Custom Order for 2012 Graduation Announcements

A local, soon to be high school graduate decides that handcrafted announcements are a great choice over the traditional announcements.

These graduation announcements were recently delivered to a soon to be high school graduate last week. I received the request to make announcements in March and after many decisions to be made about the layout and information included I had them finished in approximately two days.

The set includes 20 graduation announcements and white envelopes. Name cards and address labels were also requested to make a complete package.

They are made on a textured white cardstock with a matte white finish on the inside. The inside displays the graduation message including all the important details the guests will need to know.

Photography Cards Receiving New Improvements & Makeovers

(Part 1 of 2012 Improvements)

As the year started coming to a close I started brainstorming ideas for how I wanted to improve my shop for 2012. Over the next few days, I will be discussing the different strategies and improvements I have made and why.

Adhesive Upgrade:

As of November 2011, I decided to upgrade my adhesive that I would need to use to make all of my handmade photography cards. Prior to this upgrade, I tested two types of adhesive. One type was scrapbook adhesive tape and the other was craft bond permanent glue stick.

The scrapbook adhesive tape works well and keeps the photograph and embellishments attached to the card permanently. However, if you bend the card upward the photograph tends to lift slightly in the middle. When the cards lay flat or are held the photograph lays flat.

The craft bond permanent glue stick worked relatively well at first. This product was recommended to me by an associate at a craft store for making cards. When I first started buying these permanent glue sticks, the glue would be a deep royal blue color however when I continued to buy them the glue was then a light blue to a clear color. I was not happy with this inconsistent product so I discontinued the use of this adhesive. Using this type of adhesive was also unpredictable. I would glue the photograph to the cardbase and then press the cards to make sure they laid flat. However sometimes the cards would still bow or bend even after they had been pressed.

New Solution:

In the fall of 2011, I purchased a Xyron sticker machine after reading several reviews. After several test cards I have been very pleased with the results of this machine. I simply roll the photograph through the machine and it places a thin permanent sticker film on the back. I then peel off the sticker paper and adhere to the cardbase. The Xyron machine is quick and efficient. The cards do not bow, bend or wrinkle 99% of the time (the 1% for operator error). haha

The Old Cards:

The cards that were made with either craft bond or scrapbook adhesive have been carefully examined for wrinkles and slight bending of the cards. Any card that has been wrinkled over time has been discarded and WILL NOT be sold. If a card shows a minimal bending, it has been moved to the bargain bin* in my studio at a reduced price. There is a note at the bottom that states if it is an adhesive or paper discount.

Most of the bending or bowing has been minimal, if I felt it was too severe I discarded the card. These cards are still 100% usable and it is recommended that you store them in the clear bag to help protect them until they are used.

Paper Upgrade:
I have made sure that ALL new cards are made from a sturdy, heavier weight cardstock that does not fade.

*Some of the items in the bargain bin are in there because I have overstock of the particular item. I grouped them together in larger quantities at a discounted price to make room for other cards. Please see each listing for additional information.

Thank you for your continued business and support.

Most Popular Card Set: Christian Inspirational Photography

I thought that you might find it interesting to know which of my handmade photography sets is the most popular. So today, that is what this post is all about!

At shows and online, my best selling photography card set is this Christian inspirational set of six. These religious handmade photography cards are perfect for any occasion. They are excellent for sympathy cards, thinking of you cards, or just as a nice way to inspire someone special with a religious verse.

Each of these handcrafted cards displays a different nature photography print. The fine photographs are adhered to kraft cardstock and have raffia attached at the fold. The raffia ties together the natural and soothing feel of these fine art cards.

The verses on the outside of the cards remind us to have faith in God during even the most difficult of times. The verses on the cards are as follows:

"Cast your cares onto the Lord and he will sustain you: he will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 35:22

"Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!" Corinthians 12:7

"Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." Psalm 25: 4-5

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Let us be silent, that we may hear the whisper of God." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"You are my hiding place: you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

Just like you will find in the majority of my handmade cards, these Christian photography cards have a decorative white textbox inside to display your message.

You can find this set of inspirational Christian photography cards, along with many others in my online studio.

For your reference, Product #100-19

It is my hope, that everyday you experience joy.
Adding color and joy to your life...

Custom Order: Six Cards of the Same Design

I was especially excited about a custom order that I received in early October. I loved that it was my first custom order, it was a repeat buyer, and a great idea! The customer was looking to purchase a set of six cards using all the same design. She was particularly fond of one card from the thinking of you wild grasses set, that displayed the phrase "Someone remembers, Someone cares."

She explained that it was the perfect phrase for when you do not know exactly what to say during a difficult time for a friend. It simply shows that you care.

There is a photo of the finished set of thinking of you cards:

The same customer also requested a set of six using the "Seek and Find" handmade card from the Shades of Autumn photography set. Here is what they looked like when completed:

There is no additional costs for most custom orders. For this type of custom order, it takes about 5-8 days for your order to be shipped. I have ALL of my photographs, professional printed to ensure the highest quality. They have a quick turn around time so that I can get your cards to you as quickly as possible.


It is my hope, that everyday you experience joy!
Adding color & joy to your life...