Inspired by Pinterest: Card Swap Tips

I love making cards in bulk!! Swaps are the perfect way to justify my addiction to cards and card making. So join me for Inspired by Pinterest at My Craft Channel as I share my tips and tricks for hosting and participating in a Card Swaps or simply making cards in bulk.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH MY
CARD SWAP TIPS

episode HERE on My Craft Channel

Allred Design - Lori Allred

Cards from recent swap I hosted...aren't they cute!

Coordinating a Swap Group

1. Determine How Many Cards
   In my experience 12 for a group is just right and easy to manage. When I have more then that I sometimes break it up into two different groups. I've also learned that 12-18 is about the most participants like to create of one style of card.
2. Local or Mailed
   Is the swap open to local people or are you willing to mail? I love having a dinner party or lunch to swap with my local friends. If you chose to open your swap up to non-locals then I would recommend having them send you a self-addressed stamped envelop.
3. Theme, Assigned topics or Open
   I have done swaps that are open as well as assigned topics. When I'm running low on birthday cards then I announce the entire swap will be about "birthdays". 
4. Rules
   Make sure all participants understand your swap's rules. Things like sizes, whether or not to include an envelop and if supply lists need to be included. One of my rules is that they cannot sign or label the cards as "designed by" (because I don't want the recipients of my cards to think I made them all).
5. Deadline
   Don't make your deadline too soon that participants don't have time to create their cards. Consider mailing time if you are not keeping it to in-person/local peeps. Also, don't make your deadline too short that people forget about it. I typically give everyone 4-6 weeks.
6. Quality Concerns
   This one is difficult because you don't want to offend anyone. I have allowed beginning card makers to participate by giving them some cards to copy. You may also want to ask them to send their ideas for approval before they proceed. As a participant I always try to do my best so I get invited back again.

Card Making in Bulk Tips

1. Find Idea
   I have found that my favorite blogs and Pinterest are my best resource. A while back idea books were my go to, but since those are harder to find, then go online.
2. Pre-cut All Pieces
   I cut down all the card bases, mattes, printed pieces and die cuts and tuck into envelopes. Once all pieces are assembled then I start putting them together. My Silhouette Machine is my most favorite tool for pre-cutting down all the card components.
3. Adhesive is Key!
   I love my Xyron Creative Station and X Sticker Maker.... You can run everything from small pieces to the mattes through your Xyron machine for quick assembly. You'll also want a tape runner for mattes and liquid adhesive for small pieces. I love to add dimension to cards using foam dots, foam tape and even my go to "window sealant foam tape" when creating a lot of cards.
4. Pre-made Cards
   Another option is using pre-made, Store Bought Cards that you can add embellishments and a sentiment to. Often times sets of pre-made cards also come with coordinating envelopes. 

   

   Check out this darling "hand drawn card" by my friend Linda...awesome right?!

For more card display ideas, visit my
CARDS Pin Board

Join me next Thursday for another great IBP episode!

Allred Design - Lori Allred 

Disclaimer: Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration but not all pins lead to blogs. I tried to only pick those ideas that I could find the original creator and give credit to. Please take a moment and check out these great blogs because without them I wouldn't have content to talk about on the new My Craft Channel show Inspired by Pinterest.