Nov 18, 2009

Whats new in business?

Well this week I started a monthly business journal...
I thought it better to keep me focused on what I need to and where I am trying to go with business for 2010. After a year at my full time job I have noticed that my Card business has taken a hit to its livelihood. I have always dreamt of starting and running my own business. Well I have done that for a little more then 2 years but the money was sooooo slow. I have found ways to stick with it but I tell its hard.

So anyway I started this journal to help get back on track and hopefully something will come of it all.

What are you doing different?

BLACK Friday a cometh...

I just want to remind everyone Black Friday is the 27th and Handcrafted by LaMar will have cards for all occasions on SALE marked BFS (black friday sale) so be sure to stop by and get all you need...

Nov 13, 2009

Vintage Handcrafted by LaMar SALE...

We have an over flowing stock of designs/cards.
Many of last years designs are still in our possession and these great wonderful cards were made for you to have and give to friends and family...
So starting the 20th of November until January 1
find many of last years great designs for
$1.50 and less with FREE SHIPPING
listed @ our main boutique

Dont miss out on so many great design for such a low price...

Nov 11, 2009

BLACK Friday a cometh...

The year is quickly coming to an end and this means SALES, SALES, SALES...
One of the most highly anticipated days for great SALES is BLACK FRIDAY. This year Handcrafted by LaMar wants to share, partake and enjoy this day along with you.

So this November 27, 2009;

visit our main location @ http://www.handcraftedbylamar.com/ for our BUT 1 GET 1 sale. NO NO this year it is really BUY 1 GET 1 FREE... YES FREE! buy any single card, get 1 card FREE! Buy 3 cards YES you get 3 cards FREE (limit is 4) BUY 1 set of cards of 6 or more and get 2 FREE cards from our shop.

*FREE card must be of equal or lesser value then card purchased. Also, PLEASE in message to seller you must state what card you would like for FREE. Shipping fees will apply for all orders of 3 or more cards.

Visit any of my other wonderful shops (find links on the left sidebar) and enjoy our BUY 1 GET 1 HALF OFF SALE...

*Half off card selection can be submitted during checkout of original purchase in message to seller or via email. The card/item price will be re-adjusted with the correct price for you to purchase after the first order or you can purchase the two cards you would like at initial purchase and half of the higher cards price will later be refunded to you. Shipping fees will apply for all orders of 3 or more cards.

Hope to see you soon...
Again I wanted to mention this:

My sister has started a mission to join a team of volunteers that will travel to Ghana, West Africa to mentor and work with the children of B.A.S.I.C.S International, a faith-based, non-governmental organization in Ghana through Nana’s House, a safe-haven for children that takes them off the streets of Chorkor, Ghana.

I think its a grand idea and wanted to share her mission and blog with you today. "Here Am I, Send Me" -Isaiah 6:8

Shes looking for donations to help the people in Ghana. My sister is a religious person working on her second masters in eduction counseling at St Peter's College in New Jersey. She is 28 years of age and a real big hearted gal... Please just take a moment and look at her blog.

Donate a $1 Donate 10... but no matter what you please donate because we can make a difference.

Thank You in advance!

Nov 5, 2009

What should I do with this...


One of my many newest cards. The problem here is I am not sure what the card should say or not say. Sholud it have an embellishment instead? Should it be some simple Holiday greeting?
So I ask you AMERICA, what should I do with this?

Happy Hanukkah...


Visit www.handcraftedbylamar.com and order yours today!

Nov 4, 2009

"Here Am I, Send Me" -Isaiah 6:8

My sister has started a mission to join a team of volunteers that will travel to Ghana, West Africa to mentor and work with the children of B.A.S.I.C.S International, a faith-based, non-governmental organization in Ghana through Nana’s House, a safe-haven for children that takes them off the streets of Chorkor, Ghana.

I think its a grand idea and wanted to share her mission and blog with you today.
"Here Am I, Send Me" -Isaiah 6:8

She needs donation to help the people in Ghana. My sister is a religious person working on her second masters in eduction counseling at St Peter's College in New Jersey. She is 28 years of age and a real big hearted gal...

Please take a moment and look at her blog and if you can donate.
Donate a $1 Donate 10... but no matter what you please donate because we can make a difference.

Thank You in advance!

Shop Handmade - DAJaHSI Greeting

Shop Handmade - DAJaHSI Greeting

Last Years Goodies ON SALE...

Last year was a very a great year for me. I started selling my cards online and at craft shows and festivals all around New York City. I created so many different designs for different occasions, I have a great amount left over. So instead of trashing them or just pushing them to the side I want to offer them to you (the public) at close to wholesale price.





Cards regularly $3 for $2.25 FREE SHIPPING...


Designs like:

and so many more...
Visit my boutique at www.handcraftedbylamar.com today
and check the section marked "Last Years Goodies" for more great designs...

Nov 2, 2009

Formal Black & White Wedding Invite (first smpl)

This, my first of many to come, Wedding Invitation is 5x7" It starts out on black card stock. I think I did that because I wanted the card to have life... The white just seemed so plain, so I added black. I then went out and found this wonderful floral print that had groves in the image. I loved it and knew it was gonna look wonderful.

I then took my second most favorite thing to put on a card - RIBBON. I used a white grosgrain ribbon which was about 1" wide. I wrapped it around the length of the card then covered it with my pop-up affect. I say pop-up because its raised off the surface of the card a good 1/4" and no matter how much you push it pops right back up.


To finish it off I ordered these great handmade flowers from Meg of fortymeg.
The flowers were black and off white with clear rhinestones...
This was a great adventure, because the design process is the hard part, especially when you dont want to look like everyone else in town. Anyway, thanks for stopping by and home you have a smashing weekend.....

Oct 30, 2009

Brown & Blue Flower Wedding Invitation





This is my second Wedding Design. I used brown, a dark Chocolate brown card stock topped with a blue and white floral print...

**Sounds like I was cooking it right?!! LOL
I wanted to enhance the the print without being too obvious... I found a card stock to match the leafs in the design. I then added white for which played as part of the design and color coordination but also where the wedding info is placed.

I first wanted to leave as it was but then I decided to add a lace like bow ribbon at the top...
(SMILE) Hey I am a guy you know...


*You can order this design and more like it at: http://www.handcraftedbylamar.com/

Oct 28, 2009

Wedding Collection to start...

We have been longing to introduce our wedding collection.
But due to this ever changing world of style and fashion
it took a while to create just the right look, design and feel, but I think we did a wonderful job. So without further delay....


I think I hear wedding bells for 2010!
To find out more details visit us here at Crafted by Hand next week as we feature each design individually... *These designs will be sold at www.handcraftedbylamar.com

Oct 22, 2009

New Holiday Cards




See these and more at http://www.handcraftedbylamar.com/

Holidays Coming... Are you ready?

Just wanted to remind everyone that the Holidays are coming...
Have you begun your shopping? Have you thought out a plan of how you are gonna shop?

Last year Holiday Season online sales were off the charts with many people looking for true, great value and savings. I just wonder what it will be like this year! Anyway not talk a hole in your ear just wanted to throw this question out there and suck up some space on my blog... LOL
Stick around with us here and see what we are creating for the holidays, a new design will be posted later tonight @ 6pm...
and get FREE shipping on all single cards...
See-ya soon!

Oct 21, 2009

Questions to ask when business is in trouble...

**Courtesy of Jay Goltz Fortune Small Business (FSB) Apirl 2009

  1. Hows your cash flow? Is it dwindling profits or both?
  2. Has the problem been fixed? Is it fixable? ie: If you marketing idea isn't working, have you dropped it and tried something different? Why not?
  3. Is your industry going bad, making it hard to make a profit? Or is it your execution/plan, whether its pricing, cost of goods, location or venues where you sell your wares over saturated?
  4. If this is fixable what will it cost? Will it be worth it to fix? How long would it take to be fixed?
  5. Is quitting an option? If it is, what are consequences? Do you have loans outstanding? Will you lose your home? Will you have to file for bankruptcy? Will you have tons of raw material that could not be sold to help you see some type of return?
  6. Would it be better for you to change your craft? What if you started on a new craft and carried the burden of designing 2 different crafts? ie: Maybe you are a jeweler...maybe start doing knit.
  7. Do you still have the hunger you had when you first started? Do you still have the fight to go on?
  8. Being strapped for cash and dealing with the obstacles of running a small business can wear you down...
  9. Can you start all over with a fresh idea to improve what you already started?
  10. Are you still having fun? Again do you have the passion that you had when you first started your business? In the beginning it wasn't just about the money it was thrill and knowing that you can do this have fun, enjoy yourself and then make money at the same time...

Just a few questions to think about as you restructure, grow and expand...
Again we are Getting Back to the Basics!

Oct 20, 2009

the Blackberry vs. the iPhone...

Heres a great read I found online about your cellphone. I personally have a Blackberry and love it. Yes it is very addictive, hence the name 'Crackberry', but its because its so easy to use and when running a business you need something that can serve as your assistant not a distraction like the iPhone and all the useless apps and gaming play (not that I would mind having on...LOL)
Great Geek Debates: iPhone vs. Blackberry
By Curtis Silver
August 11, 2009

There are plenty of smartphones, but only two celebrities. Like other big celebs, they go by one name: Blackberry and iPhone.
Applications
Recently, a co-worker wrote an application for his Blackberry that would automatically ignore calls to his phone from a particular mail-order steak company. The application allowed him to command his phone to ignore any number he specified. The call still rang through, but was ignored immediately. I found this to be the most helpful application I’ve ever seen.
That said, I’ve not been impressed by the application selection the Blackberry offers. While there are some free applications, most are second rate at best and the selection of pay applications isn’t nearly as robust as it should be. The Blackberry App Store is like a pawn shop that only sells used 8-track players.

Application development on the iPhone has been one of the highlights of the device since its inception. Even though there are several hundred useless applications, there are hundreds more to make life easier in the palm of your hand. Like the Remote application that turns your iPhone into a stereo remote so you don’t have to leave the comfy confines of your easy chair.
I have to mention this comment from @tmoney941:
"Do you really need an application to help you decide where to eat, how much to tip, where you parked, and what to wear? I’ve got one of those … they’re called wives."

That’s pretty much my sentiment when it comes to most iPhone applications. That aside, due to the overwhelming availability of applications and the encouragement by Apple to design your own, iPhone takes this category by a wide margin. iPhone +1.

Physical Attributes
Early on, the iPhone had a bad reputation for being fragile because of the touchscreen face and slick feel. When dropped on the cement too many times, any phone would eventually break, but the iPhone proved that it actually is quite durable. As long as you don’t drop it on its face. Without anything protecting the glass, you are looking at a shattered iPhone.
The touchscreen and motion sensibility on the iPhone is unmatched by any other touchscreen devices. Bump to exchange contact information, play games by tilting the phone, zoom in with a finger slide motion. It’s simply amazing technology and even the touchscreen Blackberry Storm doesn’t come close. But you still wouldn’t want to drop an iPhone more than once.
Since I drop my cellphones a lot, I strolled over to talk to my IT friends about the durability of the Blackberry. They are about split even on which phone they carry. There are either Blackberry phones or iPhones in IT. They are not split on the durability however. Several of them have had to replace their iPhones due to cracked screens. Many of them have dropped their Blackberry over and over with some scratches on the casing. The worst I’ve heard about the damage to a Blackberry is the scratching it gets on the back if you spin it around on the table too many times. Which is just too much fun not to do.
Even if it gets run over by a truck the Blackberry still holds its form, avoids cracks and doesn’t lose a key. The Blackberry, built for business and travel, is a durable and strong phone. Blackberry takes this category. Blackberry + 1

Gaming
The iPhone makes full use of the motion sensor and touchscreen to bring us dynamic games from flight simulators to action games to simple board games. Playing games on the iPhone is a fantastic and handy experience, especially multiplayer games. Plus, as mentioned before, you can design your own games if you have the know-how.
Blackberry has Brickbreaker.
No contest. iPhone + 1

Personal vs. Business Functionality
Companies run Blackberry server products. From the connectivity to Microsoft Exchange server and the ease of mobile e-mail, the Blackberry is far superior to the iPhone. Blackberry was created with business use in mind. While it may have a slower CPU, the Blackberry makes up for it with its office applications. There is a reason it’s nicknamed “the Crackberry.”
When it comes to security on the Blackberry, well, let’s just say it’s secure enough for President Obama to use. Official statement from Blackberry as to the security:

The BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution has been approved for storing and transmitting sensitive data by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as well as government organizations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Austria, Australia and New Zealand.
The iPhone has more storage, a faster CPU and more RAM. All great attributes for playing games. As I’ve witnessed at work, the iPhone is the anti-productivity phone. Don’t pretend like you are holier than thou and don’t spend countless work hours downloading apps and playing the new Iron Man game or any of the thousand other games.

Recently, the iPhone became compatible with Exchange Server, which was a huge step toward integrating with business. The iPhone has made great strides in favor of business use. Many businesses are making the switch, however, there are still security concerns with the phone. It also doesn’t help the iPhone for business that it’s only available on AT&T in the United States. Companies like to price shop and AT&T’s service isn’t that great in all areas.
Apple is making strides in the security department, as all new iPhones come equipped with MobileMe, which allows you to find your lost iPhone as well as remotely wipe its memory clean.
As for personal usage, the Blackberry is a sturdy and reliable phone. But due to the wide range of applications and amazing graphical interface and selection of games, the iPhone wins the personal use battle by a wide margin.
So this category is a draw. Blackberry wins for business use and security, iPhone wins for personal use. Blackberry + 1, iPhone + 1

Never forget the Chuck Norris Factor.
The Chuck Norris factor
Really, it all comes down to Chuck Norris, because if he doesn’t like it, he’ll roundhouse kick it out of existence. The Blackberry sports a great game simply called Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain. Meanwhile, the Apple store rejected a Chuck Norris app, a Chuck Norris joke generator, because they claimed it ridiculed a public figure. Don’t they know that it’s impossible to ridicule Chuck Norris? More importantly, shunning Chuck Norris in whatever format is like challenging Superman to a duel by slapping him with Kyrptonite gloves. Or, it’s like slapping Chuck Norris in the face with your ungloved hand. This round clearly goes to the Blackberry as it’s probably what Chuck Norris is using. Blackberry + 1

The Winner? Final tally: iPhone +3, Blackberry + 3.
Listen, I carry a Blackberry. I’m not going for hip or trendy, I’m going for functionality. I want to be able to check my e-mail at stoplights. I want to be able to picture message without jumping through hoops. When it comes to functioning in the business world and having a practical phone, the Blackberry wins hands down. The iPhone is a fun phone and has a lot of cool features and applications. I really wanted an iPhone, but realized that it was a want. It’s a neat toy, but I can’t see it moving into the business world and becoming what the Blackberry is to business — yet. The best solution I’ve seen so far: Many Blackberry owners I know also have an iPod Touch for all their entertainment and portable gaming needs. So it’s a best of both worlds if you will. I’m sure that waffling answer won’t satisfy the masses.
The bottom line is, we’re geeks. Geeks like awesome tech toys and the iPhone is certainly that. From its gaming to its thousands of unique and specific applications, it’s a device that every geek wants to carry even if they already have a Blackberry. So the iPhone gets a +1 for geek factor and wins this debate.
Disagree? Agree? Feel free to discuss in the comments. Don’t forget to vote!

Oct 19, 2009

Back to the Basics

Hello again...
I first want to apologize to all my faithful followers, readers, bloggers and friends who have read this blog, supported this blog and was to let me know I have fallen off...But like many of you I need advice and help to keep my Small Business afloat. So I did what I hope many of you do when after you've read one of my post, considered the facts and took some advice.
Yes, I took some of the advice I was preaching (cant wait to share that with you all) and most of all I took it 'BACK TO THE BASICS'...
BACK TO THE BASICS
?!Yeah... I needed to go back to the day and time when I first decided to turn making cards into a business. I needed to find that young, fresh off the bench, ready to play game. I needed to re-define my target audience (still a work in progress). I needed to hone in more on my craft instead of just focusing on selling, marketing and showing off my 100 sales (was just doing the same thing over and over).

What I did first?
Like I said I looked deeper into who my audience was. I feel when it comes to handcrafted cards everyone should have one, buy one and/or get one. The truth of the matter was that that wasn't the case. I began to realize that I sold better to those who were throwing parties, doing events, weddings, baby showers, or restaurant owners. I know that sounds like a lot but it really isn't or at least it wasn't. I also took notice that few people bought cards in bulk. Those who did were of what I call my 'higher end' clientele.The next thing to do was to use all resources I could get my hands on. I had my future wife take cards to her job... Did Holiday Cards for her sisters job at a very low price (way low)... My mother took a look book to her job... Even got a few co-workers to buy cards (tons of them too...).The next thing was to redesign the look of the cards. Step outside the box. Use images I would never thought to use before and colors I would never.

What did this do in the long run?
Well I am not at a hundred thousand yet and its still just me at the controls...But it did help with my exposure.It got out there.It got me a few great returns buyers (YAY!).And most of all, it help keep the spirits up when it seemed as the economy was gonna ruin much of everything...Stay tune for the second part of "GETTING BACK TO BASICS"

Family...WE all we got...


Uncles and Nieces... My sisters, cousin and my uncles celebrating our roots...
(above photo)



Me, my sister and my cousin...
Can tel which one I am?

HINT: the handsome... LOL

Oct 14, 2009

Merging Blogs

I have struggled for a long with promoting and growing my business. As a small business owner there are many obstacles one must jump through in order to get to where he/her has in mind.

I always wanted to run my own business then turn around and help or assist others do the same as I have. For that matter I started a second blog, "Small Biz Talk" I think it took and took off in the right direction. Sadly though it did become bit more then I could handle, especially with my business growing, craft shows and selling on other venues online.

The end result here? Well I have decide to merge two blogs, bringing the business info I have gathered, learned and posted here to share with all of you. I have also decided to not too business consumed but to also share my self and life with you guys as well. I hope you enjoy the new blog and continue to support HANDCRAFTED ART around the world....

Oct 13, 2009

Why I Craft(ed) by Hand...

I always thought if I could do something to hopefully give me offspring/children a better start in life then I had I will do it. Below is my ZION M LYNCH my 3 year old (2 years old int picture).

Reason NUMBER one


They say when you die you cant take money with you... And no you cant buy all the stuff youu think you will need after you die and take that with you either! For that everyone needs someone to enjoy and share life, love and happiness... Below is my future wife Stephanie and my son ZION.



Reason NUMBER two, three, four,five.......so on and so on

whats your reason for crafting? or for whatever it is you do for a living?

Oct 12, 2009

Zion the little me...


Wanted to change the past of my blog...
Heres my youngest son ZION....

Holiday Nutcracker/Marching Soliders


Find this design and many more @ any of my online boutiques.
*See list of shops on left side bar.


Oct 10, 2009

Holidays are coming...

Here is a look at my first Christmas design for the coming holidays...





These cards are 5x7 on white card stock.
Both cards are blank inside.
Cards do come with white envelopes.
You can find cards on Sale now @ www.lamarlynch.etsy.com or any of my other online boutiques (see left side bar)

Oct 9, 2009

2009 Black/White and Silver Wedding Design sneak peek...

PLEASE Note: this is a sneak peek at a design that is not finished
just wanted to share and get some feedback.







So please tell me what you think! Hows the layout? Hows the stamp? Should the bride be done in color or shadowed in black/white? The card is 5x7 inches. Should I use a different flower?

Skull N Bones Epidemic-Love, Birthdays, Halloween


For this Halloween...


For this years Birthday Rockstar ...



For this years hardcore LOVE...


No matter the occasion or person believe for 2009-2010 Handcrafted by LaMar has the card...
visit us now @ www.lamalynch.etsy.com and our many other locations see side bar left).

Sep 12, 2009

2 years in business and still growing...

I too have been with Etsy for 2 years (September 2007) I have learned sooooo much it was like going back to school...

I made goals and reached many of them:
last year said I wanted 100 sales and got it. Also said how I wish to get 500 hearts and got close before the end of the year. Now I am at 177 sales (working to get 200) and almost 700 hearts.

I thought I'd share are a few things I have learned and some things that I do that you might want to do too:

1. Ask and you will receive.
One day I asked myself why of all the other great card makers a buyer choose me . So I asked and got back such great info. I ask after the sale or when I informed the buyer the item was being shipped.

2. Start a mailing list.
Did this as well but only on my website and only have about 167 or so. Still working on it, trying to increase my following.

3. Blog, Twitter, Fan Page.
I have a blog... bad thing is I am the worse blogger because I do not always blog when and the way I should.
I tweet...just to keep up with the JONES....
Facebook? of course I do. I keep up with old friends and I do not do the separate personal and business page. I like to let people know I am human and think its ok to show that side. Though I have had a slip up here and there but my purpose is to let ppl know I am normal.

4. Always do your research.
This I found to be a must if this is a business to you. You need to check out your competition and changes in your material and new ideas...

5. Try out other venues.
This is very important. Look in the real world all businesses try new venues or states and or areas. I am apart of at least 5 other venues in which 2 have made me sales. The others keep in sight of the people. I also do craft shows.

6. Jump at your chances!
I have took many chances with consignment deals. I also work with artist in other states as to sending my work there and them sending their work to me. You have to take chances, thats almost the name of the game.

7. Never be satisfied.
Because you can always improve. Work on your techniques, your descriptions, your tags, your profile, and your photos! I'm always working on better ways to make things or how I can make something but be more time efficient.
Not much more to add to that....

8. Take time off.
Make sure you give yourself time away from your business. Take a day off and spend it with family, do something fun, cook up a storm, or whatever you enjoy. All work and no play makes for a dull life.
Couldnt say it better then that

Aug 14, 2009

Our Elegant Bundle of Joy...

100% white polyester ribbon by Satin Fused.
Blue embossed swirl card stock. Vellum baby themed stickers.


Veiw More Detatils Here.

Aug 11, 2009

Snow in AUGUST?!

Yes this year Handcrafted by LaMar introduces 'Snow in August'

What is Snow in August? Snow in August is our newest promotion to bring the new Holidays a little earlier and easier. Last year we did Christmas in July and had a wonderful turn out that became a new trend for 2009. So this year with the new designs, new concepts and a new attitude we have decided to bring you Sow in August.

How does it work? Well this year we have decided to sweeten your pot. If you purchase any single Holiday Card you will get any additional card, of lesser or equal value, listed in our boutique for FREE. Buy a set of Holiday Cards and get up 3 FREE cards from our boutique. You get to pick the card(s) you want and best of all, the cards ship for 1 cent Nationally and $1 Internationally.

How long will this promo run? This promo will run from August 14 to August 31

How do we notify you which cards we have selected? Before you complete your purchase you can either contact us via the boutiques contact link, or message center. You could also put the name of the card(s) in the message to seller section. You can call us toll free: 1800-974-5203 or email us at: orders@handcraftedbylamar.vpweb.com

Which site/boutique must we shop at to enjoy Snow in August? You can shop any of our boutiques online to enjoy the Snow in August SALE! Shop them all and enjoy the sale at each...

Aug 10, 2009

Dr Seuss is on the loose, this is true...

A while I back I first introduced our Dr Seuss themed Birthday Invitations with this wonderful 'Everything Seuss' design-click here

We have continued to expand our Seuss line now to include and offer:


and now Thing 1 and Thing 2...
This design is 4x5 on blue card stock, with print image design of the characters. Gift box embellishment and raised 'You're Invited' insert.




This design has rounded edges and is a flat design with full party detail on the back. You can fill in the party info yourself or we can print it for you.





And also our folded version:

This is our traditional 5x7 folded style on red card stock layered with blue and white card stock. Thing 1 & 2 replicas are hand drawn and colored. One is drawn on the white card stock as the secound cut and set as a pop-up.



Jun 25, 2009

One Fish Blue Fish....



Yes Dr Seuss is back... After the first design I got such wonderful feedback. I am surely not the type to say I can not or will not something so I created something simple for a new client who loved the greeting and simple but fresh idea...

Jun 24, 2009

My Story...

"I started with the dream of being my own boss. Being in control. I never really wanted to be the face of the company though, so my idea was to use my talent and maybe sell it to a company of interest. But then I thought to myself "Am I in total control or am I still just a worker?" So I decided to take my poetic aspirations and artistic skill and make greeting cards. After completing a thorough investigative research, I realized I would need help to make a great break through into the card industry. A 7 billion dollar industry with a lot of competition!


I had my mind set that this was the key. I set up a website and bought a few images from an artist. At this time my cards were only prints. After a few months of trial and error, I realized that the lucrative aspect of this industry was in hand-made cards.





My first card was near and dear to my heart because I made it with the thought of my girlfriend (don't tell her though!). I never sold that card but, hey. My first year actually selling my cards was 2008 on ETSY.com. At the time I was unemployed, collecting unemployment, and trying my best to build this business. I spent hours upon hours on the computer, networking, blogging and chatting with like-minded people. At first, it was actually great, but life moves on, bills won't wait to be paid, and I didn't sell enough to cover my bills and keep going with my dream. So I went back to work.


This time my plan and goal was clear... I wanted to work, get my bills in order, put funds aside to carry the business and a little for myself for life expenses. My goal is to quit my day job within the next year. It's a tough market out there, but I feel many people don't realize how difficult it is to pursue your creative dreams full-time. I hope to create my own niche for marketing, which is making cards for all occasions with a 2 - 3D look, and passionately express the theme of each card."


Visit me today at my new shop Handcrafted by LaMar
and lets create something special together...

Custom Cowboy Fathers Day Dsign...

Custom Birthday Card -6/22/09

I was lucky to win a bid to make this custom birthday card for a new client...



*The inside message...







Jun 23, 2009

TV series 24 inspired custom card




I found a challenge and thought, this would prove my ability and talent as a card maker...
I told the buyer exactly what I would do and I think it cam out fab-u-lous. Don't you?


Apr 27, 2009

Dr Seuss has come to town...

Heres the lates project I am working on...





Everything Seuss Birthday Invitations and Thank You cards to go along with them...