How to print and make greetings cards to sell on Etsy

[@MrSanzosupreme]

I've struggled to find any useful information regarding printing greetings cards until I came across your video. You provided me with answers to every question I had about the process and more! Thank you so much! I am using the same printer, now that the warranty has expired I may try compatible inks following your advice.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I'm so glad I could help 😊

[@TJ6152]

Have you considered convincing main stream stores to sell your cards and if so, what are the limitations of a small business like this? Scalability, cost of equipment, or maybe just getting noticed enough to convince people to use your services? Seems fascinating because I work at American Greetings and the profit margins are insane. I admire your work because it seems like a crazy amount of effort goes into this.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I do actually have a mix of wholesale platforms and print on demand like thortful ☺️ thank you for your kind words!

[@marklola12]

I have a epson 970 A3 printer...best printer ive ever had, also has settinfs for thicker paper and card so zero issues. Also i can get xl official inks for under 40 quid a set

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

That sounds like a great printer!

[@Tooclosetothetruth]

Probably the best video on you tube redarding this subject. So, what printer would you purchase if you had to buy one tomorrow?

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Thank you for your kind words. I'd be looking at an epson ET-1500 if I was to buy again. They are over double the price of the canon though.

[@rositapagan9171]

I just found your youtube.. THANK YOU SO MUCH.... you explained everything with great detail and even explained about the printers.. I have both printers...

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I'm so glad I could help! Thank you for watching 😊

[@jasonb4254]

As someone from North America I really love your accent.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Aww thank you so much!

[@samjp9176]

What a fab video, thank you. I am just about to start selling cards on our website, and need to get all the kit to get started, this is exactly the info I needed. Thank you so much

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

You are very welcome! I wish you the best of luck with your sales 💜

[@SleepingDragon-ph2eh]

How did it go Wanna know

[@berenicedavey7407]

Well, Am I glad I came across your channel? Whilst It is not quite on the topic I was looking for, your standard of teaching is excellent!!!! Thank you sooo much. I'm creating a card-like booklet for a friend. Who needed a folded program of her husband's funeral, for those who could not attend. Having huge probs, working out how to print front - fine, and then the inside right program. Trying to work it out is giving me a headache. Hopefully, I will find the answer in another of your fantastic tutorilas. Cheers.Excellent

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Thank you for your lovely words, and I'm sorry for your friends loss. If you need more help, please feel free to send me a private message on fb or Instagram and I'll do my best to assist.

[@nicolamclennan6793]

Scrap that I've got them x loved your clear instructions and you got straight to the point, advice, problems occurred, opinions without taking an hour like I've seen elsewhere. We are all busy peeps and times precious. Have a lovely hot weekend. Your new subscriber and I know where to send everyone I know.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I'm so glad you found them, and thank you so much for your lovely words, and for subscribing!

[@mikeandjuliecarson5067]

Thank you for all of the information. You were so thorough! Best wishes~

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GRAYnomad]

I just bought an Epson ET-8550, mostly for cards but I've just printed about 40 A4 photos and I can hardly tell if the ink levels have dropped at all. I bought a printer with ink tanks because I didn't want to be constantly worried if it was worth doing a print because of the expense. As for card stock, I'm finding it almost impossible to find anything, 220 GSM is the best I can do so far as most of the suppliers seem to be in the UK or US (I'm in Oz) and the shipping cost is outrageous. I just tried Paper Cutz but their checkout doesn't seem to be working.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I would have loved an eco tank! In fact I'm saving for one for my sublimation side of the business. It's great to know that they are worth the investment. I'm so sorry you're struggling to find cardstock. Definitely email Papercutz as their customer service is really good.

[@toris6925]

I loved this video! I have a greeting card business as well, but I still love seeing behind the scenes videos from other designers. To your comments on the Canon printer, I have the IP8720 - the US version of the printer - and I must say, I'm not overjoyed with it. It came highly recommended by other designers, but somehow I missed all of the print quality complaints in the Canon forums before I brought it. 😊 (The black prints horribly!) However, I have learned to design with lighter, pastel-like colors, and I get good results. Lastly, I began purchasing my paper directly from the manufacturer; I use a heavy 325gsm eggshell paper, and I have to cut it down from 12x18, but it's much cheaper.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Thanks so much Tori, it sounds similar to myself. Everyone seemed to love the printer, so I bought it. It was only afterwards, when I was struggling that I saw all the negative comments. I'll look at sourcing paper direct too.

[@nicolamclennan6793]

Sorry if I'm appearing blind but where do I find the links to what you said you'd link below 😕I just cannot see them x Thankyou.

[@Xbot4Life]

Its crazy when you say ONLY 300gsm, im TOTALLY new to this and i thought 300gsm was the gold standard! Thank you for this video.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

300gsm is definitely fine for some greetings cards, but on 5 x 7" it just feels a little flimsy. You are very welcome, I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@Xbot4Life]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns ahaa, I see, thanks for that piece of info.

[@girlierox09]

Hey I’ve just found your channel and I’m so glad I did. I’m in the process of looking into how to sell my art / Designs on Etsy and your channel gives me courage! You mentioned about going back to nursing - funnily enough im a nurse too! Currently taking a break so I feel connected to you! With love, from ireland

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Hi Laurie, thanks so much for following me! I'm always here if you need any help 💜 Being a proper Nurse is an absolutely amazing job, I'm only in Dentistry and it's definitely a love hate relationship 😂

[@KennyMFC-bp3iy]

Can you help?Trying to pring greetings cards on an inkjet printer;the test print comes out fine with 5 mm margins however the card doesn't come out the right size with no margin at bottom&10 mm at top.Have changed to custom size but still not working

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I'd look at whatever print settings you're changing when you switch to card. Preset ones are sometimes off with sizing etc so you may need to build your own. Also if you're using a preset for the card make sure that the print borderless option is switched off.

[@staycebynum5737]

I purchased precut A2 blanks for my note cards, but I am having difficulty printing them. Any suggestions on printer specifications? They are size A2. Thank you.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

There are no semi professional printers that I know of that print A2. You'll need to purchase an industrial and they're thousands.

[@TiffanyGoasrtry]

Hey found ur channel. This wS so helpful. What ink do u recommend now the squib link seems to be down. Thanks

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I'm glad you found it helpful 😊 I use inkcredible at the moment.

[@TiffanyGoasrtry]

@danielle-chibichidesigns4433 Awe I look it up, thanks for sharing your honest experiences. Its a refreshing thing to see and very helpful :)

[@junewoods1815]

Great video. Thank you for this. New subscriber here! Lots of very useful information put over in a clear and concise way. Just wondering if you purchased another printer yet? If so which one did you buy?

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Hi June, I actually stuck it out with the Canon. I'd like to say it's improved, but sadly it hasn't really. I can mess around with the settings to get it close to what I need, which is good. If business ever picks up, I'd definitely go for another epson.

[@chedeegifts9047]

May i know how long the ink last please (colored prints). Thanks

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

It completely depends on the amount you're printing. Mine last a few months now as my orders have gone down.

[@peacefulheartstudio5998]

is suid inks no longer open? the ebay link doesnt work now. Thank you for your video. Very informative :)

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Sadly inksquid has now closed down. I now use inkcredible who are just as good 😊

[@peacefulheartstudio5998]

thank you so much@@danielle-chibichidesigns

[@allycrafting]

Thank you so much 😊❤️ very helpful 👏🏼

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

You're so welcome! I'm really glad it was helpful.

[@markdoherty2142]

Good video thanks. I've just subscribed. You may have answered this already, but where do you get your envelopes.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Thanks for subscribing. Mainly ebay for the coloured ones and bulk from Amazon for the white ones.

[@bubblesandbiscuitspawspa]

Hello there!! What is the difference between Adobe/Photoshop and Affinity Designer? Thank you in advance!!

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Photoshop is used for photo imaging, mockups, adjusting etc, and affinity is used for Designing. The closest match to Affinity by Adobe is illustrator.

[@bubblesandbiscuitspawspa]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns thank you!!

[@chasingcards7454]

Hi Danielle. New subscriber! Welsh girl here now living on the Gold Coast Australia. I've look for ICE, no luck here either, and Paper Cutz, being UK I fear will be expensive and take a while! Do you know if Canon do something similar to ICE? Thank you!

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Hi there, oh I bet you don't miss the Welsh weather at all?! I know that Canon do a 350gsm, but I can't comment on how good it is, or if it is has canon branding on the reverse, as I've never used it. Best of luck!

[@mrsfoogles8328]

Hi 😁 I love your channel, I find your videos so inspiring as I'm trying to start my own business. Thank you for the positive vibes and the great tips. I went looking for The Ink Squid and I'm seeing they seem to have stopped trading? I was hoping to get some bargain ink for my printer!

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Oh no, I can't see them on ebay either 😬 I'm hoping they are just closed for holidays, as their website still ranks on google, it's just down. Keep trying, and hopefully they'll be reopen soon.

[@mobilefreelancer3831]

Nice video which printer and inks would u reccomend that are cheap for printing which works out to be cheaper to make a card, some people are selling them on ebay for 2.99 with free shipping, how do you work that out lol sorry for the question with many questions

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Card making is competitive. If you have the outlay, you can get them professionally printed for less than £1, but you need to buy in bulk. I don't compete with low prices with free shipping, as they aren't my target market.

[@mitchell9687]

Great video, just a question though, if you have a design that has colors completely going to the border, how do you print all the way to the edge of the paper without an ugly white border? Thanks

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Hi there thanks for the question. It depends on the card size. If it's A5 then I will make an a4 template in affinity to print the a5 half and reverse of the card and it will print no problem. If the card is smaller (my standard size is 5 x 7") then I have a template of this on A4 which I print on A4 sheets and trim down after.

[@bragdifferently]

thank you, useful info

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

You are very welcome.

[@robert-cope]

Thanks for the video. What envelopes do you use? An envelope for the card itself and an outer envelope to post to the buyer which protects the end product?

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Hi Robert, I have a few coloured envelopes in 5 x 7 size, and the customer chooses. They are posted in board backed envelopes to protect them during shipping. I hope that helps.

[@robert-cope]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns Thanks for responding. I was hoping to find out which see-through inserts and envelope sources you would suggest? Do you provide a sources list?

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Unless they are going international then I don't use a cello insert. If they are international, then I only use a biodegradable bag from celloexpressbags.

[@robert-cope]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns Thanks Danielle! :)

[@krismarvel]

Great informative video, thank you for sharing👍! I clicked on the link to take me to 'Ink squid', however, it is inactive. Have they perhaps changed their name? Thanks! 🤩

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Unfortunately they've gone bust! If you click on my video upload from this week I explain who I now use and drop their link 🙂

[@krismarvel]

Great, thank you! I shall check out your video 👍🥰

[@christinechong4640]

Hi, May I know how you waterproof your cards? We printed a birthday card for a friend and the ink smudged on contact with water.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Hi there Christine, most cards sold by handmade sellers are not handmade. Just like a store bought card would wrinkle and warp if exposed to water. You can print with a laser printer, which would then not run when exposed to water, but full colour laser printers that have a high dpi are extremely expensive. Or, you could buy specialist card, but again the print quality and colours isn't as good. Finally, you can have your cards printed professionally, this is an expensive option, but great if you sell lots of one particular design 😊

[@christinechong4640]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns Thank you for your advice. 🙂

[@chrisparky]

Why when I used affinity an image on the right prints on the left?

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I've not come across that one before. I'd definitely check your margin setup on your printer as it could be that.

[@digitalvanguard.]

Can i make these things on Photoshop for Etsy ? Or do i have to use Illustrator

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

You can make them on whatever design software you're most comfortable with!

[@jackievanderdonckt]

You’re doing awesome at explaining what you’re doing! I hope you get a million subscribers! I just followed you!

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

You are just so sweet! Thank you so much for your kind words, and for subscribing!

[@Jeany829]

I plan to sell greeting Cards and canvas oil paintings i am thinking to start by next week i need to Order all suplies First i also found an Epson ecotank 2814 in my local Supermarcet for 198€ if you want to start a Business you need to Invest in Few Things it will make the money Back creating greeting Cards and Other Things Looks Like so much fun doing this.👍😉😀😀

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

That's a great deal! Wishing you the best of luck with your new business!

[@wendydashwood7879]

Hi Danielle I've just found your channel and subscribed. I found your tips on printing cards sooooo helpful. Thank you!! I am an artist and want to use cards to showcase my artwork and generate some interest via my Etsy Shop. I've watched dozens of You Tube videos on getting the card set up organised. Such a lot to take into account. I almost gave up last year with all the complexity. Really pleased I found your channel. 😊

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Hi Wendy, thank you so much for subscribing. I'm glad you found the tips useful! Feel free to ask me any questions if you're stuck, I'll always do my best to help 💜

[@wendydashwood7879]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns thank you very much Danielle. I do have one quick question about Polybags if that's OK? Could you recommend a supplier and what size would you use for say sending 10 5x8 cards? It's all really confusing. Im keen to send compostable ones. There are so many options -my head is spinning! lol!! Thanks again 😊

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

The honest truth is that it's rare that I send them in compostable bags. I'll do it if it's international, but otherwise I send them in candy stripe paper paper bags. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with that size, but I use celloexpressbags. Have you tried Jeff and the squirrel?

[@wendydashwood7879]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns Hi Danielle. What would you advise re setting up a custom print size for 5 x 7 greetings cards? I've just emailed Epson support for advice as after buying a brand new printer it doesn't offer custom sizes!! I'm gutted. I'm hoping they can tell me how to get round this but would be interested to know of you've had the same issue? Not keen on A5 cards as they are huge and clunky and A6 is too small. Thanks once again. Wendy

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

@@wendydashwood7879 Hi Wendy, so sorry I've only just spotted this. Did you manage to get a response from Epson? It's very odd that you can't set custom sizes. I print all of my greetings cards at 5 x 7, but both printers will only allow borderless if it's A5 and above. To get around this, I print the template with the card edges shown on an A4 page, and then trim it down. This is only for my card designs that have edge to edge print on them. If the design is in the middle, and I don't need borderless, I've setup templates in Affinity Designer and the printer for 10 x 7 (5 x 7 when folded) and then double check the printer settings match these in custom. Does that make sense? Let me know if not, and perhaps I can do a little video to help 😊

[@brumkid100]

Do you still use the papercutz card? Or did you find a alternative?

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I still use paper cutz. It's pricey, but I've not found anything else that works as well with my Canon.

[@brumkid100]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns Have you had any issues with them? I have ordered from them and had a few issues with quality? such as black flecks in the card, denting on arrival and scoring out of line so the card when folded doesent line up? Is this your experience or have I had a bad batch?

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

@@brumkid100 I don't buy prescored, so I'm not sure if the production is completely different. I buy a4 and trim and score in house. The quality had always been great, with zero issues.

[@AmericanArtWorld]

Do you sell them with or without envelopes?

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Always with, the customer can choose between a plain white, or upgrad to a luxury colour.

[@Ritterkritterz]

Hard to understand some things you say the last 2 minutes. Like the ink details. Ty for sharing. 😊

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Thanks for watching. I now use inkcredible for my inks. Any other questions, just let me know.

[@AndriaMrs]

Hi just clicked on the Inksquid inks link but it is not active!!!!!

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I know, they seem to have folded a few months back. Sadly, I still haven't found a replacement.

[@AndriaMrs]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns Thank you so much for replying and letting me know. 👍

[@simonsmith1139]

Good job,thanks.si

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@BloggingBitcoin]

Where do you buy envelopes?

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Amazon usually, but I buy like 500 at a time.

[@utkarshkulshrestha8652]

In a nutshell , we need to get almost a full page print on both sides

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Check out my newer videos where I show you how to achieve double sided printing for both 5x7" inch blanks, and A4. I also discuss the pros and cons of each.

[@ljwhitmire200]

A good substitute for the "boner" is a ballpoint pen that's empty. The ball will crease the paper, and since it's empty, leave no mark. Make sure the ball is still rolling for best results.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

That is really helpful, thank you!

[@ljwhitmire200]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns At least I learned something working in one of the largest print factories on the East Coast! They wouldn't buy us fancy things to crease our proof prints so we just used ballpoint pens. Worked like a charm. :)

[@outsidenumber74]

I don't know how anyone makes money with cards that are printed. I do original hand drawn cards and name plaques. They take 2 to 3 hours to produce. I don't use a printer I use my hands for everything. I've tried selling on eBay and Etsy and I haven't sold a single card or name plaques.

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

It depends on your pricing. The bulk of my cards are illustrated by hand, but digitally. This allows me to take the time I used to illustrate, and divide it by multiple cards.

[@outsidenumber74]

@@danielle-chibichidesigns £4 each with free p&p.

[@tompaste387]

my canon printer has 12 inks 😦

[@danielle-chibichidesigns]

Oh wow, that is a lot!