Making own cards

Queenie

I posted about Free Samples From Dover Publishing on the Freebies Board at the weekend.

Sometimes there are nice cliparts that you can download and save and would be perfect for cardmaking or for those of you who scrapbook.

HTH

Luna69

I think most things have been said, it doesn't always work out "cheaper" to make your own, but if you love to make things or do crafts then it is fun and people do like a unique card.

I've made cards for years, I used to draw my own cards when I was a child as my DD does now (she's 4) ,she gives people 2 or 3 each!!

I make them for me as a hobby but also have been selling now and again since around 1997, it won't ever make me a millionnaire but it's pocket money.
However because I've saved up so many supplies over the years I tend not to buy that much now and most of the stuff around now doesn't have as much appeal to me as it used to. I have more fun recycliing found objects or adapting materials I already have or have bought.

I do keep some cards I've received and recycle them, make them into new cards but maybe adding something extra, bit of glitter, sequins, ribbon, charms, etc, I did a lot of Christmas cards this way a year or two ago and people loved them.

As someone mentioned the paper mill is great for buying a bulk of card. If you buy a box of A4 size, and make A6 sized cards you can get two cards from one sheet, you can get over 100 sheets of card in a box.. not sure how much it is now though.. around £6.99?
Envelopes are more difficult, but I've got some quite cheaply on ebay if you search around.
However what I used to do was just buy cheap ones from stationers or even poundland and if they had that horrible blue check inside the flap, I'd cut out a matching colour paper piece to insert in the envelope and stick down, made them look lined! :rotfl:

Also though as mentioned earlier, if you have a card factory store, they are really cheap and the cards are nice.

Yvonne

GardenMillie

I make loads of hand-made cards for my own use and to sell via my sister (who has a hairdressers salon). I find it costs a lot initially to buy the kit but as purpleprincess says you can find things in magazines and I reuse other cards. I've found a brilliant website called https://www.diestodiefor.com really cheap and quick service. Last week I made nine cards one evening - it's so much quicker with the die cuts.

Also I got some great sticky pads from Poundland for 99p - bargain.:j

Happy crafting ladies.:D

Mirtos

Hi. try pm ing ehallet - she makes cards as a business, and makes some in aid of a charity she has helped found. She's also really friendly and I'm sure she'd offer some advice. Her diary thread is here. Hope that helps. xxx

Juicy_Tube

Hi All,

Very interesting thread. I have just started making my own cards, have been meaning to do it for years! Why I have started now when I have a 10 month old and have very little time is beyond me;)

Anyway, I went into The Works this week. They have packs of plain cards of all colours for £7.99 (50 cards and envelopes per pack), but you can get 2 packs for £9.99 so a good bargain I think!

HTH

Off to get glittering.. Good tip to save Xmas cards for next year to use-thanks.

Tuttifruitty_Theresa

hi if you want to make your own cards watch qvc on 19th Dec as they've got a tsv on paper craft and they are always exceptional value for money also some of The Works do lovely paper and card you can pick and mix a whole little box for £4.99, they also do lovely rub ons and toppers cheaper then most places.


xxxx

Crazychik

Hi, some sound advise so far, I started out making cards just over a year ago, I have a tall boy unit full of craft bits and 8 deep drawers full, all items ranging from toppers, tags, paper, card, ribbon, 3d pens, box full of embossing powder, ink pads, stamps, stencils, plus cd-roms of decoupage (where you can print as many sheets as you can) the list is endless

I sometimes cheat and buy toppers in bulk from ebay (if they are nicer than the ones I make) or even Studio catalogue do a nice collection of crafts.
Last year I brought from the market loads of Xmas gift tags, all nicely decorated with ribbon etc, and I used them as toppers for cards this yr. Just added my own greeting.

I always save (and get others to save also) any cards, birthday, wedding Xmas etc. Any nice ones, can be cut out nicely, and re-used and decorated to your own liking. Look for nice wrapping paper also, Ikea do lovely handmade wrapping paper, and if using the "torn" technique, it looks beautiful.

When I first started making cards, I contemplated on buying packs, but looked on ebay and people was selling kits (which they put together) containing a variety of toppers, cards, envelopes greetings etc. for less cost than the kits are. When I made my 1st card, I thought wow, hardly any effort went into it at all. Now with all my stock I have, I have everything on hand to make a variety of cards. And do orders for people if theyrequire "that special one"

Ive done wedding stationary and birthday invites (21st) in bulk orders. I only charge to cover cost for the materials, and little extra for pocket money, Im not loaded, but each card I do for others and sell, may help to buy milk or a treat for the kids. Its a lovely feeling that other people think your cards are good enough to buy.

I watch Create & Craft regular on channel 661 on sky (i think), I never order from there, just watch for inspiration and ideas, and learn different techniques also. If Im interested in a particular tool, I look on ebay.

I get all my card from the Paper Mill Shop, you can pick and choose your own card from plain, linen coregated and embossed, and envelopes mainly from e-bay. Shop around and compare prices, dont just buy on impulse, yo can cheaper items if you look around

The world is your oyster when it comes to craft, you do get better as you go along, My Xmas cards made last yr was not as nice as the one's this yr, (thats my opinion - but OH stil likes them) so the kids are using them for friends/teachers.

Ive recently started a new job, and gave every one in my office a handmade Card, it was a nice feeling when I got ooohs and aaahhhs, and how lovely, They've never seen my cards before.

Good luck which ever road you chose, either buying kits or being adventerous and buying bits n bobs, you must think, is this just a one off or will I continue to make cards. If its a one off, then the kits will fine, but if you consider it as a new hobby, then shop around and buy stuff cheapily as you see it. or as n when u need it.

Sorry - Ive waffled enough now

freyasmum

Hiya,

I have made my own cards for about 2 years and, to be honest, it probably should cost less money than buying, but I absolutely love glitter, ribbons, buttons, brads, eyelets, etc so it probably costs me more, but then, I absolutely love doing it and it is my biggest indulgence.

If you buy lovely, patterned wrapping papers, and use bits and bobs that you may have lying around (I use the bits of ribbon from clothes that are to hang them up, lol. Any clothes that I no longer wear, I see if there are any ribbons or buttons and take them off.)

Use your imagination, if you just want really cheap cards, then you are probably better buying the 7 for a £1. But if you are doing it for enjoyment, too, then you should make them!

Linzi x