Handmade cards

Pictured are a variety of handmade cards.

Receiving a personalized card says to us that someone thought we were special; they took time and effort to think about and do something just for us. Creating a personalized card is easy and inexpensive. There are many options and one does not need to be an artist to create a nice looking card. This kind of project is also easy for children and they can have a part in making someone else feel special.

Cards can be decorated with rubber stamps, marking pens, paper punches, stickers, stencils, ribbon, fabric and more. We use cardstock paper to start with. Sometimes we add a piece of regular weight paper on the front, cutting the edges with a decorative edge scissors. Then after choosing rubber stamps to create the design, we choose the color ink pad. Sometimes we color in or highlight the design with pastels, gel pens or colored markers.

One technique we like is to color the rubber stamp with water-color pens before stamping. That way, the various details of the stamp can be colored individually and with much greater accuracy than by using a multi-color ink pad. For words a set of alphabet stamps is nice but not necessary. Calligraphy pens can be used to write the words as well.

Added touches can be made by using stickers, punching the edge of the card with a paper punch and adding pieces of fabric or ribbon. Paper punches come in many shapes from animals and vehicles to hearts and stars. Using different fabric such as satin and lace will create a fancy look and plaids can give a country look. Designs can range from simple to elaborate. There are craft books and magazines full of ideas that can spark anyone’s imagination.

Our collection of rubber stamps, pads, punches, scissors and more has been added to over many years. We find things to add to our collection in thrift stores, at yard sales and we also keep an eye on the clearance sections in craft stores. You never know where you might find a good rubber stamp. After holidays is a good time to find many items on clearance for less than half price.

Cards can be given anytime. They can say hi, thinking of you, have a nice day, you are special,
thanks, I love you, congratulations and more. Cards can also be made to accompany a gift for any holiday or used as invitations to a party.

Rubber stamps can also be used to decorate plain wrapping paper or a gift bag to match the handmade card, giving it a customized look. Just use the same rubber stamps as used on the card and repeat the design over and over to cover the paper or bag.

For a more elaborate look we use embossing powder or flocking to enhance the rubber stamp design. These take a little more time to do but are fun when we get the whole family or a group of friends together to make cards. We have also used these techniques to make personalized stationary, which is always nice to give as a gift.

In the past we have made sets of cards and stationary to sell at fundraisers for different clubs we have been a part of. Card making is also an activity we have used for children’s parties that gave them something they could take home with them.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to make a card. It is all about making a personalized greeting that says, “You are special” to the one you give it to.