How many times have you looked for the perfect card only to “settle” for what the store had? Reasons to make your own cards include: express your individuality, use your own words / images, design for your recipient, celebrate non-traditional holidays / events and much more.
Steps
1. Sizes.
Most cards are rectangular so they can go through automated systems.
Review the standard US sizes for cards and envelopes if you’re in the United States. If you’re not in the US, what are the standard sizes your Post will accept? Keep your sizes handy for future steps. Compile your own cheat sheet. Feel free to share countries / sizes to help others.
You can make “non-standard” cards for mailing. They need to be hand-stamped and cost more to mail. You can hand out cards instead of mailing them. Keep this in mind as you design your cards. You may want to break the “rules” for posting cards including sizes, shapes and more.
2. Colors.
Look at the colors you find most pleasing. Purchase cards and envelopes in the colors you like. White and ivory tend to be the colors that are sold in bulk if you’re looking at making more than a couple cards. Now, choose paper to coordinate with your cards and envelopes. You can use solid colors or patterns. Compare the pieces to make sure they complement or contrast to your taste.
3. Sketches.
Search for “card sketches” in your favorite search engine You’ll see line art of cards others have done. These are very basic layout ideas you might choose to use. Select a couple to try.
4. Tools.
The basic tools you will need depend on the techniques / materials you will incorporate into the card. It can be as simple as a sticker, a swash of oil paint on the card’s front, a handwritten sentiment or collaged images you’ve created on your computer. Read through the tool suggestions and decide which is right for you. Before you purchase any supplies, check around your house. You probably already own some of them.
- Paper or cards
- Envelopes
- Cutting mat, X-acto® knife and metal ruler; scissors; paper trimmer
- Folding bone or similar item
- Adhesives; tapes
- Ink; inkpads; paint
- Embellishments including stickers, ribbons, brads, eyelets, etc.
- Paper punches
- Rubber stamping supplies
- Computer and printer
- Pencils; markers; crayons; chalks
5. Time.
If you’re spending time making cards, you may want to make more than one. When I start, I’ll spend an entire afternoon and end up with anywhere from six to ten cards, depending on how detailed they are. This allows you time to relax and be creative instead of trying to make a card at the last minute . . . and that rarely goes well. Determine if you’d rather create an intensive, multi-card making session or concentrate on one or two at a time. Try it and see how it works.
NOTE: I like to make two copies of each card. One is to give away. One I keep for myself as a reference of what I created. You can also take photos of your cards for this purpose.
6. Layers.
One of the easiest ways to create a card is by layering paper and then putting a focal item on the top layer like a sticker or rubber-stamped image. You attach contrasting or coordinating colored paper on the front of the card, but make each layer a bit smaller so you can see the colors underneath. Layers do not have to always be centered or aligned. Try a layered card.
7. Personal.
If you like to use oil paints, mix a couple colors and add a swash to the front of your card. This puts your own personality on it. If you like to sketch, make a photocopy or scan it and print it out to attach. Look through any art journals or doodles you’ve done. You can also create one-of-a-kind art directly on the card and / or envelope. Try making a card with your own skills and abilities to bring up the level of personalization.
8. Digital.
Print a full sheet of paper with a digital photograph as the front of your card. If you’re putting your print into an A2 (4.375” × 5.75”) envelope, an 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper will fold into a 4.25” x 5.5” card. In addition to making full cards, you can print out elements to include with your card including quotes, word art, individual words, backgrounds, public domain images or found ephemera (vintage, public domain images). Look for photos, clip art and other elements to add to your digital creation.
9. Apps.
Today’s apps are becoming more user friendly. You can use them for digital elements for your cards or even creating full cards. Explore what is available for your phone or tablet.
10. Recycle.
Do you save old cards with no reason why? Cut out the images you like from the front and reuse them on your cards. You can also recycle junk mail to make paper, cut stamps off envelopes to use for embellishment, etc. You can also use ephemera as recycled elements. Look for items you can recycle into your cards.
11. Activity.
You can make your cards more than greeting cards. I’ve started seeing cards with the fronts being black and white line art so the recipient can color the card. Why not take it a step further and put in small puzzles that reflect the occasion. Brainstorm ideas for what you might include as “activities” in a greeting card.
12. Inclusion.
Adding a little something to a card can change a card into a gift. Adding a pocket for a gift card is a lot nicer than throwing a gift card into the envelope. You can make a frame for special photos you are sharing as part of a card. You can also add small gifts. I’ve included crocheted snowflakes for Christmas. Just remember your inclusions need to be relatively flat.
If you plan to mail your cards, be sure to keep it light because postage can add up quickly.
13. Coupon.
Incorporating a coupon in your card is another gift idea. Don’t make it an afterthought. Be sure to keep the design consistent with the card. Coupons can be for taking the kids to buy something they want, getting hugs, planning a date night or even going to a favorite restaurant. It doesn’t have to be grand. Look at how you might incorporate a coupon into a card.
14. Blank.
I like to make my cards so they are blank inside. I can then use that card for birthdays, gratitude or even just a quick “missing you” card. As you start making your cards, think about making the inside blank on a few and try this for yourself.
In addition to keeping a stash of blank cards, you can wrap up a few and give the blank cards as gifts. It is better to make them similar in color and design if you plan on gifting them.
Badge and Supplement Files
Member Level
- 0EP_B_BPG_CardM_2in_12up_MS1_larajla — generic badge printable
- 0EP_BADGE_CardM_MS1_larajla — PDF of the badge program
- 0EP_BLIST_CardM_MS1_larajla — badge items per membership level
- 0EP_BSET0_CardM_MS1_larajla —badge set and related badges
- 0EP_SUPP0_CardM_Journal_MS1_larajla — badge journal
- 0EP_SUPP0_CardM_Planner_MS1_larajla — badge planner
- 0EP_SUPPL_CardM_MS1_larajla — supplements currently available per membership level
Supplement Fun
- 0EP_SUPP0_Printable_Card Folds_MS2_larajla — Printables: Card folds
- 0EP_SUPP0_Printable_Card_Envelope Sizes_MS2_larajla — Printable: Card and envelope sizes
Sites to Explore
- www.making-greeting-cards.com
- www.card-making-world.com
- www.papercraftsmag.com/online_bonus_projects/index.html
- www.craftcreations.com
- www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/?p=3988
- www.paperwishes.com/cardmaking101
- www.wikihow.com/Make-Handmade-Greeting-Cards
- www.lifewire.com/how-to-make-a-greeting-card-1077349
- www.canva.com/create/cards/greeting-cards
- spark.adobe.com/make/card-maker
- www.greetingsisland.com/cards
- www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-use-card-sketches-2904886
- www.pinterest.com/cmisfavs/card-sketches
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