I make my own cards.
I take photos ..lots of photos. I decide on the photos to be printed..usually at Wally World.
I am a regular at the local five and dime, because I like to have one fine collection of papers to choose from. Colors of every hue.
I coordinate the photos with the papers.
I have several paper cutters.. A large one and a small one.
And double sided tape..I use Creative Memories tape runners. They have improved their design from the worthless design they had a few years ago. The new design is a breakthrough..simple and easy to use. 
I have four different card and envelope colors I work with..white, ivory, a heavy cream color and my new favorite a recycled brown paper color.
This is my second round of making cards this winter. I still have to make more sympathy cards. I have several people who I write to at least once a month..so I go through cards at a pretty good pace.
Sometimes I make fancy corners..I have several different punches that I can use, but for the most part I like them plain.
I like to play with paper. Making my own cards is a good excuse to have some play time.
I like to have a good stash of cards on hand all the time. They are blank inside, so I can write something personal that fits the occasion.
My cards cost about a dollar each to produce. That is still much cheaper than a card you can buy in the store. I often give them away as gifts or for silent auctions for fundraisers…I have cellophane envelopes that I can put them in to keep them clean, I can bundle them up with a piece of ribbon and viola..I have an instant gift! :)
Good ideas. You gave me some ideas I will use.
ReplyDeleteMorning, I love that, how neat, I would rather have a card like that instead of store bought.......wonderful idea, Blessings Francine.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder. I was just thinking this morning or what to do with some of my photographs. Your photographs are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnd they are really NICE cards, too. Having been a winner of one of your giveaways years ago, I got some of your cards, too. I love them! :-)
ReplyDeleteYour cards are beautiful! Thanks for sharing - maybe I'll find some good photos to use that way!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are beautiful! I like the idea of the photos.
ReplyDeleteYou never cease to amaze me with all your talents and the creative way you use them! I got to learn one more thing about you today. What I like best is you don't let any grass grow under your feet. You make the most of each minute. The cards are gorgeous and what a great idea to send a photographic memory with each note. You are sharing something that was important to you. From the collection you show above, all the cards are beautiful but the perspective you have on the church pews and windows resonates in my heart. It's gorgeous and worthy of framing.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are wonderful and make great cards: I especially like the card of the church pew and window.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are beautiful. I love the Split Rock Lighthouse. I have been making my own cards too but I have been using the photo frame blank cards. I really like the different colors you use.
ReplyDeleteI've made my own cards from photos as well, and now I'm out. I found it hard to find a decent priced set of envelopes for cards made from 4x6 photo prints. Any hints? I think I need to buy a paper cutter, but so far I've just bought paper the right size for a card made with the photo on the front, and one fold.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very nice and colorful collection of cards. Imagine being the lucky recipient of one of those....much better then anything made by a machine.
ReplyDeleteWill the museum sell some?
Jen
Who wouldn't love to receive one of those cards, they are so beautiful and with your photo, add such a personal touch. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteI've made some cards before, but didn't keep up with it so ended up going back to buying. Yours, with you photos, are beautiful
ReplyDeleteLovely ! We do our own cards as well and print them and calendars we get staples to print the calendars lol . It is nice to use your own photos and personalize them isn't it ? Have a great day !
ReplyDeleteI love your cards and I have been pushed to start making cards of some of my dog photos to sell when I vend my collars. I might have to get a few more done up.
ReplyDeleteThe are great looking cards. It is a good fun thing to do and you share something that looks store bought that is really home industry. We have a double stick tape machine for framing and it sure made our life a whole lot easier. The photo of the photos is a great one.
ReplyDeleteYou're very good at crafts! Nice cards.
ReplyDeleteNice looking cards. I need to buy paper to make mine soon.
ReplyDeleteConnie, thanks for posting this. I received one of your cards, too, and the workmanship is just wonderful. I, too, will be trying the double-sided tape and the nice paper, but you are the champ!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that people appreciate receiving cards that are one of a kind.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on that "play with paper" thing. I used to love going to specialized stationery stores and paper supply places, and just look and touch the papers. All the textures, all the colors, all the designs. I loved them. But I was just window shopping. I guess you can say I'm a connoisseur of fine paper. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your cards. They may cost you a dollar each to produce, but they are certainly a treasure to receive!
So smart! You take some gorgeous photos and they are of familiar territory that has meaning. I'm getting better but I think with me I'm bound to take a good picture every once in awhile even if it's just by accident! LOL!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards!
This is a great idea. I've toyed with it some by printing off a picture on cardstock but more often than not I make a mistake and have to do it twice. Do you ever specifically take a certain photo for a card??
ReplyDeleteYes, the church pew photo was taken specifically for sympathy cards. I like for the photos to speak for me..before the recipient opens the card:)
DeleteDo you make your own envelopes, too, or do you buy them ready made?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tips. I've been trying to make my own cards, too, since we retired. :o)
I could make my own envelopes..but right now I buy them with matching cardstock. I have a new gizmo to make envelopes..I need to try it one of these days:)
DeleteYour cards are beautiful. I seem to have a more than ample supply of cards, probably purchased years ago in sets for pennies at garage sales.
ReplyDeletePS Just reading the other comments...I think Jen @MBD had a good idea about selling some at the museum, especially if you make some museum related ones.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful and well received :-D.
ReplyDelete