INSIDE THE CARD

[stormlady66]

Coming up with a design for the front of the card seems so easy compared to what to put inside the card. I wish some of the companies and bloggers would show what they put inside the card when they show their cards. Perhaps some suggestions to them to do this would help???? Or any ideas from you to help me?

[liptontee]

I guess it really depends on what the card is for. I watch starofmay on youtube and she shows what she puts inside her cards. Hope this helps- it's really all I could think of right now lol.

[PedalPower]

I leave most of mine blank for my customers to write a personal message. The only exception is birthdays and graduations. I have a couple of decent sentiments for the insides that I like to use.

[minstrel]

I have a few sentiments I stamp inside, but more often, I print out my sentiments on regular copy paper, trim it a little smaller than my card and attach it with a line of adhesive just to the right of my fold. Then I put a small bit of adhesive on the opposite side just about an inch or so so it automatically opens when the card is opened. I'm not big on decorating the inside. One other thing I do is use the embossing border strips to emboss the edge of the envelope flap or occasionally print a small stamp on the center of the flap that goes with my card.

[pjw2855]

I beleive the original poster is referring to cards she creates to give to someone else, not one she is selling. Many of us give our cards, not sell them. If I'm wrong in my assumption, I apologize.

I feel you need to put some kind of small image toward the bottom corner on the inside of the card that relates to the front of the card. Yes, the sentiment is a separate element.

Perhaps putting a smaller flower of the same kind as what is on the front, a sprig of greenery stamped on the inside, just something small that relates to the front of the card and theme.

The front corner of the envelope should also have something small to tie things all together.

Patti

[scrapbook4ever]

I used to keep them blank, then turned to adding a sentiment, and now I'm hearing they want it blank. Go figure.

[SweetMissDaisy]

I credit Denise Marzec (Peanutbee) for starting the trend of decorating the inside of cards as beautifully as the front. She makes amazing projects, and often shares what she puts on the inside.
You will find her blog here: The Paper Landscaper
and her SCS gallery: peanutbee's Gallery at Splitcoaststampers

Also, AmyR always seems to share what she puts on the inside, too.
You will find her blog here: Prairie Paper & Ink
and her SCS gallery: AmyR's Gallery at Splitcoaststampers

[suenan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormlady66

Coming up with a design for the front of the card seems so easy compared to what to put inside the card. I wish some of the companies and bloggers would show what they put inside the card when they show their cards. Perhaps some suggestions to them to do this would help???? Or any ideas from you to help me?

If you are referring to a verse or something, I struggle with the same thing, and wondered what others do. For instance, what do you put on the inside of a birthday card? I'm new at this, but so far I've done a few cards for friends, and I printed a short verse from my printer, then designed the outside.

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by suenan

If you are referring to a verse or something, I struggle with the same thing, and wondered what others do. For instance, what do you put on the inside of a birthday card? I'm new at this, but so far I've done a few cards for friends, and I printed a short verse from my printer, then designed the outside.

I make lots of birthday cards for friends and family. Sometimes I print a verse on my computer for the inside, like you said.

I have gotten several sentiment sets from Paper Trey that are great to use for birthdays. Here is one I use a lot:

Papertrey Ink - Birthday Basics Stamp Set

And this is another good one from Paper Trey:

Papertrey Ink - Birthday Bash Sentiments Stamp Set

[buggainok]

Here is an amazing resource for sentiments to type on your computer and use inside your cards. It's in the Downloads section, and is updated frequently:

The first post has a link to open a document with all the sentiments:

Sentiments for inside the cards...let's start a list by dazzling20 at Splitcoaststampers

[AmyR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetMissDaisy

I credit Denise Marzec (Peanutbee) for starting the trend of decorating the inside of cards as beautifully as the front. She makes amazing projects, and often shares what she puts on the inside.
You will find her blog here: The Paper Landscaper
and her SCS gallery: Splitcoaststampers Member Galleries - peanutbee - Handmade Cards & Crafts

Also, AmyR always seems to share what she puts on the inside, too.
You will find her blog here: Prairie Paper & Ink
and her SCS gallery: Splitcoaststampers Member Galleries - AmyR - Handmade Cards & Crafts

Thanks Anna!!

I didn't always decorate the inside of my cards. I used to always leave them blank.

But for the last couple of years I've been decorating the inside too and I prefer it that way - when I find one of my older cards and open them up they look "naked" without anything in them lol.

My mom got the idea going in my head to decorate the insides - when I gave her a card that I had decorated the inside of she commented on how much nicer it was to open it up and it wasn't just plain with what I had written.

It's become second-nature for me now - I don't feel like a card is finished 'till I've decorated the inside too!!

[CraftyMel2]

[QUOTE=minstrel;18794458 I print out my sentiments on regular copy paper, trim it a little smaller than my card and attach it with a line of adhesive just to the right of my fold. .[/QUOTE]

Thanks for that tip! I just tried it on a card that I was working on and, what a difference it made! Just made it look more, I don't know, polished I think I am going to do that with all of my cards now!

[Allistamps123]

I love to stamp an image inside also. I've also gotten into the habit of using my SU top note die and a lighter color cardstock as an easy layer on the inside of darker cardstock.

I have lots of sentiments and always use one (or two).

[shazsilverwolf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by minstrel

I have a few sentiments I stamp inside, but more often, I print out my sentiments on regular copy paper, trim it a little smaller than my card and attach it with a line of adhesive just to the right of my fold. Then I put a small bit of adhesive on the opposite side just about an inch or so so it automatically opens when the card is opened. I'm not big on decorating the inside. One other thing I do is use the embossing border strips to emboss the edge of the envelope flap or occasionally print a small stamp on the center of the flap that goes with my card.

I always do this with mine, if you put the adhesive line to the left of the fold, rather than the right, you will find it opens automatically anyway. If you check out store bought cards, you will find this is how they do it. Also, you will find the back of the card is a few millimetres smaller than the front, again, it makes it easier to open. Also, adding an insert means you can use any colour of base card- dark blues, even black.
Here are a few good verse/quote sites:
Quote Garden
Special Occasions (3 pages)
Poems for free

[SweetMissDaisy]

Heheheee... I am so confused by your description of putting adhesive to the left and/or right of the fold. For some reason, I can't envision what you're doing. HA! Of course, I spent the morning mopping, so maybe the fumes got-to-me brain!

Or, I must need coffee this morning!

[Donnaml]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetMissDaisy

Heheheee... I am so confused by your description of putting adhesive to the left and/or right of the fold. For some reason, I can't envision what you're doing. HA! Of course, I spent the morning mopping, so maybe the fumes got-to-me brain!

Or, I must need coffee this morning!

Don't feel bad, I don't know either, but I'm new at card making. could someone please post a sample of one of your cards so we can see what you are talking about. And as an added bonus we would get to see your beautiful card.

[buggainok]

I don't use inserts, but here is what it sounds like to me:

Make a separate "card" out of copy paper, just a tad smaller than your card is, i.e. for a card that's 4-1/4" x 5-1/2", make your folded copy paper insert 4" x 5-1/4".

This would be a piece of copy paper cut 8" x 10-1/2", folded in the middle.
Run a line of adhesive next to the fold inside your card. Either to the left of your fold, as Shazsilverwolf says, or to the right of the fold like minstrel says.

Put the insert inside the card - the adhesive holds it in place.

Clear as mud?

[Donnaml]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

I don't use inserts, but here is what it sounds like to me:

Make a separate "card" out of copy paper, just a tad smaller than your card is, i.e. for a card that's 4-1/4" x 5-1/2", make your folded copy paper insert 4" x 5-1/4".

This would be a piece of copy paper cut 8" x 10-1/2", folded in the middle.
Run a line of adhesive next to the fold inside your card. Either to the left of your fold, as Shazsilverwolf says, or to the right of the fold like minstrel says.

Put the insert inside the card - the adhesive holds it in place.

Clear as mud?

Yes, thank you that does clear it up.

[SweetMissDaisy]

oooooooh, now I understand! I wasn't thinking it was also a folded layer -- I envisioned it as just a piece adhered to only the right inside of the card, and couldn't imagine how adhesive on the left side of the card would automatically open it! Haha!! Thank you for clearing this up!!

[Cathy H]

I have tons of little punches that I use in the card. So if it is a Halloween card, inside I use a pumpkin, witch hat, or spider punch. I generally use colored bases for the cards - so the sentiment is on white with a punch on the lower left corner-- the punch I use depends on the color of the base card. (Orange - pumpkin, black witch hat or cat or spider)

[Donnaml]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cathy H

I have tons of little punches that I use in the card. So if it is a Halloween card, inside I use a pumpkin, witch hat, or spider punch. I generally use colored bases for the cards - so the sentiment is on white with a punch on the lower left corner-- the punch I use depends on the color of the base card. (Orange - pumpkin, black witch hat or cat or spider)

Would love to see one of these cards.

[shazsilverwolf]

Thanks, Buggainok, I made the classic trainers error there! Your description is exactly right, I use a folded piece of paper, usually white copy, cut to size to add to the inside. Like I said, it does mean you can use dark cardstock, and still be able to write inside it, and you can add a typed verse, especially useful if you are selling cards.

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shazsilverwolf

Thanks, Buggainok, I made the classic trainers error there! Your description is exactly right, I use a folded piece of paper, usually white copy, cut to size to add to the inside. Like I said, it does mean you can use dark cardstock, and still be able to write inside it, and you can add a typed verse, especially useful if you are selling cards.

You're welcome, Shazsilverwolf. I think it's very hard to describe how to do something without pictures, or using your hands, lol. I remember an assignment in English class one time. We were to write an essay describing how to tie your shoelaces in a bow. I don't think anyone passed the assignment, including me.

[shazsilverwolf]

You are so right- I sometimes train people at work, and it is really difficult to do properly, mainly because you are so familiar with your job that you do a great many things automatically without thinking about it. You'd be surprised how many component parts even the simplest job breaks down into, if you are trying to show someone who has never done it before.

[Cathy H]

This is why it is so hard to get instructions on tying a decent bow - something I still can't do in spite of looking at tons of youtubes and tutorials!!!

Donna, if I can ever find my camera I will post something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tiggerificandi]

Sometimes I stamp a sentiment inside. Maybe a coordinating stamp, but usually I leave them blank so I can write a nice note/letter to the person I am making the card for. I don't think people "write" enough today. They get email, facebook messages, but how often does someone get a letter or meaningful hand written sentiment?

[buggainok]

I nearly always put some kind of sentiment inside, even if it's just something simple like thinking of you, or have a wonderful day, for my non-occasion cards. Then I can also write a short little note, too, if I want to.

[lesliespringer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetMissDaisy

I credit Denise Marzec (Peanutbee) for starting the trend of decorating the inside of cards as beautifully as the front. She makes amazing projects, and often shares what she puts on the inside.
You will find her blog here: The Paper Landscaper
and her SCS gallery: Splitcoaststampers Member Galleries - peanutbee - Handmade Cards & Crafts

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetMissDaisy

Also, AmyR always seems to share what she puts on the inside, too.
You will find her blog here: Prairie Paper & Ink
and her SCS gallery: Splitcoaststampers Member Galleries - AmyR - Handmade Cards & Crafts

Yep, Denise is the one that started me decorating the insides of my cards too.

[Mrs.Q]

Eva Dobilas does a beautiful job of decorating inside her cards. The outsides are gorgeous, too!

[Debbie Do]

Good question. I too have wondered what others do on the insides of their cards....

I don't really have a set method. Lately I tend to stamp a simple greeting or write a personal message. If the card stock is a light color, I'll stamp directly onto it. Otherwise, I'll adhere printer paper with a stamped (or typed) greeting/message. I like the look of vellum inserts but don't like that you can see the adhesive through it.

I tend to use the computer to do my "writing" because my penmanship is not the greatest, but I agree with the poster who said we don't do enough actual writing today. I've recently found that if I put my card base on the light table with lined paper behind it, I can see the lines well enough to at least keep my less-than-perfect handwriting straight.

On cards I recently made for my grandchildren, I printed a computerized sentiment that matched the card itself. For example, on this card I printed a message that matched the 3-D sticker of Buzz running: "Star Command has sent Buzz Lightyear on a special mission to wish Space Ranger Logan a happy 2nd birthday." On a cupcake card I made for my granddaughter, which I've not yet uploaded, I wrote: "Roses are red, violets are blue, cupcakes are sweet, and so are you." You get the idea....

I like the ideas of lining the entire card with paper for a more polished look and using coordinating punches. I sometimes cut a small strip of whatever DP/card stock I've used on the front and adhere it to the inside bottom (or right, depending on the card orientation). I saw that somewhere on SCS and liked the look.

My sister and I have discussed making our cards so that they can easily be "paid forward," so to speak. (I know this will give some folks heartburn, but I'd rather think that my card got passed around a few times before it ended up on the trash heap.) She does this by making a pocket on the inside in which she inserts her greeting or personal note.

[Cathy H]

I think your sister may be on to something. . .

[jpmayo]

I leave the inside blank and write what I need to say.

[candylou]

I always line the insides of mine with cream or white cardstock because I love to use colored bases. I usually leave that white. Sometimes I add a strip of coordinating patterned paper across the bottom. Sometimes I stamp a sentiment. I guess it all just depends on who it's for and what kind of card it is.

[Mindykid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debbie Do

My sister and I have discussed making our cards so that they can easily be "paid forward," so to speak. (I know this will give some folks heartburn, but I'd rather think that my card got passed around a few times before it ended up on the trash heap.) She does this by making a pocket on the inside in which she inserts her greeting or personal note.

Ohhh...now there's an idea for cards that you sell. You could prepare 2 or 3 different inserts for the pocket and let the customer pick the one that meets their need.

[DianeinSparks]

I either use a stamped sentiment or one that's computer generated. I also add a small coordinating stamped image or a sticker - great way to use up my very large sticker collection left over from years of scrap booking. My young nieces and nephew love when they see the stickers inside their cards!

[Donnaml]

Debbie Do, What a great idea. But, it gave me the chills when you said "before it ends up on a trash heap". Who would throw away a handmade card?

[Debbie Do]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donnaml

But, it gave me the chills when you said "before it ends up on a trash heap". Who would throw away a handmade card?

Sadly, Donna, I've always thought that anyone who doesn't know first-hand how much time, thought, and care (not to mention money, lol) goes into making cards may be inclined to pitch rather than keep them. But I could be wrong... The thought of this almost made me give up card making altogether. I finally came to the conclusion that if I enjoy making them and the recipients enjoy getting them, it doesn't matter what happens to them after that. But I still like the "paying it forward" idea.

I'll pass on to my sis that y'all like her pocket idea.

[lmcgraw01]

Can anyone describe the "pocket" that you could put an insert in so the card could be reused/passed forward? I love this idea, but having trouble seeing it.
Leah

[Bahb]

I didn’t sign this card
before I sent it off to you….
Instead it holds my warmest
thoughts, invisible, but true.
And if you find a time you need
To brighten someone’s day….
Then take this card and sign it
And send it on its way!


My favorite SU Demo ,LeAnne Pugliese, sent me the above with one of her gorgeous cards thanking me for the order I placed. So I printed it on vellum to enclose in cards I send to others. If I want to say anything personal, I write it on this little insert rather than on the card liner.

I bought a ream of neutral (actually called "sand") text weight stock I use for liners in every card I make, no matter the color of the base card. I make it slightly smaller than the base card and put double-sided adhesive on the way others have described it, near the fold. This is because if you put adhesive on the sides and bottom, the card gets skewed by the pulling of the liner. Do it wrong just once and you'll understand .

I always stamp a sentiment on the inside liner, most of the time no sentiment on the outsideof the base card. For instance, one year the inside of every birthday card said "Hope you have a fabulous birthday." I marked the year on that stamp and probably won't use it again for alot of years.

Gina K. Designs sells a wonderful stamp set I use for sending to friends and family my age.....VERY old!. But the internet is jammed with wonderful sentiments for every occasion, which is why I prefer to buy single stamps rather than sets. For instance, "You're not old. You
re just chronologically blessed." or "You're not old. You've just been young a very long time."

I see lots of sentiments that are fun but if I can't think of at least 5 people I would use that sentiment for, I don't buy that stamp.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have a lending library of stamps? Too bad postage these days makes that financially impossible.

Cheers,
Bahb

[FubsyRuth]

I always add something inside my cards and to the envelope nowadays. I started it a while back just for special cards. Then I started doing it on nearly every card I made and now a card just feels unfinished to me if I don't do it! Also friends commented on how lovely it was to have a decorated inside and envelope. I figure I've got the supplies out anyway, it doesn't take that much extra time and it will make the recipient feel special. So for me, it's definitely worth doing.

I use sentiments, stamped images, punched shapes, strips of embossed CS or patterned paper. I used to put in paper inserts but I much prefer the look of a CS panel glued inside. Of course, that means I go through white and vanilla CS like no tomorrow now but once I started doing that I loved it and now rarely use paper inserts!

This year I bought a few clear sentiment stamp sets that I use for both the front and inside of cards. Hero Arts is a particular fave and I bought a lovely Stampendous clear Christmas set. Here are some links:

Hero Arts Sending Smiles Messages clear stamp set

Hero Arts Yummy Treats clear stamp set

Hero Arts Very Merry Christmas clear stamp set

Stampendous Christmas Wishes clear stamp set

I always add photos of the card insides and envelopes to my blog posts. Here's a link to my blog if you'd like to take a look:
FlowerSparkle

I think if you're not doing it already, and you try it, you'll discover you love it! Then it will just become part of the process of making a card for you. Go on, try it, decorate an inside and an envelope!