This system inspired by Cynthia Keasling and other Stampin' Up! Demonstrators. Compiled by Diane Sellers, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
If you are like me, you have all this great Stamping stuff to make cards to share with friends and family, but don't always get the card made, let alone sent out on time! Well here is the ultimate system to get you organized and ready to WOW all your loved ones with your talent and thoughtfulness.
Start with a perpetual calendar to record all your friends and family's birth dates and anniversaries. Stampin' Up! sells a perpetual calendar you can stamp and use for this, it's called the Birthday Calendar. I haven't looked, but I'm sure there are patterns available to make your own. You can just use a pocket calendar and ignore the year. Just as long as you have a record of important dates.
Next break the year down into quarters and stamp during the preceding month for that quarter's cards. Also think ahead to those smaller holidays that fall with in that quarter and stamp those cards too. For example stamp Valentine cards in January and Mother's Day cards in April. Hey, start your Christmas cards in October!! Think how organized you are going to be.
Stamp in January for February, March and April
Stamp in April for May, June and July
Stamp in July for August, September, and October
Stamp in October for November, December and January
Third, divide the people you are sending cards to into groups:
Men; Teen Boys; Boys;
Women; Teen Girls; Girls;
Anniversary; New Baby; All Occasion, etc.
Then count the number of people in each group so you can make the right number of cards.
You can make the same card for each group of people. Decide on your design then copy the rest assembly line style. All the men that quarter get the same card, all the teen girls and so on. Make a different, individualized card for each person, or just for certain people in each group, like for your mother or a 50th Anniversary for example. There are no set rules to the design of your cards. This is a great time to play with that new set or technique and get your cards made at the same time. As time allows make a few extra cards, and make them All Occasion by leaving off the greeting.
Also make some Sympathy, New Baby, Get Well, and Thank You cards to have on hand.
Lastly, stamp coordinating envelopes to go with each card. Don't forget the envelope templates for that ultimate unique card.
Address each envelope at this time with the recipient's address. Write their applicable date in the upper right hand corner of the envelope. Enclose the proper postage in the envelope at this time if you want. Store the completed cards as desired and check weekly. Allowing for mailing time, mail each card to arrive before the due date you have written in the corner! Don't forget to put on the postage before mailing.
Feel the satisfaction of touching the lives of your loved ones in such a personal and unique manner.
