As part of preparing our new site, we’re thinking about which charities we want to support and we’d like to know what you think.

All you need to do is click “Charity Vote” on the left there under “Pages” (or click here), look at the charities and tell us which your favourite charities are. It’s entirely anonymous and takes just a few seconds: it’ll really help make sure we pick the right one!!

As a “thank you”, there’s also a free backing paper and teabag sheet on that page!

Do you create your own card designs? Whether you’re a published or new designer, we’re interested in hearing from you. We are developing an online web application related to greeting card design and we’re looking for talented designers to contribute images, text art and greetings.

Here’s how it will work:

1. You will register as a Pro with our web application
2. You upload your resources
3. When any of your resources is used, we pay you a royalty

Simple as that. Details are still being worked on but, for now, all we want is for you to register with our site as a free member. This will add you to the list of people we will contact when we’re ready for you to load your content. Initially, we will be limiting our invitation to a very small group of “founding designers” who will get special privileges. By “very small group” I mean less than 10 in all likelihood. The first people to be invited will be people already registered on this site so it’s the best way to ensure you get the choice.

Joining as a designer is entirely voluntary so don’t feel that you’re committing yourself by registering. We’ll simply email everyone on the list with a one-time invitation for the initial signup. You can, of course, de-register at any time by simply dropping us an email via our About Us page.

Kevin Partner

Tips to Improve your Handmade Wedding Cards

Author: Geraldine Jozefiak

When you want a great card to delight the happy couple, sometimes only a handmade wedding card will do. Then it’s time to start tracking down and gathering any bits of suitable craft materials you can get your hands on.

If you’re a planner then you might just work out what you want to create before hand. But if you’d rather go with the flow then your card might come together organically – as it happens. Sometimes these kinds of creations work better than step-by-step ones.

You’ll need a central eye-catching design. This can be made from anything from doilies, mesh, fabric, ribbon or braid. There are no hard-and-fast rules on what to do and how to do it because handmade cards are truly individual.

Perhaps it would help to draft out some ideas on paper first, before you begin. Perhaps shading, or coloring in blocks of card will help you to balance your ideas before you move onto the fabric itself.

How could you use print, ink or transfer graphics to record personal details. It’s often the mix and positioning of your materials that makes all the difference.

Play around with layers of things before you stick them down, positioning them in different places. Look at the effect different colors and materials make as you build them up. You might like to position some materials ‘off-center’ for greater effect or add something a little unusual. Where and how you place your bits and bobs will depend on the size of the background card and what you’ve got to use.

Think about the size of your card too. If you’re personally delivering your card then you have absolute freedom in how you package it and you may opt for something shaped rather than traditional.

Remember that Mail services often restrict the overall size of your envelope and a deep box-like card will require a more robust covering. In some cases the weight or size of your card will be reflected in increased postage.

Try not to keep everything in neat ordered lines or layers, but spread things out, tear, rip, pink or splodge! The idea of a handmade card – is just that – that it looks handmade, but professional. So be neat but creative, flowing but focused.

You’ll soon know if it feels right. Just like the essential of Fung Shui – the art of placement, things will look and feel right when they are in the right place. So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what you can create. You may find yourself making more than one special card and you’ll then have the skills to know how to make a wedding card anytime you choose.

If you know the couple well then you may be able to link in with their chosen colors or styles. The bride may prefer bolder colors over muted ones, or go for a more traditional feel where you favor something more contemporary.

Think about the couple your card is for as you assemble and work on your card. Ideally, you’ll have the time to ‘play’ around before you embark on the finished article.

You can get some great ideas from looking online. There are special magazines that concentrate on greeting cards and weddings and you’re bound to find some inspiration inside one or two of these magazines.

If you’re fortunate to have the space, then make a few trial runs at your card, ask friends for their opinion – as opposed to their approval.

Remember that card making is very personal, but for this special occasion you’re trying hard to be objective. That is, to think of the bride and groom rather than your own preferences. Put yourself in their shoes and think about the type of card that they would like to keep with their memorabilia of the happy day.

There are a wealth of ideas out there and some exciting materials to use that don’t have to be expensive. You can easily get off-cuts of satin, ribbon or lace at your local market and with the right background card stock you can make a handmade wedding card both you, and the couple will be proud of.

About the Author:

Geraldine Jozefiak has written widely on how to craft a handmade card for someone special. Greeting Card Guide gives you the latest news, trends and products to make your greeting card selection as quick, fun and painless as possible. http://greetingcardguide.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/tips-to-improve-your-handmade-wedding-cards-253518.html

Get a FREE CDROM containing Card Making Backing Papers/Teabag sheets

Welcome to GreetingCardMaker.co.uk. This site contains articles and resources to help you in your card making.

This site is preparing the way for a new card-making service. We’ll be giving free access to this service to everyone who registers here before we launch. And as if that wasn’t enough, sign up using the form below and we’ll give you the entire PhotoFlowers CDROM by designer Sharon Duncan FREE. This CDROM contains 45 high quality printable backing papers and 15 teabag sheets. And did I mention it’s FREE?

All you need to do is type your email address and name into the form below and we’ll send you a link straight away. You can, of course, unsubscribe at any time.

Kevin Partner

How To Start Your Own Successful Crafts Business

Author: Conleth Onu

Are you intrigued by the idea of starting a profitable business, doing what you love to do? Perhaps you’ve had the idea that you can make crafts and sell them for profits.

As you may know the crafts industry is growing at an astronomical rate. Many people all over the world are earning great income by selling crafts that they make. You too can turn your crafts into a full time or supplemental income.

A large number of people are constantly searching for new, imaginative and decorative items for their homes and offices. Many people travel to remote places in search of interesting and unique craft items. This can be a unique opportunity for you to start your own crafts business.

Creating crafts is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be turned into a profitable business.

Craft items are in high demand. There is a huge and hungry market for the craftsman. Crafts include such items as quilted comforters, pottery, gift items, ceramic sculptures, toys, jewelry, lovable dolls, stained glass, etc.

You need a business name. The name you give to your business can make the difference between success and failure. It is better to select a name that will tell people something about you or your business. Jane’s Dolls, Jane’s Decorative Crafts, Creations by Jane, are all good examples of names that tie in with what you make. Potential customers will know exactly what you are selling by just seeing your business name.

Once you have registered your business name and obtained your business license, if it is required in your area, you’ll need a business checking account. It is essential that you do not use your personal checking account in your business transactions. Use your business checking accounts to make payments in your business.

You need good looking business cards. Your business cards act as your introduction to potential customers, and will serve as their connection back to you.

Before you start selling, visit several crafts shops and shows, in order to gain insights on how a crafts business is operated, how and where to place signs, how to decorate the location, and merchandise display. Talk to the people running the business. Find out how they set their prices. Then price your own merchandise accordingly.

There are numerous outlets for crafts. These include swap meets, home parties, craft shows, wholesalers, mail order, department stores and online marketing.

In order to sell your products, you have to advertise. Your prospects will never know that you have available, craft items that they want. So you need to advertise.

You can advertise in newspapers and magazines. This type of advertising is essential because people who buy craft items read newspapers and magazines to locate them. Another effective way to reach your potential customers, is word-of-mouth advertising. Also, putting notices on bulletin boards will attract and direct people to your business location.

Keeping accurate, easy-to-understand records is very essential for tax purposes, and it tells you how your business is doing.

The crafts business is a lucrative business. Shouldn’t you be getting your share of the fortune?

Be sure to check the laws to know which, if any, apply to you, and what your responsibilities are. Contact the appropriate office in your area to find out if any laws will affect you.

About the Author:
Conleth C Onu is an Internet marketer and the author of “How To Sell Your Crafts For Big Profits.” This ebook shows you how to start your own profitable crafts business. Visit: http://www.publishinglink.com and http://www.conlethonupublishing.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/how-to-start-your-own-successful-crafts-business-9157.html

Sell your Arts and Crafts in Restaurants

Author: Diane Palmer

If your business is selling arts and crafts, then you know that you have to get creative in finding ways to get your products seen.

One way is to have your arts and crafts on display in local restaurants that you use yourself.

Depending on the shape and size of your arts or crafts, this can be a very lucrative experiment!.. You should make sure to use a nice restaurant that you yourself go to, make sure its not really a fast paced one, as you want people who are lingering over a nice meal to notice and appreciate your art that may be hanging on the wall by their table, or that decorative shelf housing your crafts in a corner.

Start by taking yourself to dinner with a friend or family at this particular restaurant that you like, and while eating, and relaxing, try and notice walls or corners, where your creations would look great.

Pick your best tasteful pieces, that you feel would suit the restaurant, and then approach the owner, during the daytime when he/she is likely to be there planning the day, and talk to him/her about the idea of hanging your art (show the owner your pieces) maybe give him/her some idea of where you were thinking it should go, so as to take the guess work out of the equation, and make the owner feel like its not another project he has to deal with!

Come up with a deal, that he/she gets a percentage of the sale, and then make sure you give him/her your business cards and brochures, and also that there is a business card with the price of the piece with the piece. Do not put a great big read “for sale” sign on the piece!, you need something subtle and tasteful, possibly in the bottom right corner of the piece. If you have 3D creations that need to be on a shelf, then make sure your business card is attached with the price written on the back neatly or typed on..

This is another great way to get you and your business known in the community, and is a great way to get people to look at, and appreciate and hopefully purchase your creations!

About the Author:

http://www.make-crafts-for-cash.com is a website by Diane Palmer who has over 15 years in the crafts business. Learn creative ways to make and sell crafts online, offline, at shows and more. Turn your hobby into a profitable business!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/sell-your-arts-and-crafts-in-restaurants-167268.html