Learning the basics about greeting cards allows you to decide if you want to make your own. If you decide you do, check out the next badge in this set as well — “Card Maker”.
Steps
Deeper Look
1. Occasions.
Brainstorm specific holidays, birthdays or even “just because” events that you would like to send a card for so others know you are thinking of them. Use any notes you took while working on “Card Explorer” or check out the starting list in the supplements below.
2. Types.
Different types of cards may be serious, humorous or religious. A card may merely be the wrapping for a gift or a special message. Do you lean towards one type of card more than another? Look at the types of cards you have locally and / or at the notes you took previously. Did you take any pictures of cards for later? Include in your reference the styles, colors and age-appropriateness of the cards that draw your attention. Purchase any that you must have for your personal collection.
3. Words.
What you want to say can be more important that the card itself. While quotes are popular, inside jokes or word art can make a card more interesting. How many of the cards that you read miss the mark? Does a single artistic word carry more impact than a fully designed card? Ask yourself why the words work for you . . . or don’t. This will help you identify your own style.
4. Design.
Look at each greeting card as a complete item. Examine the images, colors and first impressions you have. Why did you choose a specific card? Was it for a single part of the card? Did you find the colors and design pleasing? Did the card reflect your recipient? Were the words thoughtful? Do they “sound like you?” While we broke up some of the elements of greeting cards above, the card as a whole should reflect you and / or your recipient. Most cards don’t do this. This is why many people make their own cards.
5. Flickr.
Flickr, or other image sharing sites, can give you a place to not only share what you make, but to get ideas from others. If you are looking for a more vintage design, you can find these types of cards as well as newer ones. Explore images for more ideas for your card making fun.
6. Track.
As you examine all the different cards, create a way to track your notes and ideas about them. If you’ve taken shots with your phone, arrange those as well. As you track those things you like, this will give you a place to generate more ideas when you aren’t happy with a design you are creating.
Learn the Craft
7. General.
You can find free general card making tutorials on the Web, in magazines or in books from your local library. Designs and approaches to card making are varied. Using your likes that you’ve already explored, complete a few tutorials. If you know someone crafty or have a craft / scrapbook store nearby, you can take classes to learn the basics as well.
8. Specific.
If you’re looking for a specific technique or a way to work with materials or tools, you can find that information online. Videos are one option. You can look for local classes or check out sites that specialize in card making and paper crafts. You can also check out the badge set “Paper Craft Techniques” for many possibilities to make backgrounds, embellishments and more.
9. Swap-bot.
Swapping cards with others not only gets you the experience of making the cards, you receive them to see what others have done. Try a swap with greeting cards. Be sure to follow the requirements of the swap.
Collect the Pieces
10. Sets.
You can purchase blank cards and envelopes from many craft stores. While you can also make them from papers around your house, starting with blank cards is a great way to start with your creativity in designing the cards without the technical aspects slowing you down. Look to see what is offered locally.
NOTE: You can also use disposed of cards / envelopes as a base for designs, covering up the elements that you don’t like.
11. Templates.
Templates are outlines for creating paper crafts. You can find templates for envelopes, cards, bookmarks, tags, etc. Using your favorite search engine, explore templates that deal with cards and envelopes. This is another way to create your cards without purchasing pre-made cards and envelopes.
12. Printables.
Tearing apart someone else’s file can help you see how they created their cards. You can also use the printables in a pinch as a starting point to make your own cards. Look at card printables to find some you like. Download a few and see how the card was created. Note any items you want to learn more about.
13. Quotes.
Start a document, database or even index card set with quotes and sayings you like. This might just be a sentence for inside the card or a front and back set that you find appealing. In addition to books like “Bartlett’s Quotes,” you can find many other free quote sources online. You can purchase quote books, especially from scrapbook vendors. Collect sayings from your family, favorite television shows, books or movies. For a more personal card, use favorite sayings from your recipient as the theme for your card.
14. Ephemera.
Card making is a great way to use up ephemera and scraps from other paper craft projects. If you have a collection, be sure to pull it out when you’re working on your cards.
15. Storage.
Having a place to store your card pieces or even your final cards is important. Having all the pieces you need to make cards in a few boxes is a way to speed up the creation process. You may find creating a card at the last minute is incredibly stressful, so having cards available works better for you. Creating a spot where you can store your cards will save you a lot of stress and money. You won’t have to do any more “last minute” shopping for a card. Make sure your storage system keeps all of the elements you intend to use clean and organized. Look for storage solutions for all your card making needs.
Badge and Supplement Files
Member Level
- 0EP_B_BPG_CardB_2in_12up_MS1_larajla — generic badge printable
- 0EP_BADGE_CardB_MS1_larajla — PDF of the badge program
- 0EP_BLIST_CardB_MS1_larajla — badge items per membership level
- 0EP_BSET0_CardB_MS1_larajla —badge set and related badges
- 0EP_SUPP0_CardB_Journal_MS1_larajla — badge journal
- 0EP_SUPP0_CardB_Planner_MS1_larajla — badge planner
- 0EP_SUPPL_CardB_MS1_larajla — supplements currently available per membership level
Supplement Fun
- 0EP_SUPP0_List Fun_Card Types_MS2_larajla — List Fun: Types of Greeting Cards
Sites to Explore
- www.swap-bot.com
- brainyquotes.com
- flickr.com
- pinterest.com
- youtube.com
- crafts.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Create_Greeting_Card
- www.greetingcardmessages.com
- theconsciouslife.com/inspirational-quotes-about-life-for-greeting-cards.htm
- www.greetingcardpoet.com
- www.thepapermillstore.com/free-templates/greeting-card-templates
- www.template.net/editable/greeting-cards
- printfree.com/printable_greeting_cards.htm
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here