Making an easy card for Thanksgiving.
I made a simple apple-themed greeting card using sheets from a scrapbook paper pad.
Supplies and Stuff
These are the items I used to make this greeting card:
Paper cutter and score tool
Heavy cardstock paper
Decorative pattern paper
Scissors
Double-sided permanent tape
Double-sided foam tape
Glue
Clear stamp sentiment
Acrylic stamp block
Black archival stamp ink
Card Base
I had a sheet of letter sized heavy white cardstock paper I cut down to 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and scored at 4-1/4". This allowed me to have two card bases to work with, but I only shared one card in this post.
The "Design"
I was originally going to make a greeting card using scrap paper from a pack I haven't used since last Fall. I don't make many Fall or Autumn themed greeting cards, so I have a lot of paper pads that are mostly full.
However, I liked the look of a foil sheet in my "Fall Orchard" Hot Buy paper pad from Michaels. I like shine and decided to use it as the inspiration for the card front.
Assembling the Card Front Design
I cut the brown sheet of pattern paper into three strips measured at 1-3/4" x 4" each. I used permanent double-sided tape to adhere the strips to the card front making sure I left a gap between each. I liked how the white base created a border and added contrast to the darker pattern paper.
I cutout some leaves and apple shapes from another sheet I pulled from the pack. I believed these pieces would adorn the card front well adding another level of visual appeal.
On the back of a scrap piece of paper, I stamped a "just for you" sentiment with black archival ink. I preferred a "Happy Thanksgiving" sentiment, but I didn't have a stamp with that message. I also didn't want to handwrite it or pull out my Cricut machine to use my preferred sentiment.
Instead of tape, I decided to use glue to adhere the leaves, an apple, and the sentiment strip to the card front. The glue I used doesn't dry immediately giving me opportunities to slide the pieces around if I wasn't satisfied with their placements.
I used a small piece of foam tape on the back of a single apple to create depth and dimension on the card front.
I curled the tips of the leaves to add more depth and dimension to the card front. I don't know if the leaves will remain curled after transit, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to give it a try anyway.
The Inside
I never know how to decorate the inside of my greeting cards, but I find it easier to do when I decided it should have sufficient space for writing a personal message to the receiver.
I cut a sheet of pattern paper down to 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" to fit perfectly inside the card. I made sure the pattern included apples and leaves to keep the overall design theme consistent. I used permanent double-sided tape to adhere the piece to the top half inside the card.
My Thoughts
Although this greeting card was quick and easy to make, it looks like one of the more elegant cards I've made and shared with you on this website. The contrast of colors and patterns doesn't hurt my eyes, so I'm relieved to know it won't give my recipient a headache.
The inside of the card is simple, but not boring and plain. I had plenty of blank space to write a personal message. There's nothing wrong with having some white space to keep the eyes from straining.
What's Next?
I need to make more Thanksgiving cards to send to family and friends, so I may remake this design with some modifications for all. I really like the look of this card.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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