Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with the presence of a sentiment gracing the outside of the card.
Especially if you are making cards to sell.
What if you'd put "Happy Birthday" on the card front? Your customer loves the card, but was hoping to find one that instead said "Thinking of You". So she walks away.
If you leave the outside blank and let the gorgeous-ness of the card design sell itself, the buyer can add personal sentiments and notes inside the card before sending it out. That way, it says EXACTLY what she wants it to say.
Well, I am looking for opinions on this subject in this post.
I made a card two ways: one with an outside sentiment, one without.
Presenting the card WITH the sentiment:
The same card sans sentiment:
Lots of nice dimension on this card due to the fussy cutting I did and adhering the fussy cut pieces with Stampin' Dimensionals.
Think about it: When creating a card, do you add a sentiment to the outside? Or, when you're looking to purchase a handmade card, do you look for one that is for a specific occasion, thus featuring the sentiment on the outside of the card? Or, doesn't it matter -- if the card is right artistically for the occasion you have in mind, and doesn't have a sentiment on the front, do you prefer that?
Once more,
same card, with sentiment:
Same card, without sentiment:
I seriously would love to hear some opinions and/or discussion about the presence of a sentiment on the front of a card.
It seems like sort of a trite subject, but as I noted earlier, I truly have a love/hate relationship with this quandary. Let's hear your thoughts!
Sentimental
Smiles.
Often times when I make cards for a gift (the cards are the gift) I will pick out 3 stamps with different wording i.e. Happy Birthday, Thinking of you or Sympathy and stamp all three on cardstock for the buyer to cut out and affix in or on the card. People seem to like the options.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool idea! I bet your recipients love this!
DeleteI agree, Linda. I usually don't put a sentiment on the card. However, I'm intrigued by Marybeth's idea!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on that great idea!
DeleteI like it both ways! I agree, though, that a buyer might want a different sentiment. Marybeth's idea is great! (Gorgeous card, by the way!!)
ReplyDeleteYup, it's a super idea. Thanks for the compliment on the card, Pam!
DeleteI do both--often depending on the stamps I am using. Sometimes one stamp seems to mirror what the inside one says. I liked both versions, but I think I would frame the version without--it's a keeper! Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Kathy! I am just so torn on this subject. Some cards just scream out for a finishing sentiment, but others . . . not so much.
DeleteHi, Linda - Rationally, I agree that not putting a sentiment on the outside of the card makes sense (for the reasons that you have stated). Visually, in this card sample, I do prefer the card with the sentiment on the outside. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Deletebeautiful cards love the colors used
ReplyDeletecome see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Thank you, Angie!
DeleteI think if your sentiment is generic, like a "Hello!" or "Greetings" or "Dear Friend" then it could be included on front as it could be used with any inner sentiment, except maybe a sympathy card that would take a more somber greeting on the front. Many commercial cards do not have any sentiments on the front of the card so it does not seem to be required. Your beautiful card looks wonderful either way.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I so appreciate your input on the topic. Your reasoning is certainly sound. It's just a struggle I constantly have.
DeleteUm, I may not be your designated demographic. A handmade card the caliber of yours---are worthy of framing if received by a friend or loved one. However, a sentiment, is for an occasion or a specific 'time'....and one may want to put it in a drawer...which would be a shame. I would make any sentiment---if you must put it on the front, detachable? And the hand written note inside. Personally, When I had a shop I sold picture cards, blank inside and out more than specific cards. But then I chose them for their art when filling my racks.
ReplyDeleteOh my! I love your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment. Thank you so much for your input!
DeletePersonally, I love the cards without the sentiment. The card is beautiful. Thanks for sharing on Sunday's Best.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rhonda. You are so sweet!
DeleteI'm not a card maker but I prefer the sentiment included. I think it's missing something without it. Thanks for joining me each week for Scraptastic Saturdays!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Andrea, for your input. Very much appreciated!
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