I went to our letterbox the other day and found the first Christmas card of the season.

A bit early, I know, but it wasn't entirely unexpected. We have relatives who like to get their cards out by mid-November! Eek!

So with Christmas card season officially here I thought I'd share some tips to make your bulk cardmaking a little easier.

1. Pick a design early

Found a card you enjoy making? Then stick to it. This will be your official "Card of the Year".

2. Keep it simple

Chances are you'll be making a lot, so try hard to resist the temptation to add bits here and there. Keep it simple.

3. Have enough supplies on hand

Check that you have enough ribbon, adhesive, cardstock and embellishments. Is your favourite ink pad a little patchy this year? Add a reinker (they're only $5.95) to your order. Allow a week for me to get the raw materials to you.

4. Set up your crafting space

Clear off a bench or desk, or pull out the trestle table for the weekend. Think carefully about how you can best set up your craft station using optimally planned logistics. I'm serious! Five minutes spent in careful planning could be a great investment. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has stamped a bunch of images and then thought 'I should have moved the stamp pad over to this side next to my hand'. lol.

5. Set up an assembly line

Mass produce elements first, assemble later.

6. Don't forget the envelope

Stamp it, emboss it… you name it. The envelope is the first thing the lucky recipient will see in amongst that pile of bills. Get them smiling before they even see your card by prettying up the envelope.

And most importantly, crank up the Christmas tunes and have fun!

I can't wait for Christmas this year. It will be the first Christmas dinner that I'm hosting at home, and I'm so looking forward to the challenge. Bon bons, place settings, festive decorations… *squeal*.

Happy stamping,

****CLASS UPDATE – Classes Booked Out: If you are a newsletter subscriber you'll have seen the NEW CLASS SCHEDULE released this month.

Thanks for your interest. All 2011 classes are now filled. 

It's a great time to stock up on Christmas presents, or grab a little gift for yourself, with November's Big Shot promotion.

Dies, embosslits and embossing folders reduced by 10%!

Contact me to place your order, and I'll arrange for fast delivery directly from the warehouse to you.

Click here to download the Big Shot flyer.

Don't have a Big Shot? Get 10% off the exclusive Big Shot Bundle!

The Big Shot Bundle includes:

Big Shot die cutting machine
(with standard cutting plates and multi-purpose cutting platform),

PLUS

Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits,

PLUS

 Manhattan Flower embossing folder

for only

$168.16*

*plus 5%p/h

(RRP $186.85)

This is the perfect time to make your Big Shot big dream come true.

Happy stamping,