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You can make homemade greeting cards which will touch the heart of all who receive one. I am not speaking of computer generated designs. This is much more personal.
Materials:
Construction Paper
White paper (I use copier paper)
Magic Markers in a variety of colors
(optional) Rubber stamps
stamp pad
assorted lace
assorted ribbon
Old magazines or cards
Option: tiny flowers or other shapes to attach.
Gel pen
This is not just for traditional holidays but also birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other special days.
Decide what type of card you want to make first. I like sentimental cards. I either write a special poem or a paragraph especially for the one to receive the card. I can type this on the computer and print it out or I can write it by hand with a good black or other color gel pen. I prefer gel pens to marker pens. The reason? Gel pens write more smoothly and evenly. But wait a second after writing because the ink has to dry.
STEP ONE
Write a poem or special saying. If you can't write poetry, look through a poetry book for ideas. Since this is a personal card you can copy a poem or an excerpt to include in your card. I'd give credit to the original source though.
For instance: How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
And then you could add your own thoughts.
STEP TWO
Use an 8 1/2 x 11" typing or copier paper. Hold it horizontal.
Hand write or print the message on plain paper or type up and print out the poem or saying. Fold this in the middle. You will place this inside the card you are creating.
STEP THREE
Use an 8 1/2 x 11" construction paper of your choice.
Fold the construction paper in half.
STEP FOUR
The cover art can be done with a variety of methods. You do not have to be an artist to create an eye-appealing card. All you need is a little creativity.
Print the cover words on the construction paper front. Example: Happy Anniversary.
Cut out a picture which is suitable to the sentiment in the card. I have found pretty pictures for this purpose on gift wrap, old greeting cards, and in magazines. If you want to use a photograph wait until you read my alternative idea.
Cut around the picture until it is the size you want and glue this in place. You can repeat this with other appropriate designs.
STEP FIVE
Give your picture a finished edge by decorating with magic markers around it. Or you can use the raised kind of fabric paints, glitter paints or even a crayon to outline your design.
STEP SIX (Nice for women, optional for men)
Give your card a bit of lace. Any size will do but I prefer the wider lace. I cut enough to cover the front and back of the card. Glue this down with tacky glue.
If you are sending the card to a man you might want to use a piece of fabric or ribbon rather than lace. For instance: A Scottish plaid ribbon, a stripped ribbon, or other ribbon design suitable for the occasion. There are all kinds of designs at the fabric stores which reflect a man's hobby, from dogs, to golf.
STEP SEVEN
Put the white typing paper with your message inside the card. Attach this to the card in one of two ways: Glue it down or tie it down.
To tie it down, use a piece of ribbon to coordinate with the colors of your card. Tie this around the center of the construction paper and typing paper and make a small bow at the end with ribbon strings hanging. Attach tiny silk flowers to the ribbon strings or other small item representative of the card's sentiments. For example: small plastic hearts, flat back plastic bunnies, etc.
STEP EIGHT
You can purchase an envelope large enough for your card at an office supply store. They actually have these in pretty colors. To make your own envelope you need a pattern and that must come from an envelope large enough to hold your card. Open it up and use the envelope as a template or pattern. Trace on white typing paper or heavy gift wrap (not the thin gift wrap which will rip). Cut and glue.
ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS
Photos
Cut out the part of the photo you want to use. Then cut out a heart shape, circle or square a little smaller than the photo cutout on the cover of your card. Glue the photo to the back of this opening. Insert the white paper message inside making sure to glue it down over the back of the photo.
RUBBER STAMPS
You can press your rubber stamps into a stamp pad and put this on the front of your card. Then you can color it in with magic markers.
Or
You can purchase brush top markers and brush the paint in different colors on the rubber stamp design. Stamp this for a really pretty effect.
WHAT TO AVOID: Rubber stamps with a lot of words on them. If any of the words don't show up clearly it is hard to read. Also avoid small, intricate designs for the same reason.
COLLAGE DESIGNS
Go through old magazines, greeting cards, and gift wrap. Cut out the pictures you want to use. Lay them on the card cover first before gluing them down. A collage can have overlapping corners, or be side by side with no space showing between. When you have your design to your liking, then glue the pieces down. You can go over the edges with magic marker or textured paint. If your collage is made of photographs, you can protect this by covering the front of the card with clear plastic.
TEXTURED DESIGNS
Add sequins, feathers, flat back plastic designs, even ready-made appliques for unique covers for your cards.
Tip: I cut the clear plastic from the notebook size clear plastic sleeves available at office supply stores. Or use a clear plastic photo cover.
There is no limit to what you can when making your own cards. Just use your imagination and have fun.
STORE TIPS: Craft stores carry the construction paper, rubber stamps, markers, and brush-top markers for rubber stamps. Use tacky glue which dries clear.
Office supply stores carry the envelopes in different colors and the typing or copier paper. They also have sets of gel pens in different colors.
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