Hey, STAMPlorations friends! A funny thing happened to me the other day -- I was able to make 14 Christmas cards in 2.5 hours! For the seasoned card makers among you, that number may not be a lot but it is to me. I didn't have any Christmas card made at all yet...and I suspect I wouldn't have been able to make any this year if I hadn't been desperate enough to come up with a product that will let me make Christmas cards fast.
Between running STAMPlorations and taking care of my 2 super-active girls, believe me...I barely have time to sit down and create cards. And those times when I think I have 15 minutes of free time, I often find myself having to choose between a taking a quick shower, having a meal, or doing something I've put off doing for months (like fold clothes!).
And then a week ago, I asked myself, "What if I had some ready-made card fronts and all I had to do is stamp to finish them up?" I had the first 2 sets of card fronts designed within a few hours and then sent off to the printer by Saturday night. By Thursday, they were delivered and oh boy, I couldn't stop running my hands on the smooth and super thick (120# or 315 gsm, baby!) card stock the card fronts are printed on.
Here are a few of my quick cards made with the help of Quick Card Kit #1 (Slimline Card Fronts) and Quick Card Kit #2 (A2 Card Fronts). If you want to see the rest, just click on the product links -- I made a card using every card front in the kits :o)
What I did: I inked the edges of the card front with Squeezed Lemonade Distress Oxide and then stamped the sentiment.
These card fronts are ready to ship now and there are 4 options for each kit depending on what you want + free worldwide shipping! With our Quick Card Kits, you can build up your Christmas card stash quickly -- I know they helped me get from zero to 14 in 2.5 hours :o)
What a great idea. I spend a lot of time on each and every card, and usually make each unique, but then I start in the summer, and have free time these days. But if I didn't, I would do what you did. These are really cute. I especially like the snowman. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you have a lot of free time to spend as much time as you want on each card, Sharon. I wish I do, but I don't see that happening in my case...maybe when my two girls turn 18 or something ;o). These card fronts have truly helped me jumpstart my Christmas card making, and I think they would immensely help some other crafters who are pressed for time for some reason or another. (And they're great too for those who are just starting out in making their own cards.)
DeleteOh wow!! These are all gorgeous!! Love your backgrounds and the super simple way you finished them off!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Esther! I really enjoyed making these cards, and I was able to focus on picking the sentiments to go with each design.
DeleteWhat a great idea! These are really pretty and I like how you can add as much or little to them as you like. I have to pack up most of my craft supplies so that my husband can remodel the room. These will make Christmas cards much easier for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lucy! Yes, you can just plain stamp on these card fronts and slap them on a card base and you're done. Or you can take it up a notch and add your personal touch by doing "more" on the background -- ink blending, stamping, splotching/spattering, etc. Thank you for grabbing these card fronts! I'm working on packaging them for you right now and getting them in the mail. Hope the remodel goes fast :o)
DeleteThese are awesome, Shery! Your cards turned out beautifully! Have you thought about making them a digital printable?
ReplyDeletePrinters, inks, and paper/card stock vary so much that I feel if I offered these as printables, they wouldn't come out as I intend them to come out in terms of colors, saturation, effect, etc. Plus they look really great printed on 120# matte card stock - my laser printers can only print up to 100# and even then I have to keep an eye on it so the paper doesn't jam. I printed these on my lasers 80# and 100# card stock and the print quality is sub-par (even with genuine Brother toner inks) - they don't compare to the quality of the prints from the printing company I used.
DeletePS: In my sample photos, the cards weren't enhanced nor were filters applied - the card fronts look as how you see them in the samples. I simply photographed them in in a lightbox and with my phone's camera (no flash).
DeleteThanks, Shery! I just remembered to come back and check for a reply, thank you! They are absolutely gorgeous and I can understand what you mean about print quality. These are going on my wish list!
DeleteLove the way these turned out! Beautiful designs!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise!
DeleteLovely panel designs and your blending and stamping enhanced the designs!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Andre!
DeleteA wonderful idea, and time-saving too!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is time-saving! Thanks, Glennis!
DeleteThese are just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGlad you think so, Jean!
DeleteThese are great! I love how the sentiments stand out from the papers!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Meghan!
DeleteYour cards are so beautiful. These short cut designs are gorgeous. I have my cards all done but these are fantastic ideas for another season.
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you've got all your cards done, Verna!
DeleteThese look awesome! Well done Shery
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vicki!
DeleteGreat idea and I like how you artsy-fied them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! Some of the card fronts beg to be artsy-fied ;o)
DeleteLovely idea. Thanks for sharing your wonderful tip.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lili!
DeleteWhat an incredible idea Shery, and wonderful results from you 'session' too. Loving the concept, the kits and your work
ReplyDeleteStay safe
Blessings
Maxine
Thanks, Maxine! To borrow from that old saying...Desperation (in my case, no cards!!) is the mother of all good (crafty) ideas ;-)
DeleteThese are all so pretty and this kit is amazing and a neat idea great job on them thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ashley!
DeleteCool. They sound very good quality and a lovely mix of designs. Love the presents and cups. A great concept. Hugz
ReplyDeleteYep, they are -- and I'm not shy about bragging about the quality. I went with a digital printing company that specializes in printing custom stationery, wedding supplies, and greeting cards :o)
DeleteWOW! I love these cards! I wish I had seen all of this earlier, before I started my cards this year. Not sure I'll receive everything before December but hey, there is always next year for these supplies!
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea Shery! It’s wonderful that you created these to help yourself & other crafters. I like making one of a kind cards, even for Christmas. I like that you made these as a starting point, where there is enough room to make it your own, or with just a sentiment added, it’s complete. Your cards (samples) look amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow these are wonderful Shery. Great designs and the quality of the paper/card is fabulous x. Great too that you can add your own little touches if you want too x.
ReplyDeleteVery neat ideas. I never quite know how to handle pre printed designs. Very much like the aging of the paper.
ReplyDelete