Greeting Card Tip Contest Book Winner!

Gail from Basin View, Australia was the winner of the book By the Batch by Judi Kauffman for her greeting card tip submissions

After reviewing the submissions, which were all creative ideas, I chose Gail's tip based on my years of teaching, where I consistently found one thing that helped students the most was to find ways to save money on manufacturing. Gail has a good tip on how to use alternative materials to save money, something that is important with handmade cards.

Here is her tip:

For Handmade Cards: Consider using fabric to embellish the card in place of printed paper. Fabric shops are full of all sorts of fabrics in a large range of designs for all occasions. You also get a lot more for your money when compared to the cost of a sheet of preprinted scrapbooking paper or other embellishments. Cut out the bits you want and attach them to the card. You can even machine stitch the fabric on for a unique look or consider fraying the edges a little. (Gail from Basin View, Australia)


Here are some other great tips that were submitted:

Royal Attitude:
Create each card as if you were giving it to royalty (Nancy H.)

Let's Get Medical:
What about designing cards based on someone's DNA? They send in a sample, and the resulting DNA chart is turned into very personalized art! It sure would be neat to receive! (Bonnie)

Start With Words:
If you are stuck for ideas on coming up with designs: first pick an inspirational quote or verse for the card and then let yourself be inspired by it to create the images for it. (Gail)

Speaking from Experience:
I created a template/frame with an open window 4" by 5 1/4". (Most of my A2 cards will have a 4" by 5 !/4" patterned paper layered onto a 4 1/8" by 5 3/8" mat.) I place my template over my paper and lightly pencil where the cuts should be made. This helps me envision how to cut the entire sheet of paper efficiently. One sheet will usually result into 5 cards with both portrait and landscape designs. I try to use glittered, flocked or embossed patterned paper as much as possible for my cards, incorporating the paper itself into the whole design layout. This reduces the number of embellishments and also gives a "cleaner" look to the card. (Linda)

Think of Playful Themes:
Focus on one object like "popcorn" or "puppy kisses." It's amazing what you can create. (Jeanette)

Keeping it Easy:
I discovered an internet-based greeting card company from Utah that allows me to create my own cards. They will print a real paper card, stuff it into an envelope, stamp it and mail it for you. All for less than you'd pay for a card at the store. I can upload jpeg photos and truly personalize the card. They also offer several ways for individuals to earn extra money on the side and try the system for free by creating a sample card. (Ron W)

An Artist Who Knows Retail:
A card tip that I’ve learned from selling to experienced boutique owners: Create cards with non-fade (white/natural) envelopes. Since they extend beyond the card, colored envelopes can develop a fade line (where they extend over the top of the card) over time when exposed to the bright lights in the store. You don’t usually see colored envelopes from the leading card manufacturers, except with seasonal cards, which have a shorter shelf life. (Jean)

Postcard Trick:
When making post cards, I like to provide a circle large enough to accommodate the address. (Sharon)

Think Alternative:
For Handmade Cards: Use seed beads in place of glitter or sprinkles. Seed beads come in a large variety of colors, sizes and textures. They also add a bit more of a 3D feel if that is the effect you are after. (Gail)