Going handmade

In an effort to be more consistent with selling my handmade items on Etsy, I am trying to go all handmade. I realized that by using Etsy I could find some amazing artists who make embellishments. I buy their embellishments instead of the store bought ones since they are usually cheaper and usually much prettier.

I have bought from many people and so far I haven't come across one Etsier I didn't like!

Here are some examples of embellishments that are handmade and can be purchased on Etsy:

By www.pacokeco.etsy.com, this celebrate tag adds some old world charm to a new card.

With flowers by www.ohcrop16.etsy.com and tags by www.elles.etsy.com, these mini birthday cards are just fabulous!

This blank greeting card is quite cute with the addition of www. deejann.etsy.com, scalloped bird tag.

I'm always looking for new and fun embellishments so if you sell them or know someone who does, leave me a comment!

Stitching

I tried stiching on my cards not too long ago and boy, is it hard. I feel like it would be easier if I had a sewing machine but I've never used one so who knows what the outcome would be.

At first, I was using thread to stitch with but it seemed so thin and didn't seem to show up very well on the cards. I then tried using thread but doubling over all my work. This worked but was time consuming. Finally, I tried embroidery floss, this worked but it's so much thicker than thread and was harder for me to work with.

So, I haven't done a lot of stitching but still plan on trying new things in that realm.

Single stitches with thread

Doubling over with thread

Using embroidery floss

In the beginning...and now!

At first, my cards were pretty archaic. They had scraps pieces of paper, some ribbon and a bought embellishment. I thought they were prety snazzy but I have since decided that they are just okay.

Then I decided to try beading. I thought these cards would be so popular but I think poeple think they are maybe too bulky for mailing so they didn't really sell. (Although I mailed one or two and it worked just fine!)

Then, I tried playing with backgrounds in my photographs. Some were taken on my kitchen counter, some on the carpet, some on the table. Now, I take them outside in natural light which seems to be working a bit better for me.

I have also changed my prices a million times. At first the cards were $3.00 then $1.50 and now they are $1.75 to $2.00. I think these are fair prices based on the time I put in not to mention the supplies I use.

I have also branched out in making mini cards, homemade flowers, stationery and gift tags. These items sell pretty well and they are so much fun to make.

Mini Cards

Stationery

Flower Embellishments

Gift Tags

First Post

Well, I'm going to try to start a blog based on my cards and crafts.

As for my banner, well, it makes me happy. I know that I don't really use colored pencils in my work, but I love the look of them (who doesn't love brightly colored pencils, especially with the start of school right around the corner). Ah! Memories!

Hopefully, this sight will provide people with a little insight into who I am as a person and a cardmaker as well as give all of you a voice into letting me know how I could improve my Etsy store.

So, feel free to leave lots of comments and ideas!