I like to give cards but they can be expensive. $3.99 is an average price to pay and on a holiday like Mothers’ Day you can easily spend $20 on cards alone. Unless I’m absolutely pressed for time I try to avoid purchasing them at all. Instead, I make them.
You can buy a pack of six blank cards with envelopes for just over $2. That’s six cards for less than the price of ONE. It really doesn’t take a lot of creativity to make one. I find that something simple is better. I just made invitations to my daughter’s birthday party this way. I’ll also make Mothers Day cards this way.
When I get real ambitious and have a few extra minutes (ha!) then I make a few general cards to store away for later – thank you, thinking of you, etc. That way, I don’t have to sacrifice being thoughtful simply because I don’t want to purchase an expensive card.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating a card:
- Texture. Glue ribbon, buttons or layer paper in an appealing way. Just be sure it isn’t too thick if you’re mailing it.
- Neatness. I have poor handwriting so I type what I want my card to say in an appropriate font and print it out, then glue that to patterned paper or contrasting cardstock. Also, don’t feel like you have to make it look busy at all.
- Patterned Paper. I use patterned scrapbookking paper A LOT when I make cards. Layering complimenting patterns and colors makes them more appealing and interesting.
Resources:
- Make and Takes has patterns you can print out to make stitched cards.
- Get some ideas at Making Greeting Cards.
- Expert Village has some video tutorials on different types of cards.
- EHow has some tips on embellishment, especially if you are into rubber stamping.
Why I do what I do ~ I was confused this morning when Chloe said, “Mom! Help, I have a Kick in my shirt!” I went to her and saw there was a foreign object up her sleeve, I pulled out a piece of Kix cereal and asked if that’s what was bothering her. She smiled and held up the piece of cereal along with another and said, “One Kick, Two Kix.”
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t know about others, but I think ANYTHING hand-made has a lot more meaning…you’re actually spending time to MAKE a one of a kind gift for someone. Perhaps it’s because I’m a mother and I just love when my girls make me stuff
Britt’s last blog post..Extra Birthday Pictures
I handmake cards too. It’s a much better approach than dropping the greeting card custom altogether because you can’t afford it.
I really like this idea. My son and I make cards out of construction paper sometimes. I guess I hadn’t really thought about the fact that you can buy blank cards. Duh.
I’ll have to check our Hobby Lobby. I’m sure they’ll have them. Thanks for the idea!
Amanda’s last blog post..7 Things You Don’t Know About Me
I think custom greeting cards are a wonderful idea. I always assumed it would be cheaper to make my own greeting cards but now I know for sure!
Also, it’s my opinion that a custom made gift is received better by the recipient than a comparable non-custom gift!
Darvin @ Recycling Christmas Card´s last blog ..Recycle Greeting Cards