| Greeting cards started out as simple slips of papyrus, | | | | for all tastes. |
| that were exchanged by both the Egyptians and | | | | Of course, you don't need to buy your greeting cards |
| Chinese as messages of goodwill. As the concept of | | | | in a store. Computers and home printers have made it |
| greeting cards evolved, Europeans began to send | | | | easy to create and print out your own cards at home. |
| them to one another for holidays such as Valentine's | | | | Many people have also taken up paper crafts, and |
| Day - and this occurred as early as the 1400's. Of | | | | have taken to hand making their own greeting cards |
| course, these cards were handmade and expensive | | | | out of many different materials, with embellishments |
| so not everyone could afford to send greeting cards | | | | ranging from ribbons to beads. Some even go as far |
| for their holiday well-wishes. | | | | as to make their own paper, which is a time |
| Greeting cards really hit the mainstream in the 1850's, | | | | consuming process but definitely shows your recipient |
| when commercial printing as well as the invention of | | | | just how much you care. Hand painting and rubber |
| the postage stamp started to allow people all over the | | | | stamping with ink can complete your homemade |
| world to send greeting cards to their loved ones. Now, | | | | creation. |
| greeting cards are a billion dollar business, with people | | | | Greeting cards have evolved from an item used only |
| purchasing and sending cards for holidays including | | | | by the rich to an everyday tradition. Whether you want |
| religious celebrations, birthdays, and even just as a | | | | to communicate with far-off relatives, or just let your |
| simple thank you or gesture of love. The two largest | | | | sweetie know how much you love them - greeting |
| greeting card companies, Hallmark and American | | | | cards make a great (and inexpensive) way to brighten |
| Greetings, offer cards that are perfect for any | | | | up someone's day! |
| occasion, with themes and illustrations that are great | | | | |