Homemade Scrapbook Cards

Front of an embellished scrapbook card waiting for greeting to be written

Making homemade scrapbook cards help avid scrapbookers more easily share their craft with friends and family. Homemade scrapbook cards are like regular greeting cards, but scrapbook enthusiasts use embellishments, such as lace, jewels and photos to give the card extra meaning, just as they would on a scrapbook page. A scrapbook card doubles as a way to touch the heart of the recipient while also telling a meaningful story. You don't have to be a pro at scrapbooking for this activity. All you need are some scrapbooking supplies, creativity and the desire to brighten someone else's day.

Things You'll Need

• Acid-free card stock paper
• Acid-free glue
• Scissors
• Acid-free markers
• Embellishments

Instructions

Make a Homemade Scrapbook Card

1. 

   Collection of scrapbooking pens

   Choose a medium-weight card stock as your base. If the paper is too light, it will not fold well or be strong enough to hold embellishments. It is best to use acid-free paper for making scrapbook cards, which comes in an array of colors and prints. Cut the paper to desired size and fold evenly in half. Run your finger across the fold to crease.

2. 

   Box of lace, beads and photo embellishments

   Lay out embellishments and photos in preferred design without using glue. Base your design on a particular theme or special occasion. Embellishments can include interesting paper cut-outs or elaborate jewels, ribbons, buttons and lace. Photos should include people and activities that impart the story or message you want to convey to the recipient. Take care that non-acid-free embellishments don't permanently touch the surface of the photo. Don't forget to leave a place to write a message if desired.

3. 

   Ribbon embellishments

   Glue embellishments in place, preferably using an acid-free glue product. Bottled glue that dries clear will work best for larger embellishments. Be sure to use enough. Hold each embellishment in place for 10 seconds or more to make certain it will stay in place. Let dry for minimum of one hour and possibly longer for cards with heavier embellishments.

4. 

   Leave a place on your scrapbook card for a personal note

   Write a special occasion message on front of card using a colored pen or marker. A simple note that says "Happy Birthday" or "Thinking of You" is fine, but you can find even more creative ideas at scrapbook sites on the Internet or in scrapbook magazines and books. Use acid-free, fine-tip markers and pens. Don't forget the inside of the card where you might choose to write about a special memory or occasion that further expresses the sentiment of the card. Special poems and verses are also available on Internet scrapbook sites or in books.

5. 

   Scissors for scrapbook projects

   Mail or hand deliver your homemade card. Use only a padded envelope in order to preserve the scrapbook card during mailing. Wrapping card in acid-free tissue paper before placing in the envelope helps to further protect and preserve the card. A hand-delivered homemade scrapbook card is also an effective way to keep the card from becoming damaged before it gets to its recipient. Simply handing the card to its recipient and watching their face turn into a smile will make your hard work worthwhile.

Tips & Warnings

• Find scrapbook card ideas online and in scrapbook trade magazines.

• Keep a damp cloth on hand to clean up messes.

• Use acid-free scrapbooking supplies to ensure your card will last for years.

• When doing scrapbooking projects with children, give them child-safe scissors while an adult handles professional cutters.

References

• Archivers Online: Cards and Invitations
• Making Greeting Cards: Great Cardmaking Tips
• "Homecoming" magazine; Scrapbook Culture; Tina Forkner; December 2007

Resources

• Spotted Canary: Scrapbooking
• Love of Poems: Card Poems
• Card of the Week: Cards, Scrapbooking and Paper Crafts