AzarÉl: Greeting Cards Reimagined

Have you ever received the perfect greeting card, only to tuck it away in a drawer or—worse yet—toss it out? At AzarÉl Greetings, our cards are meant to be more than just a fleeting sentiment; they are designed to be frameable works of art. Each card features real photographic backyard magic, celebrating the little birds and critters found right outside our door with absolutely no AI. Every piece is handmade by me. Because they are totally blank inside, you have the complete flexibility to write exactly what’s on your heart. Read on to find out more about what makes these treasures so special.

Above: “A Gift to the Heart” sister’s birthday card – Shop online here.

Real Backyard Magic: No AI, No Stock Photos

The original photography on AzarÉl Greetings cards is my own unique brand, right from our own backyard. On most days, I lay out a smorgasbord of food on a 3’ x 3’ feeding platform. Photography days are much more elaborate. I create little vignettes using vintage items, gathered materials from our woods, and seasonal flowers. These scenes become a startling “playground” for the birds and critters. The photographs sit right on the edge of where reality meets make-believe; they are totally real. (Again, no AI.)

At the feeding platform, the birds and critters feel safe and secure because they are used to finding a meal there. On photography days, the secret to their “cooperation” is the same thing that probably motivates you: snacks! (Secret snacks. Ssssh!) I hide tiny bits of food within the scene. If any food is visible to the camera, I digitally remove those small bits later so the focus remains on the animal. They get a treat, and I get the photo; “every-birdy” is happy!.

My process is strictly hands-on and starts around 6:00 AM. It takes about 90 minutes to create a single scene, and a session can last several hours as I capture hundreds of photographs. I don’t use motion sensors, still frames from video, or any AI. Every image you see is a real, single-framed photograph, capturing a genuine moment in time. To see the “behind the scenes” magic, you can watch our birds and critters interacting with these scenes on our AzarÉl Greetings YouTube channel, where we share camcorder footage of the fun: AzarEl Greetings YouTube channel.

Above: “Outgrow the Nest” Mom’s Day Greeting card – Shop online here.

Framable Keepsakes: Designed for a Frame, Not a Drawer

AzarÉl greeting cards are more than a fleeting sentiment; it is a frameable keepsake.

• A Complete Gift: Pick up a beautiful 5”x7” standard frame at any local shop. Our cards fit perfectly, making your gift “display-ready” the moment it’s opened.
  
• A Seasonal Breath of Fresh Air: Many of our friends love to keep a stack of cards in one frame, swapping the “view” to match the seasons

Above: “Wings and Roots” Dad’s Day greeting card – Shop online here.

Writer’s Block? We’ve Got You Covered: Personalized, Not Pre-Printed

There is something truly special about a handwritten note, which is why I keep the insides of our greeting cards completely blank. This gives you the total flexibility to share what’s on your heart without being restricted by a pre-printed sentiment. A card becomes a treasured memory when it carries your unique voice—whether you are sharing a funny story, a word of encouragement, or a heartfelt “I love you.”  The personal note is what make a card worth keeping for years to come.

Of course, I know that sometimes the most difficult part is simply getting that first sentence down. Say goodbye to writer’s block. If your mind goes blank when the pen hits the paper, don’t worry! Every AzarÉl Greetings card includes a curated list of unique writing ideas to help spark your creativity and get your thoughts flowing. We have helpful writing ideas for all occasions. Click here.

Whether you use our prompts or write a long letter of your own, these cards provide the perfect canvas for your most meaningful messages.

The Handcrafted Process: Made by My Hands, Not a Machine

I personally handcraft every card at AzarÉl Greeting. A plain 5”x7” card and envelope is the starting point. To create a layered look, I cut a piece of scrapbook paper to serve as a decorative mat. Using an EK Success Corner Adorner, I punch fancy corners into the card stock, allowing the matted photo print to slide perfectly into place. A touch of double-sided tape ensures everything is secure, resulting in a finished piece that is beautiful enough to be displayed in a frame as a lasting gift.

Unfortunately,  EK Success no longer makes corner adorners. A wide variety of used corner punches are still available at places like EBay and Etsy.

Above: “Mother – Maker of Memories” Mom’s Day greeting card – Shop online here.

Want More Wonder? Stay Connected with AzarÉl Greetings

I create our cards to help you share a moment of true wonder. Our greeting cards provide a beautiful and unusual space to write. Our handcrafted cards are a frameable piece of art. Choose a special frame and it becomes a lovely gift.

The largest collection of our greeting cards is always available at our craft shows. You can find a list of our current shows at this link. We also offer a smaller, curated collection online here for your convenience. For even more backyard magic, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. That’s where the newest items from AzarÉl Greetings appear first. We look forward to seeing you soon!