Handmade Cards & Notes

I think it's a nice gesture to make someone a handmade card. Not only can you personalize it just for them, but it shows them that you took some time out of your day to do something special for them because you care! This weekend, I made two cards and one note to celebrate and thank the people in my life. All three recipients were truly grateful and excited to receive my handmade cards, which in turn made me happy. :)  You don't need much time or energy to create a beautiful card for your family and friends, so let's get crafting!

What you need...

• blank cards & envelopes or cardstock for small notes (I got mine at AC Moore)
• wood alphabet stamps (I use these ones from Inkadinkado)
• wood stamps with images of your choice
• black and silver ink pads
• glitter (I use Martha Stewart glitter)
• glue and thin paintbrush
• small rhinestones for accents
• colored pencils

The first card I made was a birthday card for my boyfriend's sister. I used glitter & rhincstones around the edges and alphabet stamps to spell out the message. In the center, I used a cute cake stamp which I colored in with pencils and accented with a yellow heart rhinestone for the candle flame. I left the inside blank so my boyfriend and I could write our messages.

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

The second card I made was for a friend who is starting a new job. She loves birds and birdcage designs, so I picked out these stamps especially for her. I approached this card almost the same way as the birthday card but added a few more glitter accents. I used a small paintbrush and glue to add pink glitter to the heart and purple glitter to the two birds in the cage. I stamped a message to her on the inside and added birds and flowers with silver ink.

(click to enlarge)

I also made a quick thank you note using a small piece of pink cardstock and a cute envelope I got at Paper Source. All I did was stamp the message and the skeleton key and use a paintbrush with glue to make the key sparkly. Easy and beautiful!

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

Overall, I'm really happy with how these cards turned out! Do they look as professional as the cards from Papyrus? No. But I think they have a nice vintage charm, don't you? I'm thinking of making a few more for Valentine's Day!