Kickstart it! Children's Wallet Cards III: Emotions, Seasons, House and Pets

Marie-Claire Camp has launched her third Kickstarter campaign to support the introduction of four new decks of educational and fun Children's Wallet Cards: Emotions, Seasons, House and Pets.   

The new decks are part of a larger portfolio of products that mimic credit cards in size and material. The cards, which also have been made into posters, are made for children's play and work. Camp uses non-toxic, kid-safe, U.S.-made materials.

Camp says this is her largest campaign yet. "Since starting this little business nearly three years ago, I've been contacted by so many parents and teachers with their ideas for new decks," she says. "I've been able to collect those ideas, along with those I've had since 'day one,' into some pretty impressive and exciting lists and plans."

Besides having proven to be a reliable source of funds, Camp has learned the "ins and outs" of Kickstarter and says it fits perfectly into her business philosophy: "I do like Kickstarter! I really love the community feeling, the connections I make, the confidence it brings when people contribute and really love what we make."

She says the crowdfunding platform is a great alternative for entrepreneurs needing to raise capital. "It definitely beats sitting in a bank lobby, draining our personal savings accounts or racking up credit card debt trying to make new products," Camp says.

The new deck has a strong flavor of Michigan. It includes work from two Michigan artists, illustrator Adrianne Adelle (Cedar Springs, MI), and photographer Rhiannon McCalmont (Grand Rapids, MI). Camp also credits consulting from Lisa Ann Camp (Jenison, MI),  Advanced Fulfillment (Grand Rapids, MI) for packing and shipping the rewards, and printing at Tepel Brothers Printing (Troy, MI).

Camp says her "little business" has altogether eight decks, one wallet, and five posters.  Moving forward, there will be a little break and then she'll get back to her creative work. "After this campaign is funded and the new pieces are produced and delivered, I'd love to take a vacation! After that, I'll start on the next round of card decks that parents and teachers have been asking for," she says. "I'd love to expand into books, tools for helping children with special needs, and some fun things inspired by my own boy's appreciation for receiving letters in the mail."

The campaign only lasts until April 29th. Here's the campaign page link.

Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor