time spent on cards

[magnipotent1]

I feel like I spend WAY too much time on one card. I kind of think up what I'm going to do as I do it. How long does everyone else spend on a card? Nik

[KalaKitty]

It's not unusual for me to take a couple of hours to do one card and my cards aren't real fancy or intricate.

[allee's]

Most of my cards take me just under an hour unless they are clean and simple. Then I can finish one in 15 or 20 minutes.

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by magnipotent1

I feel like I spend WAY too much time on one card. I kind of think up what I'm going to do as I do it. How long does everyone else spend on a card? Nik

It does take a lot of time to "think through" how you want a card to be. The image, coloring, mats, designer paper or not, CB or not, what embellishments. And then how to arrange the whole shebang in a pleasing way on a comparatively small space.

That's why I seldom make just one card. When I get the whole process to my liking, I generally make at least 4 to 6 cards all alike. Assembling multiple cards goes pretty quickly once you've done the hard part of thinking up the first one.

And, as I always famously say, "No one takes up a hobby to SAVE time.":mrgreen:

[Barbara Jay]

I can easily spend 3-4 + hours on one card. I don't make multiples.

I am retired and what ever I do , I leisurely enjoy the process. I don't care how much time it takes for me to complete anything.

Too much in our lives is a rat race . I don't want my hobbies to be measured by production control standards LOL
If I enjoyed making a card and liked the end result that is all the counts

[cat_woman]

I've been known to take 8 or 9 hours to make a card. I get distracted easily. But to go through and pick out card stock, then matching patterned paper, then ribbon, embellishments, embossing folders, stickles, glimmer mist,.... You get the idea. I think I'm doing good if it only takes me about 2 hours to get a card done.

[Allistamps123]

I CASE most of my cards and they take about an hour. Of course when you case a card it's changed up a bit and that takes a little time.

If I come up with my own design it's usually because it's popped into my head days ahead, so it still takes about an hour. I make cards that are close to CAS and they take less time.

If I created my own designs it would take hours and hours.

[greekheroine]

I'm so glad to read these responses. I thought I wasn't very creative or talented because finished cards didn't pop into my head and it takes me a couple hours to make a card because I think it up as I go, too. I feel much better now!

[Stamper for fun]

It takes a long time when I keep changing my mind. Oh that doesn't look right, let me try this.

[RIRed2]

It takes me a few hours to do a card, the actual making is quick, it is coming up with an idea that takes hours, what paper? what stamp? what colors?

[jess_witty]

I'm a total slow poke card maker, mostly due to (as my husband puts it) "paralysis by analysis," (i.e. indecision!).

Sometimes it's not a problem... other times I really need to just get things done, so I've tried to tackle my time issue this year. I've tried to go with the creative flow more and be less perfectionistic. Honestly, though, I always think my best projects are the ones in which I just kind of KNEW what I was going to do and DID it... not the ones that I struggle, struggle, struggle on.

[criminalgrace]

Most of my cards take between 20 and 40 minutes. Any more than that and I'm either bogged down in tiny, labor-intensive details, or can't pull things together because something in my creative process failed along the way. I don't mind the first so much, because awesome details like paper piecing and fab coloring take more time, but the second drives me batty. I really hate trying to force a card to come together and searching through my stuff for things that will make it do that. Honestly, some of my favorite cards are the ones I design the fastest, regardless of how long they take to execute.

[Barbara Jay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stamper for fun

It takes a long time when I keep changing my mind. Oh that doesn't look right, let me try this.

Yup Me too :lol:
I recall a few cards that took 6 + hours

The time is lengthened if I don't have something I need and must go to the store . I was finishing a card the other night and realized I didn't have any navy ribbon
I have a photo box filled with ribbon and couldn't believe I had no navy. groan

[ilinacrouse]

I feel the same way. One card usually takes me couple hrs to make. Sometimes even more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by magnipotent1

I feel like I spend WAY too much time on one card. I kind of think up what I'm going to do as I do it. How long does everyone else spend on a card? Nik

[jpe135]

I take a couple of hours. I'm incapable of preplanning-LOL I start my card and then keep walking away and coming back til it's done. Maybe the change of scenery helps.

[mandypandy]

If I'm designing a class or club project it usually takes me longer to do since I'm making sure I'm showing a new technique or color combination or how to use a new accessory...all those decisions/choices take longer than if I'm just sitting down to make a card for a specific reason (birthday, thank you etc.). Usually if I'm stamping for my own enjoyment I am using a sketch challenge or color combination that I've seen so I have something to start with which takes less time than starting from scratch.

I made 2 of the same birthday card this morning in 40 minutes using a color combination challenge and sketch challenge so there wasn't much to decide beside stamp set and embellishments.

I've also made a card and over the course of a few days kept tweaking it until it looked "right". It keeps the hobby interesting!

[phunkymama]

Ah, the time crunch. This is why I miss "Sheetload of Cards." They had pdfs that would show you how to make 6-12 cards at a time. Totally time efficient when you can just pull out a few sheets of coordinating paper, pick a stamp set and go.

I don't do many elaborate cards, and I typically spend 20-30 minutes per card when I'm not doing a "sheetload."

[Junnee]

WellI take hours.I stamp and then colour the image and that can takes ages but I love it and it is a form of relaxing for me.I dont think about anything else when I mae cards or colour in.The putting togther doesnt take long but the prep work does.I stamp and colour in images and then some days I put those images ona card.I doont sit and just do one card unless it is a last minute thing.Enjoy it ,relax.I think it shows our individuality.We do what we do and so be it,its all good.

[magnipotent1]

Good, I am feeling much better I guess I shouldn't 'worry' about how long it takes me. I'm so used to thinking I'm wasting time. Everyone is right, I should just enjoy the alone time and relax!:o

[Mom0fgirls]

Quote:

Originally Posted by criminalgrace

I really hate trying to force a card to come together and searching through my stuff for things that will make it do that. Honestly, some of my favorite cards are the ones I design the fastest, regardless of how long they take to execute.

I'm with you on this! Sometimes I just "know" I should set it aside and try something totally different. But.... I usually just can't let it go and I end up taking way more time trying to force it to work.

In the end - a "do over" would probably looked better and be faster to make. :rolleyes:

[stampencamper]

I spend a whole lot less time, trying to think up ideas for a card. They have such a magnificient gallery here, and I use that as inspiration. I used to waste more supplies, because I didn't like what I came up, now, I rarely waste any supplies. I also, like the color combination challenge here, so I usually can count on those colors looking great together. I still spend enough time making a card, and it would be great to do multiples, but rarely do, because I do so many challenges on a couple of sites.

[blondie090277]

I can take anywhere from 3-5 hours making a card but a good chunk of that time is colouring the image. I then spend the rest of the time coming up with a layout, sewing the layers and finishing off the inside of the card

[JoyceL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

And, as I always famously say, "No one takes up a hobby to SAVE time.":mrgreen:

I like your quote

[moonpie11]

Quote:

Originally Posted by magnipotent1

I feel like I spend WAY too much time on one card. I kind of think up what I'm going to do as I do it. How long does everyone else spend on a card? Nik

I hear you! I also spend wayy too much time obsessing over every little detail.
I'm so glad to hear that many of you are in the same boat with me though. LOL
Thank you for your honesty, everyone. I've been feeling inadequate for a long time because I can not make a card in just minutes. :(

[Beate]

I think I am one of the slowest stampers out there. It takes me forever to decide on colors, paper and embellishments, let alone the time it takes me to color. I am in awe when hear fellow stamper say they can make a card in 20 minutes. I don't think I EVER did that.

[pjw2855]

What's the rush in making a card? It's the enjoyment you get from creating the card from idea to completion.

Patti

[stamphappy1650]

It varies - sometmes it just comes together and it's done in 20 minutes, but then I have to make more because I truly enojoy the process.

Other times it can take me days when I just can't get the look I want. I never worry about how long it takes unless there is some deadline I'm trying to meet.

[Kristipapercreatio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blondie090277

I can take anywhere from 3-5 hours making a card but a good chunk of that time is colouring the image. I then spend the rest of the time coming up with a layout, sewing the layers and finishing off the inside of the card

I just had to look at your gallery and all I can say is WOW! I bow down to your skills..the coloring is just so gorgeous!

I can take hours to do a card also. I really like to use sketches when I can't come up with a layout. I design as I go..sometimes the card comes out great and sometimes not. Just like the previous poster said, I don't make cards to save time..I enjoy the whole process. If it becomes too frustrating,I just leave it for another time.:p

[annie*]

I am happy to read this thread. I thought I had to be the slowest card maker on the planet! I used to buy Take 10 magazines where all cards were made in 10 minutes or less, so I have always thought that I must be extremely slow. I don't think I have ever CASED a card, but I think it might speed things up a bit. I am so thankful and inspired by all of the art that is shared on this site. OP, I am glad you asked this question!

[shazsilverwolf]

Thats almost a 'how long is a piece of string' question,. Sometimes everything just sort of falls together, and I can have a great card in maybe half an hour. Sometimes I have taken DAYS- I can see the finished card in my head, I just can't get there:(. Generally then I will walk away from it, go browse a few galleries, blogs, even You-tube technique videos. Something will usually do the trick. I do try & give myself a timesaving help whenever possible. For instance, if I am inking a tag, I will do half a dozen-gives me more choice for my project, and spares for another card. ;). Over all, I suppose I average a couple of hours- that seems to be the general level from the other posts.
I think a lot of these 10 minute makes are often 'kits'- if you don't have to think it out, then it speeds up the process. I don't use kits- I can't convince myself that thats handmade. Feels more like doing a jigsaw puzzle, and its not unique.I apologise if anyone uses kits, thats just how it feels to me.

[Karenwhite]

The way to look at the time spent on a card is this: are you happy to be doing this, do you find it relaxing and are you happy with your end result. If you answer yes to all of those then the time is really irrelevant. If it is a hobby or pastime and you are relaxing and enjoying it it is making you a better person for taking time for yourself. If you are actually making the card to give to someone it is even better, because you are thinking happy thoughts about the person you are going to give it to. all those happy chemicals going around in your brain cheer you up and you are a nicer person to be around. You benefit, your family and friends benefit - it is an investment.

[NYstamper]

Depends on how well the creativity is flowing for me. I can spend as little as 10 min. Or as long as a couple of hours. Although I have learned to set it aside and start something else...that helps me not to keep messing up and getting frustrated.

[shazsilverwolf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karenwhite

The way to look at the time spent on a card is this: are you happy to be doing this, do you find it relaxing and are you happy with your end result. If you answer yes to all of those then the time is really irrelevant. If it is a hobby or pastime and you are relaxing and enjoying it it is making you a better person for taking time for yourself. If you are actually making the card to give to someone it is even better, because you are thinking happy thoughts about the person you are going to give it to. all those happy chemicals going around in your brain cheer you up and you are a nicer person to be around. You benefit, your family and friends benefit - it is an investment.

This is so true.I firmly believe 'thoughts are things', and all those good vibes while you are enjoying yourself making a card become attached to the card- and can be felt by the recipient. Likewise if you were harried, irritated or downright annoyed.Anything done with love, whether it takes seconds or days, is to be cherished.

[mztamela]

I'm so glad to see this thread. It takes me forever to do a card. I try to rush it when I'm at stamp club. Everyone else just seems so fast. Mr Rogers use to sing a song that said, "I like to take my time." That's me!

[Ozcat]

I am so glad I found this thread. I was really getting annoyed with myself at the time it takes me to produce a card. It seemed like everyone else could come up with ideas and make beautiful creations in what seemed like no time at all.

I love Jess-witty's "paralysis by analysis" comment, that sounds like the story of my life hehe;).

[willsygirl]

If I have a good day when ideas spring into my head and translate onto paper I can make a card in an hour or two...but those days are few and far between...

Normally it takes me literally hours and hours to decide on layout, colors, embellies...you are definitely not alone!

But still, I LOVE it

[wmoore1]

I too can take several hours to make a card. It doesn't frustrate me, I just figure it's my creative process for the day. I've been trying to use my DP lately and what I've been doing is taking a full sheet, cutting it to make 4 background sheets and start with one. Once I get the first card done (sometime between breakfast and dinner) I use the same background for the next 3 cards and just change up the embellishments and sentiments or even try a new die cut. I always wonder which sentiment Birthday, Get Well, Sympathy, to use on a card and this lets me use the ones I was unsure of. This has worked out extremely well for me. Whatever I get done in a day I'm totally satisfied. I'm in my crafting room and having fun. Now if I could just keep the chocolate nuggets out of the cabinet (it's there for my Christmas projects - LOL). Have a great day!

[minstrel]

Like a lot of you here (thank you for making me feel not so inadequate!) it seems like it takes me at least a couple hours and sometimes a whooolllle lot longer, depending on the day. I've had days where I was determined to use a particular stamp because I like it, but it just wasn't working, but just because it "had" to be that stamp, it took me like 6 hours. Sheesh! Then I didn't like it anyway. Seems like it takes me the most time to pick paper, the pencils/whatever to color with. Some days that's the most difficult for me. Glad to know I'm not alone.

[JD from PAUSA]

I feel so much better after reading this thread...I thought I was the only one who took "hours" to make one card...I keep hoping that I can get "faster" but as some of you have said, in previous posts..."If you are enjoying yourself, it should NOT matter"...and I am definitely enjoying making cards!

[Betty]

Oh I should have my DH read this!! If I am in 'stamping' he comes in about 1/2 hour later and asks what's taking so long. Perhaps if I turn off the TV or had an idea of what I was doing then it would go quicker. IF I do know who I'm making the card for or have an idea it comes together quick. If not, it can take days. Sometimes I color an image or make a background and have no clue what to do with it and it sits and perhaps a month or so later I'll do something with it. I have a drawer full of backgrounds and when DD comes home can pull them out and throw a card together in 10 min.
I have learned that I need to quite obsessing over 'what's missing, what else does it need?" Sometimes you just have to quit, most people I send to won't think, "Gee, this could have used a button or some sewing or a bow here." If I'm sending to a stamping friend I will spend more time as they will do that!
I think it helps if you know the recipient. You know they like animals or dogs or flowers you have a good start. If I don't have a clue then I'm in trouble and spend to much time picking out things. I remember my mother used to say when picking a gift to buy something you'd like if you don't know, it shows your style. That is good advice for stamping cards too. That said, I'll still spend hours on some cards and some will just come together in a few minutes.