Hand Made Cards 101

The art of handwritten cards is not forgotten. The joy shared by sending a short message to someone special is well worth the time it takes. Making your own greeting cards is a great solution to the cost and duplication of store bought cards. It takes only a few starter supplies (although, once the paper & ink fever takes hold, there are an amazing array of great tools available) to create your own one-of-a-kind cards.

 Matching a pretty blue with some light purples can brighten any one’s day.  The bit of color added to the giraffe’s collar is just touch of punch that makes this card great.

I love stamps that pair a cute picture with a great pun. “2 socks paired with - we should hang out more often” or some sewing image paired with “I’ve missed you sew much” never fail to bring a smile. There is something so soothing about taking a little time out of your hectic schedule and seep into the world of color.

For a traditional look, look for some wonderful flower stamps that can be used with a nice saying. Cute animal stamps and every imaginable household item will add some fun and surprise. The variety of stamps and papers is delightfully dizzying.

A few simple steps will provide a handmade card that is sure to delight! A standard 8 ½ x 11 sheet of card stock will produce 2 cards. Choose from hundreds of gorgeous colors of card stock. Dividing the sheet in half either lengthwise or by width provides the perfect size to fit in a standard invitation size envelope. Fold the card stock in half and smooth the crease with a bone folder, a smooth hand held instrument that sharpens the fold. Adding some decorative lighter weight paper will accentuate the color. Stamp an image with ink, color it in and add a bit of ribbon, a button or other embellishment. You will have created an original card that brings smiles to someone special.

Scrapbookers are natural card makers. They already have an excellent eye for color and composition and a wealth of papers and embellishments.  If you have always admired the look of handmade cards but weren’t sure where to start, take a class. The paper, ribbon and image choices will already be selected to get you started.