Create Photo Cards that Look Like You Went to a lot of Trouble...But Didn't
If you think photo cards are just for Christmas, think again. You will be AMAZED at what you can create in about ten minutes online.
My favorite photo cards are those printed on cardstock rather than photo paper. Even though they are slightly more expensive, cardstock has a nicer feel and is better for writing on.
Try these sites for the best of the best in photo cards:
Shutterfly photo cards - best all round selection and prices
Kodak Gallery - quality designer cards like Martha Stewart and others
Photoworks - best for unique designs
Tiny Prints - the best for photo baby cards of all kinds
Photo Greeting Cards - Folded
Greeting cards are larger folded cards and sold individually. You can get more pictures on these so use them for birthdays, Christmas, even Valentines. Click here for more folded greeting cards
For example, you can create a custom birthday card for a special friend and have it sent directly to that person in the mail.
Photo Cards - Flat
Photo cards are usually flat, instead of folded, and sold in boxes of 10, 12 or even 20. Size varies from 4x8 to 5x7.
Use photo cards for all kinds of announcements, like new baby or engagmenet, and party invitations, or holiday greetings like Christmas or Valentines. Click here for more flat photo cards
Photo Cards - Flat Cardstock
These photo cards are flat cards printed on quality stationary paper rather than photo paper. They are nicer for handwritten greetings and personal notes. Click here for more designer cards
Note Cards - 3x5 Blank Inside
Note cards are small (3x5 usually). We love them because they service a multitude of purposes. They are perfect for all-occasion cards that can serve as thank you's, invitations, and announcements, and so on. Click here for more note cards
We also like the Martha Stewart note card design that can be personalized with some text on the front and a message inside. Click here for more Martha Stewart cards, calendars and more
Postcards
Postcards are printed on 110 lb card stock instead of photo paper. There's room for an address and message on the back side.
Click here to build your own personalized post card
Eric Carle Photo Cards
These are new and adorable. Photo cards, invitations and birth announcements featuring author/illustrator Eric Carle's famous critters. Remember The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Click here for exclusive designs from Eric Carle, creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
Talking Cards
And how about this one, Talking Greeting cards! (We haven't ordered one of these yet, but when we do, we'll post our thoughts!) From Snapfish, a talking greeting is a 5x7 card with memory for a 10-second greeting that you record into every card. Click here for more unique cards
Poster Cards
Poster cards are anther cool idea. The folded size is 4.25x5.5 but it unfolds to poster size 11x17! You can get loads of photos and text on this card. Great for milestone birthdays like 16, 40 or 75! Click here to see more poster cards
Accordian Fold Cards and Other Fun Folds
If you like cards in unique shapes, there's a pinwheel folded card that folds out from the center and features your photo in the middle. An accordion card folds out several times to reveal multiple panels of photos and text. Click here for more unique card designs
Martha Stewart Designs
If you're a fan of Martha Stewart style, you can find card designs that feature those familiar motifs. Click here for more Martha Stewart cards, calendars and more
Layout Ideas
Full bleed means that the photo is printed right to the edge of the card.
Casual layouts often have the photos arranged at crazy angles.
Mosaic layouts are my favorite. Think of your photos like tiles arranged like a checkerboard. The look is very clean and modern.
Pricing
It really depends on the style of card but a box of 10 to 12 photo cards is around $2.50.
Individual greetings cards can be $2.50 each or more with volume discounts available if you order more.
Shipping is extra.
Unique card styles are more. For example, poster size cards are around $4 each and talking cards $5 each.
Tips
If you are ordering cards that are an unusual size or shape, remember to check the postage. Some oversize cards require added postage for mailing, which would be a real gotcha if you didn't realize this beforehand.
Here are links for calculating postage:
