living artfully

birthday cards - to buy? to make?

I'm a long-time scrapbooker, but only recently got into cardmaking. I'm a little bit out of my comfort zone making cards, which can be a good thing. And I do enjoy using up those little bits of paper, and of course being able to give hand-crafted cards to my friends and family.

 



But I'm feeling a bit stumped. I don't feel like I have the right supplies to be a frequent cardmaker. I'm not a stamper, and don't see myself becoming one, so I can't seem to figure out the best way to add the happy birthday messages to the front and inside of the cards I make... without going through my mini alpha stickers super fast!

Can you relate? I think I now prefer to make my cards over buying them, so I'd like to be ready to make more than just one or two each year. Maybe stocking up on a variety of mini alphas is the trick? What's your solution if you aren't a stamper? I'd love to hear what you think!

 

quick homemade christmas card

I love the idea of sending handmade cards at Christmas time. But when it comes down to making 100 cards from scratch, I can't seem to find the time or the motivation to create that many cards. Which is why I love the idea of a "hybrid" Christmas card: a handmade element on top of a store-bought card.

This is the second year that I've embellished boxed cards; it's super easy and fun. I've been adding a photo to the cards, but the design options are endless!

1. Start by creating the small embellishment you'll be adding to the cards. This year, using Photoshop, I designed a small photo with message. I placed multiple copies of the photo onto one 8.5 x 11-inch canvas and then printed. If you don't have a photo editing program, this could be easily replicated by ordering your favorite snapshot in wallet size from your photo developer.

2. You'll then begin working with the store-bought cards. It's important to select a card that either has an element you can remove or a natural spot for adding your own embellishment. The card I selected this year had a message card attached with foam adhesive.

3. Then you'll remove the element that you're replacing. I suggest having Un-Du ready to go just in case,  but this year I was lucky that the piece I was removing came right off.

4. Lastly, you'll add your embellishment. I just trimmed my photos and adhered them to the card, in the same place as the previous embellishment.

 

This is a great option if you have limited time or resources. These cards came from Target and were just $.50 a piece. And I was able to design and assemble 100 cards in just a few hours.

I still absolutely love homemade cards made completely from scratch; and they are such a treat to get in the mail. I am in awe of all the crafters who are able to make all their cards by hand. But if that's not a possibility for you, at least there is an in-between option!

What did you decide this year for your holiday cards? Store-bought, handmade, or a combo?


 

happy birthday, lolly!

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday... Happy Birthday, Lolly! Wishing you a lovely day and a wonderful year!

Steve and I wanted to do something really meaningful and special for his mom, so we put together a mini scrapbook album. Steve was so cute, helping pick out what papers he thought his mom would like best. Then I took over to create the album. I love how it turned out and hope she likes this keepsake album!

 

 

 

 
 
For this project we used the Making Memories Noteworthy line. It was really fun to select the photos and put this mini book together!

Happy Birthday, Lolly! We love you!