The #justacard campaign aims to support small businesses and makers. Even a small purchase – just a card for example – can help independent, creative businesses survive. The name comes from a simple statement by a gallery:

“If everyone who’d complimented our beautiful gallery had bought just a card we’d still be open.”

You can follow the campaign on twitter. If you want to see how many talented people there are out there then follow the posts on Thursdays from 8pm for #justacard hour.

You can find out more about the campaign on the blog at https://www.justacard.org/

The team behind the campaign also release shopping guides to highlight some of the beautiful handmade products available to buy.  I was really proud to have one of my felt and bead brooches appear in the latest spring gift guide as part of the green theme

I sell my products both online but also at craft fairs and markets. I can totally attest to how true and important this campaign is. There have been many market days where customers gather round my stall to admire my products and tell me how wonderful my dolls are. If those people had purchased just a small item it would have made a massive difference to my day.

I have tried to take on the message of this campaign in my own shopping habits. It is easy to fall into the habit of shopping with big companies. However whenever I can I will visit independent shops, galleries and craft fairs. I will always try and find at least just a card to purchase while I am there.

Giving a gift or a card that has been handmade is so much nicer than a mass produced item. So go on, go out and support your local independent creatives.