How to Create Personalized Greeting Cards

Personalized cards

Create personalized greeting cards with your name on them to send to friends and family. Using photos, artwork or a variety of embellishments, handmade greeting cards are an enjoyable project for both children and adults. Personalize the greeting cards by writing "Coffee chats from Anne," "A Note from Jenny" or other words that make the cards individual and special.

Things You'll Need

• Card stock sheets, white and assorted colors
• Paper cutter
• Scissors
• Marker
• Double-sided tape
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Assorted pictures
• Embellishments
• A-7 envelopes (to fit 5- by 7-inch cards)

Instructions

1. Cut card stock sheets on the paper cutter lengthwise to 7 by 10 inches. Fold each piece in half and make a crease for a card that measures 7 by 5 inches.

2. Put together photos, artwork and embellishments to be added to each card being created.

3. Apply strips of double-sided tape to the back of a photo and artwork that go with each card and press onto the front of the card. Be sure to leave space to write the words that will personalize the card.

4. Write a few words of greeting or comment on the front of the card with a marker, adding your name or the name of the person who will be sending the cards. Examples can include, "Hi from Mary" or "Sending birthday wishes from Susan."

5. Add embellishments to the front of the card, such as small decorative buttons or ribbons, with a hot glue gun. Don't make the card too heavy as it may require more postage. Assemble the cards with envelopes.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a craft box handy that contains bits of ribbon, lace, small pictures, assorted buttons, decorative papers and other embellishments, ready to use for projects. Expired wallpaper sample books containing decorative papers and themed pictures are often available for free at home decorating stores.

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