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I'm making sets of gift cards to give to my children's teachers for Christmas. Do you think it would be tacky to sign the backs of the cards? Thanks for the input.
If you signed them with matching colours (using markers or whatever) I think that would be neat.
It would be neater if you had a stamp that said "made by Jeanette" and then you could totally stamp it in matching colours - that would not only be neat, it would be super cool.
Maybe you could just use a stamp that says Handmade. When I mail out cards that have someone elses name on the back I feel a little funny about that. But that is just me. When your package your cards, you can add a tag that has a message that these cards were handmade by you for them.
It's art, you created it, there's nothing at all wrong with signing your work. I do use a "handmade by" stamp and then sign it, but however you want to do it, it's not tacky for artwork to be signed.
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i agree...
it is art and it should be signed by the artist!
i always sign the cards i make.
my daughter stayed all night with a friend recently and found a card in the girls room that had been given to her from the choir teacher... my daughter looked on the back YEP! signed my ME! i always give the choir teacher sets of cards for christmas!
Maybe you could just use a stamp that says Handmade. When I mail out cards that have someone elses name on the back I feel a little funny about that. But that is just me. When your package your cards, you can add a tag that has a message that these cards were handmade by you for them.
Actually, I would feel funny about that too, but that's only 'cause everyone whom I would give a card to knows that I make cards too, so I think they would wonder why I didn't give them a card that I made myself. But if this was not my hobby, I would love giving cards that were handmade by someone else (and were signed on the back).
Thanks a bunch, ladies. I'll let you know what I decide.
Hi ... definitely stamp it but perhaps in a shade of ink just barely darker than the cardstock (instead of in black) so the info is there but in a more subtle way.
We need to catch-up (I know life's been crazy for both of us). If my voice holds out I'll call you Monday (slight hijack over but she's my BFF :-D)
I have a 'Made by' stamp that I use. When I use ink, I use the lightest color ink pad that will show/co-ordinate. If the cardstock is dark enough, I use Versamark . The only cards I don't 'sign' are the ones I donate. On those, I use a mini flower stamp. The cards you make are your work product so why not claim them.
I always sign my initials and '09 (soon to be '10) on the back of my cards. I write it small in a coordinating color pen, centered on the very bottom of the card. And I draw a little heart over my "logo".
I sign all my cards, if they're in a set or single. I created it, and I think it's fine to put your name to it if you created it. I also have a little stamp that says "hand stamped just for you" and I write "by Carol" after that. Go for it! You earned the recognition
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Of course you should put your handmade stamp on them. After all, you did make them. Hallmark & all the big companies have their name on the back, why shouldn't we? JIL
Thanks so much, ladies! Hi Tina! I've decided to stamp & sign (in a coordinating color, of course ) the backs, because if Hallmark can do it, so can I.
I totally agree! In fact, my husband ordered me my very own customized stamp from Stampin Up so that I can include them on the back. What I do is stamp my "handmade by..." stamp onto either white or cream cardstock and then punch it out with my Scallop circle. Add a photo tag sticker to back and then when I make a card, I grab one and stick it on the back! Your work - and like you say - if Hallmark can do it - so can we!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrapjanny
Thanks so much, ladies! Hi Tina! I've decided to stamp & sign (in a coordinating color, of course ) the backs, because if Hallmark can do it, so can I.
Jeanette, I am so glad you decided to sign your works of art! I always sign everything I create. I have a lot of differant stamps that say handstamped, handmade, created for you by, designed by etc... and I just pick the one that compliments the item and then I always sign my initials D.H.B by hand and sometimes the date. On the majority of my cards this is done on the back but some of the ones I use painting techniques on I have signed on the front with the date (sometimes even using my whole last name) like a painter signs a canvas. I even signed the bottom of each of my coaster tiles I made for the craft shows this year. I agree we are all artists and artists sign their works of art.
Thanks so much, ladies! Hi Tina! I've decided to stamp & sign (in a coordinating color, of course ) the backs, because if Hallmark can do it, so can I.
I'm glad you decided to sign because I was going to put this rationale that people don't worry if the back says American Greetings or whatever when they send cards so why should they worry if you are taking credit for the work you have done? And you never know who's desk that could end up on.
ETA - by "people" I mean those that don't make cards themselves.
LOL, a friend of mine went to Las Vegas, and she visited Viva Las Vegas Stamps, and brought me back one of those with the circle and slash over Hallmark. I just used that on DH's birthday card. For people you KNOW, there are a lot of funny stamps for the backs of cards.
I put my logo on thge back.....which is a paw print. I don't find my name necessary as the person receiving it already knows my name. I'm not a business or selling my cards, so I don't see the need for my name on the back. If I give a set as a gift, then it's a gift. Anyone the person would send one of the cards to wouldn't care who I am.
The inside of my cards usually does have the year in the upper right corner.
I put my logo on thge back.....which is a paw print. I don't find my name necessary as the person receiving it already knows my name. I'm not a business or selling my cards, so I don't see the need for my name on the back. If I give a set as a gift, then it's a gift. Anyone the person would send one of the cards to wouldn't care who I am.
The inside of my cards usually does have the year in the upper right corner.
Patti
I completely get it - however I would rather put my name back there than someone else claiming credit for my work IYKWIM;)
LOL, a friend of mine went to Las Vegas, and she visited Viva Las Vegas Stamps, and brought me back one of those with the circle and slash over Hallmark. I just used that on DH's birthday card. For people you KNOW, there are a lot of funny stamps for the backs of cards.
Hahahaha! I have never seen that, but what a clever idea.... must find me one of those!!!!
Diane
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I have several stamps specifically to use on the back of my cards. I have had many comments on how beatiful that is and so cool. I have a specific one I use when I sell cards, too. I make all my mom's cards and she insists that I stamp the back so everyone knows I made it and she can say, "my daughter makes my cards." So.....take credit in any way you feel comfortable and it is a cool thing.............Janet
I always the sign the backs of cards I amke, even those I give as a gift. Usually I use one of several "handstamped' stamps and then add my initals and the year- thus the cards I made this year would include "CL '09"
I have a stamp that I use only for good friends or family on the back of cards. It reads...If this was from Hallmark It would not look this good. Then I use my personalized stamp I got from CTMH that reads "Made with love from the heart by Nancy".
I always sign the backs of my cards. I've developed an "artist" signature with my initials and place it somewhere around a stamp that I've used on the front. I stamp off the paper first so the image is much lighter so it doesn't slow through the inside. I also sometimes sign the front when I don't make a card, etc. where I can't used the back, just like the great artists of the world Christmas blessings.
__________________ ShariW
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I sign the backs of my cards, but am rethinking about when I sign them... I have a stash of cards I've made over the years at retreats and work parties. Many of these cards I thought I would keep forever for the idea and inspiration. Over time, I'm finding that I want to use these, and seeing the date from several years ago has made me feel awkward (silly, I know). I'm rethinking that if I make a card that won't be used right away, I'll wait to sign and date until the time I decide to give it away.
I have a "handmade by *my name*" stamp and I use Versamark or a slightly different shade of almost-matching ink. My name is on the card, but it's subtle.
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I am making baby shower invitations for my DIL.........I will be mailing them for the hostess, also. Would it be weird for my to put my "made with love by..." on the back? The card bases are white, so I would use a very light color ink.........whatcha' think? :-)
This thread made me remember something my son did when he was little. His name is Dan and whenever he made me a card, usually in school, he would draw a little crown on the back and then write "DanMark" underneath. It was so cute! He thought of it all by himself and he would proudly point out to me that the card was NOT a Hallmark. I have saved most of them. He is 26 now and doesn't make cards for me anymore. I usually get Hallmarks... :(
As for me, I have a custom stamp that says:
donebyme and I write the year underneath that. LM
Most people enjoy seeing that because they feel special that I made a handmade card just for them.
This thread made me remember something my son did when he was little. His name is Dan and whenever he made me a card, usually in school, he would draw a little crown on the back and then write "DanMark" underneath. It was so cute! He thought of it all by himself and he would proudly point out to me that the card was NOT a Hallmark. I have saved most of them. He is 26 now and doesn't make cards for me anymore. I usually get Hallmarks... :(
As for me, I have a custom stamp that says:
donebyme and I write the year underneath that. LM
Most people enjoy seeing that because they feel special that I made a handmade card just for them.
dbm
That is so cute and what a wonderful memory!
__________________ ShariW
Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart-Prov.3:5a
I am making baby shower invitations for my DIL.........I will be mailing them for the hostess, also. Would it be weird for my to put my "made with love by..." on the back? The card bases are white, so I would use a very light color ink.........whatcha' think? :-)
Specifically - take credit where credit is due.
Generally, Its not weird to put your name on the back - if someone looks they may be pleasantly surprised that they aren't American Greetings or Hallmark.
I think we are over thinking this -if you made it you are more than expected to sign it whether it is sculpture, an oil painting, a knitted by, or a handcrafted card.
Just because you made it and you sent it doesn't mean you don't deserve credit for your work. Its not being pretentious or boasting - its the truth. Honestly would you rather lie about it?
Even if you aren't in business you could end up meeting a new friend just by putting your name on the back.
Last year I made a card for a male friend and without thinking I forgot to sign the back, I was then working away for a week, when I got back he came round and made me sign the back;)...this is a mans man kinda guy so it made me feel great and proud of my work!
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Very cute!
Quote:
Originally Posted by donebyme25
This thread made me remember something my son did when he was little. His name is Dan and whenever he made me a card, usually in school, he would draw a little crown on the back and then write "DanMark" underneath. It was so cute! He thought of it all by himself and he would proudly point out to me that the card was NOT a Hallmark. I have saved most of them. He is 26 now and doesn't make cards for me anymore. I usually get Hallmarks... :(
As for me, I have a custom stamp that says:
donebyme and I write the year underneath that. LM
Most people enjoy seeing that because they feel special that I made a handmade card just for them.
dbm
So very cute... ironically, my husbands name is MARK HALL, so I have signed things at the back HALLMITZ... LOL... My husband has always been teased for HALLMARK... LOL. In school teachers usually say your last name first, and then your first name, so it has followed him. So funny. I love the DAN MARK though... tell him to get busy and send you DANMARK cards again instead of HALLMARK! =)
When I was a SU demo I bought one of the stamps that say Handmade for you By and my name. My family loves it that they always know when I have made it myself. I don't sell cards, but if I did, I would stamp them too. If you are proud of what you do, say so by putting your name on it. Anyone can buy a card at the store, but it takes someone special to make it themselves!
Signing the backs of gifts
Very cute!
