A simple thank you card using sheets from a floral paper pack.
I wanted to make my mail carrier a thank you card for leaving my dogs treats in the mailbox daily. I used sheets from the Carta Bella Paper Co. Botanical Garden paper pack my friend gifted me.
In case it's helpful, below are the topics covered in this post:
Supplies and Stuff
These are the items I used to make this simple card:
Paper cutter and score tool
Cardstock paper (solid color)
Decorative pattern paper
Stickers
Double-sided permanent tape
Foam Tape
Scissors
I specifically used sheets from the Botanical Garden paper pack from the Carta Bella Paper Co. My friend gifted me this pack months ago and I was excited to finally start using it! The sheets are thick with print on both sides. A sticker sheet was also included in the pack.
Why I Like Paper Packs
There are three reasons I often use paper packs, or scrapbook paper pads as it's often referred to.
#1: Many paper packs include small text designs that could be used as sentiments for greeting cards and other projects. Yes, I could handwrite or stamp a sentiment onto a card. But I like having the option of cutting out a small text design to tape or glue onto a card front.
#2: Some paper packs include stickers. Stickers are a quick and easy way to embellish a project. Depending on the brand, stickers may be vinyl, puffy, holographic, etc.
#3: Paper packs have a central theme. The sheets could be mixed and matched to create a cohesive design for a project. This is helpful for someone like me who's not familiar with design theories or how to make different things look good together.
For me, I find it easier to make a quick handmade greeting card from a single paper pack. While I still put thought towards how to cut and arrange the sheets, I don't often have to search through other paper packs or sheets to create a design.
Sometimes it helps to have solid colored cardstock paper to create contrast. This is especially helpful since many pattern sheets within a paper pack are busy with art and details. Solid cardstock helps draw one's eyes to a central focus point, like a text design serving as a sentiment on a card front.
Making the Greeting Card
I used a beige sheet of cardstock paper to make an A2 sized greeting card base. It was cut down to 8-1/2 inches by 5-1/2 inches and scored down the center at 4-1/4 inch.
I cut a sheet of pattern paper down to 5-1/4 inches by 4 inch. I adhered it to the center of the card front using permanent double-sided tape. Glue would work as well, but I prefer tape for its cleanliness.
I cut out a small "Thank You" text design from one of the sheets. I trimmed off the edges surrounding the text. I wanted some of the pattern paper to show around all four sides of the text design.
The text design seemed to clash with the pattern paper. It looked too busy to my eyes. I cut green cardstock paper slightly bigger than the text design. I didn't measure this piece and relied on my eyes for a decent looking size. I adhered it to the center of the card front using permanent double-sided tape.
To add some depth to the card front, I adhered the text design to the center of the card front using foam tape. This is something I often do, mainly because I always feel like my cards are lacking something. Foam tape is my answer for now.
I left the inside of the card empty for a handwritten message to my mail carrier. I added a small sticker to the bottom-right, so it didn't look too plain.
Since I wasn't mailing/stamping the envelope, I also placed a larger sticker on the front of the envelope. I wouldn't do this if I were placing a stamp to have it mailed by USPS, although a sticker to seal the envelope is acceptable.
My Thoughts
This was another quick and simple handmade greeting card. It only took minutes to assemble once I selected the text design and pattern sheet for the background of the card front.
Because of the thick sheets included with the paper pack my friend gifted me, this turned out to be a sturdy card.
I don't know the weight (GSM) of the sheets. They're thicker and sturdier than the Hot Buy Recollections paper packs I've purchased from Michaels. They also cut cleaner with less frayed edges when using a not-so-sharp blade attached to my paper cutter.
What's Next?
I'm completing a craft project using a few sheets from this paper pack. Check back soon to see another way I used this paper pack.
Do you have a go-to paper pack brand? Comment below to share what brand paper you often use for handmade cards and why.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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