I ran across this shop a little while ago on Artfire, and I was impressed with Sammie's work. Her cards are just adorable! She specializes in Invitations, Cards, and other Paper Crafts, and now I'll let her tell you about herself.
I’m a 5th grade Science teacher, mother, wife, and card maker. I have three daughters: four year old twins and a two year old. I started scrapbooking in high school and have carried it on since then. I don’t have much time to craft while the girls are up, but after bedtime I get to relax and create.
How and when did you become interested in your craft?
I started making cards about a year ago. They were quick, fun and I was able to use different papers, ribbons, and embellishments on each one. They were like mini scrapbook pages but much faster. My favorite part of the process is coordinating the papers, ribbons, stamps, and embellishments. A scrapbook page took me days to design and I was stuck with the same colors for too long. A card is much quicker, and I can move on to another design and color palette within a couple hours.
What inspired you to open your shop?
My favorite types of cards to create are invitations. I only get to plan two birthday parties a year, so I had to find something else to do with all my other invitation ideas. I decided to try selling them online.
What is your favorite item in your shop?
Sometimes that changes daily. Right at the moment my favorite item are the duck pull toy shower invitations. I just love that little duck!
What is the most exciting thing that has happened since you've started?
My shop had been open about 4 months and business hadn’t really picked up yet. I had made some diaper bag themed invitations for my daughter’s 2nd birthday. I listed them one morning and that same evening a customer contacted me wanting to order some. She wanted 60! This was my first large order. She had some specific colors and patterns she wanted to match the rest of the décor. It was my first really “custom” order, and I was thrilled.
Do you take custom orders? If so, how do they work?
Custom orders are my favorite! If you want something designed to fit your theme just contact me and let me know what you have in mind. It could be a totally new design or one based on something I’ve already made but with a few changes. After you answer a few questions about the design and your budget, I’ll get a sample made for you to take a look at. At that point we can make any changes you want. Once you are happy with the design, I’ll set up a custom listing. After payment is made, I’ll buy the materials and get the cards made. I don’t charge any “design” fees and you don’t pay until you are happy with the sample card. Some custom themes I’ve created included: Pizza chef, Fish, Puppet show, and Airplanes. I look forward to doing many more.
What advice would you give someone new to online selling?
Don’t get bogged down in all the technical stuff. When I first opened my shop I stressed out about keywords, SEO, picture lighting, tags….. I spent so much time on the computer trying to get those things right I didn’t have much time to create. Yes those things are important, but don’t take the fun out of your craft. Read a few articles, take it slow, but take time to enjoy the craft that put you there in the first place.
Aren't they all just adorable! She is so creative in her work and so detailed! I've never really had the kind of creativity needed for card making, but I always love seeing what others can do! There's something so special about a handmade card!
Next time you're planning that special party and need invitations, or just want the perfect card to send to someone special, don't forget to pop on over to Stitches and Scraps and let her provide just the card you need! In fact, now would be a great time to go check out her shop either on Artfire or Etsy! Sammie has graciously offered my readers a 15% off coupon for either of her shops! Just use the code FAN15 to receive your discount! You can also find Stitches and Scraps on Facebook and Twitter.
And speaking of cards, how would you like a chance to win a set of these adorable mini Hedgehog note cards?! Every time I look at these little cards I have to smile! Wouldn't they be just perfect for cheering someone's day! :)
Stitches and Scraps is offering a set of 6 of these 3x3 note cards to one of my readers!
Buy it: If you just can't wait to see if you will win this giveaway and would like to purchase a set of these cards right now, they are available as a set of 12 for just $9.
Win it: Complete the mandatory entry below and any additional entries you want to, and make sure you include your e-mail address!!
Mandatory Entry:
Visit Stitches and Scraps, browse around, then come back here and tell me your favorite card or invitation AND leave me your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win.Extra Entries (please leave a separate comment for each one and don't forget to leave me your e-mail address!):
*Follow me on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
*Add Stitches and Scraps to your favorites on Etsyt (1 entry)
*Blog about this giveaway (2 entries)
*Tweet this giveaway (can be done once a day - 1 entry each)
*Share this giveaway on Facebook (1 entry)
*Share this giveaway with friends through e-mail and let me know you did (1 entry)
*Comment on any non giveaway blog posts and tell me which one (1 entry)
This giveaway is open to residents of the US only. The giveaway will close on August 5th, and the winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail. The winner has 48 hours to get back to me with their address or a new winner will be chosen.
85 comments:
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3572628
Gorgeous! enlehman86@ gmail.com
I follow you with GFC (Erin Lehman).
Added S&S to my Etsy favorites!
I commented here
http://whatsoeveryedo.blogspot.com/2011/07/if-i-had-100.html
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2168259
Love this! Could see turning the idea into a tattoo!
backpackin_dannielle@yahoo.com
Thank you<3
I added S&S to my favorites on Etsy :)
I posted about this giveaway on Facebook :)
Google Friend Connect- done!
Posted this giveaway to Twitter just now :) Username: bowlofzombies
Commented on a non-giveaway blog
http://whatsoeveryedo.blogspot.com/2011/07/another-yummy-groupon-deal.html
And I'm glad I did! I had never heard of this company before. Christmas gifts are done for the year!
I like the Robot Birthday Invitations Best :)
farrah_jo@yahoo.com
the Silhouette birthday invitation is my favorite!
brianaduda at gmail dot com
following on GFC (briana)
brianaduda at gmail dot com
added to etsy shop favorites
SimplyBriana
brianaduda at gmail dot com
tweeted!
@brianabjerke
http://twitter.com/#!/brianabjerke/status/96778876046426112
I like the Southwestern Thank you card - hand stamped leaf. abailey_crace@yahoo.com
Tweeted. http://twitter.com/theladya/status/96878360889802752 abailey_crace@yahoo.com
I LOVE her cards!! It's REEAAALLY Hard to pick a favorite, because they are all so pretty!!
I like these two birthday ones:
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2664514
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2664514
uhmewzing1@yahoo.com
What beautiful work! I love the Owl Birthday Invitations - in pink. gert003@aol.com
Sorry, forgot my email in that post. My email is makysmama @ yahoo . com and I like the fall greeting card best
They are all such creative cards! I think my favorite (after a long decision) is the Christmas Greeting Cards - Christmas tree, happy holidays. The one with the Happy Holidays on the front and a tree in place of the 'a' in Happy. Email is davandihamilton (at) gmail (dot) com
Following you on GFC. davandihamilton (at) gmail (dot) com
Tweeted about this giveaway today!
I love butterflies!
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2664514
The stunning design and simplicity, and beauty, is why I chose:
New Mom card - silhouette for Mother's day!
How original and heartfelt!
I love the hedgehogs too!!
pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com
I love these...Thank you card - bird, sweet, country look
Sabrina.Vaccaro at hotmail dot com
Follow on gfc
Sabrina.Vaccaro at hotmail dot com
I like the Birthday party - Monkey or circus, thank you cards, set of 12
Samantha
Dull2000 at cox dot com
www.mygc.com/samd
Can I say I love all the cards? OK, well I especially like the Circus birthday cards cuz it could be sent to anyone I know.
jhbalvin at gmail dot com
Added your lovely shop to my favorites (etsy name jhbalvin)
jhbalvin at gmail dot com
I really like the Halloween Greeting Card - Little Witch Silhouette.
tmhewson at tidewater dot net
I would get the owl birthday cards for my daughters birthday coming up
dani_megan@hotmail.com
Greeting card - Thank you, floral, pink and purple
very great cards!!!
kendraco22 at yahoo dot com
gfc follow Kendra22
kendraco22 at yahoo dot com
I love the Birthday Greeting Card - Butterflies, pink and green, bright.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com
I follow - gfc -emillie.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com
I Added Stitches and Scraps to my favorites on Etsy - emilliep.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com
I shared on twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/HisPrincess886/status/98769411195944960.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com
I shared on fb - http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=146612885420444&id=100001891505536.
hisprincess886 at yahoo dot com
I am a fan of Stitches and Scraps!! I can't help add her cards when I do up my EtsyGreetings treasuries...Love all of them! But of course, my favorites are her owl cards...:D
hollyernst430 at hotmail dot com
I like the circus birthday card. Thank you
candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com
Too cute! The baby bottle shower invitation is so cute. My best friend is having a little boy this winter and these would be so darling. I am going to bookmark this page!
clarksrfun at gmail dot com
My favorite card : Christmas Gift Tags - Cheery Snowman with gift, set of 6
(littleangel_mw at yahoo dot com)
I heart the shop on Etsy.
(SweetPeaAngel
littleangel_mw at yahoo dot com)
I follow you publicly on GFC.
littleangel_mw
littleangel_mw at yahoo dot com
Shared on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/michelle.s.dippel/posts/146666782082423
michelle.s.dippel
littleangel_mw at yahoo dot com
I like the cowboy birthday cards.
sunniewoodyplus2 atmsn.com
I really like the orange and brown floral greeting cards!
michelle.wanderingstill@gmail.com
I love the baby shower invitation with the umbrellas
hrddiana556@gmail.com
So hard to pick a favorite... beautiful work!! I love the vintage mothers day card!!
dropcqueen at yahoo dot com
I Follow me on Google Friend Connect
dropcqueen at yahoo dot com
the baby bottle invitations are perfect for a shower I'll be hosting soon!
I love the stamped frog greeting cards.
I follow on GFC as The Loopy Librarian.
allisonmoyer(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like the butterfly birthday card.
allythompson1 at yahoo dot com
tweeted the giveaway @twinglemommmy
allythompson1 at yahoo dot com
I like the spring bird :)
ashleydangit at gmail dot com
I love the Valentines Day Greeting Card - Love, Red and white, formal design
ginahamm@yahoo.com
I Follow on Google Friend Connect
ginahamm@yahoo.com
I Added Stitches and Scraps to your favorites on Etsy
ginahamm@yahoo.com
I love, love, love the Black-eyed Susan cards! They are beautiful!
andisue@hotmail.com
I am following you on GFC, andisueks.
andisue@hotmail.com
I heart Stitches and Scraps on etsy.
andisue@hotmail.com
My favorite is the Christmas Gift Tags - Red mittens with scallop, so cute and classy!
avroradavidovna at gmail dot com
I added Stitches and Scraps to my favorites on Etsy.
avroradavidovna at gmail dot com
I have tweeted about this giveaway (andreacouponz).
http://twitter.com/#!/andreacouponz/status/99569990281330688
davandihamilton (at) gmail (dot) com
I like this card: Handstamped greeting card - owls, thinking of you, fun and bright.
dawntaka at gmail dot com
Added Stitches and Scraps to my favorites on Etsy.
dawntaka at gmail dot com
following you on GFC.
Dawn takagi
dawntaka at gmail dot com
I love the Teddy Bear birthday cards.
Connie
CGruning at aol.com
Added stitches and Scraps to Etsy favorites
Connie
CGruning at aol.com
I'm a new google friend connect follower
Connie
CGruning at aol.com
I like the babyshower invite in airplanes
sarahlovesvegas@hotmail
gfc sarah_roxy_21
sarahlovesvegas@hotmail
I actually really like the Christmas Gift Tags - Red mittens with scallop, country theme
my_2_cents at hotmail dot com
I am a GFC follower
My 2 Cents
my_2_cents at hotmail dot com
I added it to the favorites on Etsy
STAYTONSIX
my_2_cents at hotmail dot com
I am a GFC follower
My 2 Cents
my_2_cents at hotmail dot com
I love hearing from my fans ( both old and new.). Thank you for taking the time to browse my shop and enter the giveaway. For those of you who have parties coming up I would love to work with you on some custom invitations. Good luck to everyone!!
i loved the birthday wishes card
lmurley2000@yahoo.com
follow on GFC
lmurley2000@yahoo.com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/lmurley2000/status/99675428536582144
lmurley2000@yahoo.com
This is my favorite card: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/StitchesandScraps/3572616
Thanks
beckeesdeals at gmail dot com
GFC follower
beckeesdeals at gmail dot com
My favorite is Christmas card Snowman
trustjesus7771 at yahoo dot com
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