Have you heard about the Just a Card campaign?!  If you are a fellow maker, or a fan of shopping with independents, you may well have done but if not, grab a cuppa, settle down and let me fill you in!

The Just a Card campaign was founded by Sarah Hamilton who was spurred into action when she spotted this quote from a gallery that was having to close its doors “if everyone who’d complimented our beautiful gallery had bought ‘just a card’ we’d still be open”.  Not only is this just super sad to hear, but independent shops, galleries and small businesses are vital to local economies – they make our towns vibrant, interesting places to visit and are a great way for designers and makers to be able to showcase their work.  Our high streets would be a lot more boring without them!  So the aim of the Just a Card campaign is to encourage people to support and buy from artists, makers, independent shops and small businesses.

You’ve probably heard the saying “every time you buy something from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance!”?  Well this couldn’t be truer.  Shopping handmade really does mean the world to independent artists and makers – not only are you helping small businesses to stay open, but you are supporting creativity and somebody’s dream.  Plus, have you ever noticed how much people appreciate a handmade gift?!  They show you’ve taken the time to seek out something you know someone will really love, something that might be really personal and unique  – so really, shopping small is a win, win!

The Just a Card campaign really reinforces the message that all purchases, no matter how small, are crucial for independents to survive.  And it doesn’t have to be just a card – it could be just a print, just a book, just a mug, just a pin – but every purchase makes a massive difference to artists and makers, and enables them to continue doing what they love.

The campaign is run by a team of wonderful volunteers, and if you would like to support them you can donate on their web page or buy the Just a Card pin, window sticker or print.  But the fabulous news is there are also loads of ways you can support the campaign even without spending a penny!

How to get involved:

• there is a bunch of free stuff you can download from their website such as blog buttons and flyers & posters for your events
• follow the campaign on Twitter and Instagram and like, share and RT their posts
• add ‘Just a Card supporter’ to your Instagram bio like this
• take part in Just a Card Indie Week – usually in November
• and most importantly just help SPREAD THE WORD!  Every like, share, RT and conversation about the campaign helps spread the message far and wide!

So who feels ready to be a Just a Card Warrior?!  Hopefully the above links are useful and from this handmade maker, thank you very much for taking the time to #shopsmall and #supportindependents!