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Maybe this is a silly question! As I start to delve into line stamps and coloring, I feel like there isn't space for paper layering and embellishments with the larger focal image. It seems like this isn't info that often goes into the gallery post, so I am taking a poll! What size are your completed cards?
I always used to start with an 8 1/2x 11 base cut in half so... 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 folded I suppose, but it seems small. If I do 8 1/2 x 11 FOLDED in half it seems to be 'normal greeting card' size, but then I can't find envelopes. Help, SCSers!
I stick with the standard 4 1/4 X 5 1/2 card regardless, I know that sometimes I think that it limits me but I constantly check the gallery for inspiration and some of the gals come up with some great lay outs. You just have to try and think outside of the box.
I usually do A-2 cards, but then again if i do have am image that
is large i will go with a bigger card. You can buy envelopes in all
sizes. I just measure the envelope and then make my card base
to fit in whatever i have at the time. The thing with that is you
have more waste.
Most of my cards are 4 3/4 x 6 1/2; Staples had this size of envelopes, called speciality envelopes; on sale so I bought 300 of them. I use them for personal use -birthday, sympathy & get well. Sometimes our church gets envelopes donated or if you are lucky enought to be around when they stock the card shelves at the stores you can get the leftover envelopes - so like Glenda I measure the envelope and make the card to fit.
Some groups only want the 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 size, if you do cards for the military groups or charity groups.
I recently did a tri-shutter card for my Mom's birthday - 8 1/2 by 7, base was an 11x17 card stock cut down.
A-2 here, but I make larger or square cards for our son, DIL and 2 granddaughters and mail them in one package-they live in Hawaii. I try to keep the postage on single cards to one stamp so that usually means keeping the size and bulk down.
I'll have to check out those larger envelopes at Staples, I do want to venture into larger sizes.
Mostly A2 (European equivalent, but close), or 5 3/4" square.
I usually do try to mention it in my write-up, but don't always remember.
Some sketches, I do find I need to make a bigger card to accommodate the image but then I have trouble finding envelopes and often end up having to make my own.
I too make almost all A2 sized cards. But, if I have a larger image then I will make a square one, usually 6x6. I make all my own envelopes using cheap design paper pads from Michael's. So, I can make any sized envelopes I need.
I make 8.5 in x 11in cardstock folded in half cards - I have sourced my envelopes (5 3/4 in. x 8 3/4 in.) at Staples & Office Depot. I tend to pick up a box or two when I see them they aren't always in stock. HTH.
Mostly A-2 ( a card base from the 8.5 x 11 cut in half ). It's nice not to waste any paper. They are easy to mail and find envelopes that fit as well.
I do LOVE a square card but they do require extra postage if mailing. I sometimes feel my focal image needs a larger card so I try to work with 5 x 7; that is also easy to find envelopes for. A lot of greeting cards bought at a store are this size. This leaves me with two scraps to use up from cutting down my base card stock but I feel it's worth it sometimes.
hello. if you are making your own evelopes, do you have a template that you can share for those of new stampers?
There's a tutorial in Resources for any size of envelope (Splitcoaststampers - Tutorials) which I found worked very well when I needed an odd-sized envelope last week.
I think if you also check out Scor-Pal down in the Member Companies, there are some links there. Many of the scoreboards available include designs for envelopes.
hello. if you are making your own evelopes, do you have a template that you can share for those of new stampers?
The tutorials for "any size" envelopes are very good. I would also recommend using a coupon at Michaels and picking up the Martha Stewart Score Board. It is usually about $20, so it's a great deal with a 50% coupon. The envelope template that comes with it is very easy and quick to use to make many different sizes of envelopes.
If you go to Youtube and search "Martha Stewart Score Board envelope", you can find many videos showing exactly how to do it.
I use pattern paper from the many stack packs I've accumulated. You can put the white on the outside and the patterns look nice inside. So many patterns you would never use for a card make quite attractive envelopes.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Last edited by buggainok; 06-15-2012 at 08:41 AM..
My usual default is an A2 card (4.25 x 5.5), but I also do the larger 5 x 7 cards (A7). Many of my commissioned cards are for the A7 size, as they often have more verbiage they want included....plus my customers don't seem to mind the extra cost for the A7's. I usually charge $4 for the A2, and $7 for the A7 cards, unless there's loads of embellishments or layers, then I add one more dollar.
I buy really heavy white cardstock by the ream in 11 x 17 size. Each page yields 4 A2 cards (no waste), or 2 A7 cards (only a little waste, but these remnants are perfect for sentiments or images to layer). And one ream lasts a long time, as I can get so many cards from each sheet. I add color from the matting up.
At one time, I went almost exclusively to A7, thinking since it was the size one finds in most commercial greeting card stores, craft show customers would be comfortable with them. I found, however, that customers didn't really care one way or another...so I went back to the smaller size (less material cost), unless I needed a bigger 'canvas' to work with, or it was specifically requested.
HTH,
Kat
ETA: A7 envelopes are almost as easy to find as A2, and not as expensive as the square ones. I also have no trouble finding the clear sleeves to protect them.
__________________ "Be Still and Know That I Am God" Ps. 46:10
Last edited by kitkat55; 06-15-2012 at 08:58 AM..
Reason: Add info
What size do you make your cards?
