I can't think of a time when it has been easier to buy and sell handmade items online! Online marketplaces such as Etsy, Artfire and the large number of other specialist handmade marketplaces that have opened over the last few years, means that buyers and sellers from all over the world can virtually 'meet' to do business. This is a great opportunity for people wanting to make and sell cards - and it is also ideal for buyers who are looking for handmade items and can't find what they want locally or who are looking for something a little different.

If you are thinking about selling handmade cards then the following articles may be of interest:

• How to Sell Handmade Cards
• How to Price Handmade Cards

Buying and Selling Handmade Cards Online

If you have experience of buying or selling handmade cards online then you are welcome to share your experience with others. Use these forms to submit your thoughts:

• Tips for Buying Cards Online
• Tips for Selling Cards Online

Chalks are one of my favorite methods of adding color to rubber stamping projects. I enjoy the way that different effects can be achieved. A light dusting of chalk gives a gentle blush of color to a stamping project, whereas bolder colors can be achieved by using chalks with a wet paint brush. Chalks are great for creating backgrounds for rubber stamping projects too. An effective marbled background is simple to create using chalk shavings floated on water. See Chalk Shaving Background for more information.

Another benefit of chalks is that they are relatively low cost and last a long time! Read more about using chalks in this article - Using Chalks in Rubber Stamping Projects. Do you use chalks and have a favorite hint or tip to share? If so, why not leave a comment below and share your thoughts with others!

These little paper stars make pretty decorations. They are deceptively simple to make from a single strip of paper. Stamp decorations onto the paper before folding to create your own unique designs. This is an ideal way to use up odds and ends of paper from other projects.

For step by step instructions see this tutorial - How to Make a 3d Star.

If you don't have a suitable sentiment or text stamp for Mother's Day, try adding these free printable Mother's Day sentiments to handmade cards. Adding printed words to handmade cards is a quick and easy way to add the perfect sentiment or greeting without having to buy a new stamp. Alphabet stamps are another alternative, however these can be a little fiddly when stamping a long greeting or sentiment.

Here are some tips to help you get the most from your printed sentiments:

• Use pattern edge scissors when cutting out the sentiments. These give pretty decorative edges.
• After cutting out the sentiment, ink the edges of the paper or color the edges with pens or chalks. This will help to make the sentiment blend in to the card design.
• Layer the sentiment onto pieces of similarly shaped papers in varying sizes to add dimension to the card.