Tissue Paper Flower Cards
Once upon a time there were clues that I should do something more with my paper habit/hobby. My job was doing a creative market/craft fair. I think it was tied to Earth day. I just remember being asked to participate. I was stumped with what I would make that someone would want to buy. So, I went home and made some cards. I didn’t want to be stuck with left overs of items that didn't sell. So, I made 8 of them. I thought, well that is not very much to put on a table. So, I’ll bring a vase with these tissue paper flowers I had made. I was cautiously optimistic about the whole thing.
So, that afternoon, I set up my little table and made ready to make a sale. And then, I sold out. I really had not expected that would happen. I sat there and took back orders. Soon, I was asked if the flowers were for sale! “No, they’re just decor” I said. “I’d like to buy them. How much would you sell them for?” Well, if you have struggled with the idea of what the cost should be for your handmade items, you know that this was totally a head scratcher. She was kind enough to make an extremely generous offer and I sold my first flowers.
Tissue paper flowers, die cut, colored, layered, and embellished.
Final Card result
That night I went home and made additional cards. I couldn’t make more of the same because the base card came in a package of 8 or 10 and I used them up. I had them on hand for thank you notes that may need to be sent out. So, I was having to get creative. I came up with a new design and make a few more cards.
2nd - New Card Design
So what have I learned. Know your audience. In my case the people I worked with were very creative, and creatives more than not, are far more supportive and appreciative of crafted goods. Be prepared to pivot. I wished I had prepped additional cards but, I didn’t and I rushed to make something new that night. Taking backorders was a creative way to sustain your sales and I was able to keep about the sales after I had sold out. Anything on the table can be sold! I remember the lovely human that believed in me back then, and was supportive to the degree that I felt so honored she bought those flowers.
Today, I make flowers and still fret a bit that I have not done my best work. It is a feeling that keeps me making, keeps me in practice, and allows me to continually learn, and grow.