Selecting cards for an occasion or as a small gift can be challenging if you aren’t sure what’s available. Let’s explore greeting cards to determine providers you like or if you would prefer to make your own. If you decide you want to make some, your notes from this badge program will come in handy for researching what’s already available.
Steps
Greeting Cards
1. Stores.
Purchasing pre-made cards and envelopes is one way to obtain cards. The offerings change during the year as holidays and seasons pass. Where do you normally purchase greeting cards? Are there any locations you avoid when making card purchases? Make a list of your favorite suppliers and why they are your favorites.
2. Online.
You can purchase greeting cards online as well. Sellers on handmade sites make every design you can imagine. In addition, you can get a card printable to print and send multiple times. Look at suppliers online and find a few where you might purchase cards. Add these suppliers to your list.
3. Digital.
Sending a digital card is great . . . especially if you are someone who likes to do things at the last minute. In addition to a great variety of designs, you can personalize the message to your receiver. Look at digital sites that offer electronic cards. Join one and send a card or two to familiarize yourself with the process. Continue growing your list.
4. Handmade.
Craft fairs, bazaars, boutiques and other locations have more unique cards. Unlike purchasing a card online, you can see and feel the quality of the materials. If you see offerings at a local event, note the artist so you can follow them. Have a chat and learn about their process.
5. Make.
The last way to obtain greeting cards is to make them yourself. Have you done this? If you have, look through the cards you’ve made. I’ve made a lot and I was never happy with them. When I look back at the designs, I’m surprised at how much I like them now. If you’ve not tried making cards, this badge set might be thing perfect one for you!
Subject Matter
6. Holiday.
When you think of cards, holiday cards is probably one that comes to mind . . . especially Christmas. While you may purchase a few cards for other holidays, Christmas cards tend to come in boxes so you can send the same card to multiple people. Look at other holidays as well.. Do you have a favorite holiday you might want to share with friends and family? Note the holidays you find cards for and those that don’t have cards available. Which under-represented holidays might you make a card for?
7. Occasion.
There are a lot of reasons to buy a card. Birthdays and anniversaries are just two. Make a list of the different occasions available to you through greeting cards. Add those to your list that you feel should have cards but do not.
8. Serious.
Are you into serious, heart-felt cards? If so, you’ll find many available for a variety of occasions. Read some to get a feel for how they are written, the fonts used and the designs. Are certain colors limited to different genders of recipients? Are there a lack of serious cards to a group of individuals? Continue asking questions about the cards you see. How might you improve upon serious card offerings?
9. Humor.
Some humor is funny while some is uncomfortable. Poking fun at someone’s age is very popular. Be as discriminating with humorous cards as you were with the serious ones. Look for trends and ways to improve what is offered.
10. Religious.
The majority of religious cards are Christian. Some sellers focus on this type of card while others only have them during certain holidays or times of the year. I personally avoid religious cards because it is easy to offend someone. How many religions can you find within the greeting cards offered to you? What religions might benefit from having cards directed to their beliefs? Is there a large enough community to support a line of cards like that?
11. Specialty.
Sometimes you just want to give a fun card. Most cards you look at are a standard decorated, folded piece of paper in an envelope. Add in little gifts, moving parts and sounds – then it becomes a specialty card. These specialty cards cost more, but recipients tend to appreciate them more. We purchased my niece a card with a felt taco fridgie that played music. Nine months later and it’s still on the refrigerator. Note the ways cards have been designed to include more fun. Is it worth it to spend more money for one of these cards?
Badge and Supplement Files
Member Level
- 0EP_B_BPG_CardX_2in_12up_MS1_larajla — generic badge printable
- 0EP_BLIST_CardX_MS1_larajla — badge items per membership level
- 0EP_BSET0_CardX_MS1_larajla —badge set and related badges
- 0EP_SUPP0_CardX_Journal_MS1_larajla — badge journal
- 0EP_SUPP0_CardX_Planner_MS1_larajla — badge planner
- 0EP_SUPPL_CardX_MS1_larajla — supplements currently available per membership level
Supplement Fun
- N/A
Sites to Explore
- www.making-greeting-cards.com
- www.redbubble.com/shop/explore+greeting-cards
- www.hallmark.com/cards
- www.papyrusonline.com/greeting-cards
- www.americangreetings.com/cards/ecards/_/N-1x91zju
- www.bluemountain.com
- www.123cards.com
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here