I scoped out a few other Artist shops today, to get new ideas, and was fascinating by what some people have done in making their cards.  I first saw some "mixed media cards" from Angie at:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/calabashcards
 
Here is one snapshot of her clever work:
 

 
She uses SCRAPBOOKING methods on her scanner, then adds front text later to make some of her cards:  Very nice.  I love the 3D effect.
 
Then there are Patri's amazing cards at:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/blackrosegallery
 
I love this card of hers; Pink Fizz.  Real Flowers from her garden and scanned "arranged!"  WOW!
 

 
I may have to try this out, but perhaps with other objects like coins, rings, and other small items.  I'd love some scanner tips if others have tried some of these ideas out;  scanning "stuff" rather just scanning our paintings, sketches or photos.
 
Anyone else have, or notice, some other novel GCU card approaches?  Post a link!
 
TOM

Wow those cards with the scanned images look great! Im definetly going to have to try that.  
 
I know of a technique for painting I think its call map painting or digital map painting. Its a technique that takes photographs that you take into photoshop and paint over them with the paint brush tool and different layers and opacities. adding your own ideas to. The effect is amazing and can be very beautiful and realistic. Iv'e only tried this once its pretty simple but time consuming.
 
you can take a look at some sites that have good examples.  
http://www.philipstraub.com/Digital_Paintings.htm  
http://www.behance.net/Gallery/Digital-Landscape-Paintings/57595

Great ideas flowing in.  THANKS EVERYONE.
 
Ang, do you always scan the handmade card without the base cardstock?  It looks like that but I'm curious on what you have tried.  I don't know how Patri got her blue background.  It isn't uniform so she perhaps uses reflected light somehow.
 
And thanks for the compliments on my cards.  I showed a bunch at a party last night, with the back credits, and people's eyes lit up.  Not only did they like the humor, they liked the quality and the fact that they could say they knew the "Artist" (still getting use to that title  ).  I carry about 20 around in a little box which really show well.  I give some away with a promise that they come to GCU and buy at least 2 cards, and they don't have to be mine.  
 
With my cards, I do need to try some new things.  I've added color backgrounds and some layering, but I need to do more to "WoW" the buyer.  
 
Keep the ideas coming!

Hi Tom,
I usually do the entire layout on card stock or handmade paper first and then I take a picture of it (a lot of the mixed media images are raised images so I have trouble getting a clean image when I scan them --lots of shadows).
 
I like your marketing idea! I'm slowly trying to train myself to always have sample cards on hand wherever I go. The good news is that whenever I show the cards people are always impressed with the quality, and like you I push for them to visit GCU and have a look around so that they can see the wide selection of cards that are available.