How To Make 5 Easy Cards

Card, Card, Everywhere Cards

So, I’ve done a few tutorials on cards to date, but I thought I would do another one, just in case you need more ideas on how to make your own cards.  Now, laugh if you must, but I was watching someone make cards the other day, and they did some cool techniques that I hadn’t thought of.  And that reminded me, that even though I know how to do things, doesn’t mean everyone else does.   And even a little quick and easy tip might help someone, so here we are, with a quick and easy how to make cards.

This post contains affiliate links.    I may receive a commission if you purchase an item from one of my links. This will not change the price you pay.

Sign up to get a FREE Printable Thank you Card

I’ll send you an email with a PDF and SVG file of a Thank You Card for your Personal Use.

Sign up to get a FREE Printable Thank you Card

I’ll send you an email with a PDF and SVG file of a Thank You Card for your Personal Use.

Subscribe

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Check your junk mail for my email with your free Thank You Card PDF & SVG.

How to make an Easy Card

Ok, so this can be for any event.  It can be a birthday, a holiday, an anniversary, whatever the event may be.  The basics of all cards are the same.  

What You Need:

1. Paper to make the card with

Accent Options

1. Pens, Makers
2. Paint
3. Decals
4. Cutting Machine
5. Stamps

Let’s Begin!

Cut and Fold the card

You will need to get paper that will make a card for one of these sizes, but really, it can be any size you want.

Standard Card sizes are:

• 4.25″ x 5.5″
• 4.5″ x 6.25″
• 5″ x 7″

Remember, you are going to be folding the paper, so if you want a 5″x7″ card, you need a 10″ x 7″ paper.

Next is the tricky part – we need to fold the paper to make the card… I gest, it’s not hard.  But it does require the most precision.

If you are using card stock, this requires some practice to get a nice straight edge on the corner.  I typically score a line down the fold line to get a spot for my fold first.

Or if I’m using my Cricut, I get it to cut and score the card for me.

After you have completed the fold, it’s a good idea to run a smooth straight edge over the bend, just to make it shuts a bit better.  But this is not required.

Add a design to the front of the card

Ok, so the hard part is done.  The card is cut and folded.  Now all you need to do is add something onto the front to make it fit the event.   Below is a list of examples of several different methods that can be used to design the front of your card.  Keep in mind that some of these cards are better suited to kids, and some are better suited to adults.  

Pen & marker Design

When I’m in a pinch for a card, I like to get my kids to draw something on the front.  They enjoy coloring, so this is a great way to make a personalized card.  These are great for family events, especially older aunts and grandparents.  They love these kinds of cards from the little ones.

If you are good at drawings, this is your time to shine.  

I am not good at drawings, so here is an example of something my kids put together recently on a birthday card.

Paint Design

This is the same concept as above.  However, instead of using a pen and marks,  paint is used for the design.

Remember this can get messy and requires a bit more time as the paint needs to dry.  So this is not a great last-minute card, but easy nonetheless.

Decal Design

I make all my own decals, but you can buy them also.  It’s basically a sticker that you can adhere to the front of the card.

I will use my Cricut to make and cut a design suited for the occasion, a simple design that has meaning to the recipient.  

The design and cut don’t take very long, and adhering is quick.  

A quick tip, it is a good idea to hold the card down with painter’s tape or a book around the edges.  Often if the decal is large the card will lift up onto the decal just before you find the final location for it to sit, and then you are stuck with a decal that is off-center or askew.

Cut the Card Design

Getting a bit more advanced with card making techniques, if you have a cutting machine, like a Cricut or a Silhouette you can make and cut a design. 

With Cricut, there are many free and purchasable card designs that you can cut and use.  Or you can design your own.

You can use fancy paper or simple white paper, or colored card stock.  The options for this are endless. 

If you are experienced with making cards this way, you will know this is not a quick 2-minute activity.  This method can get you carried away with designing and picking the perfect paper. But I like to have several cards premade by this method so they are always handy.

Stamp the design

If you are a fan of stamps, or if your kids have lots of stamps, you can make a design on the front of the card with stamps. 

There are lots of elaborate stamps you can use to a make very intricate and beautiful design. 

Or, if you are like me, you can let your kids go to town with their stamps and call it a day!

And That’s It! You’re Done!

Additional Tips and Tricks

The above are basic card designs, but they work great for any occasion.  The nice thing about most of these is you can have them ready and waiting and then just add the comments when you need them.  

Some additional tricks I have learned along the way include:

1. Adding a sentiment onto a card is a nice touch.  This can be done either by printing it off or writing it on by hand (if you have nice penmanship). A simple Happy Birthday or Seasons Greetings made on an accent paper and placed onto the card will really make a card pop.

2.  Having cards made up in advance and ready for any event is really handy.  You never know when you will need a card.    So simple decal or painted cards are great for these spur of the moment events.

3.  Remember, it does not have to be perfect.  It can be off-center or the wrong color or even done last minute.  The recipient will love it no matter what.

Final Thoughts

It’s always nice to get a homemade card from someone.  I find there is a bit more care and meaning in those cards.  Cards from the store with the standard hallmark statement just don’t do it for me.  I can barely be bothered to read the inside if it’s preprinted, and I know others are like that also.   Making a card and inscribing a personalized message has a different kind of personal value.  

So if you get or give a card that was hand made, you know they are worth more.

Was this Tutorial Helpful?

Did you find this tutorial on how to make cards helpful?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you liked this tutorial, be sure to check out my other tutorials here