How do you???

[vanoro11]

I have a question that has been bugging me for awhile but I was afraid to ask for fear of sounding stupid...o.k. I just have to know. There are so many beautifully created cards that are embellished w/flowers, ribbons, fancy bows, etc., etc...how in the world do you mail something like that???

[JBgreendawn]

Some of mine are made with the thought that they will be hand delivered,
the ones i intend to mail i chop up old cereal and cracker boxes for the chipboard ( i cut them down to fit inside the paper envelopes with the kraft side against the card front and the printed what ever (outside of the box) faces the inside of the envelope. (postal machines smoosh the prints from just "security" envelopes to what's inside), so for the really dimensional cards, i then put these into bubble envelopes or mail them inside a box with the gift.

[Tenakee]

I mail all of my cards, regardless of embellishments, in bubble mailers. I figure after all the time I put into them in the craft room, they're worth the extra couple of stamps to make sure they look the same when they get to their destination!

Just my two cents - I'm sure that you'll get lots of other helpful ideas!

[stamphappy1650]

Most of my cards to mail are somewhat flat. The ones with higher embellishments are hand delivered or included in a box with a gift. When I make a card that has to be mailed I keep in mind the height of the embellishments and how many layers to keep the cost down. It's not bad if you are mailing one heavy card but if your Chrisamas cards are heavy it can be expensive.

[Allistamps123]

If I have bows or buttons or brads (which I almost always do) I put an index card over the front of the card and turn it around to the back of the envelope. My cards usually cost 62 cents to mail. Not too bad. Some just regular postage. I haven't had anyone say there has been a rip. Seems to work well!

[guitargerle]

I ave used a piece of fun foam laid over the front of the card and then put them together into the envelope the times I have wanted to keep a card safe and it has has some embellishments with a bit of height to them.

Sorry, I can't spell well this morning.

[MillieMadeIt]

I turn the card inside out, with a layer of bubble wrap inside. If the card has a "very" raised embellie, I use the padded envelpes which I can usually find 3 for $1.00 at Dollar Tree.

Have a great day y'all.

[Scrapjanny]

If I mail a bulky card, I usually apply extra postage and write "Hand Cancel" on it, so that it doesn't go through the machines.

[vanoro11]

Thank you all for your input.

[kempd]

Like many others, I usually put an index card over the card and face it toward the back of the envelope. If I can still feel the "bump" I hand carry it to the post office for them to hand stamp.

[Sparkle Creations]

They sell 64 cent stamps now too, so I usually get those to mail out my cards.

[polargirl]

PTI sells clear boxes to hold cards that have alot of elevated extras. But you still have place them in a protected envelope. These are great for hand delivering too.

[ctorina]

I also use the clear boxes. I store my cards in them and I also mail my cards right in the box. I just put an address label on it and tape the sides closed. So the clear box is my envelope, it costs about $1.08 to mail.

[HolleyTX]

I agree, best to save the tall or elaborately embellished cards for hand delivering or for cards that will be sent inside of boxes. If you are mailing the card by itself, sometimes even bubble wrap is not enough. Here in Austin, my post office charges you "package rate" when you come in with a bubble envy, even if it is flat. So postage starts over $1 and they often run it through the machines here in the large post offices even when hand cancelling is requested.

If the card is super special, I would put it in a little box and pay an extra buck just for using the box to keep it safe, it won't really cost that much different since you are already paying package rate anyways. Else, save those special cards for hand given greetings

Cheers, Holley
Holley's Blog

[cardmaker2]

short answer--I don't! I hand deliver or add to a gift bag. I rarely mail any cards anyway and if I do, they are less embellished ones.

In Canada it is double postage so well over 1.10 for any they have to handle carefully. That has been my experience anyway.

[mandypandy]

I mail a lot of cards but I don't tend to make them too lumpy. Sometimes if a card is for a family member I will send a few drawings/colorings that my kids did and I will wrap the card inside of the kids pictures to help pad the lumps. I've only ever had one card in 6+ years get returned to me because it was too thick and I didn't put enough postage on it. I do agree that a small bubble mailer will work if your card is thicker than normal. Good luck!

[mamalea]

Sometimes I use bubble envelopes, sometimes a small box, and I have even folded the card so the outside is in. I don't care how much a card costs to mail. As has been said, after spending the time it takes to make a card, I want it to arrive in good shape. I do sometimes think about the mailing and try to make the card less bulky.

[mkmermaid]

I use my crimper to crimp up cardstock colors that I normally don't use for cards and slip a piece over the front of the card and mail with a 64-cent stamp (love the dolphins!).

[casmiles]

I LOVE the idea of crimping cs that you don't really use - great idea. I do all the above that's been mentioned - place an extra piece of cs in front (or cereal chipboard), use fun foam, turn the card inside out, etc. In fact I made a bd card the other day and intentionally used more dimensional embellishments because I knew it was going in a box to Canada, no less. Of course, the padded envie seemed bulky so I transferred it all to a small box and mailed it off. Then I got back to work and saw an envie on my desk and thought - ooh someone left me a card ~ NOPE, I forgot to put it in the box when I repacked. UGH - so another $1.30 in postage. Oh well, it's worth it, but it should have been in the box. It does hinder my ideas for Christmas, Halloween, VDay cards, etc because I do make alot of them and just can't spend $1 each on postage.

[Betty]

I mail most of my cards so I limit my bulky embellishments. At work we have a thing that if it goes through the hole it goes for regular postage, if not it's the extra 17 cents. IF I know I'm hand delivering a card I will embellish it a little more. I send a lot of cards to DD and when she was in TX this summer 3 came back for more postage even after being weighed and checked here. I never had one come back when she's in MT. I hate Midland, TX PO! She's never had one messed up, even the more embellished ones that put extra postage on. I told her to always let me know how they held up and they have always been just fine without an extra piece over the front.
To save postage for square cards, I make them 5 inches sq. and put them in a 5X7 envelope.

[teristampsalot]

I sometimes use bubble envelopes for those super fancy ones.
I will also chop up some pieces of cardboard or chipboard, slide the card between them and send them off.

Teri

[Luanne Ford]

Well, I just purchased some bubble wrap, and I cut a small square of it and put it on top, not covering the button, ribbon, etc. I always use a .64 stamp, and write "Hand Stamp" on the front. Seems to work so far...

[mouseprints]

I sell 90% of my cards, I don't use a lot of embellishments, but when I do it is regular size brads or minis an some flat ribbon (occasionally a bigger brad). Nothing really bulky. Recently a customer told me she had to pay extra to mail a couple cards. She didn't remember which ones they were and she wasn't upset about it, just letting me know. She said she thinks it is because I have too many layers on the cards.

I thought that comment was funny, she says she loves my cards but now thinks I have too many layers on them. I really don't. I would say the most is 5 and that is rare. And if it is that many layers, it is with DP and/or thin cardstock.

I am scared to make cards now, I don't want people to have to pay extra for postage to mail one of my cards, but I don't want to change how I make them either.

Any suggestions?

thanks. (sorry to hi-jack this)

[Luanne Ford]

I sell most of mine too. I just tell them they are 64 cents to mail ahead of time, and I give them a piece of the bubble wrap to help. It has to do with the thinkness, as well as weight. The post office has a slot they put it through that is a firm 1/4" thick. I figure if they are purchasing a special card, it's worth the extra 20 cents of postage.

[joniworx]

In the US, you can always write: hand cancel please on the front and back of the envelope. This means that cards with embellishments aren't put through the machines

Joni

[stampin granny60]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapjanny

If I mail a bulky card, I usually apply extra postage and write "Hand Cancel" on it, so that it doesn't go through the machines.

This is what I do also, but I take the card to be mailed to the post office and have them stamp...non-machineable on it.

[Phillis]

Since some of my cards have lots of 3D embellishments I don't want to risk the fact that it will be smooshed by the time it reaches its destination. Does anyone know of a company that makes sturdy boxes with the exact measurements for french fold and 5x7 cards??

[Paula Simas]

Being an ex-USPS employee I agree with a lot of comments. Mail does go through machinery, and will get damaged. Best ideas are to:
1) make sure it's protected.
2) weight & size for postage (see the mail clerk at window)
3) write "HAND CANCEL" or "non-machineable" on both sides of envelope.

[jeanne3579]

Usually for brads, bows or other small lumpy stuff, I add a piece of chip board or heavy cardstock. If it is not too thick, I can get by with regular postage. Otherwise, I just pay the extra (anytime it is too heavy, too thick, too stiff or too soft (ie bubble wrap) or square, it will cost more. That does not stop me from putting the embellishments on the card I think it deserves as I make them as mini works of art and what artist would leave off some portion of their art work because it was too bulky? I mail nearly all my cards and don't hesitate to design embellished ones for that reason. My family that all lives far away deserve my best and really what's a dollar or two? USPS is still the cheapest way to go and very seldom have any been ruined in the mail. I have discovered post offices vary from location to location as a friend of mine sends me bulky stuff and often gets by without the extra postage, or I have to pay. Whenever I send a card deemed in need of extra postage, I get it back days/weeks later requesting the extra amount. If in doubt, walk it to the counter and let them tell you right off what it will be. The notation to "hand cancel" is a very good idea for fragile pieces.

[PeaceOfPaper]

If they are not too bulky where they need a special envelope I add a piece of foam on top of the card that is meant to be placed between plates when packing that has been cut down to the size of the envelope ( I bought a box of these at Staples). It is not so thick as to add extra postage but provides that extra barrier if you there are brads, eyelets or some type of rhinestone on the card that might tear the envelope.

[HevnLee2]

I absolutely love my Ultimate Crafter's Companion. I use it to make Enveloboxes for my cards that have embellishments. You can make all sizes of envelopes and enveloboxes--which are basically envelopes that have 1/4" depth to them, which is perfect for the post office 1/4" slot. And I believe the cost is 64cents as listed above. You don't have to buy The Ultimate...you can purchase just the Enveloper for about $15-$20. As an avid card maker with loads of Cardstock/paper I'll never use all up...it's perfect to use up m paper and make my own envelopes. And JoAnn's has their Crafter's Companion products on sale right now. Here's the link.

The Enveloper : shape cutters & tracing tools : scrapbooking tools : scrapbooking : Shop | Joann.com

Check it out on the official website too which also shows a video to give you the idea: The Enveloper

Just another idea! =)

[vanoro11]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luanne Ford

I sell most of mine too. I just tell them they are 64 cents to mail ahead of time, and I give them a piece of the bubble wrap to help. It has to do with the thinkness, as well as weight. The post office has a slot they put it through that is a firm 1/4" thick. I figure if they are purchasing a special card, it's worth the extra 20 cents of postage.

I am always amazed at the "wealth of information" found here. Thank you all for your input. I'm preparing for upcoming crafts shows and I struggle w/the layering & embellishing concept. I suppose I should insert information regarding the extra postage on those that are "thicker" just to be on the safe side.

[Scrapjanny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HevnLee2

I absolutely love my Ultimate Crafter's Companion. I use it to make Enveloboxes for my cards that have embellishments. You can make all sizes of envelopes and enveloboxes--which are basically envelopes that have 1/4" depth to them, which is perfect for the post office 1/4" slot. And I believe the cost is 64cents as listed above. You don't have to buy The Ultimate...you can purchase just the Enveloper for about $15-$20. As an avid card maker with loads of Cardstock/paper I'll never use all up...it's perfect to use up m paper and make my own envelopes. And JoAnn's has their Crafter's Companion products on sale right now. Here's the link.

The Enveloper*: shape cutters & tracing tools*: scrapbooking tools*: scrapbooking*: Shop | Joann.com

Check it out on the official website too which also shows a video to give you the idea: The Enveloper

Just another idea! =)

Yes, I do that too. Isn't it great? Thanks for the reminder.

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanoro11

I am always amazed at the "wealth of information" found here. Thank you all for your input. I'm preparing for upcoming crafts shows and I struggle w/the layering & embellishing concept. I suppose I should insert information regarding the extra postage on those that are "thicker" just to be on the safe side.

I do like they do on store bought cards that are oversized. I simply write "extra postage required" or if you know what it will be, put the amount, right where the stamp goes on the envelope. That way you don't need to mess with an extra instruction sheet.

[DonnaJB]

I live in a small town and the clerks at the local USPS check all the non-commercial type envelopes. They have told me they have to see if they can find any "bumps" like a brad, sequin or even a small bow, even if they are not heavy and they go through the slot. When they find a "bump" on my cards, which they usually do because that's what cardmaking is all about, they place the 64 cents worth of stamps on envelope and do not hand cancel it, but toss it in with the other mail. They've told me it's because my card will break the sorting machines and that if I don't pay for the extra postage the recipient will, or I will get it back. Before this new rule, I'd never gotten a card back and my recipients have not paid postage, I've asked.

Sometimes I've had the exact same cards checked at other USPS offices when I travel to the big city and they are just fine with no additional postage. I mail my holiday cards from the big city.

Oh well, I just keep doing what I'm doing because it beats driving 5 hours to see them all and I love making and sending my cards.

[KatarinaM]

Ditto on the Enveloper to make enveloboxes. LOVE that thing! It's great for making odd sized envies, too. If you make the envelobox out of sturdy cardboard, you can just mail the card right in there. I save all my cardboard from the SU DSP to use for that. Works beautifully.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HevnLee2

I absolutely love my Ultimate Crafter's Companion. I use it to make Enveloboxes for my cards that have embellishments. You can make all sizes of envelopes and enveloboxes--which are basically envelopes that have 1/4" depth to them, which is perfect for the post office 1/4" slot. And I believe the cost is 64cents as listed above. You don't have to buy The Ultimate...you can purchase just the Enveloper for about $15-$20. As an avid card maker with loads of Cardstock/paper I'll never use all up...it's perfect to use up m paper and make my own envelopes. And JoAnn's has their Crafter's Companion products on sale right now. Here's the link.

The Enveloper*: shape cutters & tracing tools*: scrapbooking tools*: scrapbooking*: Shop | Joann.com

Check it out on the official website too which also shows a video to give you the idea: The Enveloper

Just another idea! =)

[LMstamps]

I put the card in a regular envelope facing the back of the envelope and then cover the back of the envelope with clear packaging tape. I add a 17 cents stamp in addition to the regular stamp. The tape keeps the embellies from popping through, and the Post Office automatically Hand Stamps it because of the tape. HTH! :-) LM

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonnaJB

I live in a small town and the clerks at the local USPS check all the non-commercial type envelopes. They have told me they have to see if they can find any "bumps" like a brad, sequin or even a small bow, even if they are not heavy and they go through the slot. When they find a "bump" on my cards, which they usually do because that's what cardmaking is all about, they place the 64 cents worth of stamps on envelope and do not hand cancel it, but toss it in with the other mail. They've told me it's because my card will break the sorting machines and that if I don't pay for the extra postage the recipient will, or I will get it back. Before this new rule, I'd never gotten a card back and my recipients have not paid postage, I've asked.

Sometimes I've had the exact same cards checked at other USPS offices when I travel to the big city and they are just fine with no additional postage. I mail my holiday cards from the big city.

Oh well, I just keep doing what I'm doing because it beats driving 5 hours to see them all and I love making and sending my cards.

This has been my experience as well. I live in a small town where I have to go to the PO for my mail--no mail delivery to the house. They are very picky and seem to find every brad or bow and charge me the extra $.20. Taking them to a "package delivery place" seems to result is more getting by which is what I did last year for Christmas cards.

[DonnaJB]

That's a good idea too. I'll check with one in our area. Thanks