[Nfb-krafters-korner] fund-raising: selling cards, Terry K and others

[Cathy]

Terry k and interested listers,
I feel overwhelmed with all you are asking me to do. I can check into prices for braille paper vs,
blank card stock. I think that pre-brailed cards would be costly but I can check into that angle
too. 
With the first two options someone or several persons would need to braille out the cards using a
braille writer or slate and stylus. It would have to be an excellent brailist since there could be
no mistakes. 
The same general message would have to be on each card. As for envelopes, they could be made
separately, purchased separately or you can purchase blank card stock which comes with matching
envelopes. just my personal thought here that the card an envelope are not the primary focus,,
instead it would be the small craft inside. Ideas I have are not many since I am not particularly
creative in that way. but this year Theresa's card came with a cross made from pony beads. Last
year it was a crocheted ski and the year before that I think it may have been a little stocking.
Paulette had a class to make some little ornaments that would have worked as well. Laurie taught
classes on how to make a beaded star and snowflake and these would also be nice. I am sure that
this group will have many ideas. It would need to be simple to make, small and light-weight, and
also fairly sturdy,  so it could fit into the card and envelope and not be damaged during the
mailing process.  
I just wouldn't want things to get too complicated at the start and for us to take on too much and
it be too complex. So one type of card and at most three different decoration choices. Also
starting with a small number of cards to see how it goes the first time round.


As for classes, once it is decided on what type of card we'd like to sell, and the particular
ornament/ornaments  is selected, then a class could be held to show everyone who is interested in
helping how to make that particular ornament/ornaments. 
Oh yes, I remember back in the summer we were talking on the list about making braille Xmas trees
and a few different ways were described. This could be one of the decorations perhaps. 
The most tricky part seems to me to be how to get all the cards and decorations to a location and
to someone who can put the decorations on the cards and place them in envelopes. 
I would be willing to take on one or more parts of this project if it were accepted by the board.
But I think that in February when you are available perhaps you and I can chat on the phone and try
to focus more specifically on the project details.

Meanwhile, anyone who has ideas to contribute in any aspect of this particular project idea, please
share them because this will be helpful in coming up with a viable project and ways to carry it out
successfully.
Some questions for you folks:

Do you know a good place to purchase braille paper?
Have you ever tried to braille using card stock, and if so, how did it work out?
Do you know of places that sell brailed greeting cards?
What small items with characteristics like I described would you suggest to be included with cards?
Hmm, does anyone still have a braille writer? I couldn't believe it when I went to the Cleveland
Sight Center of all places and it took me quite some time to find a braillewriter I could borrow
for an hour to write something! It wasn't even in good condition!
Has anyone ever tried to make cards using a braille embosser?
I've got a slate and stylus, but my wrists begin to ache just at the thought of brailing up 50
cards. <smile>


Cathy