Friday, March 20, 2015

Card Sharp: How to Make Handmade Notecards

I started making handmade notecards many years ago, and still continue to make some from time to time. Although I've tried various designs and embellishments, my favorite is a simple one of plain cardstock overlaid with a patterned paper. They make for a substantial notecard that's easy to make and a pleasure to send. These can easily be packaged as a set for gift-giving as well, and hopefully encourage that old-fashioned pastime of writing to friends and family:

Handmade Notecards


Handmade Notecards

Materials:
Patterned scrapbook or other paper of your choice (8 1/2 x 11 inches, or any size that can be trimmed to 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches)
Plain cardstock in coordinating colors (8 1/2 x 11 inches)
Adhesive tabs or double-sided tape
Paper cutter
A2 envelopes (4 3/8 x 5 3/4 inches)

Cut cardstock in half to make two pieces of cardstock that measure 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches (you will get two cards for every piece of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock). Once done, trim an 1/8 inch from one shorter (5 1/2 inch) end of each piece—this will ensure the edges don't peep out from under the top layer. Cut the patterned paper to create the same number of 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch pieces as your cardstock. Fold all pieces in half and press down firmly along the crease. Using the adhesive tabs or double-sided tape, place a piece in each corner of the backside of your cardstock, then insert into one of the patterned pieces and press down to secure. Repeat with your remaining pieces until done!



Notes: If your overlay paper is very unusual or handmade, do a dry run of lining them up with the inner cardstock to see which half you prefer to be the "front" of the card. It is only necessary to secure the cardstock on one side—this will also prevent the cards from buckling and make them easier to insert in the envelopes.



>o<

2 comments:

  1. So that's how you have made such beautiful touchable cards! xoxo

    ReplyDelete

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