How to Make Scrapbook Cards

Using scrapbook supplies to create handmade cards is thoughtful as well as frugal and green. Making cards is an easy way to use leftover paper and embellishments from other paper crafts such as scrapbooking. Store-bought cards can cost several dollars for one card, whereas you can make several beautiful cards for the same price. A one-of-a-kind, personalized card is a sure-fire way to show someone you care. Creating an entire set of mix-and-match cards is a fast, easy, and practical gift.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pre-cut acid-free cards OR acid-free card stock to cut to size Envelopes sized to match Ruler Paper trimmer Paper scorer Scissors Adhesive (glue stick, photo corners, tape runner, tape) Embellishments (examples: eyelets and eyelet setter, ribbon, buttons, stickers, die cuts and more) Rubber stamps, ink pads, colored pencils, pigment pens/markers (optional) Computer and printer (optional)

How to Make Scrapbook Cards

1. Decide what size card you would like to make and have appropriate-sized envelopes to go with them. Cards can be square, rectangular, or even circular. You can buy pre-cut cards with envelopes or purchase envelopes in various sizes and cut your solid or patterned card stock to size.

2. If you are not using pre-cut cards, use your ruler and paper trimmer to measure and cut the acid-free card stock to your preferred size. Make your card at least a half-inch smaller than the envelope in both length and width. Use a paper scorer to make a crisp fold.

3. Focus on one theme of card during a card-making session to get the most out of your time and your stash of supplies. Some popular themes are birthday, thinking of you, sympathy, hello, graduation, wedding/love, baby, new home, inspirational, and various holidays. The great thing about making cards is you can write any sentiment you like.

4. Gather your themed supplies, including card stock, patterned paper, stickers, rubber stamps, eyelets/brads/buttons, ribbon or fibers, flowers, paper pieces and whatever else you would like to include.

5. Work from the inside out. Decide if you are going to leave the inside of the card blank or include a pre-written message. Use your computer and printer or rubber stamps or handwrite your message. Rub-on letters/phrases or stickers are also ways to include a sentiment.

6. Decorate your card freestyle or make use of a card sketch to help with placement of embellishments. If you plan to use eyelets, brads or other embellishments that would show through on the other side of the paper, use them on a separate piece of paper and then adhere to the card, so as not to mar the inside of the greeting card.

Tips & Warnings

• When using your computer and printer to write the inside message, run your card through the printer before decorating the outside.
• According to the United States Postal Service website, letters are subject to a surcharge if they are square, rigid or have certain non-machinable characteristics. Keep this in mind as you create your masterpieces. Also, if you are sending lumpy, bumpy cards, please take care in packaging them so your hard work is not damaged in the mail.

References

• Paper Crafts Magazine
• United States Postal Service Rates

Resources

• Lifetime Moments: Stamping, Creative Cards & Other Paper Arts
• Stampin' Up