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HUMMEL CROSS STITCH KIT – THE LITTLE GOAT HERDER $14.99 |
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Stamped Cross Stitch kit ~ MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS QUILT $29.68 |
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Janlynn Disney Character Mini Counted Cross Stitch Kit $2.99 |
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Birth Record – New Little One Counted Cross Stitch Kit $3.99 |
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Little Red Wagon Teddy Bear Framed Cross Stitch Kit $1.99 |
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Stamped Cross Stitch Kit – LITTLE SPORTS BIBS Baby Boy $12.99 |
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CROSS STITCH KIT 14X16 LITTLE LAMBS BLESSING NEW 14X16 $4.99 |
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Dimensions Baby Cross Stitch Kit LITTLE SPORTS BIBS $10.39 |
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The Stitch it Giraffe Kit by My little experience $0.99 |
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Janlynn Disney Character Mini Counted Cross Stitch Kit $2.99 |
Handmade cards are being hailed as one of the fast growing trends in the greeting card industry right now.
There’s some debate on what exactly constitutes a ‘handmade card’ in card circles and this category still includes “the look of a hand-assembled – yet manufactured” card.
The degree to which the handmade card has actually had mechanical manipulation is of course down to the nature of the card and its selling points. There’s no doubt though, that handmade is big business. And the more frippery, glittery and feathery you can make it – the better it is for business.
There seem to be a number of key words in the handmade category if you’re trawling around looking for inspiration. The main keyword is “embellishment”. Most of us know this to mean some extra facet added to the front of the card, often giving a 3D quality. That could be anything from beads, buttons, paper, fabric to wire or metal, to name a few. That list is by no means exhaustive, and any crafter worth their salt will know just how tempting it is to add any bit of dazzling finery to their card. Often though, less is best.
What seems to be catching the public’s eye this end of 2007 are cards incorporating glued or stitched on fabric. The card front though is only half the story.
One of the UK’s leading card industry magazines carries regular reports on best selling products in the handmade categories. Whilst smaller independent stores often speak of cards being ’subtly sparkly’ they also mention the ‘beautiful board’ (or card stock). They talk of ‘delicate and feminine’ being in vogue too.
Whether you’re drawn to buy a handmade card or make one yourself, you’ll be up with the trends if you search out all things glittery and embellished. There’s sure to be a great range in your local stores to meet demand, and as craft retailers know, if its in demand in the card shops, then their craft buying public will want to purchase similar boards and bags of embellishments. Just take a look at the QVC shopping channel – or any one of the craft channels to check out what’s sizzling right now.
Trends continue to include a mix of materials, metal, glitz and fluff so the answer really is that anything goes.
Check out the better card shelves for ideas. See what workshops are being held locally and read magazines to get up-to-the-minute ideas for all things current. As in any market, things are always on the change but as magazines are planned up to several months in advance you’ve got comfort in knowing that trends will stay around for a little while.
Craft stores will always carry a wide selection of card embellishments and if you’re canny you’ll also include flea markets, bargain stores and charity shops in your trawl for all things that could loosely be described as ’surface decoration’. Make sure you store your favorite bits carefully so that you’ll be able to find them again when you need them. There’s nothing worse than tracking down the perfect addition to your handmade card, only to find yourself hunting feverishly for it, just when you’ve found the perfect place to use it!
Handmade cards are certainly hot news right now!
Pull apart worn out dresses for fab buttons, look at old watches with a new eye, and start to hoard interesting paper textures, fabrics and fluff. Maybe you’ve some fellow crafters who would welcome a ’swap shop’ event or a workshop where you can pool ideas and learn from each other. Craft is definitely one area where it pays to share your enthusiasm, skills and resources. You never know who might have just the perfect piece to lift your current project.
Jumble sales can be great sources of card ephemera if you look beyond what you see.
Imagine how fabric flowers may look separated into individual petals.
What could you do with that feather duster?
How could you make the most of those metallic service buttons?
How could you weave that line of thin coated wire into your next card project?
Which bits of fabric and paper could you stitch or glue together to create a new base material?
Learn to look at things from different view points and keep abreast of colors, textures and trends to make the most of your current and future projects.
Time spent collecting and sorting is never wasted. You’re building up a supply of exciting embellishments to adorn your lovingly planned and assembled card.
If you want to ride the trends in handmade greeting cards just keep an eye on the market.
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: ArticlesBase.com – What’s Hot in Handmade Cards
Christy Learns the “Bubble Stitch” from Nina
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HUMMEL CROSS STITCH KIT – THE LITTLE GOAT HERDER $14.99 |
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Stamped Cross Stitch kit ~ MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS QUILT $29.68 |
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Janlynn Disney Character Mini Counted Cross Stitch Kit $2.99 |
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Birth Record – New Little One Counted Cross Stitch Kit $3.99 |
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Little Red Wagon Teddy Bear Framed Cross Stitch Kit $1.99 |
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Stamped Cross Stitch Kit – LITTLE SPORTS BIBS Baby Boy $12.99 |
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CROSS STITCH KIT 14X16 LITTLE LAMBS BLESSING NEW 14X16 $4.99 |
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Dimensions Baby Cross Stitch Kit LITTLE SPORTS BIBS $10.39 |
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The Stitch it Giraffe Kit by My little experience $0.99 |
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Janlynn Disney Character Mini Counted Cross Stitch Kit $2.99 |
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35259 MY LITTLE SUNSHINE GOLD CROSS STITCH KIT 10X16″ $27.32 |
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Cross Stitch Kit ~ Disney Little Mermaid Ariel & Frame $2.99 |
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Cross Stitch Kit ~ Disney Little Mermaid Ursula & Frame $2.99 |
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“Little Bear club “counted cross stitch kits $13.69 |
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Cross Stitch Kit ~ Genuine Hummel Little Sweeper & Mat $9.50 |
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Cross Stitch Kit: Welcome Little One – Marie’s Garden $3.99 |
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Little Girl Counted Cross Stitch Pillow Cover Kit $13.17 |
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“jumping little white tiger” Gongting cross stitch kit $11.43 |
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JUST WE TWO LITTLE GIRL AND KITTEN CAT CROSS STITCH KIT $16.99 |
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Gold Collection Cross Stitch Kit – My Little Sunshine $17.95 |
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35259 MY LITTLE SUNSHINE GOLD CROSS STITCH KIT 10X16″ $27.32 |
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Counted Cross Stitch Kit: “Little Roses” $1.99 |
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Little Angel Counted Cross Stitch Kit – Janlynn $4.40 |
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Cross Stitch Kit Twinkle Little Star Baby Birth Record $12.99 |
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NEEDLE TREASURES X STITCH KIT – little kisses $15.99 |
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Dimensions Gold My Little Sunshine X- Stitch Kit, NEW $13.99 |
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Cross Stitch New Little One Baby Birth Record Kit $16.95 |
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Shepherds Bush Little Witch Cross Stitch Kit NIP $9.49 |
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Cross Stitch Kit Genuine Hummel The Little Goat Herder $14.00 |
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Stamped Cross Stitch kit ~ MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS QUILT $28.69 |
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Little Black Dress Mini Counted Cross Stitch Kit-2-1/4t $4.27 |
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Cross Stitch Kit – Little Mermaid R017 – 14CT 19 x 19cm $5.99 |
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Little Folks Blue Bird Counted Cross Stitch Kit-5″X5″ e $8.08 |
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Janlynn Disney Princess Counted Cross Stitch Kit $9.99 |
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Baby Hugs Little Sports Bibs Stamped Cross Stitch Kit-2 $11.63 |
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Baby Hugs Little Sports Quilt Stamped Cross Stitch Kit” $29.32 |
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Merry Little Christmas Quilt Stamped Cross Stitch Kit-” $31.16 |
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Little Folks Sun Bonnet Sue Counted Cross Stitch Kit-5e $8.08 |
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Needle Treasures Cross stitch kit LITTLE PARTNERS pony $4.99 |
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Counted Cross Stitch Kit – A True Friend – Little Bears $7.99 |
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THE LITTLE LOVELY KITTEN, COUNTED CROSS STITCH KIT $24.88 |
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Pooh’s Little Helpers Counted Cross Stitch Kit $2.99 |
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Stamped Cross Stitch Kit – I’m A Little Star Baby Bib $4.99 |
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Valerie Pfeiffer Cross Stitch Kit – Three Little Maids $14.83 |
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LITTLE BOY AND GIRL PICNICING CROSS STITCH KIT NEW $4.99 |
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LITTLE BOY AND GIRL WEDDING CROSS STITCH KIT NEW $4.99 |
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LITTLE BOY AND GIRL WHISPERING CROSS STITCH KIT NEW $4.99 |
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Counted Cross Stitch Kit – MOM & SIS Little Frames $5.99 |
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NEW HALLOWEEEN “LITTLE DEVIL” STANDUP CROSS STITCH KIT $1.99 |
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Janlynn Counted Cross Stitch kit ~ OUR LITTLE HOUSE $7.99 |
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Time for a Little Snooze Cross-Stitch Throw Kit $27.00 JANLYNN-Counted Cross Stitch Kit. Gorgeous rich colors; endearing scenes; and soft as a cloud material all come together to make up Janlynn’s cuddly afghans for baby. Kit includes: 100% acrylic white evenweave pre-fringed 19 count afghan; cotton floss; needle; Gift card with envelope; and easy instructions with an alphabet for personalization in English and French. Finished size: 44Hx34W. Desi… |
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Gold Collection My Little Sunshine Counted Cross Stitch Kit – 10X16 $24.91 DIMENSIONS-The Gold Collection: Counted Cross Stitch. The Gold Collection Kits are wonderfully detailed with full and half cross stitches. Kit includes: 18 count Aida; cotton thread; color-coded thread sorter; needle and easy instructions. Mat and frame are not included. Finished size: 16×10in (41×25cm). Design: My Little Sunshine. Designer: Jean Monti. Made in USA…. |
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Janlynn Disney Christmas Stocking Felt Applique Kit Disney felt applique kit. Screen printed, acrylic felt, 6-strand cotton floss, backing fabric, needle, graph and easy to follow instructions. (cording not included) …. |
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UB Funkeys 1 GB USB Sculpted Flash Drive – DEUCE – Secret Code Inside! $5.69 Kids will love this USB flash drive sculpted in the likeness of the popular Funkeys character Deuce. The flash drive character stores 1GB of memory, providing enough space to save and store homework and projects. The plug and play design makes it easy for kids to use. The Funkeys USB flash drives will be the perfect companion for kids at school or home! Cable included. Unit Dimensions: 1.7″W x 1.3… |
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Stitch-it Bunny Keyring $5.99 Easy to make keyring with pre-cut felt pieces so no tricky patterns to cut out. Makes 1 character keyring. Finished size: approx. Height 4″ x Width 3″ Great for hand eye coordination and dexterity. Also great for developing life skills that can be beneficial now and later in life. Sewing for the novice stitcher. Ideal first project for a beginner with no previous stitching experi… |
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Stitch-it Puppy Keyring $5.99 Easy to make keyring with pre-cut felt pieces so no tricky patterns to cut out. Makes 1 character keyring. Finished size: approx. Height 4″ x Width 3″ Great for hand eye coordination and dexterity. Also great for developing life skills that can be beneficial now and later in life. Sewing for the novice stitcher. Ideal first project for a beginner with no previous stitching experi… |
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Stitch-it Bear Keyring $5.99 A really girlie girl is miss bear, she loves pink roses and has a flower in her hair! Easy to make bear keyring with pre-cut felt pieces so no tricky patterns to cut out. Makes 1 bear keyring, pre-cut felt pieces cotton printed pattern floss x 2 stuffing metal needle metal keyring… |
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Milly Smith’s More Country Folk Art Leaflet 329 $3.89 Publisher: Leisure Arts Book Nbr:329 Year: 1984 Artist: Milly Smith Medium Condition: Good to very good condition. More usage wear – especially on cover. No writing, tears or stains. 21 very nice country designs. Includes Cat, pig, geese, bear, welcome and many more…. |
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