CARDMAKING MADE EASY: 10 tips & inspiration
17 OCTOBER, 2024
17 OCTOBER, 2024
Forget email, forget a text message or a video call. If you want to make someone’s day with a truly meaningful gesture there is nothing quite as special as a making them a handmade greeting card. Whether it’s for a birthday, a wedding, an anniversary or to say thank you, a personalised card really comes from the heart and shows just how much that person means to you.
Crafting handmade cards doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact some of the most effective cards are often the simplest. The smaller format of a greeting card means it is easier to experiment with your style and creativity, than say an album or scrapbook layout. Plus there’s always an occasion to celebrate, so there is always an opportunity to put your cardmaking efforts to good use and to practice your skills.
So let’s take a look at some of the things you will want to consider when you embark on your cardmaking journey…
1. Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need to start with basic materials like cardstock, patterned paper, and adhesive. Cardstock is a thicker paper used to make the base of your card. It is worthwhile using cardstock that is acid free, and sturdy (216gsm or higher) to ensure your card will last over time. Next gather up what you will use to add flair and personalisation to your design – embellishments like diecuts and stickers that will create focal points on your card. Having a variety of colors and textures will help create a visually interesting design.
You don’t need to spend a lot to make beautiful cards. Because of their small size, handmade cards are the perfect way to use up scraps of paper, offcuts and snippets of ribbon and other pieces.
2. Choose a Theme: Decide on a theme for your card. It could be seasonal, like autumn or winter, or specific to an occasion, such as a thank you, birthday or congratulations card. You could also choose a colour theme, or a motif theme like stars or flowers. Aside from choosing what you want to work with, how about the person receiving the card. Do they have a favourite hobby, do they love the outdoors, do they love pink?
3. Plan Your Design: Some pre-planning is always helpful so sketch your layout before you start cutting. Consider how to layer your patterned papers to create the base for your design. Then consider the placement of images, text, and any decorative elements.
A very useful tip to create eye-catching designs is to follow the Rule of Thirds: Divide your card front into thirds horizontally and vertically to create a grid leaving you nine parts and four intersections. Place the elements that will make up the focal points of your design on or along the horizontal and vertical lines.
Here is an example of this rule in action:
4. Experiment with Layers: Layering different materials and textures adds depth and interest. Overlap different papers for a collage effect, or tear your papers to create a distressed edge. Using foam tape instead of glue or double sided tape gives a 3D effect, making certain elements of your card design really stand out. See how lush the foliage looks in this card of hanging baskets?
5. Add Personal Touches: Handwritten notes or doodles can make your card feel extra special. What is something meaningful or inspiration to the recipient that you can include in in your design or as a message inside? Do they have a favourite quote or song lyric? Is there a photo that captures the spirit of your relationship or a special memory shared? Pressed flowers, ticket stubs, and other personal mementos are other ways to show that you’ve put thought and care into crafting something special.
6. Add Different Materials: Wood and twine add an earthy, rustic charm to handmade greeting card design. Sequins add flair and sparkle, while ribbon and trim can be tied into cute bows, or kept flat so you can mail your card. Use a stronger liquid adhesive to attach these types of embellishments, or a hot glue gun.
7. Use Stamps and Inks: Stamping can add so many different effects to your cards. For a simple stamping technique, you can add a greeting to the inside or outside of your card. It’s an easy way to add beautiful looking text, without having perfect handwriting yourself! Stamps can also be used to create patterns or add little accents to your design. There’s also so much more beyond the basics of using stamps and inks, and you can start to explore techniques like heat embossing or using watercolour paints or markers to colour your stamped images.
8. Explore Different Formats: Don’t be square…and don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Try making a pop-up card, an envelope card, or a mini scrapbook card to surprise the recipient. The internet is filled with templates and tutorials showing you how to create the base for one of these more extravagant greeting cards. Then it’s up to you to add the finishing touches to your design.
9. Create a Card-Making Kit: You never know when you’ll need to make a last minute card! Have a kit ready with your favorite supplies that you can grab any time you want to create. Include tools like scissors, a ruler, adhesives, and a cutting mat for convenience. You might even love cardmaking so much that you end up with a stash of handmade cards that you can pick from at any time.
10. Join a Community: Connect with other cardmakers for ideas and inspiration. Online forums, local craft groups, or social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram can provide a wealth of creativity. Plus its always a good time having a giggle while you craft. Kids also love making cards and relatives, grandparents and teachers love to receive them. And while their finished result may not be so polished, the creativity, imagination and heart involved is what makes kids’ greeting cards even more special.
Most Importantly… Have Fun and Experiment:
The best part of cardmaking is the chance to express yourself while making someone else smile! Don’t be afraid to try new techniques, play with color combinations, and let your creativity shine.
cardmaking tutorials
Check out the videos below to see just how quick and easy these effective cards are to create.
Happy Cardmaking
xxx