I make and send a lot of cards year round . . . a LOT of cards. I hope it's evident from my daily blog posts that I'm just as in love with paper, ink and stamps as I was the day I was first introduced to Stampin' Up! However, during the holiday season, time can be a precious commodity and I have decided to make the leap this year from sending exclusively handmade cards and switch (at least partially) to a My Digital Studio (MDS) holiday photocard. Honestly, it's a huge relief!
Yes, I'm going to send around 25 handmade cards that I have already created for friends and family who have grown to expect them. However, I realize that many of my friends and family whom I don't see as often really appreciate a photo (I went for subtle humor generously provided by our uncooperative "animals" above), something that's simple to incorporate into an MDS card.
For my busy lifestyle, there's another BIG advantage of having My Digital Studio. I can purchase an inexpensive, tastefully designed photocard template (I used Seasonal Salutations, #131216, $1.95, above), drop in a photo and seamlessly send it (right from MDS) to be professionally printed by Stampin' Up! The entire process requires just a few clicks to get things rolling for as many cards as I need.
Learn more about Stampin' Up! professional printing services.
Once my 6 x 6 Seasonal Salutations cards arrive (be sure to order by Dec. 6 for Dec. 24 guaranteed delivery–sooner if you plan to mail them), I will accent them with a little bling (Rhinestone Basic Jewels #119246) on the stars (front and interior) and pop them in the mail using the coordinating envelopes that SU includes in their printing price.
There are lots of printing services out there but here's why I prefer Stampin' Up!'s printing services:
- I can create and order printed cards conveniently from my computer. A big time saver!
- When my cards arrive, I can be confident of a quality finished product, including envelope.
- The colors (for the card above) will match Stampin' Up! Basic Gray, Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple and Very Vanilla.
- The inside left and back of my card can be full color (or custom designed by me) for no additional charge.
- I can add other Stampin' Up! products to my print order and qualify for hostess rewards starting with a $150 order (before shipping and tax).
- Stampin' Up! has bulk print pricing on orders of 10 cards or more. Click here and be sure to scroll to the end for bulk print pricing.
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What a beautiful family you have Mary. Your blog is my top favorite, it rocks!!!
O I love those furry critters! Great card!
This is great! I was never interested in MDS but now I am! Looks like this would be a much better fit for me in my busy schedule and I love that you can still add a little “hands on” touches after you get them in the mail. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Beautiful card, Mary! I LOVE the picture of the whole family, including cute Isabel and furry Sasha! I think you’re very smart to go with MDS for your holiday cards! Hope you post of pic of the actual card after you’ve received them and added the rhinestones!
for anyone who started with MDS but stopped, consider the templates. i think of them as the “training pants” of MDS because they are really, easy to work with. frankly, i may never get very far out of my training pants . . . because i simply “dig” the ritual of stamping 🙂
Nice card Mary. I like you like stamps and paper. I just mailed 120 Christmas cards.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. All 5 of you.
But I fail to see rhinestones on your MDS card.
Barbara Webber
What a sweet looking family Mary. Thanks so much for sharing with us. I do hope you and your family will enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas.
love, love, love!
A beautiful Christmas card and a beautiful family!I love that you included your pets because they most definitely are family too! 🙂
What a wonderful family photo to enhance your MDS cards! I am very happy to know that some people will receive had made cards….I don’t send as many as I used to but will continue with my hand made cards….but bravo to you for jumping and helping free up time for you with your family and friends and letting MDS do most of the work for you!
Sounds like a great idea! Thanks for sharing and, also for showing you and your family. Love Sasha’s expression!
I am with you on going digital for Christmas cards. I spend time all year creating handmade cards that I think we all deserve a break.
Great digital card, Mary. I look forward to seeing more of your MDS work!
Beautiful picture, Mary….and cute, cleanly designed card!
Soo nice looking family Ms Mary , love it !!
Me too I’m a paper and ink person , !!
Some day I’ll go out of the box just for fun !!
Have a nice day,
Hugs frenchie !
Lovely pic of you, your family and sweet pets! Happy Birthday too:) I’m a paper girl thru and thru. xxxooojudi
Great card Mary! I must be dense, I have had MDS now for two years, I have gone to their website watched the videos and tutorials,(they are to small for me to see what their doing), so as a result I quit buying digital downloads cause I can’t seem to get anything to work. You hav a lovely family pets and all.
Mary, Love the photo, you have a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing all your ideas. May your family have a very Blessed Christmas!
Mary, you have a beautiful family…and by the way…
Happy Birthday!. Love the card and the time “savingness” of MDS, but still do prefer the paper, ink…etc. SU’s printing services are great!
Love the pets… they are like uncooperative kids for sure. 🙂
Cute picture and great MDS card! WTG!
Absolutely Beautiful Family!!! Love your choice to go MDS photo, just as priceless as one of your handmade cards (my opinion)!!!
What a beautiful family, Mary! Congrats on taking the leap to MDS. I’m like you – I love the touch and feel of paper and ribbon and brads.
hi dorothy: i’m hoping it won’t. this particular card is 6 x 6 which already pops it up to 65 cents for being a square card/envelope. i think it will be cool with the rhinestones given it already has a surcharge. frankly, i put 65 cents on all my cards (even the 4 1/4 x 5 1/2) as an insurance policy and keeps me within the postal rules. i’ll mail the cards from the post office just to be sure.
Love this!! HUGS!
Very nice and smart, Mary. Question:
By adding rhinestones to your card,
will it need extra postage?
Thanks for your kind comments (even about my naughty pets). I still prefer paper, stamps and ink over MDS–by a long shot. That’s just me! However, for mass producing efficiently and incorporating photos (with still offering a WOW factor), MDS has found it’s place in my personal card making.
GREAT to hear your jumping into MDS this year Mary. Your picture of your entire family could not be any more precious if you tried. Love that you brought both Isabel and Sasha into your photo-They are just too cute for words. Happy Birthday My Friend!
Mary, your card is wonderful and your family is beautiful! Everyone you send this to will enjoy it very much 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Oh Mary, that is one beautiful photo and your family look amazing, including your uncooperative furry friends. Pets are like small children when it comes to taking pictures, they never sit still and never smile when you tell them to. This is the first time I see a picture of your lovely daughter Caroline and husband, although I think there are some pictures of him when you were creating your stamping zone.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful family with us.
XO
Maria.
Great design…..Beautiful Family!!! Keep creating….you are an inspiration! !!
Great choice Mary! I did notice your pets were not to happy! Great information about templates & printing services of which I’ve not delved into. Tis the Season to give it a try and help a girl out too!