Where does one find inspiration for a new, novel set of decorative greeting cards?

If you’re Rebecca Cook, you find it in Scandinavia, in Norway and in Sweden in particular.

The San Juan Island artist features colorful and charming renditions of the traditional Norwegian elves known as The Nisser (that’s plural; it’s Nisse in the singular) in her latest line of artistic cards.

The Nisser typically wear tall, red pointed hats and have long, shaggy beards. They are known to be playful and full of tricks, and are thought to frequent farms and carry a soft spot for the large, traditional Scandinavian barn.

A graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Cook, a graphic designer for 30 years and former Journal employee, is currently working on an original children’s picture book entitled “Calvin Splinter and His Splendid Splinter Ideas,” as well as a novel set on Orcas Island, tentatively entitled, “Going Out the IN Road.”

Cook’s Nisser cards are available for purchase at Friday Harbor’s Island Studios and at the Cottage Gift Shop at Orcas Landing. You can place an order online as well, at www.messageartdesign.com