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ABOUT KALICO KARDS
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of the times I stole away to the attic where my grandma stored boxes of quilting appliques - small pieces of calico fabric shapes. I spent hours laying them out on the attic floor to form birds, butterflies and flowers. I didn't know it then but this was the seed for Kalico Kards to bloom many years later!
As for the name "Kalico Kards", it originated from the word calico: cotton print fabrics which were very popular 25-50 years ago- acutally the first calico was used for sacks to hold feed for animals, flour, sugar, seeds, etc. Being original, I just changed the "C" in the word calico to a "K" and did the same for the word cards=Kalico Kards! I've since added products to my site using the "K" - like "Keepsakes", and our mascot - the Kalico Kub, who "bears" our gift-package with Kalico Kards in them along with other unique products. I'm sure you're going to see that "K" open many other doors to my kreative mind! "Konnect with a Kalico Kard" may be our motto and "Kalico Kard Konnections" our goal!
Each Kalico Kard is unique and individually handmade, the designs are handcut and the messages and greetings handprinted on 65lb quality card stock (cut by my friend Henry at The Parkland Bindery in Allentown) to size 4 1/2x6 1/4 and each comes with a quality envelope. The designs are created of fabric materials purchased from local shops in the Allentown and Lancaster areas (like Allentown Sewing , 725 15thSt.rear). Each card is created and made in my home-based studio just outside Allentown. Kalico Kards are marketed locally at craft shows (see the events calendar for dates), at Cottage Crafters Antique & Craft Mall, and at Allentown Sewing, as well as online at www.kalicokards.com . Presently personalizing and shipping in the USA and Canada are free - to promote my cards online!
A Kalico Kard is not just any ordinary greeting card, it's a gift of the heart to the heart which people love to give and receive. Kalico Kards leave you with a feeling of being known & loved and because the people who purchase them also feel this acknowlegement , they want to keep the cards for themselves instead of sending them...the cards' recipients also hang onto them for the same reason - they display them, frame them, and recycle them - read some of their reviews received by here - they call the cards "keepers"!
Recently a new line of Kalico Kard "Keepsakes" has been created for special occasions - all are personalized free with name, date and occasion, some have charms attached for Baptism, Graduation, Confirmation of Faith, First Holy Communion, and some are just from our regular stock, for Congratulations on a 21st, 50th, or 75th Birthday, a Career Promotion, Recital, Dance review, etc. and frame it in one of our choice frames with a mat and it becomes a keepsake gift - visual reminder for display, of their special day and your thoughtfulness and love (click here to view)! I've given many as gifts and know from experience how grateful the recipients are for this gift of love. There's even a keepsake for your "Little League" grandson, or for your son the soccer player, or your nephew the football star, or your grand-daughter who loves to dance, or your sister who's gonna be 21 this year, or your friend who's in need of encouragement, or an uncle who has everything and loves to golf!
I can go on and on about the gift Kalico Kards are - everyone knows how much I love them and how much time I spend in creating them - but the time spent are blessings in disguiseI I'll write more later....
Sincerely- the kardlady
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Creating cards began as a hobby for me 18 years ago - my mother was the card sender needing more cards than most. She encouraged me to market them when friends and relatives wanted to know where to get the unique greeting cards she sent. My first craft show was at the local YW/YMCA. I displayed them in 4 small handmade quilts with pockets, I lai each of these over 2 pieces of plywood hinged together that opened like a tent. Everyone loved the cards (and the unique display) and that was all I needed to know! Since then I've done hundreds of craft shows over the 17 years I've been making and marketing Kalico Kards - all of which are created personally by me from January to June, and July to December I concentrate on marketing them.
You could say Kalico Kards are my passion - I work at them every opportunity I get - I even take cuttings along on vacation - because I enjoy what I do! First comes the idea, then the design and the shopping for suitable fabrics, and the tracing and cutting of the designs. Then comes the actual putting the card together and the handprinting - lastly the showing! Each task takes patience - some cards are born in an instant, others lay on the drawing table for months, even years before their time arrives, however - every one has the same aim and purpose: to touch someones heart in a very special way! Time stands still when you do what you love and love what you do!
Because I create all my cards individually, I can make you a card for any occasion you need a card for. I'm not able however to display every card I create in my website catalog - there's just too many! But if there's a unique or special greeting you're seeking - a specific topic or design or occasion - please don't hesitate to ask me - it may already be in my stock!
Kalico Kards have so many friends - I've received so many nice comments, phone calls, emails, and letters that inspire me! I know my purpose in life is encouragement - only because I am moved by others words. I have a large collection of sayings, slogans, witty words and quotes - bits and pieces of inspirational material - that have touched me in a special way. I use some of these often in a Kalico Kard. Putting words togther with an image in a unique way has always inspired me: example - the LeDress card - this idea came from a shower curtain - instantly I knew it was a Kalico Kard - the words just popped into my head! Then there's Kate who's a symbol of faithfulness and grace on my sympathy card , just plain confidence on a birthday card and a tactfully sweet and a little witty on a belated birthday card . When putting the right words with the right design, my heart sings - and Kalico Kards are the overflow or that joy- I truly love sharing it!
I've enjoyed sharing this with you and thank yo much for listening, for your time, and for caring. May Kalico Kards bless you and those you send them to as they have blessed me !
Affectionately - the kardlady
You may add a brief response to this blog by clicking on add a message below and it will be edited and printed. Any other inappropriate responses will be deleted.
Comment: "It Has Been A True Blessing To Get To Know You And Learn More About How
Kalico Kards Came To Be - I'm A Very Sentimental Fool Myself So I Just Love These
Cards & Look Forward To Ordering Some Soon. God Bless You Dianne & Much Luck & Love
As Always - Shanni - MOMPOWEREDDREAMS.COM
