How to Assemble Greeting Cards at Home

Greeting cards can easily be assembled at home.

Creating greeting cards can be fun and interesting, as well as profitable. According to
The Greeting Card Association, over 7 billion cards are exchanged every year in the United States. Many methods exist to produce eye-catching greeting cards to sell in local shops and craft fairs and booths. Photo frame cards are simple to assemble and can be used in a variety of ways.

Things You'll Need

• Photographs
• Card stock
• Plastic pattern and blade set
• Photo paste or double-stick scrapbook tape
• Scissors
• Parchment paper
• Envelopes
• Card boxes, clear bags, ribbon or raffia

Instructions

1. 

   Cute pet pictures are good greeting card subjects.

   Start by choosing photos that are in focus and of good quality. Some good subjects might include cute animals, floral or nature themes, or black and white photographs with interesting subjects.

2. Find card stock that brings out the colors in the photo. You can find pre-cut and folded card stock in your desired size at most large craft stores.

3. Use a plastic pattern and blade set to cut an opening that is slightly smaller than the photo in the front of the greeting card.

4. Paste the photo (facing out) on the inside edge of the frame you have created, making sure it's turned the right direction. You can use a glue stick or double-stick scrapbook tape to achieve this.

5. Trim your parchment paper so that it measures a half-inch shorter and narrower than your card stock. Carefully glue or tape the parchment paper centered inside your card.

6. Fold the card stock at the center to finish your card.

7. Stack a pile of finished cards on top of a pile of envelopes to sell together. You can use a clear bag or a greeting card box (purchased at craft stores) to present your cards, or simply tie a single card and envelope together with a pretty ribbon or raffia.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a color printer to print a greeting on your parchment paper before you glue it inside your card if an inner verse is desired.

• Greeting cards with pre-cut frames are available at some craft or photo supply stores.

• Be sure to line up everything carefully before you finish gluing or taping it together.

References

• The Greeting Card Association: Facts About Greeting Cards

Resources

• Creative Memories Supplies: Home page
• Michael's Craft Store: Home Page