Learning to make your own cards is a great way to express yourself. By combining high-quality card stock and one of the following methods, you can send your friends and family fabulous homemade greeting cards or make gift cards that help any occasion become even more special.
Computer
There are many ways to make cards on a computer. The most simple, inexpensive way is to use your word-processing software.
Most word processing software comes with greeting-card templates. Once you have the blank template on the screen, you fill it in with your own personalized greetings. You can choose from a variety of typefaces, but don't go too far overboard. Too many fonts will give a card a busy look. For images, you can use a favorite photo or search for free clip art online. A picture from your wedding or a photo of your child opening their birthday gift really personalizes a thank you card.
Another option is to purchase software to make greeting cards. This software has many more fonts, backgrounds and clip art available then a standard word processing package.
After you have it laid out exactly as you want, print it out on on plain paper to make sure it looks right. For the finished card, check your local office supply store for greeting card stock. This is available in matte or glossy finishes and is prescored, so it's easy to get a perfect fold every time.
Rubber Stamps
Rubber stamps are a great way to dress up a card. You can create a whole card with them or dress up a store-bought card.
Rubber stamps come in every theme imaginable. Combine the stamp with the perfect shades of ink to complement your card stock, and you instantly have a fabulous card.
Stamps are also perfect for creating party invitations and simple thank-you cards for children's parties. Stamping is so simple that small children will enjoy helping to make the cards for an upcoming party.
Stencils
Stencils are a great way to get elaborate patterns or lettering onto a card. Using stencils adds a very elegant touch to your cards, especially if you are not good at calligraphy. Stencils make it look like you spent many hours hand-lettering each card.
Embellishments
Don't be afraid to add embellishments to your card. Check the scrap-booking aisle at the craft store for supplies. Decorative buttons, ribbons and letters can be used to really jazz up a greeting card. Glitter pens are another great tool for card-making. With a little practice, you'll be able to write sparkly messages or enhance words and letters on your cards.
In fact, you could combine all the techniques. Using the photo software, print a picture and glue it on heavy cardstock. Then embellish it with ribbons and rubber stamps, add a stenciled greeting inside and send it off.
 | Making greeting cards is a great hobby that doesn't cost a lot of cash. Make your own greeting cards with these tips on paper selection, design and embellishments. |
 | In order to make your own Christmas cards, start with the basics: Determine how many cards you will need and whether each card will be different or the same. |
 | Learning to make flash cards is the perfect solution if you want to save money on school supplies or can't find a particular subject at the store. |
Why go to the kiosk at the store? Chances are that you've got everything you need to make photo greeting cards at home. |
As each new generation of card maker joins the ranks, new and improved card making ideas surface. A few old techniques are making a strong comeback as well. |
