love the card, thanks for sharing!

    Comment by Erica — March 10, 2008 @ 8:32 am

  45. You have such a beautiful son. :)

    Comment by Erica — March 10, 2008 @ 8:32 am

  46. Jack is soo cute!! This is my favorite card!!

    Comment by Kimberly Festa Cratty — March 10, 2008 @ 9:41 am

  47. wow - great card!!

    Comment by Margaret — March 10, 2008 @ 9:42 am

  48. I love that pic of Jack in the Santa Hat. What a great card!

    Comment by Brian — March 10, 2008 @ 10:02 am

  49. So adorable. Its a great Christmas card. Keep it up till he’s 90!

    Comment by Mickie — March 10, 2008 @ 10:24 am

  50. Beautiful family! Love the card too….

    Comment by Jaime — March 10, 2008 @ 10:38 am

  51. I didn’t know it was possible to have a favorite Christmas card… but this is definitely the one! Jack is an adorable baby and these photos capture his little personality perfectly. xo

    Comment by blythe — March 10, 2008 @ 11:41 am

  52. Great pictures of a beautiful & expressive Jack. The camera loves him already.

    Comment by Mary Lou — March 10, 2008 @ 1:06 pm

  53. Great Card, one of your best Julie! (That is, except for ours). Jack and Mom look great but I’m still not sure why that other guy is in it.

    Comment by Ken — March 10, 2008 @ 1:52 pm

  54. Great Christmas card!

    Comment by Rick — March 10, 2008 @ 2:57 pm

  55. Julie,
    We all loved this card so much. Little Jack is so sweet and you really captured him beautifully with his big beautiful eyes! I’m so glad Ken and I gave your “year in the life” present to Katie and Ryan as a shower gift…we can all benefit from your amazing pictures! Another beautiful job! Gwen and Ken Kacani

    Comment by Gwen — March 10, 2008 @ 3:21 pm

  56. This card really made my holiday “merry and bright”. The shot with the Christmas lights is awesome. The little ones grow up so fast, this card truly captures Jack’s innocence. Looking forward to seeing the pictures from the next session. They really are a beautiful family. Great eye Julie!

    Comment by Uncle Dave — March 10, 2008 @ 3:48 pm

  57. I loved Jack’s first Christmas card-I think he could be a model. The card also caught the eyes of a bunch of my friends who are new moms-they all asked about the card and liked how it is unique, yet still classic.

    Comment by Kellie — March 10, 2008 @ 5:56 pm

  58. What a beautiful baby…those eyes…that face!! I can’t stand it. I love the pictures and how the card was put together. Great work. Edie

    Comment by Edie — March 10, 2008 @ 7:37 pm

  59. That little booger is cute as hell!!! I just want to eat him up.. Joe

    Comment by Joe — March 10, 2008 @ 7:39 pm

  60. What a beautiful baby’s first Christmas card!

    Comment by Jeff — March 11, 2008 @ 8:13 am

  61. An adorable card of an adorable family! Love you guys=)

    Comment by Trish — March 11, 2008 @ 11:53 am

  62. Look at those kissable cheeks and beautiful blue eyes. Great pictures. When will we see more of them?

    Comment by Roger Murphy — March 11, 2008 @ 8:52 pm

  63. Jack’s card rocks!

    Comment by Declan — March 12, 2008 @ 4:05 pm

  64. Yay Murphys - your card is the BEST!

    Comment by The Leahys — March 12, 2008 @ 4:06 pm

  65. Jack’s Card is Numero Uno. What a beautiful card and a beautiful baby. Is he in to older women?

    Comment by Ava Malagisi — March 12, 2008 @ 6:53 pm

  66. Jack’s pics are awesome! Big ups to Katie and Ry Guy!

    Comment by Jimmy — March 12, 2008 @ 8:32 pm

  67. Love the photos. Jack is adorable!

    Comment by Jess — March 12, 2008 @ 8:34 pm

  68. These pics of Jack are the BEST. The XMAS card is one of a kind I have it posted on my peg board in my office, and as my man Ryan says you could be having a bad day and you take a look at Jack and you realize that this is what life is all about.

    Doug

    Comment by Doug Pollock — March 14, 2008 @ 2:30 pm

  69. I love Jack’s Christmas card. What a munchkin!

    Comment by Tom G — March 15, 2008 @ 5:14 pm

  70. I love Jack’s Christmas card! Julie is an amazing photographer!

    Comment by Thomas — March 15, 2008 @ 5:15 pm

  71. Jack’s first christmas card is so beautiful. He is such an amazing little boy! Julie does sucha wonderful job!

    Comment by Salley — March 15, 2008 @ 5:19 pm

  72. Such an adorable baby.

    Comment by Mary Riley — March 19, 2008 @ 2:46 pm

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