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Post by Restless Spirit on Jul 24, 2016 15:42:01 GMT
The recent Christmas Card threads reminded me of an issue I had last year with mailing cards with embellishments. I am a new greeting card maker. Last year was my first year doing the 2Peas Card Exchange. I did decide to go with a super-simple, single layer card. For the front I used one of several Christmas-themed embossing folders. I "embellished" the design with a small amount of glitter and applied 7 or so gemstones for accents. I made the card bases and envelopes from the same card stock (Neenah exact index 110 lb). I thought that would provide enough 'protection' for the embellishments. Imagine my surprise when a few of my cards came back (due to being miss addressed) and the gemstones were either poking thru or the envelope was really damaged.  I've been trying to decide on this years cards and I looked at Pinterest and Facebook Card Making groups. So many of the really pretty cards are designs with multiple layers, bows, dimensional flowers, branches, beads, gemstones, etc. How on earth do people mail these and keep the embellishments from getting damaged in the mail? I'm thinking these dimensional cards need more a a "box-like" container, rather than an envelope, but that seems cost prohibitive with today's postage costs. I know the answer is to make totally flat cards, but was wondering how you all mail cards with raised embellishments so they won't get destroyed in the mail. Or do you only hand-deliver dimensional cards? Any hints will be really appreciated! |
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Post by freeatlast on Jul 24, 2016 18:55:16 GMT
I try to keep my cards relatively flat. No more ribbons, buttons, brads or other really bulky embellishments. Instead I use twine, sequins, rhinestones or enamel dots. I still use multiple layers and dimensional foam.
If I'm worried about the card going through the mail, I'll do one of two things. Either slip a piece of card stock or a thin piece of bubble wrap over the front of the card before putting it in a high quality envelope or putting the entire envelope in a bubble mailer. The latter, of course, requires extra postage.
I buy my envelopes from a paper supply company and get the heavy weight ones (think wedding invitation type) and have never had a problem with damage.
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Post by anniefb on Jul 24, 2016 21:45:23 GMT
I don't use a huge amount of dimension - maybe a couple of layers on pop dots, the odd enamel dot, sequins etc. Used to use a lot of ribbon and buttons but those days are over. My cards normally do ok in the mail, but if I'm at all worried I'll post in a padded envelope.
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scrapaddie
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Post by scrapaddie on Jul 24, 2016 21:54:41 GMT
I, also, try to keep them relatively flat. And I will also mail them folded inside out.
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Post by don on Jul 24, 2016 21:55:17 GMT
"It's the thought that counts."
I make ¼" envies for my dimensional cards. If they fit thru a ¼" slot, they should go regular first class.
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GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 25, 2016 1:20:33 GMT
I rarely send dimensional cards through the mail. But for the times that I do I save this type of packaging ( FOAM PACKING SHEETS ) from shipments I receive. When I send a card that has some dimension, I cut a piece the size of my card and insert it between the card front and the envelope before sealing. And no matter if it meets the 1/4" thickness rule or not, I always add extra postage. It's no fun to have to pay extra postage when you are the recipient. Sadly, I know this from experience. |
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Post by don on Jul 25, 2016 2:40:47 GMT
... but my cards are so worth it!!!  |
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Post by gale w on Jul 25, 2016 20:17:55 GMT
I keep my cards as flat as possible. Sequins and ribbon (flat, without tying at all) are probably my limit. I hate it but I don't want to deal with mailing lumpy stuff. I have passed on nuvo drops so far because I'm afraid they'll be too lumpy.
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Deleted
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Nov 26, 2024 9:35:49 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2016 6:55:53 GMT
I love dimensional cards. I use foam sheets cut down to the size of the card to mail them  |
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Post by Restless Spirit on Jul 31, 2016 15:16:19 GMT
I love dimensional cards. I use foam sheets cut down to the size of the card to mail them I have some left over "foam packaging envelopes" for dishes from the last time we moved. I think I'll experiment with cutting those down to size and using them as cushioning / protection. I need to make a card and see if it adds any extra weight and then mail it to myself to see if it works.  |
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Post by freeatlast on Jul 31, 2016 16:39:47 GMT
I rarely send dimensional cards through the mail. But for the times that I do I save this type of packaging ( FOAM PACKING SHEETS ) from shipments I receive. When I send a card that has some dimension, I cut a piece the size of my card and insert it between the card front and the envelope before sealing. And no matter if it meets the 1/4" thickness rule or not, I always add extra postage. It's no fun to have to pay extra postage when you are the recipient. Sadly, I know this from experience. I just received a package yesterday that had some of this foam packing material inside. You can bet I'm saving it for future dimensional cards. I think it will be better than thin bubble wrap. |
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Post by woodysbetty on Aug 2, 2016 11:06:06 GMT
The foam idea is fabulous!! TFS!!
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Post by Ryann on Aug 3, 2016 2:16:50 GMT
When I mail a card that has things that stick off it (rhinestones, buttons, a knotted ribbon, etc) I put a two or three pieces (layered on top of each other) of clear, thick packing tape on the outside of the envelope (you could also place on the inside if the look of it bothers you). I find this really bulks up the envelope so the "pointy" things on the card don't actually poke through the envelope and makes the surface of the envelope more smooth and uniform.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Aug 3, 2016 2:27:29 GMT
When I mail a card that has things that stick off it (rhinestones, buttons, a knotted ribbon, etc) I put a two or three pieces (layered on top of each other) of clear, thick packing tape on the outside of the envelope (you could also place on the inside if the look of it bothers you). I find this really bulks up the envelope so the "pointy" things on the card don't actually poke through the envelope and makes the surface of the envelope more smooth and uniform. That's clever! I'm going to experiment with the tape idea too. The packing tape would be strong and yet not add more bulk or weight. Thanks! |
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GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Aug 3, 2016 3:02:31 GMT
When I mail a card that has things that stick off it (rhinestones, buttons, a knotted ribbon, etc) I put a two or three pieces (layered on top of each other) of clear, thick packing tape on the outside of the envelope (you could also place on the inside if the look of it bothers you). I find this really bulks up the envelope so the "pointy" things on the card don't actually poke through the envelope and makes the surface of the envelope more smooth and uniform. Great idea. Thanks. |
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Post by nlwilkins on Sept 7, 2016 0:16:59 GMT
Something I will do is add a piece of vellum on top of the card when sliding it into the envelope. It makes it easier to slide the card in as well as protect the envelope from being damaged by pointing dimensionals.
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Deleted
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Nov 26, 2024 9:35:49 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2016 6:58:42 GMT
Simple flat cards for most people on my list that I mail too. Simple cards I know probably won't be kept.
Embellished to a few people on my list. That way I can keep postage costs down. I do have a few relatives that love my over the top cards and keep them forever. These are usually my elderly relatives.
Over the top embellished cards I hand deliver.
This is how I mail my embellished cards. I wrap them in bubble wrap. Then put them in a padded envelope. Sometimes I have put them in a box. I dont mind the extra postage. Postage is part of my budget every month because I love to do snail mail and spoil my older family members.
I also put packing tape on my envelopes too like rsalamon. I never thought about the extra protection. Most of my cards are being sent to areas that have bad weather frequently. I use it to protect the addresses. I had the nightmare of a package returned due to bad weather damage.
Do you have a family member who you can share with the cost of making cards and split the postage? My Mom & I both make cards. We have a large family. We split postage costs. It helps both of us in our Christmas budget. Last year I had a terrible eye infection and couldn't do Christmas cards. My Mom made the over embellished ones for our relatives and wrote all the letters. She's almost 81. This was a lot of work. I paid for all the postage since she helped me with the cards I could not send and the letters I could not write.
I almost forgot to add my Mom & I always take our cards to the post office and have them hand stamp the cards instead of going through the automatic sorting machines. Most of the time the automatic sorting machine ruins the cards. Sometimes the postal clerks will give you discounts too. It is not a lot only like $2-$3. It does help.
I wrote a book on sending Christmas mail, lol. I hope it helps.
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