Tips For Mailing Your Handmade Cards

You've just poured your heart (and glitter, sequins, and die-cuts) into a gorgeous handmade card... only to worry it'll arrive looking like it survived a wrestling match with the postal service. Or worse- it gets returned because you forgot to add extra postage for your non-machinable masterpiece.

The good news? With the right packaging and postage, you can send them safely and confidently every time.

In this post, I'll walk you through everything I do to protect my cards while in transit and to ensure that I have the proper postage. I will also include a list of my must-have supplies to simplify the shipping process.

Package Like a Pro

Use sturdy, quality envelopes: I like using Kraft envelopes to send my cards. They are flexible, yet thick enough to provide adequate protection.

Add a protective layer on top of your design: This will help to smooth out bumps and prevent your embellishments from poking through the envelope. It can be as simple as a piece of thin packing foam or cardstock. A piece of embossed cardstock also works well.

Mail your card inside out: A lot of cardmakers swear by this. Instead of adding additional cardstock (and weight) to the envelope, simply turn the card inside out for mailing.

Use a clear, protective sleeve over your card: Plastic sleeves like these have an adhesive strip to seal and protect your card from the elements and from fingerprints. They are not usually necessary, but something to consider if you'd like extra protection. I always use these when I mail out cards that I have sold online or when I am displaying my cards at a craft fair.

Will any of your creative elements get damaged? I try to stay within the margins of my card, but sometimes the design looks better with a bit of overhang. I've experienced the disappointment of finishing a card only to find that it will not fit into my envelope. For this reason, I keep an envelope on my desk when I am making the card so I can double-check fit as I go. If anything is hanging over the edge, make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand movement during shipment.

Use a rigid envelope: When I am mailing something extra special, I will pay the extra postage and use a bend-proof envelope for added protection.

Avoid Postage Problems

I try to keep the cards that I mail simple enough that I can get away with using standard First Class postage. Rectangular cards that are flat, flexible and under 1/4" thick are almost always able to be sent with a regular First Class stamp.

If your card meets certain criteria it will be considered non-machinable and will require extra postage to be processed by hand.

Here are some common reasons for a non-machinable card:

• Square cards

  
  

• Envelope closures- wax seals, string, or anything with dimension

  
  

• Rigid envelopes

  
  

• Uneven thickness- buttons, rhinestones, foam stickers, etc.

  I have been successful in using standard postage on cards with slight height variations, but I've never pushed it too far.

  
  

• Too thick- Anything over 1/4" thick will need extra postage.

If your card is over 1 ounce, you'll need additional postage (maximum 3.5 ounces).

Essential Supplies to Have on Hand

Here are a few things I have at my shipping station:

• A small postage scale: this saves time and gives me peace of mind that my cards will not be returned or arrive "postage due". Anything over 1 ounce will need extra postage.

  
  

• An assortment of envelopes: I like to use Kraft envelopes.

  
  

• Extra stamps: Keep some "butterfly" non-machinable stamps and the extra ounce stamps on hand.

  
  

• Bend-proof envelopes: You will need to pay extra postage for these rigid mailers.

  
  

• Clear protective sleeves: These will give your card added protection from shifting, moisture and dirt while in transit. I use these on all of the cards I sell in my Etsy shop. They are also great if you are selling your cards at a craft fair.

  
  

• Cardboard sheets: Thin cardboard will help protect the raised elements on the front of your card without adding too much weight.

Overall, I've been successful in mailing my handmade cards. Take a little extra care in your packaging, double check your postage, and you shouldn't have any problems either. If you are ever in doubt, wait in line and a postal worker can answer your questions. JJ❀

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