I’ve always loved making my own Christmas cards. I don’t make them every year, although I always plan to. Last year, I decided that I was way too stressed. When making my De-Stress List, I decided that they were one of the things I needed to pass on so I could free up some time. So this year I planned to start early and get these completed before I start on the gifts. Since it’s not all about me anymore, I asked hubby if he had any pictures he’d like on our Christmas card this year. We ended up with two of his and one of mine, all shots from the cold, icy, and snowy 2008 winter.
I used Photoshop years ago when I owned my own writing/graphic design business but never really had a handle on the program. I could muddle my way through, fixing client’s logos and even creating some, but never used it like I believe it wanted to be used. I’ve upgraded my Mac a couple times since closing that biz, and discovered that Photoshop Elements would probably do as much as I needed to do, so I purchased PSE6. After hardly touching it, I upgraded to PSE8 and purchased Learn Digital Scrapbooking. I can’t say I’ve gone through all of the lessons yet, but it has really encouraged me to use this program.
My cards this year were designed in PE8, although I still use my trusty Quark Xpress for the card layout. In the past, I’ve just used Quark, so I’m at least weaning myself a tad from that great program. After printing out several of the fronts, cutting them out and fighting with the glue runners, I decided to give up hybrid and go totally digital. The card in the front on blue cardstock is one of the few hybrids we’ll be sending this year. I love the hybrid cards, but they just take so much time and I really hate the glues. Any recommendations out there? Mine always break and I never get to use the whole product.
So due to changing to digital, I’m on the home stretch with finishing my Christmas cards this year, and it’s only December 3rd! I’m not giving up on hybrid, but will save that for the individual projects I have planned. What about you? Digital or Hybrid or neither?
The cards are beautiful! I personally don’t do digital (too technically illiterate), but I often order photo Christmas cards from my favorite photo processor, and that is essentially a digitally finished product. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it!
My cards this year happen to be hand-made, but very simple. I made them during the summer and fall during two crafting get-togethers, so they were fun and relaxing.
My suggestion for tape/glue is the ATG gun. It is fabulous!
Rinda
Rinda,
Thanks. I’ve heard about the ATG 714, but wasn’t ready to make the plunge. However, thanks to you I’ve just ordered mine!
I like handmade cards also. Great idea for a summer and fall activity! Thanks for stopping by.
Great cards, Lynda! Love both the hybrid and the digi – I’ve gone digital for most of my scrapbooking these days, but still make my cards out of paper (with an occasional digital element thrown in!). I have to recommend an ATG for gluing, too! It’s my ‘go to’ adhesive for cards and ATCs, etc.
Wow, those are gorgeous! I have never done digi or hybrid, this year have hardly even done any traditional!
Ron and Tracy,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I’m excited about trying the ATG gun. Sounds just like what I need!
Thanks again.
I’ve made some cards in the past using different Card Making programs, printed, colored and taped to cardstock. I find double back tape to be sufficient. I do want to get an ATG as I go through a lot of tape, but I will continue to make my cards to mail. I do like your cards.
TFS
Merry Christmas
Diana
These are very good looking cards. I’ve made several cards in the past with some greeting card software, printed out digi images, colored, cut and I use a double back tape for adhering. I’m wanting to get an ATG as I do use quite a bit of tape and it would be more economical. I’ve use glue sticks, but they aren’t as good as the tapes. Good luck with your decision.
TFS
Diana
Diane,
Thanks for dropping by. I checked out your blog and your cards are beautiful!
I went ahead and ordered that ATG gun since I’ve been thinking about it for quite awhile and been spending a ton on glue runners that don’t work. I ordered it yesterday and the notification said I’ll get it today! Fast service.
Again, thanks for dropping by.
Digital makes life so easy and there are a lot of fabulous options available – even for the novices … like me! I’m not sure I can be a lot of help in regards to the glue – I use double sided tape which I buy in bulk.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! In response to your comment, I am definitely going to try subbing in some WW flour next time I make the rolls. I just felt that since I am not an experienced bread baker, it would be best to stick to the recipe in my first attempt. The second attempt though…all bets are off. Let the substitutions begin!
Making your own Christmas cards is such a great idea, especially when they come out as beautiful as yours do!