Making your first greeting card is one of the most satisfying crafts to start, and you need very little to begin. This guide walks you through a simple, repeatable process for a card that looks handmade in the best sense.
- A card blank (or fold your own from cardstock)
- A focal point: a stamp, a die-cut shape or a patterned paper panel
- Ink or colouring of your choice, and a sentiment
- Glue or foam pads, and a few embellishments
1. Start with the card blank
A card blank is simply a pre-folded piece of card. A5 folded to A6 is the most common UK size and fits a standard envelope. If you are cutting your own, a smooth 250-300gsm cardstock scores and folds cleanly. Our guide to choosing cardstock explains weights in plain terms.
2. Create a focal point
Every good card has one clear focal point. That might be a stamped and coloured image, a die-cut shape, or a neat panel of patterned paper. Keep it simple to begin with, one main element rather than several competing for attention.
3. Add colour
Colour brings the card to life. Stamped images can be coloured with pencils, markers or blended inks. If you want soft, blendable backgrounds, distress oxide inks are a popular and forgiving place to start.
4. Layer and add a sentiment
Layering adds depth. Mount your focal panel onto a slightly larger mat of contrasting card, and lift it off the base with foam pads so it sits proud. Add a sentiment such as “Happy Birthday” or “Thank You”, stamped or die-cut.
5. Finish with embellishments
A few embellishments lift a card from plain to polished. Sequins, gems or a little twine go a long way, but restraint is key. When you are ready for ideas, see our embellishments guides.
That is the whole process. Repeat it a few times and it becomes second nature, and every card you make will feel a little more your own.
