Batch Card Making

As much as I enjoy making individual one off cards there are times when I need to do some batch card making....for special events, cards for charity and of course Christmas.

The key is choosing simple designs that are easy to replicate.  If your cards are too complicated it will take for ever to create them!

I make two types of batch cards....ones that all the same and those that are the same but different.

So, where to start....

• Decide on your card design and how many cards you need
• Gather together your materials and tools
• Cut and fold your card bases and layers
• Complete all of a single task at once.  For example - all the stamping, all the die cutting etc.  Break down into doable tasks.

All the Same Batch Card Making

For these cards I chose a single stamp from Visible Image.  I cut all the front card layers at 3 1/2", the black layers at 3 5/8" and card bases at 8" x 4" for  4" card bases.

The image was stamped multiple time with Versafine Onyx black ink onto the front white card layer .  When dry I coloured all the stars.

The front card layer was glued first to the black layers and then to the card bases.

Quick and easy.  Job done!

The Same but Different Cards

This is my preferred way of batch card making as it allows for more interesting cards.

The steps are the same with the difference that you add different elements and sentiments to your cards.

For these cards I decided to use a couple of backgrounds created with Tonic shimmer powders.  I used the Big on Christmas stamp set from Concord and 9th.

To start I cut the card backgrounds using the Wonky rectangles die from MFT.  Each sheet gave me two large rectangles and one smaller rectangle.

For the stamping I used a stamp positioning tool (MISTI) as I could stamp all three of the large sentiments on one piece of card.  The first was stamped with Versafine Onyx black ink and the other with Versamark embossing ink.

Both sheets were heat embossed - the black ink with clear embossing powder and the other with Gold embossing powder.

Next task was the die cutting...

• Sentiments
• Elements (leaves, sprigs etc)
• Frames

I cut more than I needed as it's always useful to have a supply for future cards.  I store them in little plastic wallets ready to go.

With all the card bases and layers prepared it's easy to assemble all your parts together.

These are just a few ideas for batch card making - you could also use patterned paper pads or 12" x 12" sheets for One Sheet Wonder.

Which method do you prefer?  Let me know in the comments box below.....