For this 'Behind the Card' we have decided to feature our 'Teapot Projects' cards since we have been blogging a lot about them lately. However take note, this story is only about our 'Etsy Teapots'. Nothing against our teapot cards we are donating. We just don't have any pictures to show of the cards 'during the process' of making them. And to be honest, we have never done a feature of showing pictures 'during the process' let alone take pictures. So we ask to bare with us and give us plenty of feedback if needed. Hence the 'Special Edition'!
Fast forward to March 2015 when M&K decided to start making teapot cards to sell on our new Etsy shop. One problem with this. K could only find bits and pieces of the previously mentioned pattern, that you know, was made for future reference. M&K were back at the drawing board (literally). K tried making new patterns without help. But honestly, K cannot draw to save her life. M for that matter too. This is where dad comes into play once again since drawing can save his life. By the time, dad came in, two different patterns were already made, also known as the cards we are donating to Card Care Connection. Like we have stated previously, these patterns are not bad look-wise but AFTER dad stepped in and saved the day. Once these patterns were altered, K and dad made a third pattern that is shown below. And no worries, this pattern is in a safe spot and being taken care of much better than the original pattern.
Honestly, making the pattern was the hardest, most time consuming, most frustrating part of creating these cards. There are so many different design options and looks of teapots to consider. Then we have to consider what will be the easiest to draw, cut out and decide what was within our skill level. As you can see, when dad is involved, the pattern is very detailed and measured to the EXACT detail. Also, having the card fold at the top and have the teapot lid not attached was very much deliberate in our design. BTW, we want to add that dad insists that he 'doesn't do teapots'. Too girly for him, we guess? We had to hear this continually throughout the pattern process, but yet the proof is in the pictures.
Like we stated, once the pattern is made the hard part is over. We move on to drawing and cutting it out on to cardstock paper. We use cardstock for the base of all our cards because simply, it is thick. If you use 'printer paper' or scrapbook paper it is too thin and the card will most like flop around and fall apart sooner rather than later.
Now to the fun part! This is where we pick out paper to use (if we haven't already decided before the pattern was even made). This also known as picking out our 'theme' for the card. Once this is decided we of course start measuring (again) and cut/paste the paper onto the cardstock. Usual issues with this step are of course cutting the paper correctly (takes us back to kindergarten, lol) and making sure the scrapbook paper glues correctly. Sometimes after drying, the scrapbook paper and the cardstock come undone if not done correctly initially. Also, as you can see, the teapot has tight corners and curves which also make everything listed above more difficult. To ensure we wouldn't have any issues, we used 'concrete glue' on the tea lid, handle and spout which we knew would be 'problem areas'. As a side note, the smell of the glue is memorable to say the least but it did its job and that is what is important.
As you can see, not only did we have to measure (again) correctly for the outside of the card, but ALSO the inside of the card. It's like this obviously for every card we make, but this card made it a little more tedious. You will also notice that the spout and the handle are actually the outside AND the inside of the card depending if it is open or closed. You see cards like this all the time in stores, but this was a new concept for us to create. Also, as you can see in the picture below, the lid was covered in the same paper pattern as the inside. However, it is not seen when opened. It is just glued (with the smelly concrete glue) on to the outside. Originally we wanted the handle to show when the card was opened but it became too much to handle design-wise. Maybe our next pattern adventure we will figure it out!
But back to the present card. As you can see, it is finished! However, this is where we make sure we like every part of the card and nothing is sticking out, not sticking, needs cut, ect. Basically it is either now or never! For these cards, obviously they will be up for sale on Etsy as previously stated. So the creative part of the card is finished. However, the business part is just starting. We need to take (hopefully good) pictures that will help the card sell, find a price point, figure out the shipping nonsense and of course create its profile on Etsy. And of course each step takes time. Definitely not the fun part of the business. But it comes with the territory so there be it.
Of course when we have custom orders or giving the cards to someone, this last part is a little different. But those are stories for another day! So until then, have a great rest of the holiday weekend and if anyone is willing to give constructive feedback or has questions, let us know.
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