Cards are easy to make.

I started making cards several years ago, after I had started scrapbooking.  I already had all the supplies to make nice-looking cards and couldn’t justify forking out $3-$5 in the stores for them anymore.  The last time I sat down at my desk to make some cards, I thought that this might be a skill that others are interested in and have the supplies for, but might be intimidated to jump in and try.  So, from time to time, I’m going to post instructions for a simple, handmade card that can be customized to fit your needs.

The above card is what we’re going to make.  It could be sent as a thank-you, a note of encouragement, or even a birthday greeting.

First, you start with a sheet of patterened paper.  For a common card size, you can just cut a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper in half, giving you the dimension of 5 1/2 x 8 1/2.  When I do this, I usually just go ahead and make two indentical cards.

Fold each half, making the front of the card, 4 1/4 x 5 1/2.

I usually use a bone folder to give my cards a really crisp, professional looking crease.

Next I made my stamped images.  I used this set from Inkadoo that I got from JoAnn’s crafts (for 40% off!)…

Now, probably you don’t have this particular set, but here’s where you can use your own creativity.  You can use a stamp set that you already own, print images from the computer, use stickers or rub-ons, or even hand draw your own if you possess that talent.

I used the guitar image and stamped it onto teal cardstock with chocolate brown ink.  I let the ink dry a minute or two, and then I cut around the image with fine-tipped scissors and set it aside.

Next I used a small piece of the teal cardstock, cutting it to a length of 4 1/4 and carefully tore it along one edge, making sure it was approximately 2 1/2 or so inches wide.  I used the “You Rock” phrase and stamped it to this piece, using the chocolate brown ink again.

Then I decided to give that torn edge a little bit of dimension by inking along the tear with the chocolate brown.

I decided then to use a small strip of American Crafts ribbon to tie around this piece.  I just used a simple knot and then used a little adhesive to glue down the ends.  I like how the dots of the ribbon and the polka dots on the paper sort of tie in together.

Then you will simply attach this piece to the right side of your card.

Now, go get that guitar image that you set aside earlier.  I adhered this piece to the left side of the card with a pop dot to give it a little lift.

Stick that on at a slight angle, and wa-lah!…you have a card that cost you merely cents instead of dollars.

The only thing left to do is clean up and wash the ink from your fingers.  If you don’t, you might scratch your forehead and get a smudge of ink there and walk around all day with a brown spot on your skin.  I’m just sayin’…

Let me know if you try your hand at this card or something similar.  I’d love to see some pictures!  That would ROCK!