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Hello all
I've just come across this site while surfing card-making blog! (Not that I understand what blog is.... but do know that if you put in card-making - you come up with lots of interesting sites!)
To introduce myself - I'm English, and have been card-making for quite a few years. I love all aspects - from stamping, to cut and stick, to dry embossing - in fact everything and anything! I sell my cards in a small business way, as I also work 4 full days a week in an office. Cards are my therapy and escape!
I'm 53 (just last week) and have two beautiful grown up daughters (22 and 20). I live on the Isle of Wight - which is just off the south coast of England.
I would like to join your forum - and have been having a look/see around your gallery. I LOVE what I see!
Looking forward to meeting lots of new friends
Bye for now
Christine
Welcome to Splitcoast, Christine! I'm in Canada and hooked on stamping. I'm interested in getting into selling my cards and was wondering if you could pass on some of your experiences. For example, where do you sell yours and how do you display them? What kinds of cards seem to sell well, that sort of thing, and any other wisdom you care to share.
Thanks!
Thanks to all for the kind welcome. I certainly think this is going to be a place I enjoy visiting!
Also nice to hear from people from all over - including the UK!
Karen - I currently sell to friends at work - who are always asking me to do a card for this or that, or do I have a card in my car for something that has just cropped up. From that, other offices in the near vicinity asked about my cards, and now I tend to take a whole basket of cards in - ready priced with labels, and people buy from the basket. Then it mushroomed slightly in that I take my 'basket' to various places where women gather - hairdressers etc - and they always seem popular. I also sell at various craft shows we have on the Isle of Wight - I pay a small fee for a stall for a day. I very much enjoy these, as there is a good crowd of people manning other stalls. I also sell to a local Arts Centre - they have just ordered 22 cards from me this week - so I'm hurrying to get them done.
One thing I would say - is never 'undersell' your cards. If you think that you've put a lot of work into a card - do not sell it cheaper than you'd expect to pay for a similar card in a 'proper' card shop. I think it's something to do with the psychology of selling. People think if they pay a good price, they're getting something worthwhile. And of course, girls, with our lovely handmade cards, they ARE!
Now, as it's nearly midnight here, I better think about bed!
Night Night
Be Back Tomorrow
Christine
Welcome to SCS, Christine. I'm from central Illinois, USA. I've been surfing this site for two years now and love, love, love it. I am on chatting with my new stampin friends almost everyday. Enjoy
Hi Christine,
Thanks for the answers to my questions about selling cards! I have been selling some to family and people at work, and am going to have a table at a local Saturday market later this month. I agree with you about pricing. Somehow people think that if it's priced too cheaply, it must be worth less and if it's more, then it must be better. There are always people who think anything handmade should sell for a pittance, but I think those people are not likely to buy anything anyway. I like your idea of travelling with your wares on hand. I might start keeping a basket at work when I go back after my maternity leave.
Enjoy splitcoast! There's lots to see and do here. It's almost as much fun as stamping! And you're joining just in time for Virtual Stamping Night! I've only participated in one so far, but it was a lot of fun.
Thanks again,
Karen
Hi Christine,
Here's the link to all you'll need to know about Virtual Stamp Night (VSN). Forums at Splitcoaststampers
Just read the threads at the top (they're marked Sticky so they are always at the top) and you will find out all about it. Basically, there are a series of card-making challenges announced every 45 minutes and the object is to make a card using the technique or supply given in the challenge. It's fun to see all the different ways people interpret the challenges.
You might have to stay up all night with the difference in time zones, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! I think you can upload pictures until Sunday afternoon so people can catch up.
Hi Karen.... thanks for that info! It looks really good, I'll have to read it all through and maybe join in the September one?
And Janny - I'm from the Isle of Wight - just off the south coast. Where in Scotland are you?
It's been a hectic day here - worked till 5 and then had visitors who have just gone (its now 10.15!) So no carding today! (Well tell a lie - I actually made a couple this morning before I went to work!!)
Christine - Reading your posts reminds me of ME! I, too, work full time,and am always squeezing in ten minutes to make a card...and I also sell my cards, mostly to friends in my quilt group, who love them, and also through a few shops. And I agree with you about not underselling your cards. We all know how much time and care we put into it, so don't underestimate it! Besides, here in the US, Hallmark cards are VERY pricey these days, which is the alternative that most folks use. Anyway, I know what you mean about squeezing ten minutes right before bed or in the morning...I get up at 5:30 but don't have to be at work til 9. In between, I get my 13 year old off to school, get myself ready and make a few cards! It recharges my batteries to help me make it thru the day! I work in a biology lab and usually while I work I am thinking about what card I will make next. (or else which quilt I will work on next - I have too many hobbies!)
Anyway, I am new to this forum also and just wanted to say hi!
Marianne
Hello from the UK
