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I was thrilled this morning to receive this beautiful handmade postcard from visual artist Stephen MacInnis.
A few weeks ago we agreed on an exchange, and now we both have a little piece of each others artwork in our homes!
I’ve been a huge fan of Stephen’s work since finding his blog here on WordPress, so it was a real joy to do this swap with him.
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This is the one that I sent in exchange – I wanted to make something handmade, and had great fun with this, both in the making and in the wrapping up, knowing that it was going on a long journey!
(clicking on the image should bring up a clearer one)
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Stephen’s card was wrapped and folded, making it really intriguing to open..
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It opened out to a great design and little handwritten note inside. I love to see handwriting!
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And on the other side – this!!
It is oh so beautiful and full of life, and has all the elements of movement, colour, precision and energy that I really admire in Stephen’s work. I can’t stop smiling to look at it, and I will treasure it.
If you haven’t already, visit Stephen’s fantastic blog Painter’s Progress. You can read his post on receiving my card here.
I highly recommend exchanging work in this way – whether it is a piece of art, writing, or a photograph, it’s great to make something in this spirit. It’s also rare to receive something interesting through the post these days! You just can’t beat the real thing.
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Settle and Chase 
How brilliant – wonderful idea and two really nice works.
Thanks Richard, yeah it’s great the kind of work that comes out of doing something like this, somehow it gives you license to experiment and be a bit braver..
Thanks Cath. Great post, and nice to see both cards together.
Thanks Stephen – yes I thought that, though they are quite different, they kind of work next to each other!
You’re right about handwriting, it’s great to see. Lovely idea.
Thanks Susan, I’ve always loved handwriting, I really miss getting letters..
Oh it’s lovely! Two great artists you are 🙂
Thanks Emily 🙂
Wow! Just beautiful! 🙂
It was a great experience opening it – I wish I got letters like this every day..!
Reblogged this on Painter's Progress and commented:
Thanks to Cath for a great trade! I really enjoyed the rare event of receiving something wonderful in the mail.
Me too Stephen – was just saying I wish the post was always this fun!
It was back to bank statements this morning – boohoo!
I was just looking at this and my 3 year son came over and said, “Pretty! I like that!”. 🙂
hehe! Aw sweet 🙂 I think that’s a good thing?!
Of course! 🙂
What beautiful pieces of art, Stephen and Cath.