The Magic Shop

Susan Pickering Rothamel, author of the best-selling Encyclopedia of Scrapbook Tools and Techniques (Sterling/Chapelle, 2005), now turns her A-to-Z eye to another popular papercraft: greeting cards. With its detailed definitions of terms, tools, materials, and techniques; illustrated how-to instructions; and hundreds of handmade cards from leading artists, this will become the must-have visual reference for anyone interested in the craft. Photographs of delightful greeting cards appear on every spread, along with step-by-step pictures of key skills. Sidebars on leading card makers discuss the techniques for which they’re celebrated, from Dee Gruenig’s rubber-stamp designs to Alli Bartkowski’s quilling.

Flowers. . .gardens. . . seasonal motifs such as snowflakes and angels. . . traditional Japanese designs like Kabuki masks and geisha. . . animals. . . scenes. . .all these and many others become delightful greeting cards that are even more special because they're hand-made. Here are easy-to-follow directions-as well as cut-out templates-for creating 60 different, intricate-looking designs. Twenty-four color illustrations of the finished projects are followed by step-by-step instructions and diagrams.Whether it's to say, "Merry Christmas," "Happy Spring," "Just thinking of you," or "Get well soon," readers will find inspiration and hours of enjoyment in this beautiful and practical book.

The Freelance Writing for Greeting Card Companies, 2nd Edition targets important areas every writer needs to know in regards to being self-employed, as well as, how to own a small greeting card business. The expansion of this book provides the updates needed for the writer of today to meet the demand for freelance writers in the greeting card market. The 2nd Edition takes you into the world of the Internet to explore the technology which has opened the door for freelance writers and artists. Information about the card companies can be located easier, quicker, and at anytime of the day or night, seven days a week. Response time between the writer, publisher, and editor has been shortened to a matter of hours or days instead of weeks or months. A writer will be able to track the changing trends and submission guidelines. The 2nd Edition will show how to use the Internet to a writer's advantage. You will find web sites that will offer a variety of freelance writers opportunities never before known or unreachable outside the Internet world such as: chat rooms, bulletin boards, or forums so writers can communicate with other writers. This type of networking is ideal for finding answers or obtaining valuable information about a company, organizations, writing groups, and available resources. By the time you finish reading this book, you will be more aware of what it takes to be self-employed as a freelance writer (a sole proprietor) and gain the knowhow to conduct the research necessary to become a proficient and successful freelance writer for greeting card companies or to own your own greeting card business.

"31 Days to Greeting Card Marketing Mastery" by Bruce Brown is an inspiring and powerful book that will teach you how to use simple greeting cards to accelerate your business. The 31 tips -- one each day for a month -- teach you what you need to know to get new customers and clients, as well as build loyal relationships with existing customers and colleagues. This expanded edition contains personalization and action plan pages. "This book is on point and presented as a results driven, no nonsence guide to getting results. Every page presents a clear, actionable idea capable of producing tangible bottom-line results." Clif Bridges, RBR Books, Leland, NC "I love this book! Bruce starts out with very practical things that we all know we ought to do, like sending Thank You cards, and then makes several surprising suggestions about how to make a real impact with your clients using Greeting Cards." Maran Banta, Atlanta, GA

For the first time in one book--timeless papercrafting techniques for card, gifts and more! -More than 25 projects using popular techniques, such as quilling, paper weaving, paper casting, paper piercing, tea bag folding, and more -Designs that are artistic and sophisticated as well as quick and easy will appeal to beginners and experienced papercrafters alike -Templates and step-by-step instructions so that readers can easily master the new techniques Helpful tips, color photos, and variation techniques make this a complete and appealing package for any crafter.

Featuring practical instruction and fun exercises, this guide teaches beginners how to survey the market, find their niche, and write greeting cards that express just the right message.