Card Sharks

Healthy Eating

2009-08-06T05:46:00.001-06:00

by Danielle

I saw Food, Inc. for the second time yesterday and find the issues facing our food industry fascinating. One thing I can say for this documentary is that it instills the desire to learn more about where food comes from and what is healthy and what is not. Click on the photo above for 10 tips on healthier eating.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Free Yourself

2009-08-04T05:52:00.001-06:00

by Danielle

"A human being is part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

Albert Einstein

---

Card Sharks

High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets

Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Lomography

2009-08-03T06:21:00.001-06:00

Remember when we used to make sure the picture would be perfect before we snapped the shutter? Throw your digital camera in a drawer and pick-up some film and start shooting with thought and purpose again.

This seemingly simple style of photography has been getting increasingly popular with the mainstream. Using "cheap," simple point-and-shoot cameras like lomos and holgas (the kind you can get for $20 at any Urban Outfitters) which let in light and have other flaws can create some really beautiful effects.

Check out Lomography.com to check out great photos, search for new products and get tips on making great images.

All images courtesy of Lomography.com

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Craft Lake City

2009-07-31T05:31:00.001-06:00

by Danielle

One week from tomorrow Salt Lake City will host its first annual Craft Lake City festival. Card Sharks will be there and you should be too! So, before you make your plans for next weekend, mark your calendar. You could swing by, pick up some Card Sharks, grab a bite to eat at a local favorite (like Squatters or Este Pizzeria) and then head over to the Broadway to see 500 Days of Summer (which we saw at Sundance this year and highly recommend). And everything is close enough to walk, so take Trax and forget about the hassle of parking. It's perfect!

The festival starts at 2 pm and lasts until 10 pm, with live bands playing throughout. If you do swing by, be sure to come say hi! We love meeting new friends.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Posters.

2009-07-30T06:38:00.000-06:00

by Michael

I've been collecting silk-screened and letterpress posters for the last couple of years. From American standards like Hatch Show Print in Nashville, which has been around for more than 100 years, to up-and-comers like The Little Friends of Printmaking, based in Milwaukee. Here are some prints that I own, and some I wish I did.

Leia Bell: based in SLC, Leia has been creating beautiful silk-screened posters and prints since 2001. She is well-known for the posters she creates for the local music venues.

FurTurtle: Also a Utah local, Travis Bone creates beautiful posters for bands like Death Cab For Cutie, The Decemberists and M. Ward.

Hatch Show Print: Has been creating letterpress posters for more than a hundred years. They have one of the largest collections of woodblock and lead type in the world. No digital here.

The Little Friends of Printmaking: Based in Milwaukee, WI this husband and wife team produces some of the most colorful and stylistic posters around.

Hammerpress: Founded in 1994 in Kansas City, MO, Hammerpress is a full service letterpress printer with offerings including stationery, invitations and posters.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Loving Colour Lovers

2009-07-28T06:37:00.000-06:00

by Danielle

While doing some HTML customizing on my personal blog, I came across this website. It is called COLOURlovers.

COLOURlovers is a place where people can create their own colors, color palettes and patterns and then share their creations with others. When I need some inspiration, I will often go to this site to browse the colors and patterns.

Each individual color also comes with a hex code, so it makes it easy for novice HTML coders (like me!) to find the perfect color for their blog font.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

We love state holidays!

2009-07-24T05:46:00.001-06:00

by Danielle

We're taking the day off (but our sale is not, 25% off through Monday) because it is an official state holiday in Utah. Happy Pioneer Day everyone!

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Creative Uses for Card Sharks

2009-07-23T06:04:00.001-06:00

by Danielle

It's no secret a lot of people are looking for jobs right now. It's hard to stand out among so many applicants.

So, I suggest a handwritten thank you note sent immediately after an interview. My favorites for this purpose are the Wings or the Shout-Outs.

Already have a job? Use the thank you notes for an important client or your boss. Everyone loves being appreciated!

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Inspiration: World's Fair

2009-07-22T07:09:00.000-06:00

by Danielle

Neat images of various World's Fairs from the Life Archive

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Show Me the Munny!

2009-07-16T07:20:00.002-06:00

by Danielle

A while ago, Michael suggested he and I paint Munnys. Just for fun. So we bought our plain white Munnys. His came with a pinwheel, mine a hat. I was a little intimidated at first because Michael's experience with artisanal endeavors is much more vast than my own. But, it was something to do.

We had a lot of fun. It took us both a while to think up what we were going to do with our Munnys and I never ended up with a singular idea. But, I knew I wanted his hat to be Marlon Brando circa 'The Wild One' and his soles to be Louboutin red.

Michael's neat creation is above and my brightly colored hodgepodge is below. If you are looking for a fun activity no matter the various ages of your company, I recommend giving this a try.

by Danielle

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Inspiration: Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder

2009-07-15T06:04:00.006-06:00

by Danielle

One thing that Salt Lake City is not lacking lately is outdoor movies. They are popping up all over the place. The most recent one I went to was Alfred Hitchcock's 'Dial M for Murder.'

This was one of Hitchcock's that I had never seen before and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Two aspects of the movie I found inspiration in include the costume design and the cinematography.

Below are three stills from the movie that feature some of the gorgeous costumes Grace Kelly wears. In an interview with Francois Truffaut, Hitchcock said: "We did an interesting color experiment with Grace Kelly's clothing. I dressed her in very gay and bright colors at the beginning of the picture, and as the plot thickened, her clothes became gradually more somber."

The other aspect that struck me, the cinematography, is best illustrated in two scenes. The below three photos depict the trial scene, in which we only see Grace's head as the colors surrounding her become more and more intense.

The other scene that I noticed excellent cinematography was the murder scene. This scene is also shown in promotional illustrations for the movie.

The film was originally supposed to run in 3-D, but most theaters showed it flat because of the increasing unpopularity of 3-D movies. As Grace's hand reaches out toward the camera, you can see why that would be a powerful shot in a 3-D movie. But, even without that extra dimension it is such a beautifully designed and unique shot. Alfred Hitchcock had such a pronounced style. I admire his creativity.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

One way to make your life less stressful

2009-07-14T06:08:00.003-06:00

by Michael & Danielle

We know that we never thought about picking up a greeting card until we were already 15 minutes late to the party, reception or whatever thinga-ma-jig we were off too. So, we'd swing by the local drug store, grocery store, or, more often, wherever we were buying the gift we forgot to get earlier. It was a matter of convenience.

Sound familiar?

Starting a greeting card company has helped us de-stress one aspect of our lives. There is always a card around when we need it. Need to send a quick thank you note or birthday card? Buy a couple of box sets online now, and you'll have cards for the rest of the year. Card Sharks offers a great selection of holiday, affection, any occasion and note cards. One box of wings or animal science cards can set you up for quite a while. So take some stress out of your life. Plan ahead. And pick up some Card Sharks cards at www.cardsharks.bigcartel.com. or

And if you live along the Wasatch Front, give us a call ( 801-495-3061 ) and place your order and we'll ship it for FREE! Heck, we'll probably even hand deliver it. Talk about white glove!

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Craft Lake City Festival

2009-07-13T06:16:00.002-06:00

by Michael

Come check us out on Saturday, August 8th at the Craft Lake City Festival in downtown SLC. It will be going from 2pm-10pm at the Gallivan Center downtown.

Featuring yours truly along with local artists and craftsters like Leia Bell from Signed and Numbered (one of my favorite places to spend the money I don't have) and Trent Call.

poster by Leia Bell from my personal collection

poster by Trent Call

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

summer: afternoon strolls + evening jogs

2009-07-10T07:20:00.001-06:00

by Michael

summer is the best. i don't think there is any simpler way to put it. you just can't beat walking out your door at 8:30 pm for an evening run and having it be a perfect 72º.

here are some pictures from my urban weekend outdoors.

from my evening jog around lake monona:

at monona terrace facing the state capitol:

boats on the lake:

on my sunday walk around town

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Mark your calendars: Card Sharks on Communication Arts' web site

2009-07-09T07:03:00.001-06:00

by Michael

Check it. On July 20th Card Sharks will be featured on Communication Arts' web site, in the Exhibit section. Communication Arts is one of the most widely read and respected publications dealing with the graphic arts.

We'll post a link when it goes up. But for now feel free to check out the great stuff featured on their site and stay tuned.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

"what about the papers josh? what about the papers?"

2009-07-08T07:03:00.005-06:00

by michael

i love paper. the textures, weights and brightness. for some reason it just does it for me. so here are some of my recommendations for all you paper lovers out there.

threepotatofour paper packs: in their own words "each pack is uniquely different, but is filled with a combination of numbers, type, pattern, graphics and color through an assortment of maps, tickets, stamps, cards, labels, signs, stencils and and all things old school."

french paper co: great paper and great design. check out their selection of wrapping papers and patterned stock. you won't be disappointed.

muji: one of my favorite places to shop when i'm in the NYC. and now you can buy online! simple and elegant notebooks make a great and gift, while going easy on your wallet or purse or man-bag if that's what you're into.

moleskine: i take my moleskine notebook everywhere. these guys have been around for the past 200 years, and have been used by artists and writers such as vincent van gogh, pablo picasso and ernest hemingway.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Congrats!

2009-07-07T06:27:00.001-06:00

by Michael

Congratulations to Brian Bennett of Eagan, MN! Brian won a Little Beasties box set in the Card Sharks giveaway!

And don't worry, there are plenty more contests to come. Stay tuned at Card Sharks. Or you can follow us on Twitter and/or become a fan on Facebook.

Do you have any ideas for contests? If so feel free to email us your ideas at info@card-sharks.net. Please include your name and contact info.

Image courtesy of the Life image archive.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

"if you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it"

2009-07-06T06:25:00.001-06:00

by michael

it's funny how old sayings tend to be true. "a picture is worth a thousand words," "be careful what you wish for," "save for a rainy day." most of us heard sayings like these growing up, and lets be honest, didn't pay them much attention. but as i've grown older, and hopefully wiser, i find that these once ignored phrases become more and more pertinent in my own life.

take the saying "you won't miss it 'til it's gone." truer words were never spoken. i find myself this summer living in madison, wisconsin. a beautiful city, located between two lakes, and the most humid place i have ever lived. to top it off i have been subletting a room in a house, without the god given gift of air conditioning. i never knew life could be so miserable. each day is like walking into the bathroom right after someone has taken an hour long shower. but the days are livable, it's the nights i can't stand. i spend hours tossing and turning, with a fan that only moves the hot humid air around.

now i know that the human race has survived for thousands of years without this modern convenience. but it must have sucked. so i thank you willis haviland carrier for, what is currently in my opinion, the greatest invention to benefit mankind. sure antiseptics, cement and the iPhone are great. but nothing compares to relaxing in a dry, cool, climate controlled room.

so remember, it's the little things that make life worth living. be thankful for what you have, cause you never know... someday it might be gone.

image courtesy of veer.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Happy 4th!

2009-07-02T20:10:00.005-06:00

by Danielle

Happy 4th of July to all! Card Sharks wishes you and yours an enjoyable time celebrating our freedom and our country. Thank you to all the military, teachers, and other civil servants out there!

See you Monday!
---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

10 Web Sites to Inspire Your Day

2009-07-01T13:19:00.023-06:00

by michael

i spend a good portion of my day on the computer. working, checking email, catching up on my facebook and twitter posts, and, every now and then, getting inspired. here are 10 web sites that i frequent, and may just inspire you:

zen habits: learn how to simplify your life. updated daily, this blog has brought a dose of calm into my life.

smashing magazine: i'm always looking for tips and tricks to make designing easier. they have the answers to all of your web design conundrums.

aMlaboratory: how says that play can't inspire. take a break at work today and have some fun with the TONE MATRIX, a seemingly simple web-based synthesizer. but don't play for too long... it gets addicting.

airside: this london based graphic design firm consistently turns out the coolest work coming out of the UK.

a continuous lean: this blog is a recent discovery. great tips on men's fashion and grooming. and, like myself, they are big fans of LIFE magazine's image archive.

ted: interviews, speeches and movies from brilliant minds around the world. you'll never get bored of this site.

papermag: art, books, film, music, fashion and so much more. all in one place.

BrandNew: this blog critiques the best and worst in modern identity design.

illustration mundo: this site features hundreds of the best illustrators in the US and abroad.

goodreads: nothing beats a good book. and with the lack of good movies this summer, you can take that free time and read an old favorite or check out what your friends are reading.

i hope some of these sites give you some good inspiration or at the very least some entertainment.

---
Michael Croxton - Designer
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

On Vacation

2009-06-30T11:00:00.004-06:00

by Danielle

Sorry if the posts come a bit slow this week, we are on vacation here:

Wisconsin!

---

Card Sharks

High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets

Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Weekend Movie Recap

2009-06-29T06:11:00.003-06:00

by Danielle

The top 2 movies this weekend were Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and The Proposal. But, it seems most people just saw Transformers, which made an estimated $112 million versus The Proposal's $18 million. I must admit that we contributed to the high earnings of both these films this past week. Here are our thoughts:

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Based on the poor reviews this has been getting, my expectations weren't too high. And I have to say it is about what I expected. Yes, some of the action scenes were sweet. However, I'm not sure that they were sweet enough to make up for the poor dialogue, crude/dumb jokes, overly-gratuitous Megan Fox shots and lack of compelling storyline. Not to mention these two characters above, Skids and Mudflap, were beyond annoying. Brace yourself!
That being said, was I bored? No, never. If you are looking for pure entertainment, this may be for you. But, if you are looking for a decent piece of cinema, I'd go to Star Trek, Up, or indie documentary, Valentino: The Last Emperor.

The Proposal

Again, expectations weren't set too high for this one. Typical summer romantic comedy. However, this one exceeded my expectations a bit. I started out not really liking it, but somewhere along the way its eccentric charm got to me. It was almost what I expected with a few unexpected turns. Like Transformers, its not going to win any Academy Awards, but it's a good way to beat the heat on a summer evening. Once you get over the fact that Sandra Bullock is way too old for Ryan Reynolds, it's pretty fun. And Office fans beware, you will see a side of Oscar that you never have before!

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Amazing Illustrator: John Hersey

2009-06-26T05:52:00.001-06:00

john hersey is a such a talented illustrator. we have worked on projects together for more than 15 years. i have no idea how the subject came up but one day we were talking about what it was like going up in canada. i don't remember what he said about canada but i do remember he said he had an interesting dad. john said when he was a kid he asked his father once why he had to do a certain chore. his dad's dead-pan reply was classic: "because i hate you and want to make you suffer." of course it was said in jest but who says something like that to a kid? i still remember it 10 years later and it still laugh makes me. john's personality and illustrations are filled with humor as well. he recently did a series of funky animals for card sharks. the images that he created are totally awesome - the squid is my personal favorite. john really is a talent.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

New Croxton Design Website Debuted

2009-06-25T05:31:00.001-06:00

the new and improved CROXTON DESIGN website has officially launched. this flash based site is both modern and elegant. it features 16 of the most recent projects to come out of CROXTON DESIGN and an archive of the award-winning work produced by CROXTON DESIGN over the last 25 years. with insights into the philosophies of BRENT CROXTON, links to collaborators and inspirational sites and in-depth notes on each project featured, the site is both educational and beautiful.

designed and implemented by MICHAEL CROXTON, with art direction by BRENT CROXTON.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Collections: American Presidents

2009-06-24T05:49:00.001-06:00

in the 1960's a collectible series of american presidents was manufactured by marx toys as giveaways for grocery stores and gas stations. these hard plastic, 2 3/4" figures came in painted and unpainted sets. apparently they also produced a styrofoam rotunda for all the presidents to stand on and a booklet detailing facts, adventures and exploits of each president. i enjoy junking for lost treasures from my youth. i remember these from when i was a kid. i stumbled on a set of the painted ones in northern caifornia and another set of the unpainted ones in pennsylvania. i bought them both. i love looking at those presidents and reflecting on the history they were a part of. and i love seeing how cool they look all together in the glass jar that i keep them in. richard nixon is the last one in the set. so much has happened since he was in office. the world is a different place. if my jars held every president we have had they would also hold another war, several terrorist attacks, incredible technological and medical advances, the near collapse of the stock market, new sports legends, and the first african-american president. i think i better get a bigger jar.

---
Card Sharks
High-End Greeting Cards & Box Sets
Based in Salt Lake Valley, Utah