Quick Cards: They Don’t All Have to be Masterpieces

Hey peeps!  I have a best practices kind of tip for you today. This is common sense and I’m sure many of you already do this, but I thought I would just publish this while I had it on my mind.  Today I’m sending out packages and inevitably when I am sending out packages I always long for a little card, that has a little bit of my style but not too overdone to go into the package.  So, consider this:

  1. Not everything we all make has to be a masterpiece (oh the pressure, right?!).  Quick cards still show your personal style while not breaking the time bank.
  2. After you’ve made your last masterpiece, sit down with the scraps and make enclosure cards!!  That way, you are getting a bonus of all those brain cells you invested into that other card.   If you came up with a magical color combination and just the right embellies – don’t let all that creativity go to waste!
  3. Do it before you put all your supplies away.  I know a lot of times my "gonna do" never gets done.  I save extra cut shapes and ribbons and when I’ve finished a big card it only takes a couple of minutes to throw the leftovers together for a little card.
  4. Keep it simple!!

Here are a couple of my quick cards.  . . . no definitely not my prettiest but I’m putting them into boxes and I know the person on the other end will appreciate a quick word on my quick cards.  I’m a slow stamper in real life so when I can sit down and crank out a couple of these lickety split, it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.  I actually made these about a year ago and did not write down a supply list – while I was doing these quick cards I was practicing going around all four corners with a border punch.  Well since that time we have new things on the market that automatically do that :-)  ETA:  These are all 4" x 4", a size I consider perfect!!

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Say, thanks so much for vaulting my blog up over 6 million page hits. These milestones mean so much to me…I never in a million years imagined I’d have a number of guests. I know that we’ve done some blog candy recently, but another one is on the way to thank you all who come back day after day. Deets to come!

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  • Sandra DaubMarch 10, 2010 - 9:54 am

    Even the “mini” cards showcaase your incredible talent–thanks so much for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • Susan MMarch 10, 2010 - 9:56 am

    These are beautiful Becca even if they are smaller they still convey your big heart!ReplyCancel

  • MaryMarch 10, 2010 - 9:59 am

    Wonderful cards, Becca. My workspace looks like it exploded after doing one card, so I might as well take advantage and make some mini cards before taking 2 days to put everything away!ReplyCancel

  • conniemelanconMarch 10, 2010 - 10:00 am

    All of your work is beautiful and inspirational! thanks for sharing your talent and tips with us!ReplyCancel

  • Marge R.March 10, 2010 - 10:14 am

    These are awesome & what a fabulous idea to actually use those left-over pieces. I often put them away & promptly forget about them — better to actually put them together into a card that will surely get used!
    Wanted to ask if you’ll still have time to give us the directions for the basket/box from your Valentine video. I’ve got my woven pieces done & am hoping for help in understanding just how you created the box. Thanks for all your wonderful creations & your sweet willingness to share with us less talented crafters! I come by every day, but often don’t leave a comment though I tell everyone I meet who crafts to not miss your amazing blog!!!ReplyCancel

  • Ree DonnellyMarch 10, 2010 - 10:17 am

    Somehow even your “quick cards” are masterpieces, Becca! You amaze me… <3ReplyCancel

  • Bev J.March 10, 2010 - 10:17 am

    Even your quick cards are wonderful-like them all. Love those little blue flowers. Did you punch them or are they some you bought? tfsReplyCancel

  • annekeMarch 10, 2010 - 10:19 am

    Ze zijn prachtig Becca, Heel mooie kleuren
    groet annekeReplyCancel

  • CherieMarch 10, 2010 - 10:20 am

    Becca, These are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your wonderful inspirations with us!ReplyCancel

  • ShawnaMarch 10, 2010 - 10:22 am

    Even your quick cards are fabulous! Becca, you truly are one talented woman!! Thanks for sharing with us!ReplyCancel

  • RoseMarch 10, 2010 - 10:25 am

    Becca…that millions of blog posts have nothing to do with your blog candy but with the beautiful, talented person YOU are! I love to check out your blog every morning during my coffee break – you are truly inspirational in every sense of the word! God Bless :)ReplyCancel

  • DianeMarch 10, 2010 - 10:27 am

    Becca,
    Thank you for the bit.
    As well as the continued inspiration.

    Blesssings,
    ~~Diane~~ReplyCancel

  • Elaine AllenMarch 10, 2010 - 10:33 am

    Becca –

    I’m laughing my head off! Why? Because your “simple” cards ARE masterpieces – LOL! I don’t think you could make a bad card if you tried!
    Thank you for the tip, I will have to try making a “simple” card before I put away the scraps – smart idea!

    Thanks Becca!!

    Elaine AllenReplyCancel

  • Kelly MassmanMarch 10, 2010 - 10:34 am

    Thank you for sharing your lovely cards. All of my cards are simple! That is just me–no frills kind of gal. Never wear make up or had a mani or a pedi. I spend more time on my scrapbook layouts for some reason!ReplyCancel

  • chrisdMarch 10, 2010 - 10:35 am

    What a beautiful job with these and a great idea. I have thought about this for a while myself but hadn’t started with doing so. So glad you shared!ReplyCancel

  • nancy kestinMarch 10, 2010 - 10:36 am

    Dear Becca,
    Your creations always leave me speechless. They are so incredibly beautiful! Thank you for providing us with the inspiration to make gorgeous creations from paper and embellishments. Oh to be just a bit more like you is my dream. Thanks again. You even make the “scraps” look so delicious.
    Sincerely,
    Nancy K in WIReplyCancel

  • MicheleMarch 10, 2010 - 10:36 am

    Cute, cute, cute. Great reminder to all of us!ReplyCancel

  • Patty WMarch 10, 2010 - 10:37 am

    Beautiful !ReplyCancel

  • CarolMarch 10, 2010 - 10:39 am

    Beautiful, indeed. Quick? I don’t think so. I would slave over one all day.ReplyCancel

  • Cynthia GuerreroMarch 10, 2010 - 10:41 am

    How funny you say not everything has to be a masterpiece but yours are always so beautiful even the quick ones…LOL thanks for the tipsReplyCancel

  • Sharon J.March 10, 2010 - 10:42 am

    Wonderful suggestion! I agree, even your quick cards look like masterpieces. I always look forward to your blog and your wonderful inspirations. tfsReplyCancel

  • WritingEliMarch 10, 2010 - 10:49 am

    Becca,
    Are you kidding? These are gorgeous…but I think I can handle something like them. Thanks for the inspiration…eliReplyCancel

  • Betty GoodsonMarch 10, 2010 - 10:50 am

    I too am a slow stamper, but if my cards could even come close to one of yours I’d think it was soooo worth it. Your quick cards are more in line with my regular stamping (even though mine aren’t quick) but they are all still unique and beautiful. I think a successful card is one I enjoyed doing and the receiver enjoys getting.ReplyCancel

  • Sylvia JohnsonMarch 10, 2010 - 10:50 am

    Thanks for sharing the idea with us. My brain cells must be very tired because this idea never crossed my mind. Love your blog.ReplyCancel

  • BarbaraMarch 10, 2010 - 10:52 am

    I echo the thoughts of others here. You make left over scrap cards look like masterpieces!! You are my inspiration
    I am a slow stamper too. I start out with one idea and then change it numerous times until I am satisfied.

    But this isn’t a race. I become totally immersed in a project and just enjoy the processReplyCancel

  • Carol FMarch 10, 2010 - 10:55 am

    Even your quick cards are BEAUTIFUL!! Thanks for giving us some ideas for making cards pretty and not so difficult.ReplyCancel

  • BarbaraMarch 10, 2010 - 10:59 am

    Congratulations on 6 million hits on your blog. Wait until the rest of the card making world finds your site You will need a dedicated server LOL
    Once people stumble onto your site they come back again and again!!ReplyCancel

  • RebekkaMarch 10, 2010 - 11:00 am

    Even your quick and simple cards are gorgeous :)ReplyCancel

  • Pat SMarch 10, 2010 - 11:04 am

    what a wonderful idea.Your cards are always lovely and inspiring however they are made.
    Blessings to you and yours.ReplyCancel

  • Darlene LMarch 10, 2010 - 11:06 am

    Love being a subscriber to your blog and coming back each time you post. Congrats on all the hits. Great cards today–your “simple” cards ARE masterpieces too!ReplyCancel

  • JanMarch 10, 2010 - 11:22 am

    These are so pretty, as always. Your cards made with “leftovers” are prettier than mine made with the “main ingredients”….I want to be just like you when I grow up…LOL

    I have a friend who says she’s notorious for buying gifts, but forgetting to pick up a card, so she asks me periodically to make her a batch of small cards/tags that work well with gift bags. I make them for all ages and kinds of occasions and when I’m finished, I put them in a pretty tin (sometimes I buy plain tins and decorate them with alcohol inks, bows, paper/silk flowers, etc. and sometimes I buy ready made ones that are suited to her decor) and tie them up with a pretty bow and it’s my gift to her. She loves them. Now I don’t wait for her to ask…I just anticipate about when she should be out and surprise her. It’s a great way to use all those little scraps of paper that we all save. I say, waste not, want not.ReplyCancel

  • LizetteMarch 10, 2010 - 11:22 am

    Hi
    I think that even your simple cards are amazing! Thank you for sharing them with us. You have talent!!ReplyCancel

  • CherylMarch 10, 2010 - 11:23 am

    So true! Thank you for the reminder. Your examples are lovely.ReplyCancel

  • Michelle HMarch 10, 2010 - 11:24 am

    Thanks for the tip! I love this idea and will try it this weekend when I’m creating. :)ReplyCancel

  • Teresa CMarch 10, 2010 - 11:30 am

    These are very beautiful. I like making little cards!ReplyCancel

  • Kay G.March 10, 2010 - 11:31 am

    Becca, I love these cards. Thank you for all you do. You are so talented.ReplyCancel

  • ConniecrafterMarch 10, 2010 - 11:37 am

    great idea and I think these are all wonderful too!ReplyCancel

  • Monika/buzsyMarch 10, 2010 - 11:40 am

    They might be quick, but they are gorgeous! TFS!ReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth S.March 10, 2010 - 11:40 am

    Becca, I love these! You do wonderful work!ReplyCancel

  • VeltaMarch 10, 2010 - 11:50 am

    What adorable mini cards…Your talent can never be simple Becca…that is because everything you create is elegant! Heck, it is your style after all :)ReplyCancel

  • Gloria WestermanMarch 10, 2010 - 11:57 am

    I would love to see your scraps box.. lol….beautiful……ReplyCancel

  • Diane JaquayMarch 10, 2010 - 12:03 pm

    Hee hee, why am I not surprised that even your “quick cards” are masterpieces ;) Lovely work as always Becca!!ReplyCancel

  • SandraMarch 10, 2010 - 12:05 pm

    but yours are all masterpieces!
    SandraReplyCancel

  • Donna McEwenMarch 10, 2010 - 12:13 pm

    These are great, and a great reminder to repurpose all those scraps. Thanks for sharing, and thanks so much for your frequent posts of late. Visiting your blog is a little oasis in my hectic day!
    dmcReplyCancel

  • lindylou50March 10, 2010 - 12:13 pm

    love these quick and easy ones I especially like the second colour combination of green and brown I wouldn’t think to put those two colours together but you’ve made it look adorable.ReplyCancel

  • Jen MonteiroMarch 10, 2010 - 12:22 pm

    Those “quick” cards are brilliant and you are so very right when you said not all cards have to be big and elaborate :)

    Jen
    xReplyCancel

  • Janna SmithMarch 10, 2010 - 12:27 pm

    I can still see you style even in your “quick” cards! They are so pretty! TFSReplyCancel

  • NancyMarch 10, 2010 - 12:48 pm

    You have inspired me again! I think I will make some gift enclosures with the scraps on my desk. Thank you and congratulations on six million hits!ReplyCancel

  • Lori ReinholzMarch 10, 2010 - 1:13 pm

    Gosh Becca! Even your simple cards are beautiful! Thanks for sharing them. You have given me inspiration. Hugs LoriReplyCancel

  • Sylvia AnadonMarch 10, 2010 - 1:36 pm

    Wow… even your mini cards are great! Thanks for the inspiration. :)
    SylviaReplyCancel

  • Gloria R.March 10, 2010 - 1:50 pm
  • Gloria R.March 10, 2010 - 1:51 pm

    Your “mini” cards are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Diane LMarch 10, 2010 - 1:59 pm

    These are all soooo gorgeous!!! Thanks for all the hints,very helpful!!!
    Now it’s just to do it,lol!!!ReplyCancel

  • pam barkerMarch 10, 2010 - 2:24 pm

    Thanks for the tip. I do say that and I do not get to it. The scraps that are good go into my scrap drawer and that is where they stay. I like you cards very much. Sometimes simple is the best way to go.

    God Bless
    Pam
    ReplyCancel

  • Susan GMarch 10, 2010 - 3:01 pm

    Even your “scrap” cards are fantastic. Whomever gets these will be one lucky person. Congratulations on the milestone for your blog.ReplyCancel

  • Wendy MooreMarch 10, 2010 - 3:03 pm

    Your are always such an inspiration. I always have practice runs on my corner and border punches. I usually just put them in my sample drawer. I think I’ll make those mini cards. TFS!ReplyCancel

  • Sue from OregonMarch 10, 2010 - 3:15 pm

    Fun tip today Becca! These are all lovely. I suppose these are 3 x3 size enclosure cards?ReplyCancel

  • Candy MillsMarch 10, 2010 - 4:19 pm

    Hi Becca,
    Great tip today and thank you for it.
    Sigh* even your left overs look beautiful *grin…….
    Hugs, CandyReplyCancel

  • Catherine from London, UKMarch 10, 2010 - 4:26 pm

    These tiny cards are gems and I love them to bits because they are achievable by those of us who are not quite so Amazing with paper.
    My day isn’t complete without stopping by and getting my “Becca hit,” though I’ve never expressed till now how much happiness you have passed my way. Your imagination, co-ordination and sheer craftsmanship is so inspirational. I have not seen such consistently high quality work from anyone else. Thankyou.ReplyCancel

  • Judy McMullenMarch 10, 2010 - 4:31 pm

    Wow! They may not be masterpieces to you, Becca, but these cards sure are to me! Gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration!!!ReplyCancel

  • luvglitztooMarch 10, 2010 - 4:36 pm

    Fabulous as usual. I was just looking through my box of odds & ends and thinking about throwing them out, now you have inspired me. I think that I can come up with a couple of very cute cards if I just sit down and give it a try. After all I have punches, the nestabilities, lots of stamps, lots of paper and a computer. What else can I ask for? I have to just do it!!! Thanks for your inspiraton.ReplyCancel

  • Yoshiko GlennMarch 10, 2010 - 4:42 pm

    Even your “quick” cards outdo most people’s “masterpieces.” What a simple idea, but a good one to just make a few easy cards with the leftovers at the time to take advantage while things are still fresh in your mind. Thanks for another “bit”!ReplyCancel

  • emilyMarch 10, 2010 - 4:47 pm

    just adorable! I love all the mix of colours.
    Oh and BTW…I HAVE to stop by your page every day! I would hate the thought of missing something new you created. They are all so beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing them! :o)ReplyCancel

  • AlexandraMarch 10, 2010 - 4:58 pm

    Wow, that’s what you throw together in a few minutes from scraps?? Wish my masterpieces were that good, let alone the quick cards! Thanks for sharing!
    Love, AlexReplyCancel

  • Katie K.March 10, 2010 - 4:58 pm

    What a wonderful idea! I often store away all those leftover bits & never get around to using them. I, too, take forever to choose all the components of a card. Reusing them quickly on a little card would work so well. Thanks!ReplyCancel

  • ColleenB.March 10, 2010 - 5:04 pm

    Your cards are still Masterpieces in my book.
    No matter size of card, I feel any homemade card comes from the heart and that is what matters.
    Thanks 4 the great inspiration Becca

    ColleeBReplyCancel

  • lois skiathitisMarch 10, 2010 - 5:06 pm

    Everything you do is a masterpiece and a delight to the eye. These cards are lovely Becca. I call this size quaint. TFS!!! Becca. :-DReplyCancel

  • MissGMarch 10, 2010 - 5:35 pm

    Becca

    Thanks for the Bits and the small card ideas is great. The thought to do them while having the materials out is a geat idea as well. Thanks for reminding me to think ahead make some now and have them when I need them. (smiles) you are so talented thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • BirdMarch 10, 2010 - 5:56 pm

    Your ‘non masterpieces’ would be a masterpiece to me if I had made it, lol.

    I do appreciate your point though, I often save bits and pieces left over from a project and mean to use them up at some later date which never seems to arrive.ReplyCancel

  • CandiMarch 10, 2010 - 6:02 pm

    Love the tips and I must say your enclosures are wonderful ! I try to remind myself when I make one card why not do a second one identical I wish I could remember that!ReplyCancel

  • Linda KlebackMarch 10, 2010 - 6:27 pm

    Even the little cards show your flair! Making the cards as soon as you finish a larger project is great advice.ReplyCancel

  • Karen LinarezMarch 10, 2010 - 6:44 pm

    What cute cards. Great idea to do these when it’s so handy and ideas are fresh. I’ll surely keep that idea in my to do list. Thank you for all your great ideas and sharing your fantastic creations. I get so much inspiration from your blog!ReplyCancel

  • CharleneMarch 10, 2010 - 6:49 pm

    Gosh, Becca…wish I had just a smidgen of your talent. NOT masterpieces? You’ve got to kidding…these are gorgeous!ReplyCancel

  • RitaMarch 10, 2010 - 7:09 pm

    Becca – you are hysterical! Even though these cards are smaller than your normal size, they are just as exquisite and beautiful. On my best days, I can’t make my ‘masterpieces’ look half as good as your ‘simple’ ones!

    PLEASE let me come live with you!!!ReplyCancel

  • RufusMarch 10, 2010 - 7:31 pm

    You might not think of these as “masterpieces”, but they are def. Becca’s. Even in a smaller size your style and creativity shine through!
    Thanks for sharing them. Congrats on 6 million!!! hits!
    R/ReplyCancel

  • Shelly SchmidtMarch 10, 2010 - 9:37 pm

    Your simple cards are beautiful!!! I agree with the pressures of every card being outstanding- although yours are…..I like your blog messages too! Bee yourself and every card does not have to be fantastic! (Although I do think yours are…..) TFSReplyCancel

  • Sylvia/GeorgiaMarch 10, 2010 - 9:50 pm

    Thank YOU for sharing your talent with us every day and continuing to inspire us to do things we would never have thought of on our own.ReplyCancel

  • BernieMarch 10, 2010 - 10:03 pm

    Becca,

    Your “simple” cards beat my best ones! You are too modest. May I ask what set the sayings are from? These are beautiful sayings that can be used for so many cards. I’d love to buy these.
    Thanks for all you do.ReplyCancel

  • GinnyMarch 10, 2010 - 11:24 pm

    Thanks for sharing these quick cards! I just made some cards tonight and have some tiny pieces of DSP leftover, so I might just try my hand at some quickies.

    Even though I don’t comment, I love your blog. You are my stamping hero! Your cards are always so beautiful; I never grow tired of looking at them for inspiration.ReplyCancel

  • kathy sMarch 10, 2010 - 11:39 pm

    you must be an amazing person IRL because you always put that little extra into everythig you do love your work big or smallReplyCancel

  • MarisaMarch 11, 2010 - 1:44 am

    What a great idea! Not that your mini cards aren’t masterpieces too! Thanks for sharing!
    Hugs
    MarisaReplyCancel

  • HeatherMarch 11, 2010 - 4:37 am

    Becca – I think we must have a different definition of ‘simple’!! Even your simple cards made from scraps are mini masterpieces, but what a good idea it is to carry on and use up your left-over pieces straight away instead of putting them in a ‘scrap box’ and never going back to them. I must cultivate this idea….TFS
    Hugs
    HW(UK)
    xReplyCancel

  • CyndiMarch 11, 2010 - 6:33 am

    That was my thought too this last Christmas..I sent out a bunch of Christmas cards that were simply layered and stamped only once. :) It looked good..like yours..and not a lot of trouble.ReplyCancel

  • Marilyn ClarkMarch 11, 2010 - 6:53 am

    Even your quick cards are works of art. My quick cards wouldn’t be quick if I had to tie a bow like you have on your cards. Have a great day. God bless.ReplyCancel

  • Mary Ann SmithMarch 11, 2010 - 7:20 am

    Every morning brings a blessing by looking @ your cards, Truly a gift from God.ReplyCancel

  • DawnMarch 11, 2010 - 9:12 am

    I e-mailed you. How do you make the pretty bows that are on your
    beautiful cards? Would you please share this with me?
    Thank you for all you do share!
    Hugs, DawnReplyCancel

  • DebbieKMarch 11, 2010 - 10:03 am

    Beautiful cards, Becca! Simple sometimes is breathe-taking in itself. Thanks for sharing:)ReplyCancel

  • Charmaine StackMarch 11, 2010 - 11:40 am

    Becca, I have been resisting commenting while you have been offering blog candy as I was a recent recipient of your generosity and wanted others to have the same chance. But I do visit every day. Today was neat – what great tips. It seems common-sensical but the most I have done is just file the leftover smaller cardstock strips to make gift cards “one day.” Like everything else you do, you’ve taken the concept to a whole new level! Very pretty gift cards, that really don’t look quick!ReplyCancel

  • Brenda PMarch 11, 2010 - 12:14 pm

    Hi Becca

    Thanks for the advise – especially the keep it simple bit! I have loads of work in progress and not much to show for it!

    I know that you said that you did these awhile back, but if you could tell me how you did the 2 blue five star daisies on the second from last card I would be over the moon, I just love them!!!

    Thank you so much for bringing inspiration in to my life every day.

    BrendaReplyCancel

  • Judy DunavenMarch 11, 2010 - 4:44 pm

    What a great idea. I always throw my scraps in a container with the intent that I will use them later. I will deffiently be making gift cards following a project from now on.
    I have no idea why I never thought of this. But i sure am glad that you did and you shared it with us.
    Thank you, JudyReplyCancel

  • alexMarch 11, 2010 - 5:18 pm

    Beautifull cards Becca…Just amazing how you can put this together
    in a perfect way, wich i can do the same….

    Thank you.ReplyCancel

  • Lisa D. Atha (inspired by purple)March 11, 2010 - 6:15 pm

    Becca,

    So pretty, all of them! What do you mean about them not being masterpieces. Simple, or intricate, all of your creations are masterpieces! Absolutely beautiful.

    Hugs,

    Lisa AthaReplyCancel

  • Val WMarch 11, 2010 - 7:16 pm

    Great tips. It is wise to suggest that we use those scraps right away to make enclosure cards, because I am one to file them away, never to be seen again. It keeps the creativity going just a little longer, and reduces the clutter of excess scraps at the same time. Gorgeous little enclosure cards. Isn’t it something how the industry has progressed in such a short time with the punch-around-the-page punches that are out now? It amazes me.ReplyCancel

  • sUSAnMarch 12, 2010 - 4:13 am

    Look like masterpieces to me! Smiles! sUSAnReplyCancel

  • Diane HovMarch 13, 2010 - 3:46 am

    Brilliant idea!!!! I love using up scraps….these are stunning!!ReplyCancel

  • Carole (FibreJunky)March 13, 2010 - 2:18 pm

    Wow. Even your “scrap” cards are fabulous.ReplyCancel

  • Kay McBrideMarch 14, 2010 - 7:20 am

    thats a great idea. i will have to put it to use.
    kayReplyCancel

  • Pat H.March 14, 2010 - 10:22 am

    Wow, Becca-even your ‘left-over’ creations are beautiful!

    Thanks for sharing and I am now inspired to try to do what you said.

    PatriciaReplyCancel

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