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All four apply to me and what I do. I have had people ask me to make cards for them, and they insist on paying for them. I also give them to friends and family as gifts. Artistic
expression is high up on the list too, as I wouldn't make them if I didn't enjoy the process
- no fun otherwise, and odfcourse, it IS something to do- that speaks for itself. Keeps me out of mischief!
I make most of my cards with someone in mind, so they get mailed. I try to keep "the bumps" to a minimum because of that.
For those wondering what to do with all of the samples you're holding on to, thought I would mention that I take pictures of my cards if I think I'd like to make them again, then send them out. That way I don't have to find a place to store them.
I voted cards to give to people, but like a lot of you, I could have checked all of the above. When I first started, it was to save money and to have a creative outlet. Save money? Now that's a laugh... Now, I do it to pass time, to give to friends and family and as a creative outlet. I don't sell my cards, but will make custom ones for friends and family when they ask. I guess I make cards because I just enjoy it so much and it has really become my stress reliever. My husband says that the reason our marriage is so strong is because I have an outlet for all of the emotion that piles up on a day to day basis. You know, I never really looked at it that way. I guess making cards is sort of cheaper than therapy. LOL
__________________ Trish Everything in life happens for a reason...especially in crafting!
I selected Artistic Expression but I could really go with all choices. I used to go to craft fairs and sell cards I had accumulated over the years from workshop demos, swaps, etc. The cards I make now are just way too elaborate to sell because I would just not get paid for my time. I have made cards that take literally HOURS to design. The design process is what takes the longest. I only give my cards to people I know would love and appreciate them (and probably hold on to them). I feel my cards are an extension of myself and I just can't part with a card if I know it will end up in the trash heap after a week's time. I do put a lot of my creations into my portfolio for display as my designs are a selling tool for my business.
Well . . . . I'm embarrassed to say I don't give very many of my cards away. I have sent some to Operation Write Home, but usually my cards have too many layers to mail. I really just like making them and the creative outlet. I keep thinking I'll start an Etsy store, but I gotta figure out a good way to ship. I don't make samples, but take lots of pictures for my blog, so I don't mind giving them away. When I do give them away, I like them to go to someone who appreciates them. I think that makes me a card giving snob, huh. I'm really touched when the keep them and even post them on a wall or something, but I'm also kind of pissed when I find them all crumpled up in a drawer. I know, I'm rambling. That's why I like the idea of Etsy, they would go to someone who appreciates them.
It was hard to choose an answer to your poll without a response. I do believe that making your own cards can be an artform if you want it to be one. To me it would be an artform if your used your own style and creativity to make your cards. It would have to be more than just gluing paper or cardstock together and definitely an ORIGINAL...Your own work, not a CASE of someone elses' work. If you put your heart into your work and care about your cards and the people you send them to, the cost of postage and packaging is usually not an issue. This is my opinion anyway.
When I started stamping years ago I would have voted for "something to do" but as I got better it moved "cards to give" as I felt more comfortable with sending them. Currently, I sell cards but not enough to say that is the main reason. I voted for "artistic expression" because I make a lot of cards/item for the artistic release it gives me.
I usually make a duplicate for me to keep as a sample (and to admire! LOL). I store them in the SU Forger-Me-Not Boxes, which have unfortunately retired. :-) LM
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeanne3579
What do you do with them if you don't give them away? How do you store/display them? I always give mine away, but I will also make a sample to keep. I am now starting to give away my samples as I don't know what to do with them. This is something I've wondered about all the beautiful cards I see on SPC. What do the rest of you do with sample or display cards?
I agree with what I have highlighted below. I like to make my cards with embellishments, and automatically put an extra stamp on them. :-) LM
Quote:
Originally Posted by tsudduth02
It was hard to choose an answer to your poll without a response. I do believe that making your own cards can be an artform if you want it to be one. To me it would be an artform if your used your own style and creativity to make your cards. It would have to be more than just gluing paper or cardstock together and definitely an ORIGINAL...Your own work, not a CASE of someone elses' work. If you put your heart into your work and care about your cards and the people you send them to, the cost of postage and packaging is usually not an issue. This is my opinion anyway.
cheaper than therapy? ha ha ha
An Artform
