Suttle-Straus Graphic Designer: 'Winter Theme' Is Perfect for the Holidays (Part Two)

This article was originally published by Christine Edgren, senior graphic designer and social media specialist at Suttle-Straus in Waunakee, Wis., on the Suttle-Straus blog.

A couple weeks ago, we posted a holiday inspiration article featuring cards that followed a "giving thanks" theme. This week, as part two of the series, we're providing ideas for "seasonal greetings."

If you live in a cold weather state (like we do), a winter-themed card can be a welcomed change from the traditional imagery of holiday cards — especially when they’re interactive.

Interactive Snowflake Ornament (Video)

This unique snowflake trifold card was printed on a soft-touch paper and the interior pages were printed with a spot gloss varnish and diecut. The card featured directions on how to assemble the snowflake and included a silver cord to hang. The result was a beautiful decoration that customers could hang in their office all season long. ADDY Award Winner.

Build Your Own Snowman

This cute snowman was another interactive piece, which required customers to build a snowman, inspired by the paper ring garland many of us made as kids. The piece was printed just two-color, which gave it a unique look and feel. The back of the card featured tips for creating sustainability gifts throughout the year and directions for assembly. Because of the sustainability message, it was printed on FSC 111# Savanna limba cover and included a 1mm hemp cord. To give it a personal touch, it was hand signed by Suttle-Straus sales representatives. Many customers sent us photos of their “Sustainable Snowman” hanging in their offices, similar to the photo above.

Poster

This next “Gratitude” poster concept was printed 18x24" conventionally and sent in a poster tube for added intrigue. It was hand-drawn by one of our creative team members. We still hear customers say they have it hanging up in their offices. ADDY Award Winner.

Snowflake Multi-Directional Fold

This next concept took on a winter snowflake theme and incorporated the giving thanks message. Printed two-color, including one metallic ink, and sent prior to Thanksgiving, it included four charity options for recipients to choose from. Because of its unique fold and diecut design, it was a featured piece on the Fold Factory’s Super Cool Fold of the Week. To go along with the mailer, we also created supplemental pieces — a video that featured several of our employees sharing what they were thankful for, as well as desktop and mobile wallpaper downloads of the design. ADDY Award Winner.

Bonus

Ever consider designing your own wrapping paper? We did! This was truly a unique and memorable gift!

Featuring several coatings in a fun and useful way, the stylish packages were designed with a small swatch book for customers to keep at their office for reference. The full size sheets of wrapping paper could then be used for personal gift giving. They served as a long-lasting reminder all year as the colors used were not holiday-specific.

Consider ways to stand out from the crowd, not only this holiday season, but all year long. Contact Suttle-Straus to see how we can help you produce a piece that will leave a lasting impression in your customers' minds.

About the Author
Christine Edgren is a senior graphic designer and social media specialist at Suttle-Straus with over 10 years of design experience, nine of those years with Suttle-Straus. Her background includes agency and in-house environments working on everything from brand development to painting a life-size cow for CowParade Wisconsin.

Edgren enjoys collaborating with clients on a variety of projects, seeing them through from concept to completion. Her passion for typography, design and unique papers led her to also teach aspiring designers at Madison College. Aside from her love of design, Edgren enjoys being outdoors all year round with her husband, three-year-old daughter and border collie mix rescue.