February 23, 2009

Airbrushed Sympathy Cards

Edit #3: A little more on the cards...as far as what you should charge for your cards is totally a decision that you need to carefully evaluate for yourself. I could show you various cards and what I charge, but that is only my take on it. Ask yourself some questions when trying to decide on prices: What would you pay? What type of area do you live in as far as a good customer base? Am I selling to make a big profit or just to make a few crafting bucks? Is the quality of my cards excellent? I'm sorry that I can't tell you exactly what to charge for your cards...it's totally up to you. Good luck!

I'm sorry if you're having problems subscribing to my blog. I do not have any technical answers for you.

And lastly, the color copic chart that I created for my personal use is long gone...it was deleted when I switched over to a new word program. It was easy to create though, just make a table with gridlines and add in your information. You can also go to the Copic website at the link on the left and print one out from the company website. Hope that helps.

Edit #2: When pricing my cards, it all depends on the details/embellishments and amount of time I spend making my cards. And who I sell too..family always gets a discount. My prices range from $2.50-$5.00 or more.

Edit: Forgot to add...the card design was inspired by good friend Val Stangle.

If you ever want to market your cards, hang out with teachers. They use up a lot of cards but many just don't want to take the time to hang out at the card shop, plus they love the handmade look. I have a list a mile long of card requests...I could be in my stamp room for days. Sympathy cards are always a big request. Unfortunately it's not our favorite type of cards to send out, but they certainly are some of the most meaningful.
For my cards, I used Papertrey's With Sympathy set. I love the swirled vine image and there lots of little flowers to add in different colors. The sentiments are so thoughtful also. I know this will become a classic set that I'll reach for over and over again. After stamping my swirly vine in Aqua Mist and flowers in Spring Moss, I airbrushed over the images with a Copic Sketch marker and the Copic Airbrush System. The light airbrushing lends a softness to the stamped image. The sentiments and butterflies were stamped in Dark Chocolate. Clear sequin stickers were added amongst the flowers.
I adhered the stamped image layers t0 Ocean Tides card bases, with some Everyday Blessings patterned paper mixed in. Dark Chocolate ribbon tops the entire card front, adhered with Scor-Tape.
Here's a little tip to thread the Vintage Buttons quickly: String thin twine or string through several buttons at a time. Leave an inch or more of twine in between the ribbons. Cut apart with scissors and adhere to card fronts with sticky dots. No need to tie the twine, the sticky dots hold the twine in place once adhered to the card surface. Zoom in on the card photo to see the adhered buttons.
Soooo, have you gotten your new Papertrey order yet? I hear they are trickling in to customers. I hope you have a great time with your new sets. Ink they up, they need some lovin'!

23 comments:

Sandy said...

These sympathy cards are gorgeous, Mish!! And thanks for the fabulous button tip.

Anonymous said...

So smart with the buttons! The sympathy cards are perfect, I just made one today in almost the same colors!

Anonymous said...

These sympathy cards are exquisite...they are always the most emotional to make. I just got my package today, can't wait to open it and play. Have a great night!

Denise said...

Very elegant Sympathy cards. Love the button idea.

Michelle said...

You know...this is one kind of card I have yet to make and it's going to creep up where I will need one and I'll be in a jam. I need to do some sympathy cards - reality, I guess. Thanks for the stringing of the button tip too - I think buttons are the embellies I reach for the most. These are great, Michelle - and I love the torn paper treatment too.

Beth said...

Great tip Girlie - mwah!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards. I am going to order this stamp set the next time I place an order. I also like the color combination and the tip about with the buttons. I enjoy visiting your blog and always pick up a new tip. TFS!!

Erin McKinney said...

great idea bout stringing the buttons! Thanks!

Pat said...

Hi Michelle...thanks for all your inspiration. I was wondering how much you normally charge for your cards?

Anonymous said...

I really like your sympathy cards, they are beautiful, and I am still waiting for my order to get here
(central Cali). My order is estimated to get her Thur. can't wait.

kim3timemom said...

Great sympathy cards. Thanks so much for the button tip that is a great one!

Elizabeth S. said...

Beautiful synpathy cards. Thanks for the tip on the buttons. I just barely received my PTI order and can't wait to dive in and see what I come up with.

Rachelle said...

I too would love to now how much you charge for cards. Wish I could get enough orders to be holed in my scraproom for days. hehe!
I was also wondering where you get your twine? I picked some up recently only to find it is too thick.

DeeDee said...

These are very elegant and most proper for a sympathy card! You did good girlie! HUGS!

Michelle said...

Holy hat - $2.50-$5!
You have totally got my attention now. So now your next mission should you choose to accept it is show your fans what a $2.50 card looks like and what a $5! card looks like :)

Anonymous said...

When you sell your cards, do you let your customers know that the ones with chunky stuff, like the button on the sympathy card, can't be mailed, except in a padded envelope? I've often wondered about this issue when selling cards....

Jutta

Busym1 said...

Very nice card. That is one type of card I have never made yet. I can never think of anything to make them appropriately. Thanks for your idea...

Amber said...

Michelle I have a question, how do you take such good pictures inside and avoid the pictures glaring and shining? Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Love your blog, check it several times a day looking for a post! I'm just getting into using Copics..an order is arriving today! I like your charts you made on the computer for writing down the marker number and a stipe of color from the marker beside it. Would you consider emailing me your blank chart you said you made on computer. Of all the charts I've looked at yours is the one I would like to use but I'm not good at making stuff like that on the computer. My email is topgun57@bellsouth.net

dreamit said...

Those are beautiful!

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

beautiful cards and cool tip on the buttons!

Angy said...

I really love your work. I have tried subscribing to your blog but am unable to get to the link. It says subscribe put I can't click on it. Can you tell me what I may be doing wrong?

I also want to thank you and all others involved in PTI for the great work and inspiration you provide.

Juanita B said...

Beautiful and perfect! TFS.

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