Creating Notepaper & Postcards

I’ve had great fun creating notepaper and postcards over the years. My techniques have changed with the advent of the computer, but it’s still enjoyable to use my own designs for these items.

You can make notepaper and postcards for your own use and/or to sell.  I’ve done both.  They also can be used as a way to promote your work.  (I’ll discuss this further in another post.)

Image: sxc.hu

When I began making notepaper, I had to draw designs (often floral ones) on each card individually, unless I wanted the expense of taking them to a printer.  Since I didn’t go into the production of my cards in a big way, I was able to do them individually.

Nowadays, I  make one design, scan it into the computer, and run off the number of copies I want on notepaper stock or card stock.  Of course, if I wanted them for sale, I’d look into having them produced by a print shop.  (More time effective and probably cost effective.)

I’ve never submitted my card designs to a card manufacturer, so don’t have information about this.  I’ve only sold by mail order and in gift and craft shops.  With web sites and places like Etsy, you can do sales on the Internet, too.

You also can utilize places like Café Press for printing cards on demand and paying only for those you order.  This enables you to send individuals to Café Press to order their own.  You don’t have to worry about shipping; then, as arranged, Cafe Press and similar businesses send you your money.

What has been your experience with greeting cards, notepaper and postcards?