Thanks so much for joining us today - we are having lots of fun reading every one's comments and emails :) Thank you all so much for the kind words and we are glad to hear you are getting inspired!!This post is all about making cards in bulk, especially for the holidays! Holiday card making can swallow up a ton of time, but we have some fun tips that will hopefully help you along the way!
1. Start with making a list of who you want to send the handmade cards to, schedule a time where you'll sit down and create them, and set a goal. Last year I made a goal of having all my holiday cards done by December 1st. I worked on them for at least three hours every Saturday and it worked! They were completely done by the third week of November!
2. Pick 2 - 3 card layouts and stick with them! I used to think every one's card needed to be different, but by the time I got to the 15th card, I was completely out of ideas! Then, one day I realized that most people wouldn't even see each others cards, plus if I would have bought a box of cards at the store they would have received the same ones anyway!
3. Work in batches! If you are cutting, cut everything at the same time. Stamping? Stamp everything at the same time. Punching? Punch everything at the same time. Etc! :) Create a little production line and it will speed things along!
Here's a little peek at my production line I did to create the cards above:
I used our Gingerbread Dress-Up and Let it Snow Stamp sets, our Bazzill Paper Pack and our Holiday Papers!At the same time, I made some gift tags with these stamp sets and bazzill paper packs, too!
Your cards and gift tags can be as detailed as you like or have time for - it's really just the thought that counts!
I couldn't resist added a little tulle under the girls dress :)
4. And, our last tip! Invite your kids, nieces or nephews to help you! They'll add an extra special touch to the cards, plus you'll be creating memories with them that will last forever!We hope these tips help and we'd love to hear your holiday card tips, too! To enter this giveaway (pictured below) leave a comment or email us (with the subject: BLOG PARTY - GIVEAWAY 3) with your holiday card making tip!
This prize HUGE prize pack includes: Elle's Studio: Cut Out Holiday Numbers, Holiday Journaling Tags, Holiday Papers, Gingerbread Dress-Up Stamp Set, Let it Snow Stamp Set, Holiday Vintage Snowflakes, Holiday Circles, Special Delivery Gift Tags, and a box 50 Christmas Card blanks with envelopes!Can't wait to hear your tips! And, check back at 2:00 pm for more!
xo, Elle
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118 comments:
Last year, I realized I had a large collection of assorted cards from years past that had been left over or created in classes. So instead of investing in new supplies to make all new cards, I sent out a variety of holiday cards using all the cards I stored up!
WOW those are incredible stamp sets that I WOULD LOVE to use. I like to take old cards and recycle parts of them to make new cards for the holidays. I also will mass produce images and get a sketch I like to use which is simple to make lots of cards.
I think just sticking with one basic design and doing it assembly line style..seems to work good for me! And getting the kiddos involved. I know my almost 4 yr. old loves helping with anything "crafty" :) LOVE the cute suspenders on the gingerbread boy!! Great idea!
I normally only recive holidaycards - I am bad I know! If I win your amazing prize I PROMISE to make up for lost cards, and send cards to every one I know! :-)
I really don't have any Holiday card making tips....but maybe start early?!
This is so much fun!
Love the ideas coming tonight (it's 8pm in the UK!). My tip is be organised and don't leave it until last minute. I have a box of previous christmas card ideas that I didn't find the time to do, so plan for this year is to use them all up. I've already started!
I try to use a simple design when I'm going to mass produce so I don't have to send as much time in the assembly process.
My biggest timesaver is with addressing the envelopes. I started printing address labels on the computer to save time and to save and my hand from having to write each one individually.
I've found th last couple of years that buying pre-cut and scored cards (like the kind you have in your giveaway) for the base of your cards is a huge timesaver! Thanks for the chance to win this whole package!
Last year after Christmas before I put away all my Christmas stuff, I made my cards for this year. And so now all the cute stuff that's coming out will be bought so after Christmas this year I can make next years cards. It feels fantastic to have my cards done already, and now I can use all that extra time to bake cookies and make presents for people.:)
How awesome! I have an online group where we make holiday cards every month and swap them so that by December, we're ready to go!
Sometimes it can be quite hard to find inspiration to make Christmas cards as early as October. My trick is that I put on my favorite X-mas tunes and I get instant Christmas spirit that shows trough in my cards :) Another trick is to watch a Christmas themed movie while you work on your cards!
With the high cost of postage and width of cards being a concern, add faux embellishments instead of real ones: paper strips for ribbon, hole punch circles with Liquid Glass for faux brads, etc.
Hi there. Love the Let it Snow card! My tip would be to do it in a "party" style with your friends and each one bring an "idea", some cookies, and have a blast! Oh, and I guess planning ahead would be good.
I try to mass produce cards in different pieces once a week. So one week, I might get all the stamping done. The following week, I might try and get them cut out through the week, etc....thanks for the great tips!
Always make more than you think you're going to need, just in case you get an unexpected visitor or you bodge up writing one!!!
My biggest tip is to do them assembly line style .... and to start early! If I wait too long, it just stresses me out (and I end up procrastinating.)
My tip is to limit your list of handmade cards. There are some people of my list that do nothing more than send cheap cards with nothing more than a signature, so I know they are probably checking me off their list and throwing the card away.... so I simplify with those and do not spend the time on an involved card!
Unfortunately i never seem to get time to actually make my cards from paper items. I usually have the kids pic and put it on a digitally designed card that i print out and send to family
I like to watch a Christmas movie while making my cards to get into the spirit of things! :)
even if I start making my Christmas cards in October I put on my favorite holiday music to get me in the spirit- I also have to say that I too love those little gingerbread boy suspenders!
I've learned that simple still makes really beautiful cards and no matter what, a home made card always means so much more to people! I also only make about 10 at a time so that I don't get sick of the card, but am still making them efficiently! The next day I just do something different!
I like reusing old Chritmas cards that I recieved last year and make embelishments from them. I also learned to get all my christmas paper(bought sometimes in july) to my table so I don't over look any, along with any ribbon, stickers, holiday stamps and ribbons ect... That way I have everything together and can start to see what and how many I can make from these items. I just hate not to use what I already have on hand. I like using it so I can buy more. HO, HO, Ho, off to get more!
What a great prize! I make the same cards for everybody. I also include a recent family picture so that helps takes up some space :)
my tip - start early !!!
As expected, more fantastic ideas and super products! Thank you. When I send out a mass of cards I usually type 3-4 different versions of sentiments for the inside. Then I just cut and paste the sentiment block instead of writing each one by hand. I know that probably takes away from the "personal touch", but I am the biggest procrastinator in the world, so it works well for me!
I have to agree with the mass production of 2 or 3 designs. I can save money by purchasing less and in bulk and plus it saves time to create other projects. Thanks`
Keep in simple! I plan on choosing 3 or 4 designs and mass producing instead of trying to create a unique card for everyone. Also, I'm not waiting until the day after Thanksgiving when I usually start thinking about Christmas. I've started making a few cards already.
Print small family photos to add to the front of your cards.
Wow what a lovely blog with lots of wonderful products and ideas on how to use them. I can't wait to buy some Elle's studio products. I love them!!
I stamp all the pictures in advance and cut them out when I have time while watching TV...
Great tips. Your tips gave me some inspiration to make more cards!
I'm still trying to decide what I want to do for my Christmas cards...I love these ideas, though...especially the cutie-pie gingerbread cards!!
I keep it very simple. Most people never receive handmade cards and are thrilled with the effort that is put into them - they don't care if they are simple.
My tip is to have flat embellishments b/c bulky embellishments can add to the already expensive postage. Also, make your card a standard size and not a square to once again save on postage.
Love the Gingerbread Men. =)
When you are make your "sample" card, keep in mind that you are wanting to make these in bulk. Making cards in bulk can dictate what design elements you use, but more importantly what you don't want to use because of the time it would take to duplicate on 10, 20, or 100 cards. I always say use a design that is "bulk proof."
My cars making tip for the holidays is to precut all oh my cardstock and patterned papers
I try to set up a basket or box with all my supplies and tools specific for my project (cards) so I can pick it up and work a little whenever I have time (watching TV and such)then I always have what I need and it's easy to do a quick clean-up. Oh! and start early!!!!
I start early. It seems silly making cards in July, but it saves me later.
I like to stick with a few different cards so I don't get bored, but am able to actually make enough. Also, I've reduced the amount of cards I send by mostly sending to the people I care most about.
I don't have any card tips. But I have to say I LOVE how you added the suspenders to the boy and the tulle under the girls dress!!! You are so clever!
What an awesome prize!!! My best holiday card making tip is get the kids involved! Like others have said assembly style works great but give your kids one or more of the steps to do with you. It may not look perfect but how fabulous is that for them to be able to share that they were an instrumental part in making the cards. My daughter still talks about making them last year!
My advice is keep it simple. Chances are most of your friends and family aren't paper crafters (or mine aren't anyway) so they'll be happy with most anything especially if it's handmade. Keep the elaborate and time comsuming cards to a minimum by only making those for people who you know will appreciate and understand the time, effort, and work that went into them!
Great tips! I let my oldest son make cards with me and usually family loves/cherishes his cards more than the ones I make! :)
My tip is to purchase a kit or holiday collection that includes coordinating papers and embellishments...then all you have to do is cut, stamp, and paste. Plus you can change each card up a little by using different paper or embellishments on each while still sticking with a similar layout.
I use the same paper/pattern on all the cards and stick to a basic design element. So far, this has helped me speed things up a bit :)
i like to take old cards and cut outs from wrapping paper to use as embellishments for cards or layouts. and start in october so you can enjoy the process!
My best tip is use what you have. I completely understand that you want to have matching/coordinating cards, but really they are going all over the place, and no one is going to care if they are coordinating. Mix it up and use what you have.
After figuring out how many cards you are going to give, go through and mass produce each section - base card, any embellishments, etc.; then go through the assembly line with all of your pieces in a row on the table. A lot of saved time if all pieces are finished and ready to assemble.
I like to make one card that I send to everyone and I agree that separating all tasks and doing all the cutting at once, all the stamping at once, etc is the way to go. It's like making a mini assembly line at home. After Christmas is over I like to see what parts of the cards I received can be used for future projects (in fact I do this throughout the year with the cards I receive). Love Elle's Studio products!!
I don't have any card making tips because I usually only make one or two. But, with these awesome stamps, I could churn out some really awesome cards!
love the cards and the Ideas!
I use to make tiny cards for christmas, and use the same design for everyone of them, changing only the colors, patterned paper and image!
that way they end up different but are easier and fater to make!
thanks for the suggestions!
I make a flat design and make it using an assembly line. My girls like to help so that makes it go quicker!
Last year i stamped all of my images at once and then colored them in with crayons, once that was done it was a stap to put everthing else together!
What! Another awesome giveaway?!!! Something important I learned last year was to keep it "flat"! The flatter the cards the easier it is dealing with the P.O. and avoiding an overcharge!
Make cards throughout the year so when it comes Christmas time you're not stressing over making cards at the lsat minute.
I have been really into stamping lately. I like to look at sketches too. So, find a sketch and some stamps and go for it. Also, like you had mentioned it is good to work it like an assembly line, do all the same parts together. Thanks for a chance to win.
I use the cards I receive in the mail from the previous year as gift tags. Love to recycle when I can.
I keep to 1 layout. One thing I've learned from doing large scale assembling, it's all about the assembly line! Like making a complex recipe - preparation and organization is key. I decide which layout I want to use, then I start separating out all the elements doing the most complex elements first like the stamping - I get burned out by then end and don't want to leave that last. Once I've done the cutting, etc. I keep all the elements separated in their own baggeis, then when the assembly time comes, I set it up one element after the other and put them all together at once. Makes things much easier.
One of my favorite things to do is save Christmas cards I receive. Instead of storing them or throwing them away at the end of the season, I cut out decorative pieces and save them for next year. It's a way to regift the gift :)
Start early and do it with friends! I scheduled a day later this month to do some holiday card making with some friends and I am so excited that I will have a good chunk done so early!
I started early this year (in February actually). That way I am not too pressured and can enjoy making cards when I have some free time.
I've never seen a gingerbread girl with an added tuule dress, adorable! I make 80-90 Christmas cards every year, so I strongly believe in the assembly line method!
My tip is to start early. The holidays are stressful enough without worrying about your cards. I have about 80 made and I'm planning on making about 20 more before the holidays get here.
I got a Cricut machine last Christmas and thought it would be fun to make the Christmas cards with that this year!
I like to stick with six designs and do it assembly line style. I also use old cards for parts or tags. My grandmother used to recycle her cards into beautiful tags.
Great idea to mass-produce! My tip would be to keep the cards simple!
I always prepare a little production line for my cards as you mentioned. I often will stamp everything and then sit with my hubby and watch TV while we cut them out. I also cut all my cardstock for my cards at once so I can just sit and assemble everything at once.
Last year I bought 2 Christmas card making kits. I just recently pulled them out and made 24 cards in a flash just copying their suggestions. I'll keep their suggestions & use them for the next batch of cards.
That's actually what I've been doing this week - trying to come up with my prototype Christmas card. Once I figure out the card I want to send, I try to do at least one step on them per day, like cut the paper one day, stamp one part one day, stamp the envelopes one day, etc. They go together pretty quickly like that if I even spend 10 to 15 minutes/day.
Those gingerbread cards are the most adorable cards ever! Cute, cute, cute. Gosh, I don't know that I have any tips for holiday card making. I know I like to make mine listening to holiday music to get me in the spirit of things and I also highly recommend making them early on, so you don't feel rushed.
For me, stamps have been the most cost effective way of mass producing Holiday cards. You can re-use them over and over, and have so many options when designing a card. Thanks for the fun and ideas!
Oooo, I am SO about making the same card for everyone. THe last few years my sisters and I have gotten together in November for a crafting day and we each help each other make our cards.
I try to keep things flat (no big embellishments) so that I don't have to pay extra postage. It can really add up when you send out cards in bulk!
A great giveaway to get ahead on the christmas cards - and great ideas to get the creativity going.
The stamps are too ctinkin cute...would love this give away!
Making cards in bulk is awesomE!
Aww! Those gingerbread people are so cute!!
Whenever I'm making 15 or more cards I always do them in bulk. And usually I'll break up the "to do" list in a few days. One day I'll do all the cutting, another day I might do all the stamping, etc. Makes the process go by so much easier!
My tip is to start way early! Then you have time to get everything done!
i get bored easily so i make them in batches...maybe in 10's...then i can switch it up. LOVE the idea of using scraps/pieces to make tags.
Start early!! When you're all snowed in during the cold, but boring months of Jan-Mar, make some Christmas cards.
I'd love to win this prize! Your cards are so so cute! :D
We send out about 80 cards per year so I haven't yet tried to make my own. I still really love sending the photo cards because everyone seems to enjoy seeing the kids grow up. Cute stamps sets and cards, BTW!
I find it helpful to pace myself and just make a few cards at a time. I set up a little table in front of the TV and do it whaile watching some shows.
I keep my cards I receive from the previous year and use cutouts from them for embellishments.
My holiday card tips - well, I tend to production line as well ... but I use scraps of paper/cardstock.
I create just one design, but end up with different looking cards because of the different PP or CS!
I've just been making cards one at a time to fit into challenges and stuff but I think I will need to do some assembly line stuff towards the deadline!!!!
Blessings,
Christine
I personally do an assembly procedure for most of my cards. But there are special people that get one of a kind cards too. Most important tip I can give is to KEEP IT SIMPLE!!! Enjoy the holidays! OOO...and someone will get to enjoy all these wonderful goodies!!
Hi, my tip this year for myself would be tp start early, I am normally terrible and leave the card making and sending til the last minute.
I do the same thing by making them in batches with similar looks for a group of them. I also use pre-done embellishments for a finished look in one piece.
my tip is keep it simple and make everything the same. the people you send the cards to arent going to get together and compare...so theyll never know!
I start with beautiful paper, a variety of coordinating fibers, a handful of holiday stamp sets, and a few similar ideas. I start out trying several different ideas, and when I find a few cards that I really like, then I make as many as I can stand making! I don't like making lots of the same item, so usually every card is a little different. I do, however, love variations on a theme!
I always try to start making my cards early, or whenever inspiration strikes, and not wait till the season is nearing. I also listen to christmas songs when I make christmas cards - that helps me get into the mood! :)
elaine t
Start early, it gets to crazy in Nov/Dec!
Choose a design that is easy to reproduce so you can still enjoy the holidays!
I always use a family pic or one of just my daughter. I like to see her changes from year to year. It's also cool to receive others picture cards, I love to see all our friends kiddos changes! :)
i am now having an assembly line for our wedding invites. my best tip is to plan ahead what you want to do so you won't have to spend a lot of money on things you think you might need. :)
Delightful cards - I just love the Gingerbread boy & girl! I make 4 or 5 different Christmas card designs using the same colour scheme and papers, but with different stamps and embellishments. This way I don't have to worry about running out of supplies for a particular design as they all mix and match! Thanks for the great tips and inspiration.
Make address labels on your computer and save them from year to year. Its a breeze to just print out labels instead of address them by hand. It makes updating your card list easy to!
When I am making card batches I try to keep the design simple and use basic techniques. Also doing prep work (cutting ribbon into pieces ahead of time etc). BTW I LOOOVE those gingerbread cuties!!
Love these Ideas! I'll be keeping this post in my favorites so I can share it. thanks!
Wow, what a cool giveaway! I only wish I had run across this blog party earlier today. Playing catch up now.
Great tips... thanks.
I make sure that I do not use images that need to be colored in when I make cards in bulk.
I mass produce...I cut out everything, then do assembly line. I do the stamping, then the adhering.
my biggest tip is to start early...we do "christmas in july" over at my house, heehee :)
I always do mine in an assembly line type fashion. Fisrt cut all the pieces, then do any stamping, then put it all together.
Wow- those cards are awesome and make me want to get busy on my Christmas stuff!
My Holiday Making Tip is to involve your family in the card prep. LOL! Anything involving punching out shapes I have my hubby do. He is an expert now.
:) Rachel
I've been toying with the idea of making my own holiday cards every year, but haven't ended up doing it ever. Partly because I'm busy with school and partly because I'm just indecisive about who to send cards to.
I make a sample card, write down what I need and I start cutting in batches...then I make an assembly line and start putting it all together.
My advice is to KEEP IT SIMPLE!!! I also like to stick to one design, but sometimes switch out the papers/products just to keep yourself from getting bored. I love those gift tags!
These stamps are amazing! I would love to get my hands on them for the holiday season! My card making tip would be to start now! I usually prepare all the products (paper, die cuts, ink, etc.), and them glue, stamp and bling. I guess it's like an assembly line. It's seems to take less time.
I always use the assembly line trick! Make's getting them done much easier and faster! Love the gingerbread boy and girl, they are adorable!
Love those gingerbread people cards!!! I usually start to make my cards in November so they are all ready to post in December:)
My best tip is to start early. Now if only I could follow my own advice!
The stamps look so cute!! Looks good.
Definitely a good idea to set up a buffet style session with all your bits ready to go and mass produce, especially for Christmas.
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