A Heart for Adoption

I was so excited when I heard a few months ago that my sweet friends Tim and Anya are planning to adopt! If you've adopted (or know anyone that has), you know what a financial strain it can be. Tim and Anya have asked their "village" of friends and family to help bring this sweet child home to their family.

I decided that I wanted to create a special card just for them. For each card purchased, $1 will go to their adoption fund. (The other $1 barely covers my materials and Paypal fees, so this isn't a get rich quick scheme for me, but truly a way to help them.)

Here's a peek at the card:


Why "Blessed?" Well, for one, it's versatile. This would be a great birthday card, baby card, thinking of you card, missing you card, or thank you card. Two, I feel blessed that I can use my gifts to help my friends. Three, (and most importantly) this little one will be so blessed to be part of their family.

If you'd like to help support them (and get a great card you can use!), here's how:

1. Visit Cards by Jessica on Facebook.
2. Click on "Shop Now" on the left side.
3. You should see two options. If you are local to me or Tim and Anya, you can choose this option with Free Shipping. If you will need your card shipped to you, choose this option.
4. Continue to check out.

To learn more about Tim and Anya's heart for adoption, be sure to visit their blog. And, if you have questions about any of this, please let me know. You can always contact me via email at cardsbyjessica@gmail.com.

Let's bring this baby home!!

I Need Your Help!

I'm super frustrated right now, and I need your help!

Here's the situation: I've got lots of great cards, tags, and now gift tins to sell. So, I need a place to sell them. I do several craft shows throughout the year, and that works out pretty well. I've done some in-home card parties, and those are a blast! I tried an Etsy shop for a while, and it was... okay. I tried a free store on Facebook, and it's been a pain! (As of right now, my store seems to have disappeared. I'm working on trying to find it.) I'm looking for some sort of venue to showcase my products, but not pay an arm and a leg to promote them.

I've thought about going back to Etsy, but with the fees, I'd have to mark my cards up 50 cents each to stay on top. I've never had issues with the site, and it's pretty user-friendly from both ends.

I've thought about just posting my products in Facebook albums. To purchase, you'd just comment on the photo, and then I'd receive the notification. This would obviously be free, so I'd be able to keep my prices where they are. The downside- no shopping cart attached. After the buyer would comment, I'd have to write up and send an invoice. (Which really isn't all that difficult, but it does prolong the process.)

So, what are your thoughts? What would be the easiest way for you to shop? Would you be willing to pay more if I went back to Etsy? Is it too complicated to comment on the photos? Do you know of any other affordable (ideally free) storefronts that you've had good success with?

I'm anxious to hear your suggestions. I'll let you know what I come up with!

PS- I'll do a random drawing from the comments I receive (on topic and helpful, please) and give away a pack of cards for your help.

Max on Life

I recently had the opportunity to read Max on Life by Max Lucado. Different from his many other books, this book tackled many questions about God, prayer, faith, Heaven, and even day to day topics like parenting and relationships. Some of the content is quoted from his previous works, and some is new to this book. Divided into sections (Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, Hereafter), each page listed the question as well as Lucado’s response.

As a Christian of nearly 20 years, many of the questions were familiar ones to me. I’ve heard them asked in the church, in small group settings, and in casual conversations. However, some of these questions have no simple answer, and entire books have been written on the topic. If you are looking for in-depth answers to your tough questions, this is not the book for you. I certainly don’t feel that Lucado’s page-long attempt and scripture reference or two will suffice. On the other hand, if you want a great reference book that might provide a starting point (with scripture to back up his response in most cases), this will be a great resource. This book would also provide a great overview of what the Bible has to say about a range of topics for those that are new to Christianity or even exploring their faith.

If you’ve read Lucado before, you know that he’s a very readable writer. His book is full of clever stories and illustrations, not a bunch of religious jargon. I also appreciated the large amount of scripture used to support his responses. And, perhaps most helpful in this book is a topical index as well as a scripture index.

Overall, I’m not sure this was the book for me. I’d recommend it for a new believer or one seeking Christ if you want to read it cover to cover. For more mature Christians, it might be a great reference book to keep on the shelf.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Did You Know....?

Did you know that you can shop directly from my Facebook page? So easy. Click on the cards you like, add them to your cart, and pay with Paypal. Try it out here.

Did you know that ALL my Easter cards are on sale right now for only $1.50 each? What a deal! Plus, I have some adorable Easter tags that would be perfect to tie onto an Easter basket or little gift.

Did you know that I do custom orders? A personalized baby card- done! Notecards with your favorite colors- done! Thank you notes for your business- done! Tags for products you sell- done! A wedding card with the couple's monogram- done! What can I make for YOU?

Did you know that I offer special sales to Facebook fans? Be sure to "like" me on Facebook as well so you don't miss anything!

Did you know that I'm always open to suggestions? Is there something you'd love to see me carry? Have an idea for me to try? Feel free to email me at cardsbyjessica@gmail.com with your suggestions.

Did you know I'm thankful for all those that have supported me and shared my products with their loved ones? :)

Easter!

Since the sun is shining and I can see the tips of my daffodils blooming, it's time to think spring! Here are a few Easter cards for you to get you in the mood...

I hope to have more to post after Friday. I have a few more embellishments that just need created into cards. :) I'm also thinking about some Easter tags that could be tied onto baskets or little gifts. We'll see what some time to create on Friday brings!

To order, visit my facebook page. (www.facebook.com/cardsbyjessica) You can order all of these directly from my page. Look for the little shopping cart on the left. (PS- You get a nice little discount if you're a fan!)

Book Review: Finding Our Way Again by Brian McLaren

Side note: Another hobby! Reading! :)

I hope to post some Easter cards for you soon!

While this was not a book I would have normally chosen off the shelf, it turned out to be a very interesting read. As the introductory book to a series on spiritual practices, Brian McLaren speaks to how “we must rediscover our faith as a way of life, not simply as a system of belief.” He looks at how even ancient spiritual practices have a place today in modern religions as we seek to regain our focus and strengthen our faith. I was expecting a sort of summary of the practices, which it was not. He focused mainly on the need for these practices as a whole in our daily lives and what it means to be growing in our faith (and “finding our way again”).

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I am neither a religious scholar nor a history buff, but his explanations of Christian history were (mostly) clear enough that I was able to follow and have a very basic understanding of where he was coming from.

The one issue that I had with the book was that while McLaren clearly stated that he was a Christian and was writing from a Christian perspective, the book was written for “unreligious people as well as adherents of all three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.” I did appreciate his explanations of the similarities among these faiths, but I also believe they are different enough to warrant not including them all in one book. For that reason, there were times that I felt he wasn’t as clear in making his statements as he would have been if it simply was directed toward a Christian audience.

I plan to keep this book on my bookshelf to refer back to at another time. I also hope to perhaps think through some of the spiritual exercises and study guide questions more thoroughly.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com http://BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Babies!

One of the things I love to do is to make personalized cards for new babies. I actually just made a few this past week, but I gave them away before I remembered to take pictures. So, I had to dig into the photo archives to find a few examples:

Another one of my favorite "new mom" gifts is a set of thank you notes she can use for baby gifts or meals. Here are a few recent examples: Want some of your own to give? Custom baby cards (with name) are only $2 each! And, I can do simple baby thank you cards for just $1 each! Email me at cardsbyjessica@gmail.com with your request.

Be Mine!

A quick peek at some of my Valentine's Day cards. Some have already been snatched up, but if you want to see what I have in stock, click here.

Fun things!

A few weeks before Christmas, I saw an ad somewhere for this. I love the look of stitching on cards, but I don't have a sewing maching, nor did I really want to make that big of an investment for a few cards. So, on to my Christmas wish list went the Sew Easy. And, down to Archiver's went my hubby to get one. (He follows directions well!) The problem: they were out of stock. I had to wait an entire month after Christmas to get one! But, I am now the proud owner of a Sew Easy. And, I'm having fun playing with it. It does take some practice, but I'm getting better. And, here's my first card made with it- And, I saw these fun flowers yesterday and had to try them out as well. My hubby says "How does that fit in an envelope?" I was definitely thinking about cute over practical. It doesn't fit in an envelope, but who cares! It's still very cute. :) Both of these cards (and lots more!) are available here.

Book Review: The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz

When not making cards, I do enjoy a good book. I found a great site (booksneeze.com), and hope to do several more reviews for them in the future. :)

The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz

Between glimpses into the thoughts of Maggie, George, and Joe as they are cared for during their final days at Harmony House and flashbacks to their years together as children in Levy, South Carolina, Nicole Seitz weaves a story that shows how unconditional love can be as well as how the events of our childhood form and mold us.

Eighty-plus years after events that changed their lives forever, Maggie (now a mute), George (her devoted husband), and Joe (a familiar stranger) find themselves together in Harmony House being cared for by the sweet Miss Annie. As the story unfolds, the reader sees the connections they shared in their younger years and how those events still have hold of them so many years later.

It definitely took me a while to get into this book because there were so many characters and Seitz is continually inserting flashbacks from eighty years before the story takes place. But, once I got the characters settled in my mind, I began to see how connected they were. I fell in love with George and admired his devotion to his precious Maggie. I looked forward to each time I was taken back to the events of so many years ago that were critical to how each character ended up where he or she was. While the end wasn’t quite what I expected, it did tie everything together neatly and left no question unanswered.

If you’re looking for an honest love story, a bit of a mystery, and some Southern charm, I definitely recommend Nicole Seitz’s The Inheritance of Beauty.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

CPS Sketch #202

Quick card this morning for CPS. (Hallelujah for the return of a morning nap- at least for today!)

Materials:

Patterned paper- Cloud 9 Design; Chipboard Embellishment- K&Company; Cardstock-Coredinations; Scallop Scissors- Fiskars

Cards 4 Cancer

I'm SOOO excited to be able to share this new project with you! Here's the story:

Last week, my hubby forwarded an email he received at work about a project called Cards 4 Cancer. Their goal is to brighten the days of those undergoing treatment for cancer by simply giving them a card to let them know someone cares. Locally, the organizer I'm working with made over 1000 cards with the help of 4 others last year! Pretty amazing! I was ready to jump on board, but I need your help.

There are several ways you can be involved.

1. If you are crafty, make some of your own cards to donate! In the past, there have been groups all over the US making, donating, and delivering cards.

2. Participate in my Get One, Give One promotion from now until March 1. For $3, you will get any card I have in stock, and I'll give a card to Cards 4 Cancer. (The $3 includes shipping to you!)

3. Wanna give more? For each $1 you give to Cards by Jessica, I will make and donate a card to Cards 4 Cancer. (You can donate through Paypal- just send it to cardsbyjessica@gmail.com. You can also give your donation directly to me if you are local.)

Here we go! 50 cards? 100 cards? 250 cards? Keep me busy!

To order, please email me at cardsbyjessica@gmail.com. You can find the cards I currently have in stock in my Facebook albums. Look for the caption that gives the card number (Example: Baby #5). Simply email me with the cards you want and your mailing address, and they'll be on the way! I'll send you an invoice via Paypal.

Oh, and here's a sneak peek of what the cards I'm donating will look like-

I will keep you updated as I learn more this year. Questions? Please ask!

CPS Sketch #201

A really quick card for CPS this week...

Create Blog: Butterfly Card Challenge

I'm not a huge fan of butterflies but that was the challenge this week on the Create Blog. So, butterflies it is... But, I guess that's what a challenge is about- to try something new. :)

Off to the laundry. Perhaps I might sneak in a new card or two between loads.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper: Bo Bunny and Unknown; Gems: Doodlebug

Happy Birthday!

A few new birthday cards from this week for your viewing pleasure. :)

Mini Cards

I love, love, love making these mini cards! They measure 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 and are perfect for tucking into gift bags, attaching to a gift, writing little love notes/lunch box notes, or using as a gift card holder. Plus, I hold onto all my scrap paper, so they're a great way to use those little scraps or that one sticker left on the sheet. :) I have bunches more, but typically don't post them. If you need any mini cards for birthdays, babies, weddings, or just blank cards you can use for whatever, be sure to email me! Oh, the best part- they're only $1!! I know I've spent WAY more than that at the store when I've needed a card.

More new cards!

I've been in a crafty mood this week. The laundry is piled up, and the house is a mess, but I have a few cute cards to show you! (Plus, I adapted several of these from the new books I got for Christmas.)

Happy Halloween?

I know, I know. It's January. There are SEVERAL inches of snow outside my window right now. But, I got these fun jack-o-lantern stickers on clearance a few weeks ago, and they were calling my name today.
Pretty cute, huh? They're great tags to attach to little treat bags or other fall/Halloween gifts. I'll tuck them away for next fall. Or, if you've got to have them now, I have 5. Email me. :)

New cards

I wasn't in a football mood on Saturday night for the Colts game, so I decided to work on some new cards for most of the game and just watch the replays when something big happened. Here are some of my new cards: I think this cupcake card would be an adorable birthday party invitation too!
Since the Colts lost anyway, I'm glad to have spent my time doing something fun... until the 4th quarter when I turned all my attention to the game. There's always next year...

CPS Sketch #200

Another quick card for CPS this week. Must be thinking about spring today. :)
Cardstock- yellow, blue, green; Patterned paper- Doodlebug, Creative Imaginations, unknown; ribbon; buttons

(If you like this card, it and all of my other cards are available for purchase by emailing me at cardsbyjessica@gmail.com. Or, you can find me on Facebook for more info about my cards, contests, and updates.)

Last Chance to Win!

Now through January 15, you have the opportunity to win a prize pack from Cards by Jessica. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post with a suggestion for a product I could feature. It could be as simple as "I think you should make a ____ card." Or, if you have an idea for a custom card, this is a great place to post that too ("I might need a card for ______.") I KNOW you have ideas- some of you have shared them with me before. Now's the chance to let your voice be heard! Hurry- only a few more days!

CPS Sketch #199

One of the things I'd like to do this year to stretch myself creatively is to enter some online challenges or even submit a card or two for publication. So... with that in mind, here's my first ever online challenge submission for CPS.

I decided to keep it simple to just get it done- otherwise, I knew I'd procrastinate trying to make it perfect and then I'd never submit!

Materials: Cardstock- Bazzill Basics and Paper Company; Patterned paper- Paper Studio; Foam Snowflakes- Creatology; Other- Cricut and Opposites Attract cartridge, glitter, gem

With any luck, there will be more submissions to come, and maybe even a prize won! :)

New Products!

With the arrival of the new year, I'm also thinking about new products that I can carry. So, I need your help. What products would you like to see Cards by Jessica feature in 2011? Leave a comment with your suggestion, and I'll pick one comment at random for a prize pack. It could be a completely new product or a type of card that I don't currently have. And, who knows- I might be inspired for a great new product because of you! :)

Leave your comment on this post by January 15. I'll pick a random winner and announce it on my Facebook page.

2011 Calendar

For Christmas this year, I made both my mom and my mother-in-law a 2011 calendar. (Well, technically it was a gift from my daughter, but I don't think either one of them believed a 1 year old made the calendars.) I included a picture from that month in 2010 and have plans to send them a new picture from that month in 2011. This way, they can see how much she's grown over the year. Here's what each page looked like (and you'll see the space for the new 2011 picture too):