I love making backgrounds, rather than finishing into cards! lol So, just watching this video clip with so many different backgrounds made me happy! :)
Beautiful idea! Thanks for sharing. Making all those backgrounds in all colors would be fun. You could try so many things and maybe come upon something you loved. Super idea. This is why we love your videos.
Great ideas for getting organized for actually sending cards. I like the idea of being ready ahead of time instead of last minute sit and make. thanks!
Fabulous idea! I especially like the idea of including pre-printed address labels and the space to write the type of card you sent each year. I think this is a really simple but effective way to keep those cards we make organized. Thank you for sharing!!
Loved the video. I like making a lot of different cards. My organization is digital. I take a photo of each card and name the photo with the recipients name and the year. Then under a card file in my gallery I have files for each family. I also have a small handmade journal I was gifted with a page marked for each month, and the holidays I like to make cards for. On the corresponding page I just make a list and note the date of the birthday or anniversary next to the name. It is working for me, except I still have to go to my phone for the addresses. Another tip is I try to take the photo before I actually glue the card together, so I can show the front and inside sentiments in one image. Hugs
I have a box made from a strong cardstock. It has Birthdays on the front. I made a tab for each month. On the Jan tab, I list every birthday in that month. As I complete the cards for the month I put it in an envelope and put it behind the tab. I have to have a visual reminder because I make so many cards every year for Cancer patients. This year I made over 5000 cards. I had to find a way to remind myself, or my loved ones get lost in the day to day production of card designs.
Great idea! I keep track, too, of what I have sent, so I don’t send the same one next year, or to a family member. I keep the addresses and card info on 3x5 cards, and I keep the addresses in pencil! Much neater when people move! 😊
I take pictures of every card I send out, with the envelope positioned so I can see the recipient's name. That way I can look back and see what I sent them the prior year. I also put finished cards in the envelope and put the date they need to be mailed where the stamp goes to help me remember.
Do exactly the same thing! I print the photo with a 2x3 mini printer and add the photo in my calendar so I can just flip to their date to see what I’ve previously sent.
I love every bit of this, including that fireworks that I now absolutely must have!! What a wonderful idea, I'm going to get going on this as well! Jennifer, you are a true gift.
Popping on to thank you again for sharing your new process for sending birthday cards. I have my names, dates, addresses all entered and went through my stash of cards and pulled about 30 which takes care of approximately 1/3 - 1/2 of what I'll need for the year. This will also be an easy way to focus on what other cards I need for the year and if I can tweak a design or sentiment for a project to make it work. My hubby saw me working on it and thought it was a great idea too! Thank you Jennifer.
This is just the video that I need to watch. It has so many helpful ideas and designs. I guess I was in a mental block period because I couldn't get a card to come together for me. One thing I did start doing is using address labels for making the address, it does save time because you can save it in word and change the address if needed and add new people to it. It sure has saved me a lot of time and also keeps my hands from hurting so bad because of arthritis. Thank you for such an informative video and great inspirations.
I was so surprised to see this video. About 2 months ago I started almost this exact same system for 2023. I made dividers for each month and put plastic sleeves for everyone that I know I want to send cards to. Left some blank for people I forgot about. 😊❤
I belong to a local artists’ guild (we decorate eggshells😁) and our Sunshine volunteer sends out birthday and other occasion cards. I’ll pass this on as a wonderful idea for homemade cards! I use something similar but take a photo then just write the names of the people who got that design. I think your idea is better, organized by person name rather than by design. Thank you so much for sharing!
I would be over the MOON if I received one of those fireworks card in the mail!!!! Gorgeous, Jennifer. Thank you for continually sharing your gift/talent with us. Love you for that!
What a great system! I think I really like that. Your cards are awesome. The last one, the pink one that is, I just love it. Also ypur mom's birthday card is awesome! Whilst watching your video, I remembered that I gave a fireworks stencil.
Brilliant system. Sometimes I have embellishments for a specific person… these could be popped into their ‘pocket’ until I was ready to make their card.
Planning ahead, in January I pull cards from my stash for every birthday on my list for the entire year. I keep them in a photo box separated by month. This has been a time saver for me with the large family I have. Thank you for sharing.
Can you please share your embellishment storage, especially the tiny beads and gems? I always say that cardmaking is multiple hobbies at once- buying craft supplies, organizing craft supplies and actually using them😊
Just getting to seeing this video - OMG!!! and what to my surprise - all the supplies are gone - I considered getting them from Canada but just couldn't swallow that postal fee. So I'll patiently wait for restocking somewhere! I often think about taking a picture also of each card I make and send and to who - maybe I'll start doing so this year. Cause it is January - and here we go again. After watching your video Jennifer - I'm more excited than ever. Thank you so much for your continuing leadership in this craft community - you and your skills are just awesome. I appreciate all you do. Happy New Year! Denise
I have all my supplies in spreadsheets (airtable) when I make a card I take a pic of it and it goes in a creation spreadsheet. I link all the supplies used to make it along with the recipient and date. So at a glance I can see my most used or unused supplies and who I have sent that card to. I’m a spreadsheet nerd 😁.
Jennifer, I like your organization plan. I have one of those birthday books with a pocket for each month and a line for each day on the pocket. I write in my recipients on the lines with their birth year. I can also write a couple in for anniversaries. I like being able to see the whole month at a glance so I know how many I will need that month. I have all my addresses in a database on my computer. I usually print on the envelope or a label if the envelope is dark. I also take pictures of everything I make so I know what I've sent before. If I ever started to make cards more in advance your idea might work better for me. They are very similar ideas after all. Thanks for your usual fabulous ideas!
Jennifer - your system is just what I need! I felt like your system was tailored just for me and all of my own belated BD cards! For me it is so easy to create cards when I don't need them but creating with a deadline just blocks any creativity hahaha! So sad to have late cards from the "cardmaker" of the group but that is ME!!! THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU! BTW - thanks so for another inspiring year of content - I rarely comment but I do always follow your channel and so many of my systems have come from you!!! Happy holidays!
I love this new idea. I make my bulky cards and put those sitting loosely in a box with envelope, in order of birthdays. I have 12- 3x5 index cards with all the birthdays listed for that month that is clipped at the front of my desk always in sight. That has saved my neck many a time. I started a system of trays (not big like yours) and as I think of a particular card idea I gather up whatever is needed and put it in there. I see them all the time so as my mind spins with ideas I add or take out supplies. I think I’m going to try your idea here but put several months in a bigger bin (not a lot of room). Looking forward to how this works out for you.
I really like this organization tip for birthday cards. I want to implement it to make sure my cards are getting out when they should. Noting what I sent will make sure each year is different since I have trouble remembering, lol.
I have used a similar system for several years. I have an acrylic recipe box with labeled cards for each month. It sits on my craft desk so I don't forget who is celebrating that month. :) I have an index card for each person with thier bdays on it and also track which card I have given them. I love the idea of including the year of thier birth so I know when milestone bdays are happening.
Great cards as usual, Jennifer! As others have said, I too take a photo of my cards so I have a 'record'.... if I have made several of a particular card, II also keep a sample card. I have often referred back to them to remember the size, color, mechanics, and 'hints' to myself. I also keep a brief note with it with measurements, etc. They save much time and I don't have to reinvent the wheel if/when I want to make a similar one.
What can I say??? You never fail to astound me! I love finding ways to mass produce cards and this Birthday Card tutorial is a KEEPER! I especially loved the one you made for your Mom! It made me wish I could still make one for my mom. She'd have been 96 this month. And she would have loved the one that's going to your Mom. Bless your heart Jen. And as someone who's finally reorganizing her craft space, I really appreciate you sharing your super organized new system for making sure you never miss someone's birthday!💕
I do something similar for my dad. He was always asking me to make a card for a family member at the last minute (he has no idea what goes into making a card!). I have a 3 ring binder. I added pocket pages to the binder they are double sided. I have marked the month on each tab. In the pocket for each month I have a card and envelope for the appropriate recipient. I also stick a post-it note to the card to prevent confusion (my dad is 83). On the pocket I include the birth date and name of the recipient. This is the 3rd Christmas I have filled the book for my dad. He loves it!
Hi Jennifer. As always loved your cards and your new card organization system. I have a very small craft room and so do not have a lot of room that I can dedicate to prepared cards. What I work with is a master list (in Word for each month with card recipients and their associated occasions and their mailing address). I find that this works for me and I can update as necessary by either adding recipients and/or new occasions or addresses as people relocate.. I cross reference this by utilizing my tablet's calendar system with a reminder one month in advance of say "Aunt Sally's" birthday which is say March 14. So in this case I would get a calendar reminder on February 14 that I need to design and prepare her card and prepare for mailing. If I have already prepared Aunt Sally's card, it is in a tiny bin on my shelf and in the addressed envelope just awaiting my personal note and the appropriate postage. This system has been working for me for almost 5 years ... and so far so good. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with us all. I have truly benefited and learned so much from you. 😊🇨🇦
4:10 I love how you use your sleeve and the heel of your hand to press down on the MISTI. Sometimes, we don't need a specialized tool and it's just as easy to use something we already have. Love the fireworks stamp set!
Love the names 😂 Great system. I always take a pic of the card I send to make sure I don’t send a similar one the following year. A fellow TH-camr -can’t remember who- has a similar system but the December birthdays she has them in the November section so she has enough time to send it. Beautiful cards as always. Laura
Your system is awesome! I do a little bit simpler system in order to avoid duplication… When I come up with a good card design and want to be able to duplicate it, I take a photo copy of the card and attach it to a file folder, write the name of the recipient and the year I gave it, and then inside the file folder I store leftover pieces and parts for use on the next card of the same design. Some years I have given 12 to 15 of the same adult female card, and likewise with males or kids, and it works out, because most of my recipients do not live near each other!
I use an Excel spreadsheet to record names, addresses, occasions and dates for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Then I use the Microsoft Word feature to create and print Avery address labels early in January for all the cards I’ll send. While watching TV, I add address and return address labels to stacks of envelopes and pencil in the date and yrs in the upper right corner, then sort them in date order behind some month dividers! It’s a mindless task after the busy holiday cardmaking season and at the end of one month I grab the next month’s envelopes so I know what’s coming. It also keeps recipients fresh in my mind so I can think what supplies I have (and buy) will really fit them. The upfront work on the spreadshheet pays off over time.
Fantastic system for having names, dates, addresses, and cards at the ready. Jennifer your organizational skills are astounding! Thank you for sharing your ideas.
This has to be the most helpful video I have ever watched!!! I’ve been desperate for an organized mailing system and THIS IS IT!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Great plan for getting birthday cards out! I'm usually scrambling to get cards done in time to still get to the recipients before they become belated. I think I'll be putting your plan to work! Thanks!
Decades ago when I worked as a secretary we used to call that system a "tickle file". For my bday card system I use a small 3-ring notebook, divided by month, for keeping track of birthdays and the cards I send.
Jennifer, Great video! I have 2 different ways I do birthdays. 1st - for birthdays I send cards to - I use an excel calendar template & I type in everyone's name & their age, if I know it. Then I print it off the month before I need it to have their cards ready to mail That way I have it from year after year & update the ages each yr. 2nd - for those I only email or text greetings to (these are Missionaries around the world) - I use another excel spreadsheet & each month I write at the top the month & under it the date 1), 2) , etc & type the persons name & the year they were born beside their name. I look at the list the night before since many are in different time zones later than us & I email them so they get the email the day of their birthday or anniversary. It's work up front but great afterwards. You only have to add names on both ways as necessary. I technically like the 2nd idea best, but use both everyday.
I love this. I have a handmade perpetual calendar with pockets for birthdays. How do I make this so hard on myself? Well, I make cards ahead of time, put them in month's pocket, but when it comes time to mail, I think, Hmmm..." I think she'll like this one instead" and then make a different card which ends up making the card late to arrive. HA! Or...I actually look at the calendar at the beginning of the month and think, "Oh, I have a birthday on the 22nd; I have time before I need to get it to the PO". So on the 21st, I look at the calendar again and thinks...."Oops." I just love your idea. I hoping it keeps me up to date with my birthdays, too. Good luck to all of us! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this video, Jennifer! I just finished reading all 179 comments above and I absolutely love how your work brings us all together as a community to learn from each other. Thanks for creating a space filled with kindness and support!
Hi Jennifer I watch you card making ideas all the time. I like your card system, I also have a system mine is that I print a A4 calendar for the year with squares for each day of the month and everyone who has a birthday on that date has their name on the date in the square, I go through the calendar month by month and make the cards. When the card is made I cross it off on the calendar. I have a box with months of the year in it and place the card in the envelope with the address on it and the date it is due. 🐞🇦🇺
This is next level organizing. I think it’s brilliant. This is great for large families with tons of birthdays or just busy, busy individuals. Thank you.
I like to cut up plastic folders and use them for dividers. I just buy extras during the school supplies sales before school starts. This way they are a little more durable and can be reused various times in different ways if needed. I just use sticker labels on them so I can peel them off and change them if needed.
I was using some of this idea by using a perpetual calendar with an index card for each month noting all the birthdays in that month. Then I’d add cards behind each month index card for all birthdays that month. But, I hadn’t yet figured out how to avoid sending similar cards - I like how you have a pocket for each person and write a small description of the card. I may up my game with that addition.
I would love to see a video on how you prepare for Holiday card season. I find myself trying to churn out a ridiculous amount of cards in a short span of time. I want to be more productive/proactive this year.
Well, I didn't send out cards this year! Not the mass produced ones I usually do. They tend to be a scramble in the last days of the holiday season and I get my family involved helping me.
Jennifer, your organizational systems are such an inspiration to me. I love this system. Much more concrete, functional and efficient than my current system of looking at my list of birthdays, jotting them in my planner then last minute rummaging through my stash of birthday cards to see if I have something to send. You are such a gift to the crafting community. Thank you!
I've been using a spreadsheet to track birthday cards but I haven't had a good way to store the cards. I like the idea of a pocket with an insert for each person, so you can tell whether or not you've made the card. After sending it out, just check off the year/card design notation! Thanks for sharing your system...I hope it works well for you.
I really like these cards Jennifer, they are so festive! And thanks for the organization tips. Organization is my thing, my family and friends joke about it sometimes but it really helps my anxiety level! Lol 😂🙏
Thank you for this Jennifer. Easy do-able system which I shall incorporate. Hopefully I will be better at sending out cards on time..Appreciate your time and effort as always. Merry Christmas to you and your family 💖
I try to remember to take photos of my cards, the emphasis is on ‘try’! I used a similar organisation technique but came undone with birthdays at the very beginning of each month. I was left with too little time to send cards on time. To remedy this I moved birthday reminders (for really early birthdays) to the previous month. It’s a little cumbersome but mostly works.
Thank you for sharing your creative and helpful idea. What a wonderful tip! I’m going to try it this year! I also want to do something similar for holiday cards as I don’t want to send similar cards to the same recipient twice in a row.
These are such wonderful ideas for keeping track of birthdays, addresses, and types of cards you send out. I've been needing to get more organized, and this is just what I need. Thanks for sharing your tips with us, Jennifer. You help us to have fun and get more organized at the same time. Merry Christmas!!
THANK YOU, Jennifer, for the inspiration! I made my own birthday organization system with a lot of your hints/suggestions! Love it! (PS ... my sister is making one too!)
I have a card calendar by month for bd, anniv, & I have about 5 plastic shoe boxes of cards made. Some need insides done but it's easy to pick from them for each month. I just finished Feb. except Valentine cards. I try to be at least a month ahead.
![A FAVORITE Inking Technique! [MANY Cards!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LcrWodzSMU8/mqdefault.jpg)
![A FAVORITE Inking Technique! [MANY Cards!]](/img/tr.png)
![Organizing & Card Planning Episode! [Many Cards]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLeFnKzetwc/mqdefault.jpg)
I love making backgrounds, rather than finishing into cards! lol So, just watching this video clip with so many different backgrounds made me happy! :)
Winner, winner. Chicken dinner.
The stamp set is ordered and I will be making the birthday organiser. Wicked idea. Thank you Jennifer 😘
Beautiful idea! Thanks for sharing. Making all those backgrounds in all colors would be fun. You could try so many things and maybe come upon something you loved. Super idea. This is why we love your videos.
Thanks for all your tips to make cards organized easily! I love❤❤❤ all the beautiful designs and cards you make.
Thanks for the ideas. I love your moms card! It is gorgeous. They are all beautiful!
Great ideas for getting organized for actually sending cards. I like the idea of being ready ahead of time instead of last minute sit and make. thanks!
Fabulous idea! I especially like the idea of including pre-printed address labels and the space to write the type of card you sent each year. I think this is a really simple but effective way to keep those cards we make organized. Thank you for sharing!!
Loved the video. I like making a lot of different cards. My organization is digital. I take a photo of each card and name the photo with the recipients name and the year. Then under a card file in my gallery I have files for each family. I also have a small handmade journal I was gifted with a page marked for each month, and the holidays I like to make cards for. On the corresponding page I just make a list and note the date of the birthday or anniversary next to the name. It is working for me, except I still have to go to my phone for the addresses. Another tip is I try to take the photo before I actually glue the card together, so I can show the front and inside sentiments in one image. Hugs
What a great system for birthday card organizing! Thank your for sharing!
Great organisation ideas and beautiful cards thanks Jennifer your amazing ❤
Great way to plan and not miss a birthday. I love the bundle of fireworks cards you made.
Thank you for this Jennifer. Great!!!!
I have a box made from a strong cardstock. It has Birthdays on the front. I made a tab for each month. On the Jan tab, I list every birthday in that month. As I complete the cards for the month I put it in an envelope and put it behind the tab.
I have to have a visual reminder because I make so many cards every year for Cancer patients. This year I made over 5000 cards. I had to find a way to remind myself, or my loved ones get lost in the day to day production of card designs.
I used to make cards for cancer patients and I really want to get back to it this year.
You are amazing Jennifer! This is brilliant! Thanks so much! :)
Thanks Jennifer! Very helpful! Fun cards!
Great idea! I keep track, too, of what I have sent, so I don’t send the same one next year, or to a family member. I keep the addresses and card info on 3x5 cards, and I keep the addresses in pencil! Much neater when people move! 😊
I take pictures of every card I send out, with the envelope positioned so I can see the recipient's name. That way I can look back and see what I sent them the prior year. I also put finished cards in the envelope and put the date they need to be mailed where the stamp goes to help me remember.
smart!
I do the same things. Plus my Google Pixel permits me to identify photos and store in specific albums
Great idea.
Do exactly the same thing! I print the photo with a 2x3 mini printer and add the photo in my calendar so I can just flip to their date to see what I’ve previously sent.
So do I, and this helps now that I’m in the Craft Roulette Card Exchange. 🎉❤
I love every bit of this, including that fireworks that I now absolutely must have!! What a wonderful idea, I'm going to get going on this as well! Jennifer, you are a true gift.
Popping on to thank you again for sharing your new process for sending birthday cards. I have my names, dates, addresses all entered and went through my stash of cards and pulled about 30 which takes care of approximately 1/3 - 1/2 of what I'll need for the year. This will also be an easy way to focus on what other cards I need for the year and if I can tweak a design or sentiment for a project to make it work. My hubby saw me working on it and thought it was a great idea too! Thank you Jennifer.
This is just the video that I need to watch. It has so many helpful ideas and designs. I guess I was in a mental block period because I couldn't get a card to come together for me. One thing I did start doing is using address labels for making the address, it does save time because you can save it in word and change the address if needed and add new people to it. It sure has saved me a lot of time and also keeps my hands from hurting so bad because of arthritis. Thank you for such an informative video and great inspirations.
I was so surprised to see this video. About 2 months ago I started almost this exact same system for 2023. I made dividers for each month and put plastic sleeves for everyone that I know I want to send cards to. Left some blank for people I forgot about. 😊❤
I belong to a local artists’ guild (we decorate eggshells😁) and our Sunshine volunteer sends out birthday and other occasion cards. I’ll pass this on as a wonderful idea for homemade cards! I use something similar but take a photo then just write the names of the people who got that design. I think your idea is better, organized by person name rather than by design. Thank you so much for sharing!
Great video with beautiful cards. A great way to organize my birthday cards.
I would be over the MOON if I received one of those fireworks card in the mail!!!! Gorgeous, Jennifer. Thank you for continually sharing your gift/talent with us. Love you for that!
What a great system! I think I really like that.
Your cards are awesome. The last one, the pink one that is, I just love it. Also ypur mom's birthday card is awesome!
Whilst watching your video, I remembered that I gave a fireworks stencil.
Brilliant system. Sometimes I have embellishments for a specific person… these could be popped into their ‘pocket’ until I was ready to make their card.
Pretty cards and good tips. Thank you for sharing.
I love this plan, thank you for sharing it with all of us. I plan to follow along this year, also, so I wish us all good luck!
Great cards and fabulous idea. Thank you for sharing 😊🤗
Helpful tip about cutting acetate. Thank you!
Great cards. Really love your organization. This will certainly help me! Thank you.
Planning ahead, in January I pull cards from my stash for every birthday on my list for the entire year. I keep them in a photo box separated by month. This has been a time saver for me with the large family I have. Thank you for sharing.
So cool, I love the cards & the storage ideas for birthday carfs
Love the cards, but the organization system is so clever, thanks for sharing
Can you please share your embellishment storage, especially the tiny beads and gems? I always say that cardmaking is multiple hobbies at once- buying craft supplies, organizing craft supplies and actually using them😊
Yes, yes, and yes!
www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Bead-Storage-Solutions-Compartments/dp/B08SV5M543/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=elizabeth+ward+bead+storage&qid=1673365045&sr=8-2
@@jennifermcguireink Thank you very much!
These cards are so pretty!
Just getting to seeing this video - OMG!!! and what to my surprise - all the supplies are gone - I considered getting them from Canada but just couldn't swallow that postal fee. So I'll patiently wait for restocking somewhere! I often think about taking a picture also of each card I make and send and to who - maybe I'll start doing so this year. Cause it is January - and here we go again. After watching your video Jennifer - I'm more excited than ever. Thank you so much for your continuing leadership in this craft community - you and your skills are just awesome. I appreciate all you do. Happy New Year! Denise
I have all my supplies in spreadsheets (airtable) when I make a card I take a pic of it and it goes in a creation spreadsheet. I link all the supplies used to make it along with the recipient and date. So at a glance I can see my most used or unused supplies and who I have sent that card to. I’m a spreadsheet nerd 😁.
I would love to see this!
Jennifer, I like your organization plan. I have one of those birthday books with a pocket for each month and a line for each day on the pocket. I write in my recipients on the lines with their birth year. I can also write a couple in for anniversaries. I like being able to see the whole month at a glance so I know how many I will need that month. I have all my addresses in a database on my computer. I usually print on the envelope or a label if the envelope is dark. I also take pictures of everything I make so I know what I've sent before. If I ever started to make cards more in advance your idea might work better for me. They are very similar ideas after all. Thanks for your usual fabulous ideas!
Jennifer - your system is just what I need! I felt like your system was tailored just for me and all of my own belated BD cards! For me it is so easy to create cards when I don't need them but creating with a deadline just blocks any creativity hahaha! So sad to have late cards from the "cardmaker" of the group but that is ME!!! THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU! BTW - thanks so for another inspiring year of content - I rarely comment but I do always follow your channel and so many of my systems have come from you!!! Happy holidays!
I love this new idea. I make my bulky cards and put those sitting loosely in a box with envelope, in order of birthdays. I have 12- 3x5 index cards with all the birthdays listed for that month that is clipped at the front of my desk always in sight. That has saved my neck many a time. I started a system of trays (not big like yours) and as I think of a particular card idea I gather up whatever is needed and put it in there. I see them all the time so as my mind spins with ideas I add or take out supplies.
I think I’m going to try your idea here but put several months in a bigger bin (not a lot of room).
Looking forward to how this works out for you.
I loved this idea! I struggle with this too. I think your approach is practical and doable. Thanks! And your samples are fab too!
I really like this organization tip for birthday cards. I want to implement it to make sure my cards are getting out when they should. Noting what I sent will make sure each year is different since I have trouble remembering, lol.
I have used a similar system for several years. I have an acrylic recipe box with labeled cards for each month. It sits on my craft desk so I don't forget who is celebrating that month. :) I have an index card for each person with thier bdays on it and also track which card I have given them. I love the idea of including the year of thier birth so I know when milestone bdays are happening.
I love this system, thank you for sharing!
Great cards as usual, Jennifer!
As others have said, I too take a photo of my cards so I have a 'record'.... if I have made several of a particular card, II also keep a sample card. I have often referred back to them to remember the size, color, mechanics, and 'hints' to myself. I also keep a brief note with it with measurements, etc. They save much time and I don't have to reinvent the wheel if/when I want to make a similar one.
What can I say??? You never fail to astound me! I love finding ways to mass produce cards and this Birthday Card tutorial is a KEEPER! I especially loved the one you made for your Mom! It made me wish I could still make one for my mom. She'd have been 96 this month. And she would have loved the one that's going to your Mom. Bless your heart Jen. And as someone who's finally reorganizing her craft space, I really appreciate you sharing your super organized new system for making sure you never miss someone's birthday!💕
I do something similar for my dad. He was always asking me to make a card for a family member at the last minute (he has no idea what goes into making a card!). I have a 3 ring binder. I added pocket pages to the binder they are double sided. I have marked the month on each tab. In the pocket for each month I have a card and envelope for the appropriate recipient. I also stick a post-it note to the card to prevent confusion (my dad is 83). On the pocket I include the birth date and name of the recipient. This is the 3rd Christmas I have filled the book for my dad. He loves it!
Hi Jennifer. As always loved your cards and your new card organization system. I have a very small craft room and so do not have a lot of room that I can dedicate to prepared cards.
What I work with is a master list (in Word for each month with card recipients and their associated occasions and their mailing address). I find that this works for me and I can update as necessary by either adding recipients and/or new occasions or addresses as people relocate..
I cross reference this by utilizing my tablet's calendar system with a reminder one month in advance of say "Aunt Sally's" birthday which is say March 14. So in this case I would get a calendar reminder on February 14 that I need to design and prepare her card and prepare for mailing.
If I have already prepared Aunt Sally's card, it is in a tiny bin on my shelf and in the addressed envelope just awaiting my personal note and the appropriate postage. This system has been working for me for almost 5 years ... and so far so good.
Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with us all. I have truly benefited and learned so much from you. 😊🇨🇦
Love these cards. I tend to make mostly birthday cards
4:10 I love how you use your sleeve and the heel of your hand to press down on the MISTI. Sometimes, we don't need a specialized tool and it's just as easy to use something we already have. Love the fireworks stamp set!
Great cards and a brilliant way of organising your birthday cards. I am definitely going to try this. Thanks
Love the names 😂
Great system. I always take a pic of the card I send to make sure I don’t send
a similar one the following year.
A fellow TH-camr -can’t remember who- has a similar system but the December birthdays she has them in the November section so she has enough time to send it.
Beautiful cards as always.
Laura
Your system is awesome! I do a little bit simpler system in order to avoid duplication… When I come up with a good card design and want to be able to duplicate it, I take a photo copy of the card and attach it to a file folder, write the name of the recipient and the year I gave it, and then inside the file folder I store leftover pieces and parts for use on the next card of the same design. Some years I have given 12 to 15 of the same adult female card, and likewise with males or kids, and it works out, because most of my recipients do not live near each other!
I use an Excel spreadsheet to record names, addresses, occasions and dates for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Then I use the Microsoft Word feature to create and print Avery address labels early in January for all the cards I’ll send. While watching TV, I add address and return address labels to stacks of envelopes and pencil in the date and yrs in the upper right corner, then sort them in date order behind some month dividers! It’s a mindless task after the busy holiday cardmaking season and at the end of one month I grab the next month’s envelopes so I know what’s coming. It also keeps recipients fresh in my mind so I can think what supplies I have (and buy) will really fit them. The upfront work on the spreadshheet pays off over time.
Fantastic system for having names, dates, addresses, and cards at the ready. Jennifer your organizational skills are astounding! Thank you for sharing your ideas.
This has to be the most helpful video I have ever watched!!! I’ve been desperate for an organized mailing system and THIS IS IT!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Great plan for getting birthday cards out! I'm usually scrambling to get cards done in time to still get to the recipients before they become belated. I think I'll be putting your plan to work! Thanks!
Decades ago when I worked as a secretary we used to call that system a "tickle file". For my bday card system I use a small 3-ring notebook, divided by month, for keeping track of birthdays and the cards I send.
Thanks for the ideas 💡
Thanks for sharing 😊
Wow! I really needed this video! Thank you so much!
Love your ideas cards are beautiful too
Jennifer, Great video! I have 2 different ways I do birthdays. 1st - for birthdays I send cards to - I use an excel calendar template & I type in everyone's name & their age, if I know it. Then I print it off the month before I need it to have their cards ready to mail That way I have it from year after year & update the ages each yr. 2nd - for those I only email or text greetings to (these are Missionaries around the world) - I use another excel spreadsheet & each month I write at the top the month & under it the date 1), 2) , etc & type the persons name & the year they were born beside their name. I look at the list the night before since many are in different time zones later than us & I email them so they get the email the day of their birthday or anniversary. It's work up front but great afterwards. You only have to add names on both ways as necessary. I technically like the 2nd idea best, but use both everyday.
I love this. I have a handmade perpetual calendar with pockets for birthdays. How do I make this so hard on myself? Well, I make cards ahead of time, put them in month's pocket, but when it comes time to mail, I think, Hmmm..." I think she'll like this one instead" and then make a different card which ends up making the card late to arrive. HA! Or...I actually look at the calendar at the beginning of the month and think, "Oh, I have a birthday on the 22nd; I have time before I need to get it to the PO". So on the 21st, I look at the calendar again and thinks...."Oops." I just love your idea. I hoping it keeps me up to date with my birthdays, too. Good luck to all of us! 🙂
Great ideas, Jennifer!
I love this idea! Definitely going to look into setting up
Something like this
I love the template idea for lining up the letters - thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing this video, Jennifer! I just finished reading all 179 comments above and I absolutely love how your work brings us all together as a community to learn from each other. Thanks for creating a space filled with kindness and support!
I love that too. I learn a lot from all of the comments too!
I too live to read the comments. Sometimes you can gleen more hints and ideas from others perspectives! 😉
What a great video with so many really good ideas!❤
I am bad with bday cards too. The organization is priceless. Your honesty is endearing, thank you. Gorgeous, fun cards too
Hi Jennifer I watch you card making ideas all the time. I like your card system, I also have a system mine is that I print a A4 calendar for the year with squares for each day of the month and everyone who has a birthday on that date has their name on the date in the square, I go through the calendar month by month and make the cards. When the card is made I cross it off on the calendar. I have a box with months of the year in it and place the card in the envelope with the address on it and the date it is due. 🐞🇦🇺
This is next level organizing. I think it’s brilliant. This is great for large families with tons of birthdays or just busy, busy individuals. Thank you.
absolutely stunning cards Jennifer. You are so inspiring
Love this idea👍
I like to cut up plastic folders and use them for dividers. I just buy extras during the school supplies sales before school starts. This way they are a little more durable and can be reused various times in different ways if needed. I just use sticker labels on them so I can peel them off and change them if needed.
I was using some of this idea by using a perpetual calendar with an index card for each month noting all the birthdays in that month. Then I’d add cards behind each month index card for all birthdays that month. But, I hadn’t yet figured out how to avoid sending similar cards - I like how you have a pocket for each person and write a small description of the card. I may up my game with that addition.
GENIUS!!!!
I have had that Big birthday wishes for some time now never using it.. I will be using it now!! Thanks so much!
I would love to see a video on how you prepare for Holiday card season. I find myself trying to churn out a ridiculous amount of cards in a short span of time. I want to be more productive/proactive this year.
Well, I didn't send out cards this year! Not the mass produced ones I usually do. They tend to be a scramble in the last days of the holiday season and I get my family involved helping me.
Brilliant way to track special events by person!
Jennifer, your organizational systems are such an inspiration to me. I love this system. Much more concrete, functional and efficient than my current system of looking at my list of birthdays, jotting them in my planner then last minute rummaging through my stash of birthday cards to see if I have something to send. You are such a gift to the crafting community. Thank you!
I completely agree!!
I've been using a spreadsheet to track birthday cards but I haven't had a good way to store the cards. I like the idea of a pocket with an insert for each person, so you can tell whether or not you've made the card. After sending it out, just check off the year/card design notation! Thanks for sharing your system...I hope it works well for you.
I really like these cards Jennifer, they are so festive! And thanks for the organization tips. Organization is my thing, my family and friends joke about it sometimes but it really helps my anxiety level! Lol 😂🙏
I've been trying to think of a way to not send similar cards to people multiple times! Great ideas in this video! :)
Thank you for this Jennifer. Easy do-able system which I shall incorporate. Hopefully I will be better at sending out cards on time..Appreciate your time and effort as always. Merry Christmas to you and your family 💖
Great organization tips!
Love these ideas!
A completely doable organization concept. I’m on it!!! Thanks for always inspiring me👍🏻❤️
One of my goals for 2023 is to this very thing! Thanks for making it easy, Jennifer!
I try to remember to take photos of my cards, the emphasis is on ‘try’!
I used a similar organisation technique but came undone with birthdays at the very beginning of each month. I was left with too little time to send cards on time. To remedy this I moved birthday reminders (for really early birthdays) to the previous month. It’s a little cumbersome but mostly works.
Thank you for sharing your creative and helpful idea. What a wonderful tip! I’m going to try it this year! I also want to do something similar for holiday cards as I don’t want to send similar cards to the same recipient twice in a row.
These are such wonderful ideas for keeping track of birthdays, addresses, and types of cards you send out. I've been needing to get more organized, and this is just what I need. Thanks for sharing your tips with us, Jennifer. You help us to have fun and get more organized at the same time. Merry Christmas!!
THANK YOU, Jennifer, for the inspiration! I made my own birthday organization system with a lot of your hints/suggestions! Love it! (PS ... my sister is making one too!)
Amazing Backgrounds for Happy New Year Cards ♥
Best wishes
Verena
I have a card calendar by month for bd, anniv, & I have about 5 plastic shoe boxes of cards made. Some need insides done but it's easy to pick from them for each month. I just finished Feb. except Valentine cards. I try to be at least a month ahead.
Awesome idea for the organisation, and great idea for tracking the types of cards sent to each person! Love it!
Great plan!
Happy birthday to your mom:) I would love to be this organized maybe one day:) tfs stay safe and God Bless:) Merry Christmas:)
Omg! I so so needed an idea of how to remember who got what each year. This is a GREAT idea! Thank you, Jennifer!😊
I am not good at sending birthday cards either. Like you, I am going to try and be better at this in the new year.