Just a Card Campaign

The other day while thumbing through Instagram I came across Jennifer McGuire's post about the Just a Card Campaign.  This really struck a chord with me.  I had to see what this was about.

I visited their site - https://www.justacard.org/ and the first thing I read really struck me.  The first words you see on their front page is this quote -

"If everyone who'd complimented our beautiful gallery had bought 'just a card' we'd still be open"

Their goal for the Just a Card Campaign is to encourage people to buy from Designer/Makers and Independent Galleries and Shops, even if it is just a card.  Let that sink in. 

Let's take this a bit farther.  I'll tell you why I choose to sell online and refuse to sit at vendor/craft fairs.  I used to sit in a booth and great customers and talk politely with the lookers and wanders, neither of which did I mind.  What I struggle to swallow was the increasing population of attendees that found no shame is blatantly stating "I can make that, why would I buy it" as they visit with their friend while standing in my booth looking and my hard work. 

This is the poster that can be found on the Just a Card website.  They encourage people to download, print and display this message.  I'm sharing it here because I don't have a physical shop.

I'm part of a world that is filled with handmade artists and small shop owners.  I'm a card maker/designer/artist and yes, just one card makes a difference for me.  There really is nothing more disheartening than that the empty promise of a purchase.  The next time you visit a locally owned shop, buy the "card" and show your support for what they are pouring their heart and soul into.