24 Cards in 3 Hours: Pro Tips for balancing Quick AND Beautiful!

[@kersting.7975]

I am so delighted that I am not the only one who makes gives out a large amount of Christmas cards. Thanks Ardyth, always enjoy your videos

[@ardyth]

I love making Christmas cards all year long! Thanks so much for watching!

[@brucehall1532]

Love this! The layers of colors on top of the “smooshed” water color panel.. just gorgeous! Another Ardyth project saved !!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@melissazabower339]

I do three or four designs for all my Christmas cards. It's unlikely that all my friends are sharing their cards with each other and saying, "She made them all the same. How rude!" All each recipient knows is that they received a beautiful handmade card. 😊💛

[@ardyth]

LOL! Can you imagine! I love your sense of humour! Thanks for watching, Melissa!

[@shawndavis7862]

Right? No one says, she only bought one box of same cards to send everyone…Enjoy the craft, don’t let these unrealistic thoughts stress you. I swear if someone did say that, no card for them next year!

[@nbcascards]

I love the combination of smooshed background and the wreath circle! I like to do a combination of batch making and individual for my Christmas cards. x

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@dizzinese]

Here’s a tip if it helps anyone that I use. I know SBC and spellbinders has the trays to keep die cuts and bits in now, but if you’re using a lot of elements or pieces you may still prefer this method-I do. I save almost every cello bag I get from supplies I buy. I put all the bases in one, panels, die cut for separate objects each in a separate bag, i.e snowflakes in one bag, snowman parts in another, and any loose embellishments such as little bells or cut pieces of ribbon, etc. I then put in a small piece of paper with the count I have in there so I don’t have to recount very often. It helps also when it comes to inking up die cut pieces when you have them separate like this. I have 2-12x12x3” photo type boxes that I keep one for holiday cards in and the other is for current or coming up cards I need to do or have started for birthdays or just because I had an idea for a background. I store the cellophane bags for my mass produced cards in the holiday box. That also keeps me from having to pull everything out all at once. If I don’t have much time or just want to prevent clutter, I’ll pull out just the panels or just work on gluing the die pieces , etc. those photo boxes in the 12x12 are great for holding a lot of started cards and it’s neat and tidy in my room all out of sight. I hope this is helpful to someone who gets overwhelmed with all the clutter in mass production of cards.

[@christeepascale4483]

Like another commenter, I am happy to know that I'm not alone in making and sending a large volume of handmade holiday cards! I typically make 3 different card designs. Enough variety that I don't drive myself crazy making dozens of the same design, but few enough that I can take advantage of mass production. This year is the first time I opted to create 1 design with 3 variations by altering the color scheme and sentiments. I use a spreadsheet to track all the elements. I highly recommend your tip to create one test card first. I do this and always (always) end up making tweaks and changes before the design goes into production. As much as I love layers, dimension and embellishments, I do practice restraint on holiday cards to ensure they go through the post with standard postage. Cheers to all the holiday card makers!

[@ardyth]

Great tips! Thanks for watching!

[@timh7246]

beautiful, yet easy - fairly quick with the layering - impressive to recipients: what more could you ask? oh, wait - I know: presented in a succinct, clear, concise & pleasant way: THANKS! ordered the layering stencil today: let the holiday layered wreath card making commence! [well, as soon as USPS does its job, that is]. and thanks for the "how to spend even less time" tips as a bonus!

[@ardyth]

LOL! Thank you for this lovely commment!

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

This is great for a thank you cards stash… yep no Christmas cards being sent here.😂 great vid; thanks for posting! 😂🤩🎊🙏🏾🥰💜

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@mecheledunlap4301]

I love your cards, thanks for the ideas. I have done both ways for Christmas cards. This year I'm doing a TE stencils that does 3 different ones in 1 go. & making multiples of the 3

[@ardyth]

Oh nice! I love those multi-stencils! Thanks for watching!

[@nangustafson8110]

❤❤ I have this stencil set and will be using for this year’s cards. I need 20 so your tips and showing how you set up a jig in your misti was perfect for me. Thanks so much for sharing ideas. 😊

[@ardyth]

Yay! Glad it was useful! Thanks for watching!

[@carolbatchelor5855]

Ardyth, you look so pretty. I love your hair! These are great tips for making cards, in general, and especially for making multiples. Thank you for sharing this!!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@marilynarnold7594]

Hi Ardith, loved the card and the tips. Your glasses look wonderful on you. Thank you for sharing.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Beautiful cards 🥰 I love your backgrounds, your wreath and your card designs ❤️ thanks for sharing your creativity Hugs xx

[@ardyth]

Thank you so much!

[@nancycrutchfield117]

I make different cards ~ used to make according to person ~ I do several kinds now. TFS this is a beautiful card 😊

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@dizzinese]

I normally have my birthday cards through February done, and thanksgiving cards and even have my Christmas done or at the end by now and all I have are the birthday cards through end of January. We had so much rain this summer I’ve been in the yard constantly cutting grass and trimming trees and spraying weeds! No time for cards! My sons getting married in 3 weeks too and now it’s time to cut all the plants down for winter and bring in all the yard decor! Idk if I’ll get holiday cards done!

[@Sylvia.Torres]

Thank you Ardyth! ❤ I can definitely use these tips. 😊

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching, Sylvia!

[@carollokhorst5966]

Excellent ideas, and I love your new glasses!

[@ardyth]

Thank you!

[@helenbudz3966]

Fabulous card design, Ardyth. I'll be trying something like this over the weekend. tfs

[@ardyth]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@IRC1026]

Fantastic tips! Great idea to make a card first to see how it looks before committing to making a batch. Thank you Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@nancyglaspie6735]

Great ideas! Your hair is cute too! TFS

[@ardyth]

Thank you so much!

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Oh thank you, love your cards and all the tips.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@judyiverson8639]

Love that stencil and your finished cards!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@michelegourd5742]

Great tips! Love your cards!!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@lisamorgan834]

Thank you, Ardyth. Loved the tips, and seeing your process for making multiples.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@roseannem.tockstein8140]

Ardyth, thank you so much for this video.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@gingerpayne7310]

Ardyth- amazing tips and tricks. I love how your card turned out.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@ann9793]

I love your idea, your trimmer is brilliant. Thank you

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@CarmenNance]

Thank u so much for the fantastic tips and the checklist resource! I mass produce about 100 cards each season throughout the year for family and friends and try to have about 4-5 designs for variety. I appreciate everyone’s comments, suggestions and tips too on this topic and look forward to watching some of your past videos in mass producing.

[@ardyth]

I find batches of 24 is a nice balance between efficiency and the fun of creating new designs. Thanks for watching!

[@kathypatterson4630]

I love this card!

[@ardyth]

Thanks! I love that by changing the colours and sentiment, it could work all year! Thanks for watching!

[@tracylee4442]

I think this is such a comprehensive list of your process and time saving tips. Fantastic! This will help many people in Christmas card endeavors !❤

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@Rebeccacell]

Hair cut and glasses suit you! Great tips!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@kiwipommiegirl]

Hi Ardyth! Great video on bulk card making. I don't have a wreath stamp and don't have great variety of inks,but can see a way using what I do have. Thanks so much.xxAnn

[@ardyth]

I love when that happens! Thanks so much for watching, Ann!

[@gusterry1]

Cute glasses and hairstyle❣️ thanks for the good video.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@kcinca5410]

One design for everyone on my holiday list unless I run out of time and then I'll pull the last few together with an easier design. Yes to the prototype. Sometimes you'll find something that needs to be changed. I usually make in multiples of 10. Don't know why I've just always done it that way. I'd encourage everyone to do their inside sentiment BEFORE attaching the card front (if that's how your making your card). I've stamped it in the wrong orientation a couple of times just because I wasn't paying close enough attention which necessitated a change in direction since it wouldn't match my created card fronts. So frustrating! At least, I always attach the fronts so the card opens in the right direction! This was informative, Ardyth. I'm late this year deciding on what my design will be. Last year, I knew before the year started what I was going to do!

[@ardyth]

Agreed about the inside stamping. If I'm doing it, I do it at the same time as stamping my personal stamp on the back. Thanks for watching!

[@karenscraftingcompany]

These are great tips, thank you! I really like the wreath stencil you used. I love that it can be versatile. PS...I love your hair! 😊

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@amyswares]

Great design!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching, Amy!

[@rrunnr]

Great video.Thabks.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@kathyrichards1320]

Love this, Ardyth! Ordered my supplies! 😊

[@ardyth]

Yay! Thank you!

[@Harleylady2000-Teresa]

Love this idea your glasses look amazing and just love your hair too…💜💜💐💐💐💐💐

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@GailOwens-k7z]

Love your glasses! So many good tips - thanks!❤

[@ardyth]

Thank you!

[@judibradshaw1948]

Gorgeous cards! Great tips for multiples!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@DeeDee584]

Ardith you look fabulous!! love the hair and the glasses. Super super pretty!

[@ardyth]

Thank you!

[@carloshaun7297]

I always LOVE your cards and tips! I printed the tip sheet, to keep handy. I’ve got to tell you something about the tape runner though. I used the very same one you used in this video for years and years. It was the Mono dot permanent tape runner, in the pink case. I even went through lots and lots of refills for it. However, a couple years later, I was going through my card stash, looking for ideas, from cards I’d made. I was finding that they were all falling apart, and I had used that permanent tape runner on them. I loved that tape runner, until I discovered it didn’t hold very long. I am embarrassed to think of all the hundreds of cards I mailed and sent out annually must have also fallen apart. None of my stash cards were stored outside of air/conditioning, like in an attic or anything. So, I just can’t use that tape runner, or any other now, because I just can’t trust them. Has anyone else had this issue with cards made using that tape runner? Some of mine were just maybe 9 months old, and others were older….Thanks for great ideas, Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

Oh wow! I will have to look for an alternative. Thanks for sharing that, Carlos!

[@CarmenNance]

Thank you for sharing this info about the tape runner issue. What alternative adhesives are you using or recommend to ensure cards stay intact?

[@carloshaun7297]

I am only using liquid glued now. My favorite is the Tombow Mono Liquid Glue Multi. (Green lid). A bottle lasts me a LONG time, because it takes very little to glue cards together. It goes even farther, when I put it in a little plastic bottle that has an attached fine metal tip, with a little plastic “string” that keeps the top attached to the bottle, even when lid is off. I think it came in a set of 6 from Amazon (the empty bottles). I also have Bearly Art glue, but I don’t like it as well.

[@brendaelainewaddell1682]

Hi Ardyth. I make most of my cards in one design and create a few special ones. Thanks for the great demo. I like to make mine in assembly line format as well. Very inspirational. ❤ 🇨🇦 😊 PS, I love your haircut and glasses. ❤

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much! I don't plan to wear glasses all the time, but wanted to be sure I was really getting used to the progressives this week. Thanks for watching!

[@gammaplaylist1]

Another great video! I have the same paper cutter and I loved your idea of Gina K. Circle die to make embellishments! Bambi (from The Ark!)

[@ardyth]

Hi Bambi! Thanks so much for watching!

[@elizstewart3316]

Ardyth... you are amazing!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much, Elizabeth!

[@debcatman9464]

Beautiful and the tips were 👍🏼. Thanks so much!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@teresazuehls783]

Lovely card and thanks for all the tips.❤

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@kristymunson5967]

Thanks so much for this video. Lots of good tips! Your hair is really cute!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@Bryant4vr]

Once again, great idea and tips.

[@ardyth]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@taniab2018]

Gorgeous cards.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@pennyf9886]

love the tips and extra time to-do's, thanks Ardyth!

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@jesseb5112]

These are beautiful! I had planned on finishing off the MANY MANY MANY partial Christmas cards I have, and using up the extra die cuts I have made. That was all well and good until I remembered that I told a friend I would give her a hundred Christmas cards. I bought Justine's non foiling bundle of her Christmas release. I plan on doing different designs but sticking to those products, and maybe an embossing folder or 2.

[@ardyth]

That sounds like a great plan! Good luck! Thanks for watching!

[@pricousins]

super cute card! thanks foe the tips!

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much!

[@renatenash7575]

Some great tips. Thankyou.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@wendywell4864]

Really enjoyed this video. You have such an organized approach that really appeals to me. I tend to be a one and done card maker but have rarely made two of something if I was really excited about the finished product. However with the amount you are making, batch making is the only way. And these are beautiful!!

[@ardyth]

Thank you so much!

[@Boatpeep]

You look super cute Ardyth! I am team "all one design" for 100+ on my list. I agonize over what card to send to each person otherwise. Too many decisions! Great tips, thank you very much. Happy Weekend!

[@ardyth]

That is a very good point! Thanks for watching!

[@annekeschep8148]

Lovely design, and great tips. I like to send family members a different card, but I can still make 5 to 10 of the same cards because I send to my family, in-laws, friends, and ladies from my card swap groups. I seriously need to get going with my cards, so I might need some of the assembly line designs… Thanks for sharing👍

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@brendadamon3606]

Great idea!

[@ardyth]

Thanks!

[@mandygirtz6671]

Beautiful cards. This year I made 300 cards in July. I don't have that many family or friends but I can put some as gifts.

[@ardyth]

Wow! That's a lot! And definitely a great gift idea! Thanks for watching!

[@marilynnellsworth4300]

Great ideas

[@ardyth]

Thank you! 😊

[@lindaslack-c1q]

I make each card design in sets of four or eight. That way I have enough variety to send more then one card to each home. I like to have different cards for adults, children and teenagers.

[@ardyth]

That's a great strategy! Thanks for watching!

[@olivia8979]

i make about 40 per year.. I do 4-6 of each design. I keep an inventory of what I gave everyone for the past few years so I don't end up making the same card twice. I like doing the 4-6 of each design so I can do some batching, and I can also use a lot of the products in my stash (plus anything new that shows up at my door) That was a very pretty wreat stencil, and great cards you made with it.

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Lainers2000]

Love the card and great ideas. I try to keep Christmas cards to 2 designs but I have so many ideas in my head that I end up making individual cards, but then I don’t mass produce that many. The only problem is, if I want to use a similar design the next year, I can’t remember who I previously sent that design to. I try for simple designs but end up making them more complicated. I do have fun, though.

[@ardyth]

Having fun is all that matters! Thanks for watching!

[@lisaobrien8060]

Great ideas

[@ardyth]

Thank you! 😊

[@barbaraharrold5361]

Very pretty card and great idea to chat with a friend while you work. I make all the same cards as I don’t want to have to remember who got what card:) You gave some great tips:) tfs and God bless:)?

[@ardyth]

That is a good point! lol! Thanks so much for watching!

[@LinderLoo-nv2df]

This is very helpful Ardyth, great ideas! Thank you. What is the shimmer spray you mentioned? Thank you!

[@ardyth]

I use Altenew Iridescent Shimmer spray. Thanks so much for watching!

[@lindam8528]

Thank you!!!

[@dawngwynne2531]

Hi Ardyth, Beautiful card, l8ve this stencil set, what is it please? It may not be available to me here in Australia. Beautiful haircut, you look very nice.

[@ardyth]

Hi Dawn - Layered Wreath and Branch by Alex Syberia Designs. Fingers Crossed you can find it!

[@vicky-mareewurst1924]

Thanks so much for your reply 🫶❣️ Thanks for all your videos showing great tips & skills I really enjoy & appreciate you & your channel 🥰

[@eileensears5325]

Thank you so much for this! Love everything about these cards! Can I ask what iridescent shimmer spray do you use?

[@ardyth]

I use Altenew's iridescent shimmer spray. Thanks for watching!

[@RF-nq3vi]

as always, great tips and techniques. TFS :) Canada

[@ardyth]

Thanks so much! Also Canada! lol!

[@letsgetlizicle]

Great cards! I am team "Everyone gets their own one-of-a-kind" card! I tend to sell a lot to friends and family to giveaway themselves, but still make them individually. I will make the same design or layout for 2-6 cards, but then I usually change the colourways for each, just to give them that individuality :D

[@ardyth]

That's a great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@karengault-gs7fb]

I’m a mostly everyone on my church list gets the same card. Great tips! I’d love to know what inside greetings you’re using?

[@ardyth]

For the Church Christmas cards, we include a letter from the pastors as well as a list of the people who donate to the project (the money goes to youth programming). Thanks for watching!

[@diannerobert3822]

Beautiful cards but don’t have wreat stencils and not buying anymore craft stuffs , trying to use what I already have . 😊

[@ardyth]

Hopefully there's some ideas here that can work for you! Thanks for watching!

[@SunShine-bh4ku]

Beautiful cards. What cutter did you use? I'm trying to find one that cuts straight.

[@ardyth]

My cutter is Dahle 550. It's an investment but I have never regretted it. Self-sharpening blade, so no need to replace. Thanks for watching!

[@SunShine-bh4ku]

@@ardyth Thank you. I have spent so much on cutters, I don't mind investing to get straight cuts. 😍 I love your videos. ❤️

[@vicky-mareewurst1924]

Ardyth please what brand is your paper trimmer?

[@ardyth]

Dahle 550. It's an investment but well worth it. I've had it for over 15 years now. Thanks for watching!

[@kakylong2]

My Hubby helps me make our Christmas cards & we make them all the same since we make about 300 of them. 🤪

[@ardyth]

That's awesome! Love the teamwork! Thanks for watching!

[@aavaldivia8558]

What was the paper trimmer you used that had that exttra bar?

[@ardyth]

Dahle 550. It's an investment, but I've never regretted it - I've had it for more than 15 years.

[@johannevinet5083]

I very rarely make the same exact card twice. But again I only make 25-30 Xmas cards a year

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@avelinadamonte8760]

Ardyth where did you get the stamp with your name?

[@ardyth]

Vistaprint. I think you can get them at Staples as well. Thanks for watching!

[@dizzinese]

Idk what happened here but I had no sound and I also tapped the screen a bunch of times and the volume/mute button never came on! So I had to CC the whole thing! That stunk! But I had to say watching you go through these cards so fast I’ve just finally stopped getting angry with myself because I can’t do that, and given in to my multiple technique cards that take longer. It’s just who I am I guess.

[@ardyth]

I've been told that this video is in mono rather than stereo, so that might have been the problem. I've changed to a new editor so I'm still working things out... thanks for making the effort to watch, Denise!

[@dizzinese]

@@ardyth you just have to laugh somedays. I figured out it was just somehow my volume button got pushed and turned all the way down! 😂 🙄

[@yelena86]

👍✌️🙏❤️💕

[@vmiller735]

I get bored making the same card over and over. I usually make 50 to 75 unique Christmas cards every year. I just love making Christmas cards. I also have a personal stamp for the back. I try to use all my stamps and as many dies as I can.

[@ardyth]

That is a great strategy! Thanks for watching!

[@tracylee4442]

Also, just wondering if any of you with headphones out there notice this video is mono, as in, just coming in one headphone. Wonder why that is….

[@ardyth]

Oh tech questions - just up my alley! lol! I just watched on my phone with headphones and it is mono. I have changed to a new video editor and may have messed up the audio settings. I will put it on my list of things to explore. Thanks for mentioning it so I can fix it!

[@ardyth]

Found it in my editor settings! Thank you for 'forcing' me to learn something new! lol! I can't fix this one, but will make sure it's stereo for future videos.

[@annearchbold6127]

I never repeat a card.

[@ardyth]

Thanks for watching!

[@cindytartt4048]

Can’t stand the My Sweet petunia stuff. Really upset with the mini misti. It sticks, it’s too small, it’s too expensive for its size etc.

[@ardyth]

I love my mini-misti for quick sentiments, but if you're not happy, I would reach out to them - that 'sticky' part may be a problem they can fix. Outside the US there are lots of other positioners available. Thanks for watching!