What do you do with your cards?

[GlendaC]

I've was just pondering this morning what others do with their cards. Personally I make dozens and dozens more than I could ever use. Lately I have been giving people packages of cards for them to use rather than just a card for the occasion, but I still have far too many ready to go. I noticed one blogger showing off her very first card. Does that mean people just hang on to them as a collection? I note a few people try to sell them, but I don't think you ever really get enough $ for them for the time involved.

Anyway, just pondering life, the universe and all those cards.

[binx]

How about donating them to one of the cards-for-troops iniatives; I realize you're in Australia, but y'all do have some troops in the Middle East, I'm pretty sure. Other than sending encouragement to soldiers, I've donated some for the troops to send home.

If you don't wish to sell, how about an assisted-living/nursing home donation? How about hospitals, especially those with long-term care; you know, the kind where people would love to be able to write to others but have no way of getting the materials themselves? Preschools for the teachers to use; schools for teachers to use. Lots of swaps? I had a friend whose Dr.'s office would send a follow-up card after routine visits. I'm brain-storming here, can you tell?

I don't know if any of those options is viable for you, but if you get the answers to the other things, "life and the universe," do share! :mrgreen:

[armadillo]

I make cards and donate them to a nursing home, half are blank and half have happy birthday. A friend and I make blank note cards for the Ronald McDonald House. A few I make for myself to use.

[tx stamper]

I usually have someone in mind when making all mine, whether for a design team or a challenge. I end up using about 80% of what I make and then hang onto the few that are left and I use them as a need arises. I use to hoard them in a card box... go back every month and look at them and then tuck them back in there. But the past couple months I have decided they are doing no good sitting in that box in storage, so I have been RAKing them and preparing to RAK them. I have a stack right now needing to be mailed.

[stillstampin]

I have a card ministry at our church so have to make lots of cards - especially get well,births and sympathy cards. Love doing it as I'm always challenged to try something different.

[campstamper03]

I'm like the others, I use my cards for a church ministry, troops overseas to use, and I'm a chemo angel so I use a lot for that. But nursing homes or assisted living places would be a good place to check, I'm sure they could use cards of all kinds.

[kelston]

-I give some as gifts in sets of 6 to teachers or school volunteers.
-I give some to my church office to send out to members for birthdays, thank yous, thinking of yous, etc.
-I keep a box at work and people who need a card in a crunch can buy one for $2 each. No, it's not making me lots of money, but it does keep me in brads and ribbons to keep my hobby/addiction going
-I live in Rochester MN-home to the Mayo Clinic and we have lots of places who want cards for people to use-Ronald McDonald House, Gift of Life Transplant House, Hospice, NICU
-I rarely send cards out myself. Isn't that crazy?! I make a million of them but I never use them myself. Go figure

[mamahowe]

I make a lot of cards and I mail out a lot of cards. But there are still a lot of extras. The paper guild I belong to collects our extras and takes them to St. Jude hospital and Ronald Mc Donald house. We donated quite a box of cards for all occasions last year. They were really happy to get them. St. Jude is sort of local for those of us who live in No. Mississippi. (Just over the state line)

Estelle

[caterinafmig]

Lots of good suggestions for all your cards. You can always check the SCS card request threads...

Forums at Splitcoaststampers

There is always a need for a bit of cardstock for RAKs.

[MariLynn]

Thank you Caterina for linking the card request thread. I'll admit that after spending so much time making some cards that I tend to hoard my cards. After reading some of the card requests, I have been sending my cards out. You may never know how a card may touch someone else's life. I sent a PRAYING FOR YOU card to a lady who was very ill. She died before my card got there. Her husband sent me a lovely letter saying how much it meant to him that someone he didn't know would take the time to send a card, and how much that comforted him in the days after her death.

[caterinafmig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MariLynn

Thank you Caterina for linking the card request thread. I'll admit that after spending so much time making some cards that I tend to hoard my cards. After reading some of the card requests, I have been sending my cards out. You may never know how a card may touch someone else's life. I sent a PRAYING FOR YOU card to a lady who was very ill. She died before my card got there. Her husband sent me a lovely letter saying how much it meant to him that someone he didn't know would take the time to send a card, and how much that comforted him in the days after her death.

You are so right about how you never know how a card may touch someone's life. Nearly 20 years ago, I became a very ill shut-in and while health is still a struggle, I get a lot of reward when reaching out to someone else. Because of my experience, I realized how much a phone call, visit or card means to people who are struggling whether that struggle is physical, mental, spiritual or emotional. Also, because of my experience, God led me to start a card ministry and while the receivers get a lift from them, it helps me keep my focus looking outward and not dwell on any negatives in my life.

As it is written, 'It is better to give than receive".

[DLS881]

www.cardsforheroes.org

We send blank cards to the troops so they can send something nice back home..

[Aussie Girl]

I love all these ideas. I have been making a ton of cards recently and think I will use some of these ideas.

[caterinafmig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLS881

www.cardsforheroes.org

We send blank cards to the troops so they can send something nice back home..

Diane, thanks... our troops need all the support we can give.:-D

[adelee]

Close to my house we have a women's shelter.. the women and their children really, really appreciate the opportunity to give out beautiful, well made cards. So all of the swaps I host and extras that I end up with from demo samples... go to the shelter. If you have one nearby they may really enjoy your generosity. ;)

[stitchinstampin]

I give some as "gift sets" for birthdays or just because occassions

Also, I have a card ministry that I send or give out tons of cards.
I give to the elderly and small children or just if someone comes to mind that I feel needs encouragement of a "mail hug".

hope this helps
Lori

[mamatygress]

www.keikicards.com

[GlendaC]

Thanks for all the suggestions, especially the link to the request forum - I hadn't noticed that one. It's also lovely to note just how many card makers are also Christians.

[binx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlendaC

It's also lovely to note just how many card makers are also Christians.

Yeah, I've noticed that too. Could it be the desire to give, give back, contribute, make someone happy, etc.?

[GinaLin]

I donate some of mine to a local Meals on Wheels. They make sure the meal recipients get one on their birthday, if they have been sick, etc. I am told how much they enjoy getting cards, especially hand made ones.
Gina

[jhartel]

I also use my cards as a church ministry. The older people who live alone especially seem to enjoy them. I gave my pastor's wife 2 dozen cards in a box with a gift certificate that said "good for refills at any time". She absolutely loved it.

[scrapbuknTI]

Before I became SU demo, I kept all the things I made from the workshops or demos. If I gave them out it was to my daughters or hubby So I know I have that card. Now I try to make two cards one to give one to keep. I never make sets, it is as needed for whatever occasion/holiday. I like know what I made or have an idea handy so I can re create it somehow.

[cvnhjw]

I make them to give as gifts. My mom and my sister get them for every birthday!

Then, I joined the Birthday Club here so I send out about ten cards a month.

Thirdly, I do a craft show once a year where I sell what is left over. I don't ask for a lot of money. What money I do make there, I put right back into materials.

[annie in cornwall]

I'm making quite a lot this year, what with my resolution to do all the sketches plus all the blog challenges I do! Lots are given to family and friends when they need a card and also send out a lot for birthday lists, but there are still plenty left over. Recently here in the UK there was a National donation of cards for a cancer charity, you could pick up the cello bags to put your cards in from various craft shops then post them to the charity, or where I live the craft shop collected them and sent off a great big box full! I also do an occasional charity fair where you donate a percentage, but it's only pin/brad money you make at the end of the day! I find most people don't appreciate the time, effort and love that goes into a hand crafted card, unless they are crafters themselves of course!

[salabob]

I live in a Building for Seniors with 84 apartments. I make birthday cards and other types for the residents. They just love them and at Christmas, some of them put my card on their front door. They really look forward to my Birthday cards each month. ;)

[Cookieworm]

I have been giving mine to scholarship auctions or other community, school fund raising auctions. They do quite well and they are tax deductable.

[stampercolleen]

wow, what great ideas... I make a lot of cards! I tend to make a card, love it, and hate to send it! I decided to start making at least 2 of every card I make... one to keep one to send.

I think I should start doing a few of each and send to a shelter, church or something in my area!

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

[stampsinblue]

I use a lot of mine for notes for the teachers. Our school requires a note any time you are picking up your child or if they are staying after school . My DS's teacher LOVED getting the weekly cards from me when I had to pick my son up after school (instead of taking the bus). It gives me a good way to use up "holiday"-type cards I wouldn't normally send out, too (like St. Pattys, Halloween, Memorial Day).


I just found out that sometimes a good stash of cards comes in handy. In the past week I have used up ALL my "thank you" and blank cards. I broke my foot & couldn't get to the craft room to make end-of-the-year cards for the teachers. I also needed to send some cards to the people who have helped our family this past week.

I like the ideas of donating to shelters. Our church works closely with two shelters in our area. I have lots of Christmas cards that I don't send out (I like to make a few, but never enough to send to everyone on my list, so I end up buying Christmas cards!). Thanks for all the ideas!

[cindythibault]

Since I tend to make more than one of a card when I prepare for workshops, and then demo it at the class... I try and keep one of every different card I make for a portfolio. I use the portfolio to show people samples of my work. I sell a lot of my cards, typically people pay around $5.00 each. And I get commissioned sometimes to make cards for people, such as wedding invites, or baby announcements! My mom once told me to do about 10 all occassion cards for her, so I brought her a big stack of about 30 to choose from, and she couldn't choose so she bought them ALL!!! At $5.00 a pop!! Mind you, she's my biggest supporter!
I do however try and design a card with a recipient in mind, and if I attend other people's workshops, I alter the cards a little to suit whatever event I have coming up.

Sometimes, I try and hoard the pretty stuff and I keep them aside so when people go thru my samples, they don't want to buy all my faves
I think it's great that everyone is doing nice stuff like donating their cards to the troops, etc!

[jazzytobi]

I store them... I have boxes and boxes (albeit ORGANIZED!!) of cards. I am getting better at using them. I treasure them like they are works of art. From time to time I will go through my boxes and look at each one, always remembering the process I went through to make them.

I am finding any excuse to correspond and use one of my cards. I actually find it's good for business too. I've got a couple of commissions by giving cards away...

I know that didn't help. Sorry..... I'm a hoarder and I know it...

[GmaWash]

When I first started stamping 9 years ago I hoarded. Then I decided I would LOOK for people to send cards to. I challenged myself to send out (give, put on doors, etc) at least 3 "Thank You" or "Thinking of You" cards each week. This keeps me focused on the good things people do for me - or others - and those around me who may need a lift. I let them know what they did is appreciated, or that they are remembered. Sometimes it is just "Thanks" for the good job you did at work, or for the pleasant chat as you walked by my house.

Anyhow, as you look for people to "bless" with your cards you bless yourself by becoming less self centered and more grateful for what you have. That is one of the best rewards for my habit/addiction that I can think of.

[JNanaRaven]

I was getting a lot of cards stored up and was beginning to think about starting scrapbooking to give me an outlet for my stamping. Then my family started needing cards for different things - birthday party invitations, graduation notices, etc. A few days ago, my daughter came over and needed a bunch of teacher appreciation cards for her kids teachers and the classroom aides. She gives me a nice donation for new supplies - I don't charge her by the card - just what she can afford. Now my supply is depleted enough for me to start making them again. I don't save cards that I especially love - I take pictures of all the cards right after I make them - so if I want to duplicate one, I have a photo. I haven't started putting my card photos on SCS, because I can't figure out how to make the resolution on the photos small enough to post them - crafty, but I am a real techno-dolt!
Judi

[caterinafmig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GmaWash

When I first started stamping 9 years ago I hoarded. Then I decided I would LOOK for people to send cards to. I challenged myself to send out (give, put on doors, etc) at least 3 "Thank You" or "Thinking of You" cards each week. This keeps me focused on the good things people do for me - or others - and those around me who may need a lift. I let them know what they did is appreciated, or that they are remembered. Sometimes it is just "Thanks" for the good job you did at work, or for the pleasant chat as you walked by my house.

Anyhow, as you look for people to "bless" with your cards you bless yourself by becoming less self centered and more grateful for what you have. That is one of the best rewards for my habit/addiction that I can think of.

Amen and Amen!:-D

[caterinafmig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNanaRaven

I was getting a lot of cards stored up and was beginning to think about starting scrapbooking to give me an outlet for my stamping. Then my family started needing cards for different things - birthday party invitations, graduation notices, etc. A few days ago, my daughter came over and needed a bunch of teacher appreciation cards for her kids teachers and the classroom aides. She gives me a nice donation for new supplies - I don't charge her by the card - just what she can afford. Now my supply is depleted enough for me to start making them again. I don't save cards that I especially love - I take pictures of all the cards right after I make them - so if I want to duplicate one, I have a photo. I haven't started putting my card photos on SCS, because I can't figure out how to make the resolution on the photos small enough to post them - crafty, but I am a real techno-dolt!
Judi

Great idea taking photos - thanks for the tip.:-D

[MichiganFan]

I know exactly what you mean...I too have so many cards and not enough places to send them. So I am now starting to bundle in groups of 12, making a cute little bag, and giving them as an added gift for either birthday, shower (thank yous for this one), and so on. I am also putting together a large selection of assorted cards to give to my DD, DDIL, DM, & DS. They all love the cards they receive from me and I thought this way they could send a Made from the Heart card and save.
Also, yesterday I read in my CardMaker Magazine the section on donating cards. Each issue they will feature a group/organization who could use cards and are asking people to make a donation for that particular cause. This month was to send Thank yous to a hospital ward for families of children in long term care who would like to send out notes of Thanks.

[MichelleGoodrich]

I use them. I (sometimes) sell them, I give packages of them as gifts. I don't make enough to donate them (I REALLY need to spend more time in my stamping room! :lol

[diane7]

What a wonderful idea! I think I will look for these deserving people too!
Diane

(oops, I meant to reply with quote- I was referring to post #31 by GmaWash)

[janeliquore]

I guess I'm not as 'prolific' as the rest of you! I usually make birthday cards and holiday cards to send to my family and friends (including Valentines, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving). That keeps me pretty busy all year. I also send out about 100 Christmas cards and all are hand made. Everyone loves my hand made cards so much, I don't dare buy a card! Also this April, I made 40 invitations and favors for my daughter's baby shower. And my sister held a fund raising craft show for my nephew, who was nominated by a teacher to go to Washington, DC for a week for the Junior National Young Leaders conference. I made about 100 cards, 25 domino magnets and 60 sour cream containers of M&M's to sell. Also made about 40 water bottle markers from shrink plastic.

[diane7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by janeliquore

I guess I'm not as 'prolific' as the rest of you! I usually make birthday cards and holiday cards to send to my family and friends (including Valentines, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving). That keeps me pretty busy all year. I also send out about 100 Christmas cards and all are hand made. Everyone loves my hand made cards so much, I don't dare buy a card! Also this April, I made 40 invitations and favors for my daughter's baby shower. And my sister held a fund raising craft show for my nephew, who was nominated by a teacher to go to Washington, DC for a week for the Junior National Young Leaders conference. I made about 100 cards, 25 domino magnets and 60 sour cream containers of M&M's to sell. Also made about 40 water bottle markers from shrink plastic.

Yeah you are not prolific at all... sounds like you hardly make anything! :rolleyes:
Diane

[JNanaRaven]

Quote:

Originally Posted by janeliquore

I guess I'm not as 'prolific' as the rest of you! I usually make birthday cards and holiday cards to send to my family and friends (including Valentines, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving). That keeps me pretty busy all year. I also send out about 100 Christmas cards and all are hand made. Everyone loves my hand made cards so much, I don't dare buy a card! Also this April, I made 40 invitations and favors for my daughter's baby shower. And my sister held a fund raising craft show for my nephew, who was nominated by a teacher to go to Washington, DC for a week for the Junior National Young Leaders conference. I made about 100 cards, 25 domino magnets and 60 sour cream containers of M&M's to sell. Also made about 40 water bottle markers from shrink plastic.

Holy Cow, Girl! What do you mean you are not prolific? Isn't it amazing how a family can keep you at it? I love making cards when everyone needs them, but sometimes the large orders (like graduations, birth anouncements, invitations, etc) can get pretty monotonous by the time you are finished with a project. It is nice that your craft is so appreciated, though.