Our Prayer Shawl Ministry started many years ago, A former UMW member who is now deceased, painted a lovely water color picture of a blanket draped over a chair, with an open bible in the seat of that chair.  Our group used that original painting as an inspiration for the design that we ultimately had Thirty Seven West use on a custom embroidered label design.

Our members crotchet shawls, lap blankets and small squares or circles.  We also craft blankets that are quilted, or make blankets that are felt that we tie strips around the edges.  We hand sew the labels onto an edge of each shawl and blanket.  They are brought to our meetings and we stand in a circle holding on to a piece of each item, and we pray over them that they will bring comfort and joy to the receiver.  They are given in instances of a hospitalization, a prolonged illness, a death of a family member, a new baby, a graduation, or a new step in life – such as moving to a nursing home.  In each instance, we have a card with a prayer that is appropriate that is given with the item.

We are a small group, but we have six or eight members who actually make these things.

The ministry is open to our whole congregation to have access to the Prayer Shawls and Prayer Blankets to give not only to folks who are members of our church, but to anyone they feel is needing this kind of support.

Each year we give thirty to forty blankets and shawls for many different occasions, but I think that most of them are given for recovery purposes.

I myself was given one when I was in the hospital, and then later in a rehabilitation unit recovering from bilateral knee surgery.  I kept it in my lap as I wheeled around in my wheel chair, and also put it over my lap in my bed.  It was very comforting to know that my group of ladies had prayed over the lap blanket that I would have peace, and heal from my surgery without a hitch!  I would show people the label on the corner of it, and tell them the story about this part of our ministry.

We also have a ministry in our local hospital where we take small crocheted squares or rounds that our gals have made.  We put these into a sandwich bag, and include a Prayer of Protection, along with our group name, church name, and address.  These have been very popular, and we have had them be taken out of the totes we have in the waiting rooms at the hospital by many, many folks.  The hospital Chaplin, wrote us a note once telling us that he really likes our ministry, and that he himself takes them to folks recovering in their rooms.  I have also had handwritten notes left in the totes thanking us for these items, and the accompanying prayer.

They are too small to put a label on, but we use the same picture as on the label on the printed paper insert.  I was at the hospital filling the totes up again, and someone in the waiting room asked what they were.  They asked if I had some snacks.  I said that it was not food for the body, but that they were food for the heart & soul!

Yes, these little squares and rounds are meant to be a soft item that someone in need can comfortably hold in their hand, and hopefully feel support and love as they read the prayer with it!

May the peace of Christ be with you, now and forever more!

Jerrie Holder

President/Sparta First United Methodist Church/Sparta, TN

Great marketing campaigns don’t always require a big budget.

If you’re the owner of a local start-up, or a small business that’s only been around for a year, you’re likely to bank on creativity and innovation to promote some of your biggest products.

This means taking advantage of personalized marketing tools—most of which are easy on the pocket, but incredibly effective in creating brand visibility.

So, before you blame a limited budget for a poor promotional strategy, check out some of these tried-and-tested tools and how they help small organizations reach their marketing milestones.

Social Media

There’s no denying the role of social media in modern-day marketing. With platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram paving the way for viral videos and content, companies, big and small, can rely on a global virtual network that does the work for them.

The trick to online success, however, lies in crafting a smart social media strategy. Sure, these tools are free, but to make the most of them, you should to know how to use them.

Engage with viewers, update your page frequently, use hashtags, make cultural references to stay relevant, and create an air of mystery around upcoming launches/events with teaser videos and sneak-peek images.

Promo Events

If you’ve ever been to a concert—whether it’s a stadium-packed gig, or a small show at a jazz club—you’re likely to see an opening act.

As a small business, you intend to be the main act very soon; but in order to get there, you’ve got to start out opening shows.

This means speaking at events and partnering with other established companies. Not only is this an excellent way to introduce your brand directly to a niche market, but a cost-effective way of generating buzz around your products and services.

Custom Logo Ribbons

One of the biggest challenges faced by small businesses is creating an authentic brand identity that’s memorable and impactful.

Consider the case of a funny commercial that made you laugh, but couldn’t help you remember the name of the brand. Is it really worth applauding if it failed to create brand visibility?

Custom logo ribbons add a touch of authenticity to products and corporate gifts that boosts brand recall and sets you apart from the competition.

Custom Ribbon with Company logo

Thirty Seven West offers luxury double and single face satin ribbons with custom logos and gradient artwork for a plethora of small to medium-sized designers and manufacturers. Our attention to detail, competitive pricing and premium quality has also garnered the attention of corporate giants like Louis Vuitton and Bisou Bisou.

Remember, there’s a ribbon for every occasion. Use the opportunity to put your business on the map! Call us at 1-877-627-9408 and let’s talk tags!

Custom Logo Ribbon with multi color print

Every brand tells a story.

Sometimes, it’s a story of hard work and perseverance. Other times, it’s a quirky little tale about being authentic and true to yourself.

The products may vary; the taglines may differ, but each story is told with the common aim to make a deep and profound impact.

As a start-up or a new business, raising brand awareness can be a real challenge. You’re competing against some of the biggest names in your industry, a small fish in a big pond—how can you possibly compete with a massive marketing budget?

Sometimes, small ideas can inspire big changes. Let’s take a look at 5 ways to wow audiences at a corporate event!

1. Master the Art of Storytelling

Custom Logo Ribbon with Multi color print for corporate Gift wrap

Custom Logo Ribbon with Multi color print for corporate Gift wrap

The best stories aren’t always the ones with the fanciest illustrations. They’re the ones that leave a deep imprint on your imagination, simply because of the way they’re told.

Consider this an excellent metaphor for your brand, where you’re put to the test to narrate the story of a lifetime. Remember, people respond to sentiment. Communicate and connect on a deeper level by personalizing your brand.

2. Give Audiences an Incentive

What’s in it for me?

That’s a question nearly every member of your audience is bound to ask whenever you try to promote your brand.

This is a great opportunity for you to show people that you care. Extend your sentiments with specialty thank-you gifts that are not only unique, but effective in creating an emotional impact.

3. Pay Attention to the Details of the Gift

Ever leave a wedding with the sweetest, most thoughtful thank you gift?

It’s not just what they put into the goodie-bag or gift basket that wows you, it’s the amount of time they’ve spent on the details to make sure that it’s packed to perfection.

When you’re speaking at a corporate event, you’re not just representing your brand through a presentation or keynote speech. You’re representing it in the smallest details.

Corporate gifts are an excellent chance to go crazy with your creativity and convert stunning artwork into an extension of your brand.

Thirty Seven West is a leading manufacturer of printed personalized luxury satin ribbons, matte textured ribbons, specializing in full color and multi-color logo custom ribbons and PMS custom ribbon matching.

You know brands and we know art as it applies to ribbons and branding.

Let’s combine our passions to catapult your business to new and unprecedented heights!

We have experience with small to mid-sized companies and also serve some of the biggest companies in the world! Check out some of our products online and register now!