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Sunday school students had
their chance to receive awards also. The difference was the type of messages
that were printed on the cards. Needless to say that these particular cards had
always prayers and religious writings on them.
In the very beginning, the
cards were hand made and penned personalized. It wasn't until mid 1800's that
they became widespread in a black and white form. When technology decided to
make a significant change, it was around the 1860's. The simple cards had to
step out of scene for the entrance of real small pieces of artwork. The cards
were tiny, but always very fancy and extremely colorful due to technology
improvement.
Image by Lady Dj
The styles were very
diversified. You could find from land landscapes to animals, mostly birds, all
sorts of exotic flowers, fruits and vegetables, home life scenes, children and
even seashells, all of them extremely realistic. That's why they are considered
until today miniature art work.
As the years went by, the
manufacturers in order to improve the quality of their products, started adding
some extra touch to the cards. Glitter, cut-outs, silk ribbons, bows, and
different shapes made these cards become a fever. Later they started making the
emboss effect. That's when the size of the cards were enlarged, and they became
capable to be framed, sort of like the certificates we know these days.
Despite of their size, color,
quality, or manufacturer, the cards had a very strong appeal towards the
students, that wanted for any kind of way to receive the recognition from their
teacher. After all it was a proof of the esteem of their instructor. Some cards
had an appropriate space in the back for details and special messages.
The fever for these Cards of
Approbation went until 1930. Then the gorgeous artwork had to step back for the
gold and silver stickers. What a pity.
Image by Lady Dj
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