[diannecp]

As much as I love making hybrid cards, I hate measuring for them every time. So recently I made a few templates on white card stock, for both 4x6 cards and 5x7 cards. For the card base (the large piece that I fold), I just laid my envelope over the top edge and marked the width, then measured the card height and doubled it, marked that dimension then trimmed it up. Then I marked off a smaller rectangle piece that serves as the card face (and the inside piece if I need one, if the base is a dark paper) and trimmed that. And then marked on them in big letters what they are, so I won't accidentally use them for something! It saves me so much time to just lay the template on the paper, mark it and trim up with my paper trimmer. I feel like I can spend more time focusing on embellishing, etc. Makes it much easier to print and use SG papers too (I usually crop to a little larger than the size I need, print and trim using the template).

I also made a few blank templates in Photoshop too, so making the card faces and "inners" is easier too - no more measuring every time! I just realized I haven't bought a store-bought card yet this year - woohoo!

I've been so tempted by all the stamps out there lately, but I keep reminding myself of all the beautiful SG brushes and how versatile they are. SG keeps saving me money and valuable space!! And now I'm off to indulge in the sale - LOL!

[Belle]

Thanks for the tip. This is the very reason why I don't make cards. I must try this.

[MariJ]

Great ideas, Dianne! I always love your beautiful cards and these tips are sure helpful - thanks for sharing!

[CRS]

Good for you for not buying any cards yet this year! I wish I could say that. I keep having things pop up that I forget about, lol! That's a smart idea for the envelopes!

[Sara Arell]

I've been very tempted by all the stamps out there too, Dianne and haven't invested in any of them yet, but I see it coming. Some of the cards I've gotten from SG members have used stamps and they are so wonderful! I have made templates too in my INDESIGN and also in PHOTOSHOP and it does make it so much easier when I go to make a card. I also made ATC templates which is a huge help and I use it often since I love to make ATCs.

Thanks for the tips - it's always good to learn something new here!

[jenrou]

Over the years before I started going digital, I'd bought a lot of papers and cardstock, envelopes, etc. I have stamps, stickers and all of that. My problem with hybrid cards, is my mind goes blank and I can't think of what to put on them, image wise. I can think of words or titles, but just draw a blank about design. I see cards in stores with almost nothing on the front, just odd stuff, so I guess it doesn't matter. Then when I make cards digitally, I never get them printed, because it is a hassle. Guess I'm just a lazy scrapper!

I do print photos sometimes and stick them onto premade cards! I found some cards on sale recently and got the cards and envelopes for around 15 cents a card/envelope.

Is there any help for me? I've bought some card templates in the Boutique, but that is even harder to figure out, for me anyhow. I admire those of you who go ahead and get them done.

[Smiles]

Of course there is hope for you! You might find it less intimidating to start out with the next hybrid ATC swap - a much smaller canvas. The thread will go up shortly, and they'll be due in late October. There is no right or wrong way to do them.

You might browse the card gallery to get some ideas. I confess that when I've come up with one I really like, I'll do different versions for birthday, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, etc.

[jenrou]

Sorry, I didn't mean to hyjack your theme. DianneCP. You have some great ideas. I wrote that on a bad day-Migraine day.

[diannecp]

I have just the opposite problem, Jean. I usually have the design ideas and nothing to put on the cards. I usually start by creating a design - it is just art for me. Tthen I'm left with an image I love but no idea what I want to do with it, what kind of card to make, etc. So maybe we should collaborate, LOL! Stampington's Take Ten magazine is a great source of inspiration for me . . . but I don't use stamps; I do almost everything digitally.