Why Buy Handmade Cards?
Published On: 11-10-2011 07:47pm
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Category: Crafts
Rather than having a mass produced item, the trend now is to have the unusual, unique, one-of-a-kind item that can be a conversation piece in the home and in the family. What better way to show that you care for someone than to send a truly handmade greeting card. And, what better way to show that someone really cares about you than to show-off your beautiful handmade greeting card on your mantle, buffet, or bookshelf along with your other array of heirlooms or collectibles?
Let's have a little history lesson here. The custom of sending greeting cards was started way back with the ancient Chinese who sent messages of good will, and the Egyptions who sent greetings on papyrus scrolls. By the 1850's, greeting cards had been changed from handmade, hand-delivered gifts to more widespread, popular, and generalized communication. This was mostly due to advances in printing.
However, during the 1980's, the trend began to turn full circle with consumers wanting greeting cards that were more personal and different from the commercial mass productions. Now in 2010, the trending is clearly in favor of a more personal approach to card giving.
A word to the wise: although some manufacturers have a category called "Handmade", their cards are actually mass produced with the look of a "hand-assembled" card. In actuality, there are multiples of thousands of each of these identical "hand-assembled" cards on the market. The card sent in this catergory to your loved one or peer is one that can be seen in any commercial outlet.
As a crafter or artisan, I create the truly handmade greeting card. My cards are not mass produced and are made one by one entirely by my hand. I pride myself on the colorfulness and sturdiness of my cards. Whereas the standard greeting card has a picture or decorative motif on the front only, my cards are double-layered front and back. The design or color on the front of the folded greeting card is also on the back of the card. In fact, my cards are so colorful, distinctive and sturdy, they can be used as the gift itself! They are made to last indefinitely!
