The Card-inal Rule

As I sat struggling with the design for some baby-shower cards the other night, I remembered Sue's Card-inal Rule of Card Making: If it takes longer than 10 or 15 minutes to create a card, the design (my idea!) is flawed, and it's time to start over.

That was the case with these baby cards I was trying to make. I had the cutest little alphabet stickers I had picked up umpteen years ago and challenged myself to make something with them. Notice I didn't qualify that by saying "something attractive," because sometimes when I'm playing with paper, the results are less than lovely. It's OK, though, because usually by the time I'm done, I've learned something about a technique or product that will help me the next time I sit down to design.

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Card Making by Number
Anyway, back to the Card-inal Rule. A cool new product, one that will ensure I will never have to "start over" due to poor planning or unexpected results, crossed my desk the other day. It's called "Card Making by Number," by our friends at House of White Birches, and there are enough supplies for 50 complete cards!

There's a pack of pre-scored white card stock and matching envelopes; a zipper bag containing adhesive tabs, glue, ribbons, brads and buttons; and a spiral-bound book containing die-cut shapes, tags and sentiments to adhere to the card fronts. Some even have glitter! But the best part? Everything is numbered (hence, the name), making it easy to create professionally designed cards in no time at all!

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Reader letters
Ninfa writes via e-mail:

"You asked how we get in crafting time? I am president of ADW (Arlington Designing Women) in Arlington, Texas, and we meet twice a month to do two craft projects. I usually finish the ones I really like that same evening before I have a "senior moment" and forget the instructions or tips that were given. Some of the members complain because they have a closet full of U.F.O.s (Un-Finished Objects). I confessed I have a couple, but only because I am not a big fan of painting. My advice would be to do it as soon as you get the craft project, because if you wait until there is time, well ... I haven't heard of the big crafting club in Heaven, have you? Hee, hee, hee. Thanks for all your great tips and ideas."

Susan writes via e-mail:

"I recently took early retirement and have most evenings free to do crafts. I have set aside Tuesday evenings to invite family and friends over to work on their crafts whenever they are free or just want to take time for themselves. This gives us an opportunity to socialize, as well as do something creative, maybe learn a new craft or get help on solving a problem we have. I'm also hoping we can do some community service projects."

Judy writes via e-mail:

"Thanks for the great newsletter! You were mentioning the headache of doing eyelets -- well I found a little product called "Quicklet Eyelets" online. And, I mean they're quick! Punch the hole, insert the eyelet, then with the tip of a ball-point pen in the center on the backside, swivel until the prongs are opened up, flip over the pen and completely flatten the rest of the way by pressing down. There is also a short how-to video on their Web site! I made four birthday cards to send this month, plus a bunch of Easter cards. I haven't purchased a greeting card in nearly 10 years. I just love making cards and get such great compliments! Thanks again!"

Denise writes via e-mail:

"I never knew what to do with the leftover brads I had from my card making kits until I found an old spice rack. After cleaning out the old spices and taking off the shaker lids, I found the glass jars the perfect size for the brads (and other small items) I had. Plus, they were safely away from my 2-year-olds little fingers. They store nicely in the rack on my craft table taking up little room."

Pam writes via e-mail:

"I have a couple ideas that I use in my card making and scrapping.

1.	I have a 22-drawer (all sizes) tool chest sitting on top of my work area for all my embellishments, buttons, tags, pens, etc. I purchased it at Lowe's. Each drawer is labeled as to what is in it.
2.	I have several of the 9-drawer units that I purchased from Costco. I keep my scraps, card stock, ribbons, paint chips, etc., in these drawers. All are labeled, so I don't have to look for things.
3.	I purchased a tool caddy from Pampered Chef and keep all my pens, scissors, markers, etc., in it."

I love how CardMaker readers are so creative, not only in making cards, but in finding time to create and ways in which to organize all the necessary "stuff" of crafting. Use my feedback form below to keep those letters coming!

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