lauralooloo: Simple Birthday Card Set {5 Helpful Tips for Mass-producing Cards!}

I'm not sure why, but I have a huge sense of satisfaction when I use up a big stash of paper scraps, and make a giant stack of handmade cards. During the hurricane a few weeks ago, I made about 60 cards. Super simple, and with really cute paper that had been sitting in a bucket for far too long. I'll use the cards for gift sets for my kids' teachers, friends and family, and occasionally I sell sets of seasonal cards as well.

Inspired by those quick and simple cards, i created one to share with all of you! For this one, I used new paper and an AWESOME stamp from Fun Stampers Journey. I am obsessed with this Make A Wish stamp, along with it's coordinating die. The holiday season is almost upon us - plus, there are so many people who could use a happy handmade thought from each of us.

So whether you plan to mass-produce cards to share with others, or to package up and give as gifts, here are a few of my tips for mass-producing handmade cards:

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE -
This is probably the most important tip so if you retain only ONE thing from me, this should be it. I can't tell you how many times I have decided to make a bunch of coordinating cards, and then realize I am in WAY over my head, and the cards are taking much too long.

2. USE WHAT YOU LOVE -
This tip has two meanings. First, do you hoard printed paper and products that you love so much you don't want to use them? JUST USE THEM. They're bringing no one joy, if they're shoved in a drawer. Secondly, when making a whole bunch of something, you're going to lose interest if you hate the paper or hate the stamps you're using. Many times, I stick with one layout, but then mix up the sentiments, or mix up the papers, depending on what I have. But either way, if you don't love it, you're going to hate it. ;)

3. WORK ASSEMBLY-LINE STYLE -
Once you've established your (simple - yes simple) card design, tackle each step at one time. Trim and fold a stack of card bases. Then, trim patterned paper to the appropriate size. Stamp the sentiments, and trim or die-cut. Then begin to assemble your cards. This will take far less time, than working from start to finish on each card.

4. THINK AHEAD ON SIZES -
Speaking of trimming paper...A standard card size is usually 4.25x5.5. BUT if you have lots of 12x12 cardstock you'd like to use for card bases, make them 4x5.5 instead. No one will notice the difference, and that way you can get THREE card bases from each 12x12 sheet. In addition, think about your patterned paper sizes. Depending on whether you're using 6x6 or 12x12 printed paper, determine your project layout to maximize your paper. (If you need inspiration, check out my Pinterest board where I've been collecting projects that are perfect for mass-producing projects with patterned paper.)

5. BE A BARGAIN SHOPPER-

Cards need envelopes. If you plan to give card sets as holiday gifts, (or throughout the year) start using coupons for your big box craft/hobby store, or watch for sales on envelopes. Grab the envelopes throughout the year, and then you'll have them handy when you compile a quick card set.

I hope these tips will help you get into your stash, create for others, and have FUN, and spread JOY. Having fun and spreading joy is what it should all be about! Thanks so much for stopping by today! Super big crafty hugs to each of you! xoxo

Supplies used on this project:

Make A Wish Stamp Set (AT-0246)

Make A Wish Die Set (DI-0355)

Designer Choice Prints (retired)

Pineapple Smoothie Cardstock

Journey Glaze

Looking for more simple birthday card designs?

Check out this post featuring the YAY stamp and die set from FSJ.