Using sheets from my "Classic Christmas" Hot Buy paper pad.
I recently made ten handmade greeting cards from a single scrapbook paper pad. I could've easily made even more cards from the pad, but ten was all I needed to make for a family member to use.
Supplies and Stuff
These are the items I used to make the greeting cards:
Paper cutter and score tool
Heavy cardstock paper*
Scissors
Double-sided permanent tape
Double-sided foam tape
Clear holiday stamp sentiment
Acrylic stamp block
Black archival stamp ink
Shimmer brush pen**
*If you do not have heavy cardstock paper, you could always use sheets from the paper pad. The Hot Buy papers are thick and suitable for making greeting cards.
**The shimmer brush pen isn't necessary, but I used it on one card to add shine to an image. Personally, I like shine.
Card Base Measurements
I made different sized greeting cards based on envelopes I bought ages ago. I measured the envelopes and cut the card bases slightly smaller for a nice fit.
For example, the business envelopes measured at 6-1/2" x 3-3/4". I'd cut the card bases down to approximately 6" x 3-1/2". This made it easy to slide into the envelope with ease, but not leave too much empty space inside.
Below are the measurements I used to make cards for their respective envelope sizes:
I cut heavy cardstock or a sheet from the paper pad down to 11" x 8-1/2" and scored at 5-1/2" to fit inside A9 sized envelopes.
I cut heavy cardstock or a sheet from the paper pad down to 7" x 6" and scored at 3-1/2" to fit inside #6 sized business envelopes. There was one I made as a notecard cut down to a simple 7" x 3-1/2" base.
I cut heavy cardstock or a sheet from the paper pad down to 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and scored at 4-1/4" to fit inside A2 sized envelopes. This is a card base and envelope sizes you may typically see greeting card enthusiasts use most often.
My Design Idea Mindset
Scrapbook paper pads are a great source for handmade greeting cards because there are a variety of pattern paper and designs you could play around with.
I first looked to see what small designs could be cut out and used on card fronts. The paper pad I used for these ten cards mostly had gift tag shapes with images and/or text that could serve as a generic sentiment to the card's recipient.
I then looked for full-page designs that had a border/frame design. These are great to cut for use inside greeting cards. I struggle to design the insides of greeting cards, so I find it helpful to use a border/frame design to create visual interest.
When I struggled with design ideas, which was most of the time, I noticed I'd layer pattern and solid-colored papers of different colors. I believe this created visual appeal and contrast.
Layering was especially helpful with the small Santa Claus design. I used the primarily red design on a matching red pattern background with a solid white piece of paper in between. This prevented eye strain from seeing so much red.
I used foam tape to elevate small designs on a card front. Foam tape gives the slight illusion of depth. In the right lighting, seeing the small design's shadow on the card front simply looks good with that little 'pop' in elevation.
Speaking of "the right lighting," I used a shimmer brush pen to add shine to parts of an image. Personally, I like shine. It's why I use glitter in resin crafts and metallic markers or paint on other crafts. It reflects light when held at just the right angle drawing attention to the greeting card front.
My Thoughts
I made ten decent looking greeting cards. I say "decent" because the family member I made these for didn't like a single card! Just because it didn't fit her taste in greeting card designs doesn't mean they're all ugly. Am I right?
Well, whether you thought these were ugly or not, I liked the way most of these turned out. They were easy and fun to make. It was a great activity to keep me preoccupied and de-stressed during a stressful time.
I'm grateful I buy paper pads on sale. The Hot Buy paper pads at Michaels are often on sale where you'd buy one and get two free. Hobby Lobby, Joann, and other craft stores often have sales on their paper products exclusive to their stores.
What's Next?
I have several winter-themed arts and crafts to share with you this month. Make sure to check back to see the next project!
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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