Rachael's Handmade Designs

Hi All! I wanted to share with you a fun and exciting new way to create a card.  Let me first say that I did this tutorial with just a regular 80 lb. sheet of legal sized paper to make a mock-up first. You may want to do this, too, before you start to work with your favorite sheet of cardstock.  So - let's get started! You Will Need: 1.  8.5x14 piece of cardstock; 2.  a ruler; 3.  something to score with (I use scissors+my ruler) 4.  craft knife + self-healing mat or protected surface. 5.  pencil ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ To Do: 1. Cut down your 8.5x14 sheet of paper to 12x5.5. 2. Lengthwise, score at 2"; 4"; 8"; and 10". 3.  Now, along the first score line, measure 2" down from the top of the card. Mark with a dot.  Do the same on the 10" score line and, pressing LIGHTLY, connect the dots across lengthwise.  This is where you will cut. 4.  Now do the same, only measure 2" up from the bottom and do the same as you did befor...

Hi All, Looking forward to the near future, Father's Day is just around the corner! I've already made my card for Dad, cuz when it comes to holidays I have to make/get things early, otherwise I'm late. hehe. Here is a simple card I came up with for Dad. Really plain and simple, but I wanted the circle printed paper to speak for itself. The sentiment is embossed and the inside of the card is lined in fine white paper, with a matching envelope. Here is another card that I recently made using Bombshell Stamps. Originally I had posted this to my flickr group (Colorful Handmade Cards - http://www.flickr.com/groups/1247865@N22/) without the clippies or leg popped off the page, thinking it was finished. Something just didn't seem right, so I worked a little more on it and this is what I came up with. I like it much more now than I did before. I think the extra embellishments made all the difference. I really like these stamps, as well. They are cute and the only real pin...

Hi All, Well, the street fair was fun! I was situated right next to a kettle corn guy who gave me free popcorn all weekend. :D I was right in front of a pakistani food joint, which would have been fine, but they insisted on blaring their (fucking) irritating music inconsiderately right in my booth. On the first day I had to ask them to turn it down 4 times because I couldn't hear my customers (or think)!!! And don't get me wrong, that music is fine for like, one or two songs, but playing it ALL day at high volume, the same cd over and over and over again...I wanted to take my wire cutters and snip the wires to their speakers. No I'm not joking. The weather was GREAT for the street fair, and I made my booth fee, plus extra to boot, which is more than a lot of vendors there could say, I'm sure. Financially speaking, I don't think it was worth my time. But if we're talking strictly about reaching possible future customers, my work being seen AND making some sal...

Hi All, In preparing for the street fair this weekend I have been going through my stash of goodies and trying to figure what I will use, and what is just taking up room in my storage containers. There are some items that I have purchased in the past that I haven’t been able to incorporate into my designs, so I’ve posted this on my etsy site as “destash” items. Check them out, you may find something that I haven’t been able to use, but that would be perfect for you or your pieces! Talk to ya later!

Hi All, Well, I finally have time to post this little update. The Ladies Night shopping craft show thing went REALLY well. I made a lot of profit (more than I thought I would) and there was a lot of foot traffic and my things were seen. I also noticed that people were more interested in my jewelry than my cards. I suspect that this is due mainly to my lack of merchandising for my cards. I need to figure out a better way than a table-top spinner display. Perhaps a tiered acrylic display? I'm not sure. But, I was invited to do the next Ladies Night event again, so that's great! A possible long-term event booking! :D Now comes the big show! This weekend is my big street fair. I'm excited and horrified all at once. I'm not sure that I have enough product for the street fair, but I've been working my little fingers to the bone to make what I can in time. I don't think I will have enough time to get a new display for my cards in time for the street fair, but - tha...

Hi All! Well, today is the day of the Ladies Night street sale. It's not really a "street fair" but more of a sidewalk sale of sorts. I've been gearing up and prepping for it for about a week, but not really *creating* anything until the last few days. What I came up with kind of surprised me. First I should explain that I'm not one to make cards or jewelry because I have to meet deadlines. If I feel crafty, I craft. (I don't push myself, but I *do* try to create something every day.) If not, I don't. I have found that if I set a goal, I automatically feel pressure from myself to get it done, and that takes the fun out of it for me. I've pretty much always been like that tho, if I feel like it's required, I won't do it. LOL Anyways, below are some things that I've come up with in the last few days for the sidewalk sale. They are also listed online in my shop if you are interested in purchasing. Also, if you would like more in-depth photos...

Hi all! Last Friday I was telephoned by a client of mine who invited me to do a "Ladie's Night" street fair table for my handmade cards and jewelry. I'm quite excited about this because it will give me the chance to 1. get exposure in my community as an artist, and 2. it will give the shop owner (my client) a chance to see how well my items will sell. She is still on the fence re: purchasing a wholesale order from me. In part, I beleive this is due to financials. When I originally proposed the wholesale purchase of my handmade cards and jewelry it was the slow months of her business. She runs an ice cream parlor and the summer months are her busiest months, so I think this would be a great opportunity to see how my products will be able to sell. I've also made some new cards lately. Check 'em out and tell me whatcha think!!!