hockeyspaz62
Full Member
Posts: 127
Sept 26, 2023 1:01:24 GMT
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Post by hockeyspaz62 on Jul 24, 2024 9:22:36 GMT
My cards for this year are halfway done. I just bought the candy cane die set from Honeybee Stamps to do my cards for next year. I do the same card, 40 times, so I start working on them in January, and do them bit by bit, mailing them right after Thanksgiving.
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Post by joblackford on Jul 24, 2024 19:14:23 GMT
My first 6 cards using a really classic Christmas collection from Paper Rose are done! I'm going to end up sharing these in multiple threads, sorry, but a little progress inspo for anyone else still doing Christmas cards in July   July share by jo.blackford, on Flickr |
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Ryann
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Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Jul 24, 2024 22:08:13 GMT
Strips of paper covering a card front with a big image on top is one of my favorite go-to designs. Such a great way to use up scraps and those pocket cards that seem to come in every collection these days. Those are quite lovely and I like the nostalgia factor of the designs. Feels very cozy.
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Post by joblackford on Jul 25, 2024 0:09:33 GMT
Strips of paper covering a card front with a big image on top is one of my favorite go-to designs. Such a great way to use up scraps and those pocket cards that seem to come in every collection these days. Those are quite lovely and I like the nostalgia factor of the designs. Feels very cozy. I agree! So cozy Thanks. I got this collection thinking the classic nostalgic feel would be nice for seniors, and I’m enjoying it too. I don’t love some of the busy prints in Paper Rose collections but there are some papers that I just adore. I also got their southern hemisphere version which is all beach cottages and proteas so that will be a nice change of pace. I might even see if the two collections can mix and match - I’m not sure if they have some colors in common. I think I got the 6x6 papers for the Aussie Xmas collection too. |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Sept 23, 2024 13:11:17 GMT
I am finally ready to start thinking about Christmas, so I am zombifying this dormant thread! Hope nobody minds awfully much.
I have pulled out all the Christmas stuff -- consumables like paper and embellishments as well as stamps/dies/stencils and already completed cards. There is an embarrassment of riches here!
I generally do higher-effort, more one-of-a-kind card for close family (often completed in classes retreats) and simpler, batch-created cards (SLoC or other sketch cards) for colleagues, more extended family (and folks who really don't seem to appreciate the really high-effort cards).
I have an interactive spinner card I didn't finish from the S&CT Christmas in July class I plan to make two of for the two families on the list with elementary-aged kids, but other than that I have PLENTY of the more "special" cards still from events.
I will need to start finding sketches and things to make some batches of cards. Maybe during CARDtober.
Anyone else who wasn't ready to engage in July making progress or plans now that summer is officially over and the calendar is getting ready to turn the page from September to October?
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Post by MichyM on Sept 24, 2024 18:09:06 GMT
Am having a great time making all sorts of Autumn cards, both for the card exchange, and for myself. I loooovvvve Autumn colors! And all the leafy things.
I am also having fun playing with new (for me) color combos for Autumn cards. <----- that is mainly due to a friend who dislikes Autumn colors in a big way, so I asked her for her favorite colors and it's been a super fun challenge to make some cards with that color palette. If you're curious, the colors are yellow, aqua, and a jammy reddish purple.
Anyhow, I expect to start on holiday cards in the next couple of weeks.
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Post by melanieg on Sept 24, 2024 22:19:29 GMT
Im a hot mess this year. I usually have a plan - paper, design, accoutrements. I like to do an assembly line.
This year? I took some paper that a friend gave me and I cant get it to work for any design I like. Every card is different. I cant get my head wrapped around things. It is the end of September and I dont have them finished yet. It is causing me twitches.
I need to get them done. I am gone on a 2 week cruise in October, home for 2 weeks and then on another cruise.
Maybe I will buy them this year.
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,639
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Sept 24, 2024 23:24:13 GMT
Am having a great time making all sorts of Autumn cards, both for the card exchange, and for myself. I loooovvvve Autumn colors! And all the leafy things. I am also having fun playing with new (for me) color combos for Autumn cards. <----- that is mainly due to a friend who dislikes Autumn colors in a big way, so I asked her for her favorite colors and it's been a super fun challenge to make some cards with that color palette. If you're curious, the colors are yellow, aqua, and a jammy reddish purple.
Anyhow, I expect to start on holiday cards in the next couple of weeks. Oooohhh! Can't wait to see what you did with those colors!! |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Sept 27, 2024 10:52:14 GMT
So, I ended up signing up (at the $39 level) for the Stress-Free Cardmaking Summit. Laurel Beard and Justine Hovey are hosting it, rather than Brandi Mahon. So far, I would say that they've done a much better job in explaining how to access the material and videos for both free and paid attendees (and that they're different). It is seeming lower-key, less manically hyped up than some of the previous summits I've attended. I'm not a huge fan of either host, but I have to admit that they're doing an admirable job with it. The theme is using "5 Supplies or Less" (FEWER GD it!!) to batch-produce holiday cards with or without variety within the batches. I've probably watched most of what really interests me. There does seem to be a good variety of techniques and supplies used. Might be the best summit I've attended. Sadly, as much as I was sure I couldn't possibly need anymore Christmas anything, I am finding at least one gap in my stash (and coincidentally ran into something that would fill it  ). |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Sept 27, 2024 16:55:42 GMT
So, I ended up signing up (at the $39 level) for the Stress-Free Cardmaking Summit. Laurel Beard and Justine Hovey are hosting it, rather than Brandi Mahon. So far, I would say that they've done a much better job in explaining how to access the material and videos for both free and paid attendees (and that they're different). It is seeming lower-key, less manically hyped up than some of the previous summits I've attended. I'm not a huge fan of either host, but I have to admit that they're doing an admirable job with it. The theme is using "5 Supplies or Less" (FEWER GD it!!) to batch-produce holiday cards with or without variety within the batches. I've probably watched most of what really interests me. There does seem to be a good variety of techniques and supplies used. Might be the best summit I've attended. Sadly, as much as I was sure I couldn't possibly need anymore Christmas anything, I am finding at least one gap in my stash (and coincidentally ran into something that would fill it ). I meant to sign up for this...oh well. |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Sept 27, 2024 17:00:32 GMT
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Sept 27, 2024 17:49:26 GMT
Maybe you still can? It technically started today. I'm glad I ponied up the forty bucks because I had a crappy day at work yesterday, dh was out, and my mom's on her way to Italy with my DS. It was nice to come home and do nothing but watch crafty videos, heat a frozen dinner, and drink a lil too much wine.
EtA: I probably shoulda posted about it, but honestly, so many of the summits are so disappointing that I feel a little sheepish about signing up for them now. And even more embarrassed that I usually pony up for the cheapest paid ticket, too.
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Post by joblackford on Sept 28, 2024 1:39:28 GMT
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Sept 29, 2024 11:25:58 GMT
I've watched more of the summit now and it was really pretty thought-provoking. Sure, there was plenty of paper-only cardmaking, including using scraps, but there were also quite a few presentations on getting a more elaborate result by selectively using techniques and products in batch-process friendly ways. Justine presented embossing folder backgrounds with a die cut layered stamped image, Juliana Michaels had an inked embossing folder background with a layered die cut image, and someone else described how to choose die sets to batch create simple focal/accent type images for patterned paper cards. My holiday card process has been very binary -- fancy one-of-a-kind from classes and simple patterned paper or kit cards. It was eye-opening to see so many projects in the in-between.
Yes, it made me want to shop for those types of layered stamps with dies or die sets with images that could be used those ways...but I'll shop my stash first! I'm pretty sure I'll also find a lot of sets that can't be used with these kinds of techniques -- far more than I need or am likely to ever use, so there's likely some more selling/re-homing in my future.
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hockeyspaz62
Full Member
Posts: 127
Sept 26, 2023 1:01:24 GMT
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Post by hockeyspaz62 on Sept 29, 2024 21:09:17 GMT
I already have all my pieces cut out, I just need to ink, and add rock candy to parts of it. I even have next years dies purchased for my 2025 cards. Any Christmas items I buy now will go toward cards for 2026. I can’t wait until October to start Christmas card making because I procrastinating ate too much. I also make the same card for all famil & friends, which is 45 cards. I had to cut out a ton of people years ago because of costs.
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hockeyspaz62
Full Member
Posts: 127
Sept 26, 2023 1:01:24 GMT
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Post by hockeyspaz62 on Sept 29, 2024 21:12:23 GMT
Every year I say I won't be buying anything new since I already have so many Christmas themed dies, stamps, and stencils. And then I end up buying new stuff. I'm sure it'll be the same this year. All of my cards are usually different. The most I'll make is 5 of the same cards. I like making different cards. I think that’s all the of us. It’s an addiction! |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Oct 3, 2024 14:04:50 GMT
Another great video to stretch your supplies. Not that I need to stretch my huge Christmas stash, but its nice to see this. youtu.be/-60e4u2KiA0?si=Nz-2LSjPJiuMpfOpI have a question do you destash stamps and dies that you used to make Christmas cards the year before? |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Oct 3, 2024 14:24:47 GMT
I think it depends on how flexible the set is and how many cards you made with the set.
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,639
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Oct 3, 2024 20:02:53 GMT
I tend to do one offs, so I would only get rid of a set if I'm tired of looking at it or it ends up being too fiddly and I know I won't enjoy using it again. I tend to think that as long as I have the space to keep it in its designated container and I still like it, I will keep it until something changes.
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Post by tampascrapper on Oct 10, 2024 1:22:42 GMT
After the holidays cards are done, I only destash stamps if I’m really tired f them or they aren’t very flexible or don’t have sentiments I may want to use.
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Post by joblackford on Oct 10, 2024 2:13:45 GMT
Another great video to stretch your supplies. Not that I need to stretch my huge Christmas stash, but its nice to see this. youtu.be/-60e4u2KiA0?si=Nz-2LSjPJiuMpfOpI have a question do you destash stamps and dies that you used to make Christmas cards the year before? I don’t, but I have considered it. If I didn’t donate cards I’d be more likely to, but I try to buy things that can be used in multiple ways so even if I use it again a few years later the cards wouldn’t look the same. But I sometimes think it would be easier just to buy a new set each year and then pass it on. I was thinking about buying a new stencil + die set for this year’s cards but I’m trying not to shop. I found a video from 3 years ago showing variations on a technique for using an embossing folder I already own and love. I have used it for some cards in the past but I think these will look totally different and cool. I tried it out this afternoon and I think it will work! |
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