Running Out Of Craft Supplies

Update: I no longer make handmade cards and my Facebook page is already unpublished. Thanks to those who believed in my ability to create beautiful and special cards. :) 25 July 2014

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When you are a crafter and your juice is just flowing ever smoothly, the last thing you want to happen is to run out of stocks. Yes, it happened to me just when my momentum is soaring. I found out that I only have few patterned papers left, no available embossing powder with Christmas themed colors, few metres of adhesive tape left and very limited supply of paper flowers that I need for my shabby chic and Victorian themed cards.

I have made my list so I can visit the scrapbook supplies this weekend and I am pulling the weekend already to come fast. I am yearning to create my Christmas projects and finish them soon so I can post them in my Facebook page. I am still waiting for that breakthrough that someone will actually place the first order and the rest will be glorious history for my cardmaking biz.

Anyway, do visit my Facebook page and check out my handmade cards. Please feel free to purchase anything you fancy. :)

Also note that I have created an album for my Christmas cards and other stuff. So come back again soon!

More Arts & Craft Supplies Arrived From The Mail

I am on a roll! I love my craft supplies from Etsy! I just got two parcels over the weekend from the 2 shops in Etsy and they are adorable.

I bought some cute and tiny charms to use for my cards from Mondopuro. The rose cabochons, cameos and organza flowers are from jqloveh. These two sellers in Etsy are really prompt and their shipping charges are fairly reasonable too. Aside from that, they gave me discount vouchers for my next purchase and that's really so nice of them. So, if you're into crafts, I do recommend that you pay them a visit at Etsy and you'll find throve of trinkets and cabochons you can use.

Also, I got my 6th batch of supplies from my daughter who bought all the nice french laces, antique looking buttons, ribbons, tulle and Victorian-esque colors of satin fabric. I know what to do with them so I'm just waiting for my daughter to come back so she can help me sew small flowers out of the satin fabric.

I also have my ephemera and other Victorian era images taken from the public domain which I can incorporate in some of my shabby chic/Victorian inspired cards. In fact, I was too excited that I already made one card the other night.

Lastly, my very supportive hubby ordered a customized rubber stamp of my very own "logo" with my new email for my handmade cards and party supplies mini-business which I hope to launch before the holiday season. I'm just running the logistics and other legalities as I need to respect the commercial license of some of the images, shapes and stamps I wish to use in my designs. I hope I get everything sorted out including the shipping rates so I can finally open  my small business.

Please support handmade.

Why Buy Handmade Cards? Part 2

This is the continuation of my post on Why Buy Handmade Cards?  Part 1.


How long does it take you to finish one card?

It depends on the project. I can complete cards with easy layout in 15 minutes while the harder ones with plenty of details and intricate designs tend to be done between an hour or two. Yes, that long. Like I mentioned in Part 1, I don't rush with my card-making process. I want each card to be made with precision, clean and well-thought of.


Do you get attached to some of your work?

Yes. Sometimes, I even keep them for myself until my daughter sees them stashed in my treasure box. She would reprimand me and tell me to sell them because that was the reason why I made them in the first place - to sell them so that someone else will receive the kind of love I have put in that card. So, it's like a piece of my heart goes to every card I make.


Does your hands hurt after making the cards?

Yes, plenty of times and really painful. I used to have a die cut machine but I sold it last year because of my hiatus. It wasn't really used much so I still did my cutting by hand. I once commissioned a friend's Birthday thank you souvenir cards and I had to cut them manually - all 50 of them. I told myself, I would buy a die cutter. And I did but after that, my creative juice went dry. I'm just recovering now, in trickles.

Have you studied card-making?

No. I kind of knew I had it in me when I was young. I would always make stuff out of scratch, sew my dolls' clothes by hand and send greetings cards I made from art papers. It just developed as the years go by because I learned few tricks from my artsy blogger friends. I also watch tutorials and practice at home until I get it done the way I envisioned my project.


Are there other projects, aside from cards, that you are engaged in right now?

My daughter and I are learning how to make a plushie pattern. We can make 2-D plushies but it would be nice to have it in 3-D. And I plan to make a lot of felt plushies too which I can sell eventually. I just hope I can make all these soon so I can open up my small handmade business.


Are you going to post tutorials?

I would love to but each time I make a project, I always forget to take pictures of the materials and step by step process. I don't know much about videos as well. I'll work on that and let's see.


Are you going to open a shop in Etsy or other e-commerce site?

I don't think I'll go to Etsy for now mainly because I am not sure if I can break  the international scene that soon. I want to build my fan base and just let the word spread. That is my goal but I want to be realistic as well. I may open a fan page in FB or post my artwork in my blogs. I'm not sure yet but I'm working on it.  I also hope that before Christmas, all my cards are out!


So there you have it. The reasons why handmade cards are ultra special. They are already a gift in itself. Don't shy away from buying handmade cards because when you do, you are supporting micro business like ours to flourish. I am nothing compared to the giant commercial card makers out there but one thing I know why my handmade card will stand out is because I know my cards are all made with love.

Why Buy Handmade Cards? Part 1

I am a staunch supporter of anything "handmade." I believe in making things special and out of love. I have nothing against commercially made greeting cards but what I don't like about it is that, it is mass produced so that particular feeling of uniqueness and crafted out of passion and love is gone.

Before my hiatus from card making, I used to sell my creations during holidays like New Year, Valentine's Day and Christmas. I make customized cards too for friends who have specific preference and much as I wanted to cater to their budget, I just couldn't "underestimate" the value of my labour of love.

People ask me these questions over and over each time I approach them to check out my creations and buy few ones for their special someone. Trust me, selling my work was never easy even if I knew they should sell well. People just don't support the idea of handmade because of many reasons and lack of proper information about the craft.  Here are the common questions I encounter with my handmade card passion:


Why is it expensive?

Here's my question back, do you put a price tag on someone that you love? It's just like that.

• A single handmade card, before it is even crafted by the maker, is well thought of. I have a sketch pad of my ideas, the color scheme I would use, the patterned papers I would cut and in what shape and border, the ribbons I would add and even the kinds of embellishment I would put.

Few pages out of my sketch or doodle pad for layouts and ideas

• Aside from that, I don't make handmade cards when I don't feel like making one. I don't want it to look like it's rushed or forced to be done. It has to come from the heart so you can tell that each card that I made and will be making is made out of love. Hence, Handmade with Love is my card brand.

• I scout for materials and they are not cheap. I buy my stuff in the U.S. whenever I am on vacation and I don't spend less than a $100 dollars for my craft. I spend more than that just to be sure that each card I will make last long, the glue will hold the pieces together, the papers and ribbons won't fade and the papers are acid free for archival purpose.

• Right now, I am trying so hard to make embellishments on my own so my next batch of cards will be slightly cheaper than the first ones while maintaining the value of my craft.

• No two cards will ever be the same. I guarantee you that. Even if I try to copy my previous work, it will never come out exactly the same way as the original. So the recipient of my handmade cards are assured that they are the only ones who have that kind of design.

• Lastly, I buy commercial licence from designers too. Handmade card makers know these (well at least the ones in my circle do). We have to respect the copyright of these designers. If we use a stamp in our designs, we have to make sure we abide in the "angel policy" of that designer. Same goes with die cut shapes and sentiments used in cards. Everything has to be noted and well credited. We don't want to end up in an ugly law suit just because we used someone's design without permission.

You see, all that goes into a single card that we make. So, the next time you see a handmade card in your local craft store or bookshop or when I approach you to sell my craft, remember what you have read here. Don't say, "That's too expensive" because when you do, it's like insulting us and degrading the love we have for our craft.

A lot of love, time and effort has been put in that single card to make someone very special happy. And that is priceless!



Do you earn a lot in card-making?

Honestly, no. It is not even break even, well I am speaking based on my experience. There are well established handmade card makers in the US, UK, Australia and Canada who are really earning a lot. I'm not yet there, not even close. Like I said, I love to make cards. I have tons of ideas in my head which can't be translated into words. I have to let them out and card-making is my medium.

I am hoping that my future venture into this card-making business will be received warmly by people. I am in the process of building up my stocks, looking for great deals with shipping companies here and checking out tutorials so I can make my own embellishments. That will reduce the price of my cards without sacrificing the quality. And I do hope and pray that you will support me in my journey to become an entrepreneur someday.


More questions in Part 2. Please visit again.

Busy Making Cards

I didn't feel the long weekend at all. It's already Saturday and I'm back to work tomorrow when I still have plenty of things to do in my craft zone. I have been busy making cards.

I started making cards but not in full swing as I don't have that much materials. I have to buy more flowers, ribbons, laces and other patterned papers with shabby and vintage designs. I'm getting my hands on making shabby inspired and vintage looking handmade cards with lots of paper distressing to give it that old feel. I'm still learning the process and I have made 3 cards this week. It took me approximately 1 - 2 hours for each project only because I didn't want to force my brain to think hard. I didn't want my project to turn out "forced." I am happy I took my time developing the design in my head and executing it longer than usual. Hey, my creative mojo has been gone for more than a year so it's hard cranking up this rusty engine.

I am starting from square one again. I kept my old notebook of inspirations and started with a fresh one for 2013.  I have also been learning some tips and techniques to better my craft as I really intend to sell them. I want someone to have the cards I made with love. Isn't that a great thing to give to someone special?

Anyway, I wish the days are longer when I am at home so I can achieve so much. I am looking into sewing as well. I am keen to do this small online business on handmade stuff and promote everything handmade. It's like being organic - in a material way.

So, I hope next week, I'll be able to make few cards again and build up my stock until my Silhouette Cameo arrives. I want to make at least 50 cards before I decide to open my small handmade cards business. I also need to buy commercial license from other designers because I plan to incorporate their designs in my limited number of handmade cards.

 This is me, following my dream. I know one cannot make mega millions just by making handmade cards but the feeling of seeing something I created out of love is I think and feel, worth more than a million.

Graphics Software For Card Making

I don't know how to use Photoshop. I only know the very basic of that software so I find it hard to make digital cards because I am not familiar with the other commands to use for layering and other features to enhance the project. I bought some software online graphic design software sites to help me with my digital projects. However, I have no idea if they will work with Mac. I haven't checked when I bought them.

The app store from Apple has so many graphics software to choose from but it well out of my budget. Either I use my old PC to use the other digital softwares or just stick to the conventional way of making paper handmade cards. I'm a bit torn.

Re-post: Handmade Wedding Card

This is the stuff that I miss so much! If you have been following this blog, I have reiterated my desire to get my sleeping monster (a.k.a. CREATIVITY) to wake up from its slumber. It's been sleeping for the last 5 months and that's not good. I normally don't have a lull moment when it comes to creating crafty cards and scrapbook pages. This is different. So, to re-live that moment when inspiration comes in and I create something fancy, here is a re-post of one of the handmade wedding cards I have made for a colleague.

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My colleague will soon tie the knot. I am not really sure what she likes for her wedding so I decided to make a card for her. As usual, a handmade with love kind of card.

I used a champagne bottle template and traced it on a card stock. Then I used patterned papers from http://www.making-handmade-cards.com/. I love the way the doodles are done on the patterned sheets. Looked so whimsical and I love whimsical stuff!

I also used ribbon rosettes and flat-back pearls as embellishments. The cork-like top is a scrap of card stock which I distressed using Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink to make it look like a cork. Well, I hope I did justice on that one :)

I just wrote the sentiment using a slightly pearlized felt pen. I couldn't find my glittery gel pens so I settled on this one. I outlined the words with a fine-tip permanent marker to bring out the letters. I used the remaining piece of the card stock as mat for my card's sentiment. It i glued to the card with square foam adhesives for the 3-d effect.

I used shiny ribbon for the bottle and the bucket too. Speaking of bucket, the champagne holder is also made from scrap card stocks. I glued two of them but left the back bare (I couldn't use too much patterned paper or else, the entire design will look too loaded and I am trying to avoid that). For me, simplicity is still the best. The slit is about 6 inches and .5 cms so I can slightly tilt the bottle-card. The tag is one of the flower-doodle patterned papers. The tiny flower affixed to it is a ready-made foam sticker I bought for my scrapbook stuff many moons ago. I have finally found a good use for it! The back of the card also carries my trademark logo - Handmade with Love by Ria Cervantes.

It's a blank card so I can write my sentiments inside. I wonder what to write though...

Hope you like this creation. It's made out of love.

Encouraging Creativity

My creativity is still in hiatus for some months now. I am not sure when it will come back but I am looking forward to the day where I can create handmade cards and beautiful scrapbook pages again. I am also excited to get that Silhouette Cameo machine so I better have this creative juice flowing soon.

I am trying my level best to get it back but not being too forceful that will affect the passion I have with my projects. As of now, I have started the "rehabilitation" of my creativity by subscribing to my favorite crafty magazines. I have also browsed endless projects of crafty people for inspiration and I see a small spark right there in my brain. Yes, that little spark might just ignite the sleeping monster that I call "creativity."

Apart from the online activities, I am also looking at beautiful scenery and thinking of happy thoughts so at least I draw some inspiration from them. I feel it will come. I just don't have an iota of idea when.

Holiday season is creeping up fast and I just hope that I get this juice cranking before then so I can come up with pretty little crafty things to give to my family and friends.

Struggle With Creativity

It has been 5 months since I last did a crafty project and my creative juice is still out. I am getting a bit worried now because no matter how hard I try and refer to plenty crafty magazines for inspiration, I still cannot crank up my creative juice. Nothing. Just a void...

I wonder what happened to me. I am not like this before. Usually, I don't get dry spells when it comes to creativity. Most of the time I will just look at colorful and artsy objects and I will instantly get an inspiration. I have done that but still no luck. I even read my previous edition of crafty magazines for some project ideas but I am not feeling it. My question is, have I really lost my creativity? That sudden? And why?

I know I have a lot in my plate these days. I am so pre-occupied with so many things which have no relation to anything crafty. Aside from that, I am busy with activities concerning wealth-building and securing our future that I feel I may have unconsciously diverted my creative energy on those matters.

What ever the case may be and the reason for this dry creative spell, I just want it to come back, even in trickles or drops. I just want a speck of creative juice to flow in my think tank because I miss making cards and scrapbook pages. I don't know where to begin.

Lost Creativity

I woke up one day and realized I don't feel like making handmade cards nor anything crafty. The last scrapbook page I made was a gift to a friend last May and ever since that time, I can't spew anything out of my think-tank. I rested for a while, diverted my attention to something else, went on a vacation and when I came back, nada! Still empty.

My daughter said it must be a creativity-block. I just feel empty there when it comes to creativity. Am I not exploring my brain's right hemisphere more than I used to? Or I am just pre-occupied with other matters that I cannot think of anything creative to do?

I hope this creativity comes back. If not now at least soon because Christmas is just around the corner and I need to make great handmade Christmas cards. Aside from that, I am planning to put into full swing my plan to make a small business out of my craftiness.

I have been researching lately on ways to monetize my hobby. I can sell my handiwork as long as this creative juice keeps flowing. I wanted to incorporate bead jewelry making using Swarovski crystals, Black Spinel Beads and other fancy beads but affordable which I can get back in the Philippines. I also want to create more kawaii plushies and other handmade accessories using cute, miniature food items which I can get from Japan.

I do know that to be able to go forward, I have to have my creativity back or else, there is nothing to make and sell. I am not worried about the e-commerce aspect as I have my own blogs and host which I can use as a platform for my small handicraft business. The problem lies on getting my brain revved up and let the creative juice flow or else. I will be stuck with this dream and plan that never materialize.

Let us learn all things from everybody

MyMemories Purse Card Freebies

Thanks to MyMemories.com for giving me these fun and crafty templates to share to all of you. Here is another fun paper craft project to do. Kids will have tons of fun creating their purse cards this summer to while away their time and pour out their creative juices. Parents and adults can help out too. This is a great activity to do at home by the whole family.

Head on the the side of my blog for the Freebies and feel free to save them in your computer and print. Also check out the many beautiful products in MyMemories.com if you do not have the software yet. You may use my 10$ discount code when you buy your MyMemories Suite Digital scrapbooking software to make your crafty juices go a long way! Click this link to purchase your MyMemories Suite. Use this code for 10% discount: STMMMS30652

Using MyMemories Software to Customize your Purse Cards

1. Download template file and install it into your software
2. Using MyMemories Suite, choose Create Album From Designer Template and find your project
3. Now you can print and enjoy the provided template, or customize it with your own papers and embellishments.

TIP:
You can right-click on the white guide and lock it in place to keep it from moving while you are working. Make sure this is the top layer of your project before printing.

Instead of adding the paper as a background paper, you can add it as an embellishment so that you can move the paper around.  This is especially useful when using papers with stripes or circles, so you can decide which part of the paper you want to use.

Once it is added as an embellishment, you can now select the paper and move it into the position you want it.


Just SAVE and PRINT on cardstock!
 

Purse Card Tutorial

1.  Print your Purse Card templates on cardstock and gather supplies.  (Recommended supplies: small craft scissors, bone folder, 8-12" of ribbon, stapler, tape or velcro)
TIP: To print your information on the inside create another page with the template in place.  Put all your text and embellishments in (leaving a little room on the edges) and then remove the template right before exporting or printing the inside page on the back of the first.  This will keep from having to worry about if the templates line up exactly when cutting out your card.

2.  Cut along outside line.

3.  Fold card at indentations.
TIP: Using a bone folder will help you get crisp edges on your project. But if you don't have one, just use a normal ruler. That's what I use and I still get a good indentations.

4.  Repeat by folding down top flap.

5.  Staple ribbon to both sides of your card on the inside to look like a strap or handle.

6.  Enjoy the finished cards and share.  Don't forget to use your imagination.  The possibilites are endless!

Enjoy your purse cards!!!

Crafting Stuff

I was invited by a friend to her daughter's open school day where I can showcase my handmade cards. My friend rented a booth for her paintings and other ceramic arts which she plans to sell. I feel honored to be a part of her activity this February. So, I am having double-time in making cards I can sell in the open school day.

I want to craft some beaded accessories too but I need to have more materials like curb chain, beads, findings and clasps and hooks. I only have few beads here and nylon cords but I don't think those will be enough to make a decent set of necklace and earrings.

I only have a week left to make a lot goods to be sold. I don't want to compromise on the quality of my handmade cards so I may just settle for few but really high-quality handmade cards.

Stamp for My Handmade Card Logo

One of my favorite pastime is creating cards for my family and friends. I have been doing this for sometime now. I also created a special logo for my creation but printed it on labels with adhesives.

There are few stamp makers here in Dubai which can customize your order. I once asked for a quote and was a bit disappointed because for my 2cms x 2cms stamp design, the price was quite exorbitant. I am still scouting for Self-inking Stamps that can be customized to accommodate my design in a more reasonable price. I am willing to pay 50$ below but more that that is a rip-off.

Spooky but Cute Cards 2010

I have just posted few of my Halloween cards for 2010 in my other blog. Please feel free to view the slide show and leave your lovely comments and suggestions. I hope you will all like them :)

Halloween Spook Fest cards 2010 slideshow

Handmade Card - 40th Birthday Card for Hubby

I didn't buy him commercial cards you just pick from the lot. I made him a special one from the heart and loaded with love. Here's the card I gave my hubby on his 40th birthday last Thursday. He loved it! One comment though from the celebrant, "Ma, it is so 'right in your face'!" Is it?!?

Handmade with Love Blog

I am really having a dilemma here. I created the Handmade with Love blog to feature my handmade creations but I cannot seem to keep up maintaining 2 accounts. However, I feel that I must carry on and update it as my avenue for creative products to post.

I just feel a little uneasy about not having any readers at all but like this Party blog, this used to be a quiet blog until I reached this stage.

Well, I will continue posting to my HWL blog about my greetings cards and hopefully, my friends here in the party zone will visit that blog too.

You can tell your kids to check that out once in a while for new updates. If they feel like creating similar cards as the ones I posted, please be my guest. I would appreciate though a little "credit love" from you :)

Art Attack - Choco Loco Birthday Card

I opened another site focusing on my handmade cards, unfortunately, I have no time to maintain two accounts. So, I will be featuring my creations here every now and then.

This is my Choco Loco Birthday Card. It's a big birthday card for the chocolate lovers. I made this for my big boss since he is a chocolate fanatic.

I used patterned papers from free digi-scrap sites and printed them. I also used aluminum foil to simulate the foil wrapper. I wrote the "Choco Loco" wordings in front of the card.
The size is 5 1/2 inches (height) x 3 inches (width when tri-fold).

The inside of the card is blank so my other colleagues can write on it too. I used 3 varying colors of plain colored paper to highlight the tri-fold.


Lastly, I used a "bite-mark" effect on the edge to make it look more realistic and yummilicious!

Handmade Valentine Cards

I have been very busy these past few days because of my handmade cards activity. I created Valentine Lollie Cards and simple Valentine cards made out of card stock, patterned papers, ribbons, glitters and flat back gems for my daughter and her friends. They all liked the Valentine Lollie cards because they are unique, cute and no need to put in an envelope. And what is a lollipop without the stick handle right?

Here are my creations:

A Little Help

I am very thankful for having a daughter who shares the same passion as I have in arts and craft. I was commissioned to do my friend's baptismal invitation and party favors. I could use some help considering I don't have a die-cutting machine to aid me in my craft and will make cutting easier . However, my help comes in the form of the extra hands my daughter lends me to make things easier for me.

I have few weeks to go before the delivery date and I am glad I have my little help.

Cards Slide in my other Blog

Hi everyone!

Please check out my handmade cards slide in my other blog - Handmade with Love. I have uploaded my Christmas cards collection which I will be putting up for sale on my online shop soon. Hope you'll like them!