New to the Collection

When I see the modest prices of the older cards in my collection, I’m amazed recalling how I used to fret over my purchases each year. The fact is, in 1995 twenty-odd dollars spent on Halloween cards really did feel like an extravagance. And there were always so many wonderful examples! I often had to take myself in hand and let some gems go in favor of others.

Those days are gone. Not that there aren’t attractive cards still to be found. But the ingenuity that made so many of my finds irresistible has largely yielded to what I call the School of Accretions. Papyrus is a great exponent of this: cards with “tidbits” stuck all over them, at prices that would make a Vanderbilt blanch. And that’s not even factoring in the extra postage required to mail them. There is no pleasure for me in paying the price of a magazine for a greeting card.

So far this year, I’ve acquired only this card.

Cats are flocked, inside and outside (including the one above the greeting), and their green eyes appear to be slightly reflective. An elegant card—and a bargain at just under $4.00!

Maker: American Greetings

Date: c.2020

Price: $3.99