While not everyone feels the need to pair a gift with a greeting card, many believe a personalized message gives a gift more depth. However, buying multiple greeting cards can add up fast, so a great way to incorporate them into your holiday season is to make your own. They’ll look great and add a layer of personalization to your gift that you can’t buy in a store.
Gather nice paper
You don’t have to go too wild with this step. All you really need is paper that is thicker than printer paper, so a pile of old cardstock in your closet is fine. If you don’t have any, you can find some at an art supply store, or even Walmart or Target, for fairly cheap. Next, cut your paper into about double the size you would like your cards to be. Now, all you have to do is fold the paper in half, and you have the start of a good quality card.
Get scribbly
Now it’s time to add your personal touch! If you’re not artsy, don’t worry. You can keep it simple just by writing in your neatest handwriting possible and wishing your giftee a happy holiday season. If you like doodling, then add a few cute little animals or plants to add to the overall aesthetic of your card, and if you’ve got any stickers lying around, now is a great opportunity to use them.
Don’t forget to add sentiment
One of the best things about cards is that they can be keepsakes for a long time. If you have family or friends who are sentimental, they’ll probably stash away your card, so be sure to write the date and sign your name, that way years down the line, your gift recipient can remember how much effort you put into it.
Presentation is key
Your card gains creativity bonus points when you have lovely envelopes to put them in. You can buy large packs of envelopes pretty much anywhere, and even if they’re plain, you can adorn them to make them shine. When people receive a card in a wax-sealed envelope, they’ll probably even enjoy the wrapping. Even if you don’t want to go through the extra effort to melt the wax, you can always use your stickers where a seal would go, or even sign your initials in cursive for a more personal touch.
Photo: A. Spratt
