Persian New Year...

Hey Folks,
Just a reminder that Spring is almost upon us. That means Persian New Year, a.k.a. Norooz! I will be posting some Norooz-related goodies soon. I will also have some great cards and gifting items available in my Etsy Shop. Stay tuned! In the meantime, check out my post from last year here! Enjoy!

xo

Abstract...

I thought I'd share with you a photo I took in March of this year. It was taken just after the celebration of Norooz, the Persian New Year. That can be known by the hyacinths in the foreground. They are one of the traditional flowers placed on the haft-seen. As you can see, I edited the photo significantly where it now has an illustrated quality. I am thinking of using this type of photo-editing on some of my future cards. What do you think? What kinds of images would you like to see edited this way? I would love some feedback. By the way, in case you're wondering. This is my living room. :)

Abstract Edited Image

Original Photo Image

Persian New Year Tradition...

Persian New Year (Norooz) is upon us today/tomorrow and I wanted to share with you my Haft-Sin display. "Haft" means 7 and "Sin" means the "S" sound. These items are symbolic and are displayed to mean health, prosperity and abundance for the new year.

1. Sabzeh (Wheatgrass)

2. Sib (Apple) and 

3. Samanu (Sweet paste made from germinated wheat)

4. Sonbol (Hyacinth)

5. Sir (Garlic) and 

6. Somagh (spice from the grated skin of a dark berry with a slightly acidic flavor)

7. Sekkeh (coins)

Persian New Year Cards (cont'd)...

Here is the 2nd in the series of my Persian New Year (a.k.a. Norooz) Cards. I chose to show a classic image of a Haft Sin. How do you like it? It is called "Haft Sin Flourish".

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Inspiration Image Used: 19th Century painting of a Qajar family sitting around the Haft Sin

The stain glass windows in Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Shiraz, Iran) are quite similar to the ones in the painting.

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The cards below are a couple designs I made to give to my family when I see them on Norooz. I designed them for my parents and my brother. They are original designs as all of my cards are. They have been stamped with the message using my new favorite thing: alphabet stamps! They are great because you can customize your sayings. Let's face it, not every saying is going to be made into a ready-made stamp. Especially a message like "Happy Norooz"!

 Vessel design with a burst of floral motif

 Ancient Golden Sphinx with hologram floral motif

 Embellished envelope using stamps and dabs of glitter.

Embellished envelope using stamps and dabs of glitter.