Christmas Cards with a Western Flair

You may think that living in Montana means that I must know how to ride a horse. The answer is no, I don't. In fact I'm leery of horses. They have two more feet than I do, which means they must be able to run twice as fast and they are bigger than I am. I don't want to ride something where I might need a ladder to "get in the saddle." I don't even like to feed them a carrot and get near them in any way. I don't know why I'm leery, I just am. My oldest granddaughter loves to ride horses and I'm happy to watch her from a very safe distance (usually inside my car). She looks really cute on a horse and very happy when she's riding and I'm really happy listening to my oldies rock while she trots around.

I do live in a primarily agricultural area surrounded by ranch land. There is some farming in the area, but mostly ranching. Farmers grow crops like corn and other vegetables for people to eat. Ranchers raise cattle and horses. They might also grow hay to feed their cattle and horses, but not veggies. See the difference? So, when I write an article about western type cards, I automatically think of cowboys, horses, cattle, the wide open range, wooden fences, dilapidated barns, deserted homesteads from the 30's and so on. If your wondering what happens around here besides agriculture---other primary employment opportunities in the area are oil field and railroad. I'm hoping I have now painted a picture in your head of what a western type christmas card would be about....horses, cowboys, snow, cabins, oil field workers, oil derricks, trains, deserted railroad tracks, etc.

When I "googled" western cards or cowboy cards I was led to various websites which sell these kind of cards along with cards for any other interest.

The first website I visited is www.shadowwest.com. Their website says they feature western occasion cards, christmas cards, art prints, framed prints and western magnets. They have 10 different western series from ranch life series to southwest series. When I clicked on "Christmas Cabin Card" the page said I could order 10 to a box for $16.00.

Another website is www.leanintree.com. I am familiar with leanin tree cards. I have seen them in local stores and I know they are very popular. You can order photo greeting cards in various quantities. For instance, if you order 50 cards the price is $2.59 each and you will also receive gold foil lined envelopes. With purchases of $50.00 or more shipping is free.

How about browsing through www.stonehousecollection.com? Their website says they have western and southwestern greeting cards. "From cowboys to cactus, Stonehouse collection has the perfect Western or Southwestern themed Christmas card for desert dwellers everywhere!" I'm s'posing they even have the perfect cards for non-desert dwellers. The Western Christmas variety pack has 84 cards for $15.00.

At www.blueskypublishing.net boxed cards are available blank or with holiday greetings. Each box has 10 cards of the same design and 10 envelopes. If you wish you can order online or request a catalog. Blue SkyPublishing, Inc. P.O. Box 19974 Boulder, CO 80308-2974 TOLL FREE: 800-875-9493 IN COLORADO: 303-530-4654
bspinfo@blueskypublishing.net

The website www.tinyprints.com offers photo cards, announcements and invitations. You will sign in to create an account and go from there. They also have a toll free number: 877-300-9256. Quoted prices are said to be "as low as $1.34 each." I'm sure this all depends on what and how many of any item you order.

I know I shouldn't have to remind you to order as soon as possible to assure you get what you want and put less stress on everyone involved. The holidays are arriving before you know it!