One Heart, One Hand

I’d like to tell you a little bit about where my recent Meteor Vintage logos came from. I am lucky enough to have a friend (with an extreme amount of patience) who has been there for me through the years as both my friend and my “partner in crime”. Through my many harebrained schemes, project ideas and (sometimes) tears, she has never once complained. To have a friend who can give substance, form and detail to your ideas is a rare treat. I consider Debby Wagner to be, not only a fantastic artist, but one of my very best friends.

by Debby Wagner

by Debby Wagner

Debby comes by her artistic talent honestly. Her grandmother was Mary Dorman Lardie, an artist for Hallmark whose career as a greeting card writer and illustrator spanned more than 60 years. I had the pleasure of meeting Mary at her home in Traverse City, Michigan one summer when I was in high school. She was in her eighties at the time and every bit the character she had been described as by her family. I enjoy the Wagner women for their sense of humor and, after meeting Mary, it was easy to see where that came from.

Debby (pictured right) was my Maid of Honor. She and her mother sewed the dress she is wearing in this photo from a re-issued vintage pattern.

Debby (pictured right) was my Maid of Honor. She and her mother sewed the dress she is wearing in this photo from a re-issued vintage sewing pattern. Photo by Erin Claire Photography. Hair and styling by Miana Cornell, Hive Salon.

Mary wrote, designed and illustrated over 8,000 cards in her career, more than half of which were published by Hallmark. A Google search for Mary Dorman cards and items often takes you to eBay or Etsy, where pieces from her popular 1950’s teen line can still be found. I frequently search through old postcards at antique stores hoping to find one of Mary’s designs, such as the patriotic ones that follow.

Happy Independence Day!