Latest Developments

Mother's Day proved to be a busy, vibrant season for me this year. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have sold Mother's Day cards in two St. Paul card shops. I also participated in the HandmadeMN spring craft fair, and I had a booth at Hamline University and St. Olaf. Father's Day is slowly but surely approaching. I have little down time, but I won't complain:)

I'm glad the school year has ended, and I ready for summer break. Summertime is a busy time for brides and babies so I'm currently working on cards for those occasions.

Check out what I've been creating.

All these cards can be purchased in my Etsy shop. 

Reasons to Buy Handmade #1

Today I began a series about why I buy handmade, why I think it matters and why I think you should do the same.

Reason #1: Quality

I think the idea is explained well in this blog. "You simply cannot compare mass produced products to artisan created goods in terms of inspiration, quality and attention to detail."

This is definitely true when it comes to the cards I create. I have been making cards for roughly four years and over time, I have changed the type of products I buy to ensure every card is made with the highest quality possible. Sometimes this choice requires me to drive an hour and a half to a retailer that offers the sturdiest cards and envelopes that I have found.

When someone buys a card, she often likes to display the card on her desk or refrigerator. Flimsy cards made out of cheap paper won't stand well on a desk, and they are easy to tear or damage. Cards are often kept as mementos. I want my cards to last beyond the recipient's special day and make it into family albums and scrapbooks.

I use a lot of ink on my cards. As you can see in the card below, sometimes I use multiple colors. I only purchase vivid inks. They cost about twice as much as their cheaper, duller counterparts, but I think they are worth it.

I love how handmade artists hand select every material they use into make their products. This does not happen with mass produced items. That's one reason why sometimes when you purchase a mass produced item, you find small blemish and defects.

I make handmade products because I believe in quality. I buy handmade because I support quality.

Stay tuned for more reasons to buy handmade.