Hey there, Crafty Queen (or King), take a peek at these 5 beginner must-have steps for a handmade card so you can have instant success! Even if you’re not a beginner, these tips neatly break down how to create a card in under 5 minutes!! Don’t miss the quicker-than-quick video down below to show you how to make our cheerful design!
Are you ready to ditch the store-bought boring greetings and whip up some handmade card magic? Whether it’s for a BFF’s birthday, a thank you note or just because, making your own card is like sending a hug in an envelope.
Let’s roll up those sleeves and dive into five super simple steps to create a card that’s all kinds of awesome.
Just getting started? Or a long time crafter? Either way, when you can craft a card that’s simple, eye-catching, and oh so sweet to send in the mail, you’ve scored!
5 Beginner Must-Have Steps for a Handmade Card
What Are the Most Important?
I think these are among the BEST ways to get started making your own cards at home. In record time!
1. Pick Your Cardstock and Patterned Paper
First things first: grab some fun, bright cardstock and the snazziest patterned paper you can find. This isn’t just about durability—it’s about making that card feel premo! Choose a pattern that screams ‘you’ or fits the vibe of the occasion or the person you’re making it for. Ours is from the Toadstool Gardens 6×6 DSP, free with a $75 order until February 28th.
The little toadstools and bright colours made it the perfect choice for a card to just say hi!
Tip: This paper would look equally as great with a Granny Apple Green, Pumpkin Pie or Basic White card base behind it. Whichever you have and whatever you like best!
2. Stick ‘Em Together
Time to stick things together—literally! Grab your trusty liquid glue or that double-sided tape you can’t live without and adhere your patterned paper to the cardstock. Line it up nice and straight and centred for that perfect, professional look.
Easy peasey…and so cute!
3. Stamp Stamp Stamp!
Now for the greeting that’ll mean the most to your recipient. Pick a stamp that matches the mood or theme of your patterned paper or hints or says something witty. Carefully add some ink to your stamps and get it down onto your piece of Basic White. Make sure you don’t rock the stamp once it’s contacted the cardstock. Hold it firmly in place a few seconds, then lift it off. Then add the sweet tiny toadstool on the right bottom. Tip: To make this card even quicker, only stamp the greeting and forget about the toadstool.
I used Granny Apple Green for the sentiment and Early Espresso and Melon Mambo for the toadstool. What if you don’t have those colours? Try to pick something close or go with a black greeting and leave off the toadstool.
To add a bit of pizzazz, why not tear the bottom edge of the greeting rectangle. See exactly how to do this in the video.
4. Pop On Your Sentiment
Let’s get that greeting on your card and make it sing! While this one is front and centre, if you’d like it a little off-kilter for a an edgier look, go for it! And even though I glued this with my liquid glue , why not elevate things with some Stampin’ Dimensionals? It’ll pop right out when they open the envelope!
My liquid glue is stored upright in a 3D laser printed holder and the mini glue dots are like a little wreath!
5. Optional: Sparkle It Up!
Feeling like you’d like to add a little extra? Throw some sparkle into the mix. A few sequins are all you need to take your card from great to ‘Whoa, did you make that?!’ awesome! Just remember, your sequins are meant to add just a smidge of sparkly. Don’t overdo it!
Tip: When you’re adding your dots or sequins, think in odd numbers, 3-5-7. It’s much more interesting than sticking on even numbers.
Here’s a short video to show you exactly what I mean!
For more ideas on how patterned paper can make your card making quick and pretty darn impressive, check out this quick handmade winter card.
Cuttin’ It Up!
Here’s what you need to recreate this card at home.
- Melon Mambo cardstock – 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″
- patterned paper (Toadstool Gardens) – 4″ x 5 1/4″
- Basic White cardstock – 1 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ (or to fit your own sentiment), inside card 4″ x 5 1/4″
Why Make a Handmade Card?
Handmade cards are more than just paper and glue. Each one you make is a little piece of you, all dolled up and ready to party! So, find an envelope, address it, slap on a stamp and pop it in the mail to spread some crafty cheer!
If you follow these 5 beginner must-have steps for a handmade card, you’ll have just crafted a one-of-a-kind card that’s bound to snag the spotlight and send a smile – happy stamping!
