Handmade Cards For Special Occasions: Ideas and Inspiration

Homemade cards feel like a lost art these days because most communications are done electronically, but they will still go a long way in making someone’s day.

Cards are one of the best ways to convey emotions of gratitude, bring back special memories, celebrate, and express your well-wishes towards the people you love and care about. Card gifts are a personal, detailed way to say “thank you,” “happy birthday,” or “congratulations.”

Creating a birthday card for someone on their special occasion is a wonderful gift option. This DIY article is a must-read if you’re looking for practical thoughtfulness in your next gift item. Though making a gift card may take a little more time and effort, this article will walk you through every step.

What Do You Need For a Handmade Card?

A Cutting Mat

A cutting mat provides a sturdy, flat surface to work on and minimizes the risk of rips or tears in the card stock. It also allows you to easily line up the edges of your paper or other materials as you are cutting or shaping them with a craft knife or scissors.

Cardstock

Cardstock is the most ideal material for making a handmade card. The paper is thicker and more durable than regular paper, making it the perfect choice for creating unique and long-lasting cards.

Pencils, Markers or Coloring Pencils

These tools allow you to easily and accurately draw out your designs and add color and detail to the cards.

Ruler

Rulers allow you to make cards that are the right size and shape easily by measuring the card’s length, width, and angles. When choosing a ruler, choose one that is long enough to accommodate your chosen piece of paper or cardstock.

Scissors

Scissors are used to cut out the marked edges of your card precisely. It is important to choose a pair that is comfortable in your hand and has sharp, well-aligned blades.

Glue or Tape

You’ll need glue or tape to connect the different parts and shapes of a card to make a whole, finished product. Tape could have some special uses. For example, if you want to create a border around your card with different colored paper or decorative materials, glue might not hold as well, and tape might be a better option.

Craft Knife

To cut, etch, and carve intricate designs into cardstock and other craft materials, you need a craft knife. You’ll need it to cut out shapes such as flowers and leaves and carefully incise patterns into the surface of the card.

Decorative Materials

Decorative materials like ribbons, stickers, and sequins are used to add a fun and colorful element to cards, allowing you to easily decorate your creations and make them stand out.

Ribbons are rope-like materials that come in various colors and patterns and are capable of creating different looks for your card. Stickers also come in various shapes, styles, and designs that you can use to create a theme for your card. 

Sequins are small pieces of sparkly material with different colors and sizes for creating patterns and shapes on your card. 

Tips on Making Handmade Cards for Special Occasions

Youtube video on handmade cards.

Having the materials to create a beautiful handmade greeting card alone is not enough. Knowing what to do with them is the most valuable part of the process. Below are the steps to follow when making handmade cards:

Brainstorm for Inspiration and Ideas. 

When making a personal card, there are several  inspiration triggers you’ll find around you. Usually, the go-to is the internet. For others, meanwhile, it is something more personal, like their relationships. 

For instance, if you’re making a get-well card for your friend, you can design something of an inside joke between you on the card.

Choose a Design

When making handmade cards, your personal design can make all the difference because it will contain a special message for the recipient. A simple and elegant card design can convey your message perfectly, while a complex design can add a touch of personality.

Some examples of designs include Australian penguin cards, balloon cards, assorted greeting card sets, and lots more. You can also choose your designs by using catchy cardstock colors or create your own designs by using different design tools like watercolor or artists’ alcohol paint.

Select the Right Cardstock 

Depending on the kind of card you want to make, here are a few things to consider when choosing suitable cardstock.

• The card design
• The card size
• Choice of decorations
• The occasion 

A professional cardstock is generally and highly recommended for any kind handmade greeting card.

Gather Your Craft Tools

Put together all the necessary tools required to make a handmade card. They include a cutting mat, cardstock, a ruler, pencils, markers, coloring pencils, scissors, glue, tape, adhesives, a craft knife, and decorative materials like ribbons, stickers, and sequins.

Create a Template of What You Want to Make

A template is a smaller version or replica of what you intend to make. It serves as a working guide when making your handmade card, and it can be extremely helpful.

Create Your Card

Once you have a template to work with, you can then create your card in the dimensions and design you want. When making your card, you can make some alterations to the original design to make it better. 

Write a Personal Message Inside Your Card

A personal message inside your card is the most important part of the card. It is what makes the card special and unique. It should be short, sweet, and to the point.

The message should be something you want to say to the recipient. Here are some tips on how to write a personal message inside your card:

• The message should be something personal or memorable and comfortable to share with the recipient 
• Keep it short and sweet
• Be creative
• Make it positive
• Sign your name.

Decorate the Front Page of Your Card

Creating a beautiful and eye-catching handmade card starts with the cover or front page. This is your canvas, so be creative. You can decorate the front of your card with ribbons, stickers, sequins, or anything else you have on hand.

Cut your ribbons and stickers into the right shape and sizes to fit perfectly and give your card the beautiful look you have in mind.

Add a Stamp or a Seal (Optional)

A stamp or seal will add a personal touch to a handmade card. A rubber stamp with your inscription or short quote on it would do the job. It shows that you took the time to make something special just for them. 

A seal can be a piece of paper with your signature printed on it or a small wooden plaque with a short original quote engraved on it.

Packaging and Delivery

Packaging and delivery may not seem like the most important parts of making a handmade card, but they can add a touch of beauty and be the difference between a card that is never seen and one that brightens someone’s day.

Here are a few tips to ensure your cards arrive at their destination: 

• Choose a package that is catchy to the eye.
• Always use an envelope that is slightly larger than the card itself.  
• Whether you’re sending multiple cards or just one, consider using a beautifully crafted wooden or cardboard box.
• Take care when addressing the envelope, and include a return address in case of any complications. 
• Make sure to personally deliver it and ensure it is posted, or use a trusted courier service to deliver your package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

It is important to find time and creative ways to celebrate the people most dear to your heart. Creating a handmade greeting card for them on their special occasion would most certainly not be a waste of your time.

To do this, make sure to put in your best effort by following the steps in this article to create an eye-catching, well-crafted handmade card for that special person. And be assured of bringing happiness to someone’s face when they remember you.