My good friend inspired this card because of the hard work she devotes to making life better for everyone she meets. I’ve become convinced that our daily actions contribute as much to the world as the Big Actions reported in the news, and I wanted a card that acknowledges this.

March is women’s history month, and Oregon’s state motto and the Silverspot butterfly featured here are perfect for the strong women in your life who could use some encouragement, congratulations, and love.

This card commemorates the daily effort of my friend, myself, and others like us who try–moment by moment–to be kind, generous, and accepting. This can be taxing and difficult, and the Silverspot butterfly featured here represents the resilience we acquire as we try each day.

The Silverspot also symbolizes the power of the small–both the resilience of the delicate-seeming butterfly, but also the early-blooming violets it depends on that grow along the Oregon coast. The habitat for these violets (and butterflies) is shrinking and changing. And yet, the Silverspots burst forth each year, continuing their journey even as it gets more challenging.

After coloring my line drawing, I took it to a local printer for a fine-art-quality print on smooth paper. Then I hand-stamped each envelope with a design I carved and inked in green that compliments the hill of violets in the design.

These folded 5×7 card, blank inside, available in my Etsy shop if you are interested in purchasing some.

Thank you, as always, for following my Carrot Condo journey of creativity and cheer. Happy Women’s History Month!!

–TRISTA