How to Make Cardstock Cards

With a little imagination and creativity, turn a plain sheet of cardstock into a one-of-a-kind greeting card for any occasion. With a few bits of decorative papers, images and embellishments, you'll have a handcrafted card to give to special someone that will surely put a smile on his face. Write a note inside the card to tell them how much you care and express your sentiments for the occasion.

Things You'll Need

• Sheets of cardstock, white or colored
• Paper cutter/scissors
• Decorative or textured papers
• Assorted images
• Embellishments
• Double-sided tape
• White glue
• Hot glue gun & glue sticks
• Markers
• Envelopes - A7 (for 5-by-7 inch card)

Instructions

1. Using the paper cutter, cut sheets of cardstock to 10-by-7 inches. Fold each in half to make a basic 5-by-7 inch card. Make as many as desired to give or to keep on hand.

2. Choose a theme for each card to be made, such as birthday (child or adult), wedding, anniversary, or friendship, and pick out decorative paper and images for each one. (It's easier to make several cards at the same time).

3. For a young boy's birthday card, for example, cut a rectangular sheet of brightly-colored decorative paper 4 1/2-by-6 1/2 inches on the paper cutter. Attach to the front of the card with double-sided tape.

4. Cut a themed image with scissors, such as a motorcycle. Apply a thin line of white glue just inside the edges on the back of the image and press it on top of the decorative paper. Smooth flat and let dry.

5. Write a personal greeting with a marker on the inside of the card. Sign it, insert it in the envelope and give to the recipient.

Wedding-themed cardstock card

1. Pick a white cardstock basic card (created in Step 1, Section 1). Choose a textured or decorative paper with a wedding theme (even plain white). Cut it on the paper cutter to 4 1/2-inches by 6 1/2-inches and attach on the front of the card with double-sided tape.

2. Choose a wedding-themed image such as a wishing well, wedding bouquet or cake. Cut it with scissors to fit within a 5-inch by 7-inch space or a little smaller as desired. Apply a thin line of white glue on the back of the image around the edges. Press it onto the front of the card on top of the decorative paper already attached. Smooth flat and let dry.

3. Attach assorted embellishments with a hot glue gun around the image such as pearls, a lace bow, tiny white fake flowers or beads.

4. Write a personal note of best wishes to the bride and groom for a long and happy marriage. Sign the card, insert it into the envelope and give to the bridal couple.

Tips & Warnings

• Find great images and decorative papers in expired wallpaper sample books that are available free for the asking at home decorator stores. These include borders which can be cut to fit the front of the card if desired. Embellishments can include buttons, tiny fake flowers, bits of lace, ribbon and assorted colorful beads. For a child's card, even a wrapped lollipop or candy can be attached.

• If children are participating in this project, an adult should handle the hot glue gun and paper cutter.