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When I make a card, I generally make at least 4 - one to use, and 3 to have on hand for others. I'm finding I can't remember what I sent to whom - I'm looking for suggestions on how to best track who gets each card.
Do I start an "inventory" numbering system? Do I name each card?
When I make a card, I generally make at least 4 - one to use, and 3 to have on hand for others. I'm finding I can't remember what I sent to whom - I'm looking for suggestions on how to best track who gets each card.
Do I start an "inventory" numbering system? Do I name each card?
Any ideas?
How about keeping a notebook for cards that you send out?
I started one on my computer but found it was harder for me to keep it going.
Cause stamp room is down stairs and computer is upstairs in the office.
If you had a notebook you could decorate it for your Card giving book.
I rarely make more than one of a card (except for swaps) but I do include a clue when naming the photo.
I think if I did make more than one, I'd like to track the recipients. I'd probably make a Word document with a thumbnail of the card and a place to type the name/address/reason for sending. It can stay on the computer or can be printed to be kept with the unsent cards.
I just keep a wee notebook - everyone has their own page and I note down what stamp I used for which occasion. I keep it by my crafty stuff, so its handier than opening up a spreadsheet on the pc.
Since I take a picture of each card I make when I rename it I start with general terms like 'Valentine dad' or 'Valentine Mike', or 'baby Sue'. Then if I make the same card for more then one person I would title it 'Valentine dad,brothers' etc. I also keep my photos arranged by name so all Valentines would be together, all baby cards together, all BD cards together. It was a real problem to remember who got which card until I started this. If I make a card and don't have a specific person in mind and I am just storing it I would title it: baby A, then baby B, baby C. Then when I used it for someone I would 'rename' the photo to 'baby Deb' Works well for me. Good luck. Can't wait to see what others come up with.
I take photos of all my cards and put them in those $1 "brag books" you can get at Mike's, like my own little catalog. On the back of the photo I write the card's recipe, when I first made it, and who I sent it to and when.
__________________ Now I see the secret of making of the best persons. It is to grow in the open air, and to eat and sleep with the earth. -- Walt Whitman
I keep a list, mainly of Christmas cards. I send out 4 or 5 different cards at Christmas. So I keep of list of who got what and then refer to it then next year to make sure people don't get a similar card or sentiment. This also helps so I can use one set over a number of years by sending it to different people. It is a very basic paper and pencil system.
__________________ Martha
"When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life." Jean Shinoda Bolen
I keep all my cards together in a shoebox. When one gets sent out, I write the name of the recipient on a sticky note and attach it to the next card of the same group. At the end of the usually four of the same run, the note gets tossed!
I make a color photocopy of each card, write the name of the recipient on the copy, and then file it in a 3-ring notebook by type of card (birthday-female, birthday-male, Get Well, Thank you, Sympathy, Valentine, Christmas, etc). If I make more than one of the same card, there is room on the copy to write down the names of everyone I sent that particular card to.
Doing this also helps me make sure that I don't use the same image on someone's birthday card or Christmas card two years in a row. I also use the notebook for inspiration when I'm struggling to make a new card.
I sometimes make more than one of the same card too and I did send the same card twice to a good friend. What a bummer because I had other ones that I would loved to have shared. Anyway, now I put them on my computer and keep better track of who I have sent them too. Mostly tho I just make originals except on the holiday ones, than I make up more than one of the same design
I am on a pen pal list with over 100 members. I only swap with about 25 of them. I put their names, address, birthday, etc. into an Excel file. At the end of that line I will have 2 columns for January, 2 for Feb., etc. In the first box is the date I received a card from them. In the 2nd box is the date and the card (short description) of what I sent them. Sure has worked for me. Good luck.
__________________ Carol "Poota" in IN Proud Fan Club Member A Kota's Kid
I keep all my cards together in a shoebox. When one gets sent out, I write the name of the recipient on a sticky note and attach it to the next card of the same group. At the end of the usually four of the same run, the note gets tossed!
Tracy - You are a GENIUS! That is the best system I've heard. I usually make from 4 to 6 of most general occasion cards, you know, thinking of you, thoughts of you, etc. If it's a special birthday card for someone, I might just make one card for them, but I make multiple generic birthday cards, too.
I've been making little notes on my address sheets by my friends and relatives names, with some description of the card. It quickly takes up all the room on the address sheets, and then I print new ones and start over.
Your idea is so much better. Thank you, thank you. It is so simple, but very effective. Yea!
I don't really care about having a record of each and every card I've sent, but I don't want to duplicate the cards exactly to the same person. This will absolutely work for me.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I love the sticky idea, TFS. I tried keeping track in my stamp journal, but fell woefully behind. This year I've been writing down a basic theme on the person's BD (ex. Superman or Got Wag). For holidays, like valentine's day, I only made one type of card and I listed in the margin of the calendar, all the people who received the card. I was hoping that I would just keep the calendar as a reminder of who received what.
I never duplicate a card, but still want to know who has what...I scan or photo every card and store on a zip drive. When I send that card out, even a random RAK, I make note on the *name* of the picture...
I also keep a small journal with a thumbnail picture and ingredients used to make each card...
OH....I'm also OCD...with SPS...
__________________ Karen
...My life is like a stroll on the beach...As near to the edge as I can go...Thoreau...
My spread sheet has the column header with the card (I name them and always keep one or a photo) and the people who got it below. I usually make 10 of each card but I do not make nearly what some people here make. Also, I have a set group of people that teach school and I send one a month to them. I have the spread sheet printed out and add by hand until I get the urge to update the spreadsheet.
I guess I'm different from the rest of you...I make at least 2 of each card and keep 1 in an album...next to it I write the date when made, how many, what stamps used, and the list to whom it's sent...More work than some people want but it works for me....MaggieSt
I also use a sticky note on the back of the card. I keep the cards in a shoe box as well. When I send out a card I write the persons name on the sticky note. It is so easy.
__________________ ************************************************************** Deborah "Imagination is more important than knowledge" ~ Albert Einstein
Tracking who gets each card
