Card in Progress

Hey folks! See how I make a card from beginning to end. Enjoy!

Reasons to Buy Handmade: It's Personal

Often times when I create a card, I have a person in mind. 

Maybe I’m thinking about the funky, fun loving mom-to-be. So, I create a card that puts a spin on traditional zebra stripes with bold, bright colors. 

For the lady who likes pearls, cardigans and up dos, I made a birthday card that featured a vibrant flower print, a classic black and white dotted pattern and a pop of color with a deep purple bow. 

Or how about a simple man. I added some burlap and a few black buttons to make this Father’s Day card. 

I frequently make custom cards. Clients chose the color schemes and feel of the card. If you have a friend who likes earth tones and owls, I create a personalized card for your friend. If you need a card for your grandmother who is turning 80 and is a spiritual person, I can weave both of those into a one-of-a-kind card. 

Personal cards allow you to give cards that were made specifically just for your loved one. 

Interested in a personal, custom card? Email me at: yourssincerelygifts@gmail.com 

See other blog posts on reasons to buy handmade. 

Ready. Set. Go.

Summer days are here again. For many, this means cookouts in the backyard, hanging out by the lake and attending annual outdoor festivals. This also the time of year when many couples say ‘I do’ and when many babies are born. 

Who has time to spend hours searching through aisles for the perfect card? Why not have a few cards on hand for all of your summer festivities? That way you can enjoy more of the summer and make the most of your time with those you love. 

Yours Sincerely has new card sets created just for you.

Order a set of wedding cards. 

Or a set of baby cards. 

You can even have a mixture of both. 

You can create a custom set to your personalized needs. You can purchase this set and just let me know what type of cards you need in the message to buyer. 

Order your cards today and get back in the sun. Ready. Set. Go!

Introducing: Card of the Month

June is a good time of the year for me to begin new things - like starting a handmade business. Two years ago, I took my sister-in-law April’s advice and starting a handmade greeting card business. (You’ll hear more about that journey later this month when it’s nearer to the anniversary.)

This June, I will continue the tradition of starting something new. 

Today, I am introducing a Card-of-the-Month. Each month, I will feature one of my cards at a discounted price. The cards will be in limited supply so once they are gone, they are gone. 

This month’s card is perfect for all of the summer weddings on your list. 

What better symbolizes love than hearts and the color red?

 This card includes a heartfelt sentiment on the inside. 

This solid red heart has a dimension and gently pops off the card. The grosgrain red polka dot ribbon ties it all together. This card is $3. Quite a bargain. 

Order yours today :-) 

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. 

March Update

2012 has been whizzing by. Here's a look at what I've been creating lately. Enjoy.