Rubber Stamps : 10 Great Tips For Making Multiple Cards

You know the feeling. The kids have tons of demands, vacation is just around the corner, that big project at work is eating all of your free time. How will you ever make those handmade cards for the big party, or mail the invitations for the guests at the big wedding? What started out as a great idea for some very special cards has turned into a stressful project. These ten simple steps will maximize your time and free up your creativity when making multiple cards for any size project.

1. Determine and plan your cardmaking schedule. Do you want to set aside a few hours or just 30 minutes at a time? Pick a design suitable for the available time. Make a simple "assembly line" schedule to maximize the time you have to spend on the project.

2. Work on individual elements, individually. It may sound silly, but working on one element of the cards will retain the "look" of the cards while creating a "unity" among them. Start by stamping all of the impressions, then work on cutting out all of the backgrounds, folding all of the paper, tearing all of the sheets simultaneously. You don't want to spend too much time on any one card.

3. Have a party! Kids and relatives love to involved. Make the work fun and don't be overly concerned about the smaller details of the project. You will ultimately put all of the individual components together, giving you plenty of time to add any special touches. Working together with other people will also add a new level of uniqueness to your cards.

4. Stop writing. One of the most frustrating tasks of mass producing cards is hand writing messages. Find "handwriting fonts" available online, at your nearest craft supply store, or your local computer store. Sign the finished card or pen in any details or RSVP information as you would with a store purchased card.

5. Use a paper trimmer. If you need a fast way to make background frames or trim down embellishments, scissors just won't cut it! Stacking paper in 5-10 sheet groups and trimming all at once will provide perfect multiple shapes. Often, your scraps can be stacked in such a way to trim them into useable pieces with a trimmer. Rotary trimmers will also allow you to add perfect "scalloped" edges to the base of the card(s).

6. Punch It. Remember your time is valuable. Whether it's a heart, circle, flower, even a fork and spoon, your local craft store will have a perfect punch for the card. Cutting out shapes by hand is tedious and rarely looks well. Circles can be particularly difficult.

7. Stamp, Stamp, Stamp. When placing stamped images on a card, use one stamp at a time and make as many impressions as needed. Don't clean stamps or switch colors until all of the cards have been stamped. This keeps your ink pads from becoming "mixed" and makes the impressions uniform.

8. Avoid difficult embellishments. I am sure that rows of bows, lines of brads, or glued dots would look wonderful on each card. Finding a simpler alternative will save you hours. Paper tears, taped bows, even stylish stickers can be just as attractive without the hours of difficult handy work.

9. Customize backgrounds. If you absolutely must have a "look" provided by a stamped background, make a "master" copy on white paper EXACTLY how it should look. Scan the paper design into a computer at 300 dpi. (If you're already confused, spend a minute with the scanner manual.) Print onto colored cardstock or paper. When done properly, no one will even notice!

10. Have fun?with a budget. These are the two biggest factors when mass producing cards. You don't want to get partway through the project only to realize you have far overspent your intended budget. That special patterned paper and those cute hologram stickers can max out the cost of the cards. Alternatively, when the project simply becomes a duty, it is unlikely you will ever finish. Remember to always plan lots of time. After all, this is by far the greatest hobby in the world!

Kathy Williams is a rubber stamp addict! She writes informative rubber stamp articles that focus on techniques, trends, and styles. From chalking, antiquing, crimping, trimming, inking, and even shadowing, her ideas are sure to inspire hours of stamping creativity. Find more of her great ideas, stamping articles, and favorite rubber stamps at http://www.rubberstampingfun.com

Related News

Patrick R. Barbieri - New Times SLO Patrick R. Barbieri New Times SLO, CA -Nov 26, 2008 According to two local craftswomen, the two hobbies couldn’t have more in common. And to prove it, Anne Gough, owner of Yarnsat the Adobe, and Jenne Hiigel, ... World War II soldier & his pen pal - Manteca Bulletin World War II soldier & his pen pal Manteca Bulletin, CA -Nov 30, 2008 But he thinks their individual hobbies or interests helped cement their relationship. "She's into arts and crafts; she's good at that. I'm not good at that. ... Sussex man dons Romanian dancing togs for holiday fair - Sussex Sun Sussex man dons Romanian dancing togs for holiday fair Sussex Sun, WI -Nov 25, 2008 Steve Haasch's family tree has no roots in Romania, nor is folk-dancing one of his hobbies, but this weekend he participated in the Holiday Folk Fair ... Tastes like Christmas - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette Tastes like Christmas Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN -Nov 21, 2008 Or, a brother-in-law whose only hobbies seem to be smoking cigarettes and popping the word "irregardless" into conversations. Even worse? ... nearing 38-year mark, COR Enterprises raises funds for new facility - Billings Gazette nearing 38-year mark, COR Enterprises raises funds for new facility Billings Gazette,  USA -Dec 1, 2008 "Grant's got a very typical young adult life" filled with work, hobbies and socializing, she says. "Are you kidding?" he says. "I am completely ready to go ... Community center on its last legs - Baxter Bulletin Community center on its last legs Baxter Bulletin, AR -Nov 27, 2008 This was truly a happy place to celebrate life events, heritage, crafts, hobbies and social networks where friends are made and contacts bonded. ... Model Railroad Show kicks off - Huntington Herald Dispatch Model Railroad Show kicks off Huntington Herald Dispatch, WV -Nov 28, 2008 Anthony Parish with West Virginia Hobbies and Crafts said while the event allows the collectors and builders an opportunity to stock up on train-related ... Baby boomers take to more high-energy hobbies - Newsday Baby boomers take to more high-energy hobbies Newsday, NY -Nov 15, 2008 While many find satisfaction in creative-yet-sedentary hobbies such as painting, arts and crafts and flower arranging, others are turning to more strenuous ... Vermont Hand Crafters Fine Craft & Art Show to be held at Sheraton - BurlingtonFreePress.com Vermont Hand Crafters Fine Craft& Art Show to be held at Sheraton BurlingtonFreePress.com, VT -Nov 21, 2008 By Myra Mathis-Flynn, Free Press Staff Writer • November 21, 2008 Arts and crafts are more than just hobbies in Vermont. They’re the backbone of some small ... Gifts from the heart, made by the hands - 9NEWS.com Gifts from the heart, made by the hands 9NEWS.com, CO -Nov 29, 2008 Kate Lutska, a teacher, spent her Black Friday at Thompson's Hobbies and Crafts in Lakewood shopping for her students. "Well, I have a lot of students to ...