I began writing poetry a few years ago, and I am loving it, every part.

I love the initial idea and then the weaving of words and sounds.

I love writing in small increments.

I find that in the editing is where I find a poem’s rhythm. The process simply brings me joy.

I post my poems here on the blog and again on some social media platforms.

But then what?

If I’m lucky, really lucky, my poems may be considered for a poetry chapbook. Of course that would mean, finding someone to publish them, which would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

If you, like me, have a file full of poems, and you are wondering how in the world will you ever get them published? I may have an idea for you.

A dear friend asked me, “Have you ever considered printing your own poetry?”

Honestly, the idea never occurred to me.

She went on to say, “You could print your poetry and also create some greeting cards from their content. How about you do that and come sell them at our Holiday Maker’s Market.”

I told her I’d get back to her on that, and I let that idea roll around in my mind for several days.

New ideas began to come to mind…

I purchased some graphic designs and began to design poems and greeting cards on a great design site, Canva

I love this site, because it is so easy to use and gives you all of the tools you need.

I also studied font pairings. Learning how to coordinate fonts, brought my poems to life and made them pleasing to the eye. Canva also has a great article on font pairings, you can find them here and here

Then I began to design, often giving each poem and greeting card two different designs, with different color palates.

My son works in publishing and he agreed to be my editor. They great thing with him was he was not afraid to give me honest feed back. Find someone like him, someone who isn’t afraid to hurt your feelings, but loves you.

I then sent my poems and greeting card documents off to the printer.

For smaller poems I used the size of 8.5 x 8.5

For medium poems 8.5 x 11

For large poems 8.5 x 14

Card size was 4.25 x 5.5

Then the idea of hanger frames came to my mind.

Here are the steps to making hanger frames:

Supplies:

Wood trim 1/2 inch

Twine

Staple gun and 1/4 inch staples

Since all of my poems are printed 8 1/2 inches wide. I can cut the wood all the same size. You will want to cut your wood 9 1/2 inches. You want an 1/2 extra on each side.

Be sure to sand any rough edges.

You will then drill holes on each side 1/4 inch in from the end.

You can play around with the length of your twine. You will string it through the holes with the knot in the front.

Attach your poem. You can either use tacks (less than 1/4 inch in length) Or heavier duty staples.

*Just a note. Framing your poems may take longer than writing them, but hang in there!

My husband made a simple display table and I am ready to go.

This Saturday is the big day at the Holiday Maker’s Market!

You can see all about it here

Am I nervous? Yes! Will this work out? I don’t know!

Here is what I do know. I’m better for trying. I’m better for taking a chance.

The wonderful bonus: My husband Mark and I had such a great time working on this together.

All I can imagine words I have written filled with love and encouragement gracing space in someone’s home, or providing the love and care that comes in a greeting card.

I base all of my poetry from scripture, which always accomplishes God’s perfect purpose in the hearer’s life, and the thought of that really causes my heart to soar.

Stay tuned for Part II and I’ll let you know how it all turned out!