Handmade Note Cards 101

There is great fun in making your own note cards or occasion cards. Sure, you could always go out and buy them. There are certainly many fine varieties to choose from. But there is something about the sense of accomplishment that comes from making your own.

If you are using a package that you have bought at the store that contains both cards and envelopes, then this project will be even easier. But if you want to start totally from scratch, I would find an old card and envelope of the size you want to make. Taking the envelope, carefully pull it apart and trace it onto an old cereal box or other cardboard and cut it out. You now have a sturdy template for envelopes. Using this template, trace around it onto plain brown paper (found at dollar stores or the mail supplies section in stores), plain white paper (found in same places), wrapping paper, wallpaper, old calendars, etc. Just be sure to print the address onto a plain label if the paper is highly patterned. After the new envelope is cut and glued together, you can either wait, and glue it closed after you insert your card, or you can apply “lick and stick” glue.

To make this glue, you mix two parts white glue to one part white vinegar. Using a paintbrush, brush it onto the envelope flap at the point where it will contact the envelope when folded over. When it is dry, add one or two more coats. Now, whenever you are ready to use the envelope, all you will have to do is “lick and stick” to seal it, just like a regular envelope.

Now for the card: Using the old card you found for a template, trace it onto either the cardstock you purchased from a craft store or handmade paper and cut it out. Still using the old card for a guide, mark where the new card will be folded. Take a ruler and place it on the new card along the fold line. With a craft knife, make a very shallow cut along side the ruler, being careful that the knife doesn’t go through to the other side of the card. This is called “scoring” and will allow you to fold the card easier. Very Important: Before you decorate the card, make sure it will fit into your envelope!!! (Experience speaking here!)

To decorate the card, you can let your imagination go wild! You can decorate with rubber stamps, embossing, photos, any flat material, corrugated cardboard, raffia, stickers, buttons, ribbon, embossed metal, burlap, paint, etc. And don’t forget those wonderful fancy scissors that can give a plain card that extra-special look!

Of course, you don’t have to keep these cards all to yourself. By bundling them with the envelopes in plastic wrap and securing with twine, you make a charming gift to give by itself, or in a gift basket paired with handmade candles and chocolates.

Copyright © 2001 RBG Crafts

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