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When I was younger, I used to love getting handwritten letters and cards in the post. There was always such excitement when seeing my name on the envelope. However, as an adult, most things that come through the mail are junk, bills or direct marketing. Sharing handwritten letters and cards can bring joy and show love to your loved ones.
Whether you are simply writing a card, or you are making the card yourself to write in, sharing the care and effort you are willing to put in for them is priceless.
Why should you hand write cards?
When you pen a card or notecard it is not only quick, but is much more special. By showing someone that you care enough to take the time to write a note by hand, it makes the sentiment in your message even more sincere.
A handwritten card is a tangible memory, physical handheld proof of an expression of thoughtfulness and affection. It is something someone can hold on to, treasure and re-read whenever they want to. I like to keep cards from my loved ones and I have cards from my Grandma who passed away, so I have these cards in her handwriting to treasure. I even have her writing from one of the cards tattooed on me.
Here is a list of some reasons on why you should send handwritten cards and letters:
- Can reduce anxiety or depression in the person receiving the card or letter
- They are tangible
- Loved ones feel valued
- They are more personal
- Shows loved ones that you are thinking of them
- Brings your loved ones joy and comfort
What are the benefits of making your own greetings cards?
When you start the process of creating a card from scratch, it requires focus and attention, which helps to divert the mind from any stressors and promotes relaxation. Furthermore, the act of giving handmade cards to family and friends can create joy and satisfaction, which can give you a boost in mood and overall wellbeing.
Other benefits of crafting handmade cards can be:
- Improves self-confidence
- Boosts self-esteem
- Improves both gross and fine motor skills/movements
- Improves mental agility
- Decreases cognitive decline
- Relieves stress and lowers blood pressure
- Increases brain activity
- Boosts empathy
Photo by Nadi Spasibenko on Unsplash
Which art supplies do you need to make cards?
This is a list of supplies you need if you are a card making beginner:
Card
When you are making cards to ensure the card is not only able to stand up on its own for your loved one to show it off, but you want it to be sturdy so you can design a pretty card. Using card stock it means you can use paints, pens and pencils with no ghosting or bleeding through to the other side.
You can use any colour card to design your card and as your base card you can always layer it with other paper and other supplies. I like to use white card stock as my base because I think it looks classic. However, you can also opt for textured card with a patterned embossed which is a lovely way to add texture to your homemade greetings card.
Pens
You are going to need a pen to write in your card, but you may also want to have a fineliner to draw a design on your card. Drawing with a pen can add a clear, bold design. When it comes to colouring in or adding colour to any design; I find Crayola Supertips and Tombow Dual Brush Pens as great suggestions as they have a range of colours to suit any design or doodle.
Stamps
If you find you are not confident enough to design the front of the card, stamps can be a great alternative. With great ease, you can use stamps to create a lovely, handmade card. For example, you could use floral stamps and colour them in; you could even use alphabet stamps for any text on the front of the card.
Photo by Diana Light on Unsplash
Stickers & Washi tape
There are so many stickers available that you can choose from to decorate your card. Again, stickers can be a simple way to add colour and give you a way to decorate your card especially if you feel you can’t draw freehand.
You can use washi tape as borders of the card, or you can use it to decorate the card. There are so many designs and colours to choose from such as geometric patterns and seasonal designs.
Coloured pens & pencils
Whatever you prefer – pens or pencils – you will need to colour in your drawings, doodles, or stamped designs. I like to reach for my Crayola Supertips as they are great for lettering.
Stencils
If you are not good at drawing another great alternative are stencils. You can get so many different designs and patterns to help you create little doodles, pictures and patterns to create a unique card.
Other supplies you can use to make cards can be:
- Glitter/sequins/confetti
- Glue and glitter glue
- Ribbons
- Scissors, craft knife, cutting mat
- Coloured paper
- Different coloured card
These are the supplies I recommend for people who are beginners at making cards for your family and friends.
Stampin’ Up Stamp Sets
Stampin’ Up is an international crafting company which specialises in stamps and paper crafts; they have so many lovely products. I was kindly sent a stamping set to help me create some beautiful cards. The floral stamp for example creates a beautiful design and then all I needed to do was colour in.
The stamps are super easy to set up and then you colour in the stamp in the desired colour, using pens or an inked pad and then use the acrylic block to press the stamp down to produce a clear and detailed stamp. They have a variety of packs for special occasions and seasons. Check out their website.
How to make a handmade card
These are the simple steps so you can make a homemade card easily and quickly.
1. Choose your layout
Fold the card stock (base card) either horizontally or vertically depending on your preference. You can start with coloured base card or you can stick with the traditional white and layer up, the choice is yours.
2. Write a phrase
You can choose to write a phrase on the front of the card e.g. Happy Birthday like traditional cards, if you don’t want to write. phrase you don’t have to, it is up to you. If you are not confident with lettering, you can try using stamps or stencils to write the phrase on your card.
3. Embellish
You can then embellish the card by creating a design (either freehand or using stamps and stencils. Then you can add washi tapes, glitter, ribbons, sequins and you could even decoupage. You can also use old cards, pictures and photos to decorate your homemade card.
4. Greeting message
Then you just need to write your handmade message inside, whether that be just a simple message for the occasion or you could make it more personal by writing a poem.
Making handmade cards doesn’t have to be difficult, nor does it need to be perfect. A card designed and created by you is going to show the love and effort that you have gone to for your family and friends.
Do you like to send homemade cards? Do you like to receive handmade cards? I’d love to hear in the comments.
Looks like a great product.
oh wow so cool x
This looks like something I would love! I’d love to try these. I enjoy using stamps and making cards. I don’t do it as much now that I have kids, but my daughter likes to do it together for family and friends. 🙂
Yeah they are so cute and such a personal way to show love! Thank you for reading and commenting! Xx
These are so so pretty! I used to love making cards!
Lainy x https://bookishbitsblogblog.wordpress.com/
I’ve used stamp set a while ago when I was into scrapbooking. I would like to try the stamps again because it really looks nice on the homemade cards.
They do look really nice. Homemade cards are so sweet!
These came out so cute!
This is impressive and so easy to make. You made some beautiful cards Lauren. Happy Easter to you too my dear. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Aww thank you so much! Happy Easter! 🐣🍫
I love stampin up. isn’t it the best? i recently got into card making and i just love it 😀
They have beautiful sets!! It’s so much fun isn’t it, so relaxing too
Can you leave me your blog link c
I haven’t used stamps in yeaaaars, I love card making though, the daffodil stamps have turned out great on your cards!
It looks beautiful doesn’t it!! Card making is so thoughtful. Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you leave your link x
Those stamps are so cute, i used to be well into card making and wish i had something like that !
It’s nice and relaxing! I love being creative!
These are beautiful cards Lauren, you did an amazing job! I’m so impressed at how well the stamps came out, the detail is awesome! I’ve used Stampin’ Up kits in the past and always had a good experience, they are so easy to use and the cards always look so nice and personalized. Colouring in the stamps is my favourite part and I love that you used washi too, very creative! Thank you for sharing your cute designs and hope you are having a wonderful Easter lovely <3 xxxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Aww thank you lovely! I really enjoyed making these, it is so relaxing. I am looking forward to giving these cards to people. Thank you for reading and commenting ❤️xxx
These are beautiful! I love universal stamps, they are great. That way doesn’t limit you to only one occasion! I love making cards as it’s soo relaxing and the creative side comes out in you. There’s something about gifting and receiving a handmade card. The people you’ll give these to will love them! Thank-you for sharing!
Gemma | http://www.anoceanglimmer.wordpress.com
Aww, these looks so lovely! Your cards are full of spring vibes and happy colours – I love them.
Thank you so much Ruth
I have never worked much with stamps but this looks like a really fun activity that I definitely need to try! It feels like making cards this way would make them so much more personal than just buying some, also I think my kids would love trying it too! Will definitely have to look into this!
We as kids would always sit and make birthday, Easter and Christmas cards for each other and the rest of the family. My mum had and still has so much beautiful crafting tools and supplies! Definitely do they have so many different packs! Thank you for reading x
These are lovely Lauren! It’s been so long since I’ve made my own cards. This has definitely inspired me to get my card stock out again.
It’s really good fun, I hope you enjoy your card making when you do
Cute. Love the flowers
I love a wee hand written card! I used to make them all the time as a kid using stamps and tape and everything else involved! But have since gotten out of the way of it. But I really should make time to write some hand written cards and even letters again.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I too love sending handwritten cards and of course receiving them! Delightful inspiration!
They are so lovely to make and receive aren’t they. X
Very cool, it was fun when I used to make cards at home. Reading this made me want to do them again. Great ideas!
You should give it a go. Thank you for reading and commenting.
After I finished university, my uni friends and I had a phase of sending handwritten letters and cards to each other – it was always so exciting to receive something in the post that wasn’t a bill or junk mail! Thank you for these ideas for making homemade cards – it makes me want to get back into it again!
Aww that is so lovely. You should definitely give it a try!
I make homemade cards with my daughter around the holidays, and it is a nice and relaxing creative activity. The Stampin’ Up floral stamp is beautiful, and I’ll have to check out the other stamp sets they have.
Definitely check them out. Aww what a lovely thing to be able to do together x