How to Create Handmade Greeting Cards

People send greeting cards because they want to send their love or sympathy to someone they care for. Next time, rather than just signing the inside of a store-bought card, create a truly personalized, handmade card for someone special. You just need a bit of creativity, a few simple supplies and a clean workspace.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Create a Handmade Greeting Card

1. Choose your paper. You will need at least one piece of card stock to form the body of the card, but gluing on other pieces of paper adds a nice layering effect.

2. Fold your card stock in half, making a deep crease. If necessary, use a pencil to flatten the crease. Then glue on additional paper or other designs. Be sure to leave room for text on the outside of the card if you so desire.

3. Decide how much text you want to include, if any. Some of the best handmade cards only have a design on the outside and are blank inside. If you don't have particularly nice handwriting, consider using stamps or cut-out letters from publications to create your text.

4. Personalize your card with photographs. If your printer accepts thick paper, you may be able to print digital pictures directly onto your card. You can print photos as-is or use an application like Adobe Photoshop to enhance them. Alternatively, make copies of your photos and cut out the parts you want to use, then glue them onto the card.

5. Use scrapbooking tools like decorative punches, specialty papers and stickers to make your card more elaborate. For more ideas, check out the Making Greeting Cards Web site, which offers a variety of designs and tips.

6. Write your message on the inside once you have finished decorating the outside of your card. Add a little spice to the envelope by creating a design using markers or rubber stamps, and use your best handwriting to pen the address.

Tips & Warnings

• Spending lots of money on card supplies isn't always necessary. Look around your home for bits and bobs that could be parts of a great card.
• Use baby wipes to clean off rubber stamps if you're using them with multiple color inks.
• Buy slightly larger envelopes if you plan to mail your handmade card, and remember to have the card hand-canceled.
• Use archival glue and tape when making your handmade card, as standard adhesives can be damaging to photographs and other paper materials in the long term.
• Provide supervision if children are cutting paper or decorations with utility knives.
• Avoid leaving your supplies in direct sunlight. Stamps can warp and markers can dry out over time.