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? :)