Virtual Card Club, December 2008
Good morning, all!
Over the past few months I've had to upgrade my webhosting account twice because apparently all of my visitors to this blog are using up a TON of bandwidth. I'm both happy and worried about this. Happy because that means there are more of you visiting and I get to share with even more of you, and worried because I'm now paying a LOT more per month that I anticipated when I created this blog. Like a lot. More than I pay for my family plan on AT&T a lot.
Anyway, I've upgraded my hosting account to a high volume level, but that also means that it costs an arm and a leg to keep my blog up and running. In order to combat the costs (which are above how much I make with the ads), I decided I would start a Virtual Card Club! Hopefully this will be something that is valuable to you and it can help me out, too. :)
Here's the rundown on Virtual Card Club:
For this month's card club, we made a 25 days of Christmas advent calendar! The $5 PDF is 7 pages and includes large photos of the finished project, individual shots of each number, tips and tricks for assembly, a full supply list, and ideas for what to put inside the advent calendar days.
I hope you all enjoy it! Please click on the Buy Now button below and it will take you to PayPal. NOTE: You will need Adobe Reader to view the file. Download it for free here.
NOTE: There was a minor error in the PDF for the first few minutes it was up. If you bought the PDF and are missing numbers 22-24 on the individual shots in the PDF, please reference the email that was sent to you after your purchase and click on the download link again. If you have questions, email me.
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Just to clarify a few things about Virtual Card Club... Yes, there will be a new PDF each month with a new project. It will always be just $5. You can buy it one month and not the next, or however you'd like.
Also, I'll be keeping all the Virtual Card Club PDFs online and available to purchase whenever you'd like. So if next holiday season comes around and you'd like to see the advent calendar, it will still be here. I eventually want to create a page that just has Virtual Card Club stuff (a small store if you will).
Anyway, thank you to everyone who's bought the first Virtual Card Club PDF. Sometimes I'm just so overwhelmed that so many of you would actually be interested in it. I'm just sittin' here at my computer, baffled that anyone would want to buy it. It truly is humbling and I'm so thankful for all your support. :)
You've all given me one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Again, thanks so much! :)
Over the past few months I've had to upgrade my webhosting account twice because apparently all of my visitors to this blog are using up a TON of bandwidth. I'm both happy and worried about this. Happy because that means there are more of you visiting and I get to share with even more of you, and worried because I'm now paying a LOT more per month that I anticipated when I created this blog. Like a lot. More than I pay for my family plan on AT&T a lot.
Anyway, I've upgraded my hosting account to a high volume level, but that also means that it costs an arm and a leg to keep my blog up and running. In order to combat the costs (which are above how much I make with the ads), I decided I would start a Virtual Card Club! Hopefully this will be something that is valuable to you and it can help me out, too. :)
Here's the rundown on Virtual Card Club:
- Whatever I design and plan for my in-real-life card club, I'll create a PDF with plenty of photos of the project, a full supply list, and brief instructions.
- Every month, it will only cost $5 USD (Yes, those of you from other countries can buy it, too! :)
For this month's card club, we made a 25 days of Christmas advent calendar! The $5 PDF is 7 pages and includes large photos of the finished project, individual shots of each number, tips and tricks for assembly, a full supply list, and ideas for what to put inside the advent calendar days.
I hope you all enjoy it! Please click on the Buy Now button below and it will take you to PayPal. NOTE: You will need Adobe Reader to view the file. Download it for free here.
NOTE: There was a minor error in the PDF for the first few minutes it was up. If you bought the PDF and are missing numbers 22-24 on the individual shots in the PDF, please reference the email that was sent to you after your purchase and click on the download link again. If you have questions, email me.
--------------------
Just to clarify a few things about Virtual Card Club... Yes, there will be a new PDF each month with a new project. It will always be just $5. You can buy it one month and not the next, or however you'd like.
Also, I'll be keeping all the Virtual Card Club PDFs online and available to purchase whenever you'd like. So if next holiday season comes around and you'd like to see the advent calendar, it will still be here. I eventually want to create a page that just has Virtual Card Club stuff (a small store if you will).
Anyway, thank you to everyone who's bought the first Virtual Card Club PDF. Sometimes I'm just so overwhelmed that so many of you would actually be interested in it. I'm just sittin' here at my computer, baffled that anyone would want to buy it. It truly is humbling and I'm so thankful for all your support. :)
You've all given me one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Again, thanks so much! :)
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posted on November 22, 2008 11:09 AM by Kristina |
72 Comments posted in Virtual Card Club |
oh My this is going to be aa BLAST!!!! Here is my order! ~Donna
I have no problem doing this! I'm sure every month will be worth more than the $5, $6.50 with the exchange rate ;o)
What a great idea!!! And I'm thrilled to be able to get a little something more!
Oh my Kristina...this is so worth the $5 what a cute Advent Calendar, I wish I had seen it before I did my (way too much work) advent calendar class. The envelopes at Kaymarie are awesome too....at first I wasn't sure of how you incorporated the size because the ones I have ever seen were rectangular, then I went to the site and it was very clear :) ...nice tip THANKS! If I may...I'd like to say everyone ... "the virtual info is very precise, and such awesome pictures...as always Kristina has great pics...so go ahead and try it! ~Donna
Check out hostgator.com. A lot less than what you're paying at Pair. I have mine there and I have the baby account for $9.95/mo. I've been there for a couple of years and last time I checked at webhostingtalk.com, most are still happy with hostgator, I am and I use and abuse it since I also use it to test out web apps since I'm a web developer :) I think for the price you might be paying, I can get me a dedicated server :)
it's too bad you can't have sponsors or that you can't get free supplies for the cards you make for those you advertise for. pass the cost on to them! you're making them money (and so are we). we're just your loyal followers.
Excellent idea :) Just paid, not much persuasion needed here!
Great idea! I am sure I'll love each and everyone of them!
But it would be helpful if we see a clear photo of the full finished project before we buy it.
Thanks and good luck to your Virtual Club Card.
Hi Kristina, Great idea. I just put in my order. I'll support your blog because it gives me a lot of pleasure every week.
Eveline.
Kristina, this is a brilliant way to make some money for your blog! I know there are plenty of readers out there who wish they could learn from you in person, but this is the next best thing.
~Angie
Oh yeah! I'm so happy you're doing this--and so happy to support you. I love your projects and watching your videos. Thank you so much for doing this!
I am happy to support you! You have given me tons of ideas, tips and smiles. Looking forward to my pdf filled with Kristina goodness.
Hey your fast! I wish you great luck cuz this is a GREAT idea.
I love the idea. I did not get the advent calendar, but I'm sure there will be kits in the future that I will just have to have.
Also, could you set up a donate via PayPal section? I don't think it 'begging'. I love the weekly Color Inspiration and your videos are priceless. I like that the vids are not too long.
Thanks for everything and have a splendid wknd. --Kim
Ooh, this is a really great idea!Won't be doing this month, but look forward to the next one!
Kristina.. I am more than happy to support your site and just purchased the download.. thanks so much for doing this. Pam
LOVE your blog, it is sooo much inspiration to me!!! Thanks so much - btw: just bought the pdf - what a great idea - I LOVE the calendar!!!
Kristina, I think this is a fabulous idea and I am so happy to get such an awesoem project at such a great price. Best Christmas bargin this year!
Kristina! Thanks so much for your blog! I've learned so much from you and really look forward to your posts. I check every day! I hope this Card Club helps with your dilemna, because I for one would HATE to see you go and am more than happy to help pay for the costs of the blog. Can't wait to view the calendar! Thanks again, you're the best!
Kristin
Great idea, Kristina! I love your cards and projects. I sent you an email with a special request for my order (different email address, though). Thanks!
Thanks for the calender, It will be great to do at our December class. How about a calender every month, although that would eally be a lot of work. I will pass your monthly offer on to my other blog readers. Again, great idea. Good luck with the cost of you blog, you do have a very large, getting larger audience!
Hi Kristina,
I am an avid reader of your blog and I am hooked! I definitely am interested in participating in your virtual card club. I do think it is a good idea to let us get a "taste" of what the completed project looks like before buying. I bet that you would have even more crafters purchasing your project.
You are awesome and such an inspiration!
Thank you for all that you do!
hugs,
sue
Kritina....I love this and am happy to purchase each month to get your terrific ideas. (It is worth every penny) Will you send out an email telling us to purchase the next months worth of ideas or will you have that information on your blog?
Kristina,
I can not wait to buy the advent calendar. I am super excited!!! This is a great thing you are doing. I got hooked to your blog a few weeks ago and am now a kwernerdesign.com addict :)!!! It is such a great way to meet other people with the same hobby as I. You must stay online! I don't mind the 5 dollars. Well worth it!!!
Jerry
Excellent idea. Have paid, downloaded and all my supplies are ready for the making. lol
Thanks so much for the inspiration.
I'm sorry. I just don't understand why anyone would pay when there's soooo many ideas out there in the blog world.
Excellent! I love how you're always coming up with new ideas & this feels like we're right in one of your card clubs. $6.56 Canadian, ya I can do that (using DH's paypal LOL)
Will also try to remember to click on some of the google ads & stay on for a minute or two ... not much but every click adds to revenue for craft materials!
I can't believe you have to pay more for a website than an at&t family plan, esp since you have a iPhone.....
I'm so sorry you had such a nasty comment left on your website. How rude! I love your website and your fabulously designed cards and am glad you found a way to keep it running. :) hugs from Canada!
Kristina, I absolutely love your website and visit it daily. I just purchased your advent calendar instructions -- what a bargain at $5. You put a lot of time and effort in developing this beautiful project and detailing the supplies and directions. Thanks so much. I look forward to other Card Club offerings. Terri
WOW! Fabulous Idea! This is going to be fun. I'd certainly participate to make sure your blog stays up!
Awesome idea! If you can get some money for your hard work and to offset what you're putting out to keep this blog going, more power to you!! In this economy, we all need all the support we can get to keep us doing what we love and sharing inspiration with others.
I recently found your blog and I just love it. The graphic look, how professional it is, it is regularly updated....I know I can come here and see something beautiful.
As for the person that posted that comment, there are plenty of other people charging to see 100% of their content, not just for one fun project out of many free ones such as Kristina is doing. I think it is great compromise what Kristina is doing. Keeping the blog one for everyone and for those who want to/are able to pay she is offering basically a mini class for just $5. It's a stinking good deal.
I did not realize you have to pay for your blogsite. I have a blog through blogspot and it is free. Can you explain the difference in the blogs? Just curious. Cuz I am sure there are a lot of people who don't know this. Thanks for the info.
The advent calendar is super cute btw. Sorry for all my typos in the post above. ;)
I am not usually one to post comments, however, I do read others. I was intrigued enough by this post to put my two cents in (so to speak) I love "blurfing" and there is some seriously wonderful papercrafters out there who post their work just for the love of sharing. I do not believe any of the comments were "nasty" as one person said. If you don't want everyones perspective then don't allow everyone access to your site, no need to get "ticked off" If people are comfortable spending their money on your site then hey, it's their dollar, whatever. My thoughts, which probably mean nothing to most....are take the good with bad, shrug off what you don't like, keep your blog up if you enjoy it, shut it down if it feels more like work. It shouldn't matter what other people say, or if they say anything at all, some of my favorite bloggers get maybe 5 to 10 comments per post, doesn't seem to bother them and some post almost everyday, tutorials and all! Now that in itself is a huge feat! That is some selfless blogging!
Kristina,
I also am an avid reader who checks in everyday. Love your blog and I think this is a great idea! I will be making some next week. Love what you do and the time you put into it for all of us!
BTW: Some people are SO rude! Good for you for stating your place.
Hi Kristina,
I love your blog and all that you do on MACM and TwoPea's Finally Friday. You provide a great deal of inspiration to all and especially to me. There is nothing wrong with you charging for a service that you provide. If people want to pay let them and if they don't then they won't, it's their choice. I don't understand all this "paper drama" from these ladies, get over it. I'm sure you will have no problem in keeping your site up. Good Luck!! You can visit my blog at http://www.scrapwithjo.blogspot.com
This may be a stupid question -- then again, it is almost 1 a.m. where I am! -- but is the fee $5 for this month, and then next month, with a different project, $5? I honestly have no problem paying...I just wanted to check. :) Love your work, Kristina!
Love my PDF! Totally happy to support! Love your site - and have met some of my best bloggin buddies here :) along with always leaving feeling inspired and ready to jump out of my box :) after seeing your creations
Don't worry about the 1% -- you gotta know that we love ya!!!
best wishes,
Sankari :)
aww it sucks cuz i cant use paypal cuz i'm overseas thats alright was really wishing i could see that site you made.
Thanks so much Kristina for allowing us the opportunity to help support you - it's a very small price to pay for all of the wonderful inspiration you provide us!!! And try not to worry about that 1% - you'll never please everyone and those that you DO please are extremely happy and thrilled to be able to lend a hand!! Thanks again for all that you do!!
G'DAY Kristina,
I've just brought your wonderful advent calendar(love it soooo cute)and can't wait to make it!
I live in Australia and the exchange rate wasn't too bad, can't wait to see what you do for next mth!
Thanks so much for your stunning blog, I have learnt sooooooo much, Thank you!!!!
Take Care XX
Hi Kristina! I am so excited that you've decided to do a virtual card club. I just bought this month's class and I can't wait to try it out tomorrow (or today, since it's four in the morning in my neck of the woods). Anyway, keep on inspiring us with your awesome ideas and shake off those pesky haters! :-)
This is such a great idea! I've seen other blogsites do this for much higher fees and this is so worth every penny!
you should try powweb.com (that's who I host with) unlimited bandwidth!! :)
Oh noooooo I've just transferred my paypal balance to my bank so I'm at zero oops
Is there a time limit to purchase Kristina? Hopefully not because I will definitely be paying!!
Kristina don't let the minority get you down you have a lot of fans out there.
I run a few blogs and they are tiny in comparison but I have a team on one and contributors on another and it is still time consuming so I can totally understand and appreciate all that you do ~ Keep up the good work I'd be so upset if you shut your site down, Julie xx
Hiya Kristina,
As ever you suprise us all ....!!! Thanks for your love that you put into everything you do for us out here in blogland....!!!
I have my Advent Calendar & I just love it, it's such a sweet idea...!!!
Because so much of your free time is dedicated to us we can give a little something to you....!!!
I don't see why people have to be such poor friends, making comments that upset everyone...???
Thank You Soooo Much...!!!
Huggs Fliss
Oh Kristina,
Don't let the negative ones get you down... there's always gonna be someone who's not happy, no matter what you do.
Love your blog, tutorials, videos, the inspiration is great! I think it's a great idea to help keep up your blogging expenses. Plus it gives us readers the opportunity to get full instructions. It's a win-win!
Good for you, you are a talented young woman, and should be proud of your accomplishments with this blog.
I've already downloaded the advent calendar!!
Kristina,
I love the PDF and I'm very glad to contribute for this blog. Thanks for your time and effort. I visit your blog almost every day and it has been a great sorce of inspiration. Can't wait for the next card club.
I love the calender! I don't have access to any kind of stamp clubs here in Morocco (I've never met another stamper here!) so I love the idea of a virtual stamp club! Wouldn't it be fun if everyone posted the links to their projects so we can all see? Also, I totally think 5 bucks is a fair price considering most people pay a lot more for stamp classes. I know the stamp supplies are included in those, but that is why they charge more. So what's up with the negative vibe?? I don't get it. I love your blog and hope you won't be discouraged from offering another virtual project! Hugs from Morocco!
I just wanted to say that I've never posted a negative comment before or e-mailed you so I'm sort of feeling the brunt of your frustration with the 1% for just stating my comment. I didn't feel that I was being nasty at all.
I'm sorry to have upset you.
I am one of the thousands that browse and enjoy the wonderful creations that you share and I do not usually post, however, I needed to say "Thank you" and also show support for this card club. I'm new to cards, stamping, scapbooking and enjoy all that you offer! I had already started making another advent calendar using tins, however, with some modifications...like using 3" envelopes I will be able to incorporate your design beautifully and give to my girlfriend! Thank you!
GEEZ! $5.00....WHAT?
Just kidding, i don't want to get you piss off...LOL!
I love visiting your blog and my day is just not complete without being here...corny, i know. I feel so bad whenever you create something I love and wanted to CASE you but it just feels doesn't right but with me paying ONLY $5.00, now, I can CASE whenever i want :)
Hope you're having a great weekend.
I'm so glad you are doing this and got it posted already! The concept of this advent calendar is so cute and detailed :)
Hi Kristina,
I certainly understand why you responded the way you did to those who might not understand just how much time and effort you put into your blog. When I was a teacher, I would receive positive feedback the majority of the time, but when 1 person expressed what I thought to be negative feedback, I would let it bother me to the point where I forgot that the majority appreciated all of my efforts. Just try to focus on the positive and if the feedback is constructive, learn from it.
You are so talented and I must say so giving of yourself. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
sue
Hi Kristina!
Your CRAZY convention fan here **grin**. I thought you should have had a 'tip' jar up long ago. As your blog is well worth the money to keep it up. Esp. when you do such fabulous (!!!) videos and such. Those take a lot of time and effort (I know it would be 3 or 4 times for me to get one of those done lol).
I appreciate you bunches! I will be buying a couple of the $5 specials around Christmas. So, no worries, I plan on doing MY PART to keep KWD online for good!
Hugs to you!
Bobbie *Ü*
Cool Kristina!! I'm always looking for advent calendar ideas! I'll be purchasing on payday. (Yes, it's come to that :( )
I'm a teacher, and in any woman dominated field, people expect you to work and share for free. Ridiculous!
Your blog inspired me to try my own which I only really get a chance to post to a couple of times a month. I can't imagine people making demands or even suggestions. We look forward to your posts. Thanks for continuing!
What an adorable idea! I purchased the tutorial right away because I so appreciate your blog and want you to be able to keep on doing it!! Thanks for all you share:)
Kristina,
Love your blog, and am honored that I have a way to help you out.
Hope this is the answer.....
Can't wait to try the advent calendar!!
Girl, I'm on this like white on rice!!! :) I have always appreciated your free and for-cost projects you've offered up (the calendars last year were awesome gifts!) You are my number-one source of inspiration....THANK YOU for all that you do!!!
Off to go buy the advent project.... :)
hey Kristina! I just gladly bought the Advent Calendar PDF. I am SO HAPPY to now have way to support you and thank you for all that you do. You are amazing!
It's too bad that there are a few rude people out there who think that you need to speed things up for them, LOL! that's just people I guess. Some things we will never understand I suppose. Anyway, you are simply amazing ,and I know I would pay even MORE for your wonderful tips!
Hey Kristina! I just purchased your VCC pdf and I LOVE it! Such a great idea and wonderful photos, instructions,etc. Thanks for all you do!
You rock! I'm so excited to get the virtual club stuff. :) I haven't been coming here for very long, but I feel bad because I've been telling a bunch of people about your blog and driving up your costs!
I think it is brilliant to offer something that people can purchase to help offset your costs, and those who don't want to pay (or can't at a particular point in time) still get to enjoy the blog. It is a win-win-win situation.
I can't wait to see the advent calendar!
I love this idea, and was sorry to read some negative comments. I used to teach scrapbooking and card-making classes at a local scrapbook store (closed awhile back); and I got a lot of great feedback, but unfortunately, one or two bad comments stay with you longer than the good stuff...I feel your "annoyance". All I can say is try to let it go...offer the PDFs...those who want them will buy them, the "freebie seekers" have had plenty of time to get free stuff from you, and will either continue to visit or not! Whatever!! You are truly an inspiration to many of us, and we hope you can keep this blog going without too much financial cost to you (you already pay dearly in time and effort!)
A huge fan in the greater Toronto area in Ontario, Canada!!!
Great idea! Thanks for sharing. Happy to help out :)
what a great Idea!!! I, like all the others, am happy to support you in this effort. We appreciate the time and knowledge it takes to create a site such as this. (I know I'M not the only one who is PC challenged.LOL)
anyway, thanks for all you do...
P.S. I thought it was VERY nice that Sally re-posted an apology and that you were receptive. communication is key!!!
Thank you Kristina,
We love your blog! Ariana watches MACM always. she states afterwards can we make a card like Kristina?
Thank you for all your help in making me a better crafter
Have a great Holiday season!
xx Jennifer and Ariana in Canada
We purchased the PDF
Very cute !
thanks for this Avent Calendar !
Hi Kristina,
I don't usually comment on blogs..love to read what others say but my comments lack the cleverness of others! Anyway, for what it's worth I think the virtual class is a great idea and I purchased the Advent calendar a few days ago. I don't have a blog myself, but I can tell by reading yours that you spend lots of time on it. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us. I also wanted to say that I have emailed questions to you a few times and you answer them very quickly and I appreciate that,too. Happy Holidays :)
Dear, dear, DEAR Kristina,
The fact that you thought enough of your readers to put a PDF up for us for a mere 5 bucks is, frankly, awesome of you. I don't comment often on your blog but you are in my top 5 that I check on everyday. Even my DH knows who you are! You are a stamping superstar and I'm more than happy to purchase your PDF's if it'll ensure that you'll stay in the blogosphere. The way you handled the negative comments so far shows your intelligence and more importanly, your class.
Take care,
Brandi
Good for YOU, girlfriend! *hugs*
I love the idea of receiving a monthly card project! In fact, I'm happy to sign up for an entire year!
Keep up the great work, you inspire so many of us daily!