Homemade Love

By Sarah Christiansen

Receiving or giving a card is quickly becoming a thing of the past. But it is still considered proper etiquette to practice this kind trend and the receiver of the card always appreciates it. It is a way of keeping hearts close to one another and just being an encouragement as well. Learning to make your own cards can save you money and makes your “gift” even more special to the receiver!

A Simple Card

Items needed:

- an old envelope

- 12x12 piece of cardstock

- 8.5 x 11 piece of cardstock

- paper cutter & scissors

- any old cards that you may have

- double-sided tape or a glue stick

First, open your old envelope and place it on a piece of paper. Trace around the old envelope (I used paper clips to help me hold the template down), and cut it out. This is your new envelope template. Due to the size of my envelope (when unfolded), it would only fit on a 12x12 piece of paper. Take your envelope template and place it on your 12 x 12 piece of paper. Trace and cut it out. Fold your new envelope sides.

My old envelope had triangles at each side, so I just had to fold each side up, matching up the points of the triangles. Next, glue the sides and the bottom of your envelope together, being careful not to glue the sides/bottom to the inside of the envelope.

Next, take your 8.5 x 11 piece of cardstock and cut it in half. You should have two pieces of paper that measure 5.5" x 8.5". Fold these in half. When making my own envelopes and cards, I like to match the envelopes with the cards. So, take some extra paper that you have from your envelope and cut it into squares or rectangles and glue them onto your card.

Next, I took some old pictures I had cut from cards that were given to me. Glue these onto the top of your card.

Quick Tips:

- Take your child's hand or foot and paint it with craft paint and stamp it onto the card. These make great baby thank you cards!

- Need a smaller-sized card? I found a cute small envelope template at a scrapbook store. On the one card, I cut two triangles, put the points together and then glued a button on top. On the other card, I took some of the envelope paper, cut a rectangle and colored the flowers in.

- In the craft sections of most stores, they already have pre-cut envelopes and cards. I was able to find a package of 25 on sale for $1.50.

- Go to a paint or design store and ask for some old wallpaper books. They usually will give these books out free. Wallpaper makes great cards and envelopes too!

Have fun, and be creative!