You will be pleasantly surprised at how much special occasion business you can cultivate. Here are some ideas for making this segment a success for your company.
• Check all spelling and all dates twice, and then check them again. Have the customer sign the order.
• Make commemorative anniversary afghans with the names and birthdates of all family members around the edge. Put the names and marriage date of the couple larger in the center.
• Work with a local quilter to produce memory quilts for weddings, going-away, retirement and more. As the embroiderer, you will work with each relative or aquaintance to embroider a square using a stock design and lettering to represent their own special memory. When all of the squares are returned to the quilter, the quilt is assembled and presented to the lucky recipient.
• Price keepsake work according to the extra care, creativity and technique that goes into each piece. Don't feel you must price according to the same scale as logo work.
• Keep samples of your special occasion work. When it isn't possible to keep a sample, take a photograph for your suggestion book.
Wedding or Anniversary – Dove, Rings, Bride and Groom Bears, Candles, Bells, Toasting Flutes, Cake, two hearts
Embroider on Guest book cover, photo album cover, reception napkin favors (see Fig. X), bridesmaid gift bags, ring pillow, handkerchiefs for mother of bride and groom.
Birth – Simple bow, lamb, teddy, chick, booties, rattle, blocks, rocking horse
Embroider on Receiving blanket, LovieÒ character blanket, hooded towel
First Communion – Cross, Chalice & bread symbol, grapes
Embroider on handkerchief, bible cover, first communion felt banner
Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah – Star of David,Yud
Embroider on yamika, girl's headcover or prayer book cover
Bon Voyage – Ship or plane
Embroider on fabric Champage bag, paperback book cover
Retirement – fishing pole, rocking chair, "happy dance" figure, golf clubs
Embroider on headwear, such as ball cap or bucket hat, fleece throw, cooking apron
Housewarming – heart inside a house, cozy cottage
Embroider on cooking apron, kitchen towels, bread cover, afghan or fleece throw. Napkins or towels with initials make a wonderful housewarming gift.
Graduation – diploma, cap, graduation teddy bear
Embroider on autograph pillow, framed fabric with transfer of graduation announcement, memory book cover.