Making the Cut

Making cards is one of my favorite outlets…  I was invited to a Close to My Heart party almost 20 years ago. That single invitation has cultivated into this wonderful hobby. 

When I make my cards, I rarely make just one. If I do, it’s because the card was a disaster and I will not make it again. I find that when I have my supplies out it is easy to make multiple cards. Four just happens to be my default number. Partly because then you need a base layer, you can get four from one single sheet of cardstock. If I like the card and am likely to make it again, I save it in a box marked “master cards”. Sometimes I will reproduce these cards, other times I will use the measurements or just duplicate the layout. It’s nice to have the measurements already done for you. 

I work a full time Monday thru Friday job plus I am an avid runner and reader. So in order to fit all these things in, I sometimes have to do my cards in stages. This is where it may take me 1-2 weeks to get my cards done for a craft fair. I will figure out how many cards I need to make, and make my samples and set them aside. I start by cutting out my card bases and other base layers. This also helps me figure out if I need to order more paper or if I need to change a color scheme to suit what supplies I have on hand. I try to use up colors that are going out of circulation (with Stampin Up, it would be retired or retiring colors). From there, I proceed to move up the card.  I will move on to embossing layers, punching out pieces or die cutting, stamping, etc. Once all the pieces are finished, it is not uncommon for me to spend an entire weekend assembling my cards. This is the best and easiest way for me to get this done, especially when you have a four legged fur baby that wants to help. Did I mention that crafting and audiobooks make a great pair?

Let’s start with ways to save money when making cards. My biggest one is… if my card needs a white, black, or cream colored layer I use Michael’s brand cardstock. It is the one that is commonly on sale 5/$10. Why use name brand card stock that is going to cost you five times as much? This can really add up and take away from your profit. Only you will know the difference.  

I keep all my sizeable paper scraps… white scraps go in a separate box and have multiple uses. For example look at this card… I did not have to cut full piece of white card stock to make the penguin, snowman, or their accessories. It was all scraps. Colored cardstock are stored with in different place.

When using glitter, mirror board, or other shimmery paper… make it a faux layer. What this means is that if your fancy paper has a layer over it, cut out other images from it to use on other cards. Does the image below help you understand better? Your recipient will never know there is a piece missing!

I have a very specific storage system for my paper that keeps my colored scraps with the full sheets of cardstock. This organization system has reduced unnecessary purchases by allowing me to see my inventory at all times. I also keep my cards to the A2 size, so I can get two cards from one sheet of 8-1/2 x 11 cardstock. Again, keeping my cost down and paper waste to a minimum. 

I don’t use pop dots, bling, ribbon, or other items that add height when selling my cards. These items could add extra postage, get damaged in the mail, and it simply takes extra time to make. I keep my cards minimal. No one has ever complained about the lack of “pizzazz”… because the never missed it to begin with.

I hope this information was helpful. Feel free to follow my blog as I post weekly card creations and blog posts about crafting. If you have further questions, please leave them below and I will happily answer them for you.

Thanks for reading!