the wandercards

cards for exploring the poetics of place

A few years ago I published a limited edition set of 75 prompt cards that I called 'wander cards'. There were three sets :: devised for use 'in the armchair', 'in the field' or 'in the mind' and they found homes quite quickly.

'in the field' had prompts and suggestions that can be applied anywhere, 'in the armchair' was designed to bring the focus inward and to be used when following trails of dried marmalade through the magical map that is your notebook, the 'in the mind' cards gave food for thought.

The idea was that you could choose one at a time, or select three (one from each set) and consider them in relation to each other, as a kind of creative tarot to use when considering the poetics of place. Those of you with sharp eyes will note there are four bundles in my hand ... an extra blank set was included in the original edition so that people could add their own inspiring words to the collection.

There has been interest in having the cards reprinted, but after some thought I've decided instead to make their contents available here at the School of Nomad Arts. Investing in the course gives you all of the texts from the original set, together with guidance on a number of methods you can use when making your set. The cost of the course is considerably less than the original cards (which were expensive to print largely because there was so much cutting involved) ... and you certainly save on the cost of postage (which was quite hefty).

Whether you wander the whirled or perambulate the perimeters of the Persian rug there will be times when you are gazing at your notebook, wondering where to begin. These cards are for such times.

You can size your personal set of wander cards to fit the bag in which you carry your art supplies, to live on your desk or tuck in your pocket. They can be constructed from recycled materials or from new cardstock, from watercolour paper, luggage tags or a few sets of old playing cards. Take your time and make them beautiful, so you will want to use them again and again.

And the beauty of joining this course is that you also be able to enjoy being part of a community of people with shared interests :: as you work through the making of your wandercards, you’ll be invited to share images of them with me via email, so that I can post them on the windowbox gallery (included in the course).

There’ll be updates from time to time, and occasionally a video to watch with a cup of tea.

I am dreaming that 'the wandercards' will become a rich resource for you all.

Find them here