How to Craft Birthday Cards

Crafted cards have that personal touch.

Birthday cards are sent with warm wishes and greetings. A handmade card is a personal way to show someone how much you care. The birthday card will be a keepsake for years to come. It's easy to make your own birthday cards from home. The materials are simple and completely affordable. With enough practice, you can make very beautiful birthday cards. Send a homemade crafted birthday card to a loved one to make their birthday extra special.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Rubber stamps
• Letter stickers
• Stencils
• Calligraphy pen

Instructions

1. Choose the paper you want to use for your card. There are many choices available. You can choose printer paper, construction paper, card stock, wall paper samples or vellum. Certain papers are thinner and softer than others. If it is your first card, you may want to start with a thick, sturdy paper. Fold the paper in half to create the foundation for the birthday card.

2. Color the paper before applying embellishments or writing text. If you choose to use white paper so you can color it, the best way to get a pretty uniform color is with water colors. You will have to use water color paper for the card. Other types of paper may wrinkle up once the paint is dry. To color, simply dip a brush into a glass of water, then swirl it around in a water color. Start at one corner of the card and work your way diagonally to the opposite corner. You can color just the front, the front and back, or the entire card.

3. Add text to the card before you add embellishments. Use rubber stamps or sticker letters to write "Happy Birthday" on the front of the card. You can also add text to the inside of the card. You may also choose to use stencils or a calligraphy pen to write text. Sign your name on the inside bottom of the card.

4. Add embellishments to your birthday card. Ribbon, silk flowers, buttons, scrapbook embellishments and die cuts make beautiful decoration. Keep the card simple by pasting a die cut picture on the front of the card, then coloring it in with watercolor paints. Another option is to simply paste a silk flower onto the front of the card. Stretch ribbon across the front of the card and add a line of buttons along the ribbon. Scrapbook embellishments look great no matter where you put them.

5. Double-check the birthday card for errors. You may even want to take a picture so you can always remember its beautiful construction. When the card is ready, send it out to the birthday boy or girl as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Add an extra special touch to the birthday card by using decorative cutting scissors to slightly trim around the outside edges of the card. The edges become beautifully decorative and much more interesting.

References

• Making Greeting Cards: Photos and Tips on Making Birthday Cards

Resources

• You Tube: Making Beautiful Handmade Greeting Cards