CafePress.com

Full review
Creativity counts, and sometimes finding just the right expression of your ideas is impossible.

No problem--just go to CafePress.com and either browse through thousands of others' creations, or sign up and make your own tee-shirts, mugs, bumper stickers and so on.

If you want just to shop, the process is straight forward and the possible choices are countless, but divided into a number of categories to help narrow the search. Products I have purchased have been good quality, and not unduly expensive considering the "custom-made" aspect.

However, to me, the real fun is creating what you want by designing CafePress products. Like many websites, signing up for CafePress.com "shop" is easy and, at first, free, but turns quickly to an "upgrade" offer that looks too appealing to pass on. The per month price for a premium shop isn't pricey--$7.95 a month at my last renewal--and allows you to sell your brilliant ideas.

Creating mugs, clocks, bumperstickers and all the other items available involves imagination and some experience with manipulating artwork and text. My biggest problems have been using templates--I usually find it easier just to use a photo or image editing application and create my designs using the resolution guides that are offered, but help is available.

Design as few or as many products as you wish--there's no additional cost for items you don't order. Having a variety of creations will generate more opportunity for sales, if that is one of your interests. My education-related items have done well at my "RioRomance" CafePress shop, so finding a special little niche is a good idea.

Buy some of your items, or from other shops, and you should find that what you see on screen is what you get. Only once was I disappointed with a design, and the problem was probably my photo, not production.

Unless you "hit" with some incredibly popular design that finds a huge market, you won't get rich. But the idea of having something you made out there can be appealing. When I see that a teacher in some far-off state purchased one of my anti-over-assessment products, I feel genuine excitement. The commission will never make me rich, but I've pretty much paid costs over time.

And, even more special, is the idea of a favorite pet, saying, or image immortalized forever. One of the dogs gracing some of my mugs has passed on now, but she's right there on my sister's coffee cup every day. Special and unique products can become treasure over time.

So, if you need to be different, or want others to know your mind--CafePress.com allows creativity, fun, and some great buys.