Quick answer
Handmade card ideas split into four families: folded paper, stamped, cut paper, and mixed media. Most cards start with one sheet of cardstock. An 8.5 x 11 inch sheet folds in half to a 4.25 x 5.5 inch card, known as A2. A simple stamped card takes 10 to 15 minutes. A layered card with die cuts and embossing takes 30 to 45 minutes. Supplies run $1 to $3 per card.
Match the card to the envelope
Envelope dimensions set the card size. Three US sizes cover most projects.
- A2 card: 4.25 x 5.5 in. Envelope: 4.375 x 5.75 in.
- A6 card: 4.5 x 6.25 in. Envelope: 4.75 x 6.5 in.
- A7 card: 5 x 7 in. Envelope: 5.25 x 7.25 in.
Cardstock comes in weights from 65 lb to 110 lb cover. A 65 lb sheet feels thin in the hand. A 110 lb sheet holds shape but cracks at the fold unless you score it first. Score with a bone folder and a scoring board before folding.
Six techniques
Stamped card
Press a clear stamp onto an acrylic block. Ink it with dye ink. Stamp onto white cardstock. Add a sentiment in a second color. Glue the panel to a folded blank with double-sided tape. Time: 10 to 15 minutes.
Die-cut card
Run cardstock through a die-cutting machine with a steel-rule die. Cut three shapes in three colors. Stack them with foam squares. Foam squares add 2 mm of height. Time: 20 to 30 minutes.
Heat-embossed card
Rub an anti-static pouch over the paper. Stamp with embossing ink. Pour embossing powder over the ink and tap off the excess. Heat the powder with a heat tool. The powder melts in 5 to 10 seconds at 300 to 350 F. Time: 15 to 25 minutes.
Watercolor card
Paint a wash on 140 lb cold press watercolor paper. Let it dry for 15 minutes. Trim the panel to 4 x 5.25 inches. Mount it on an A2 blank. Time: 25 to 40 minutes plus drying.
Collage card
Cut shapes from old maps, sheet music, and tickets. Glue flat pieces with a glue stick. Raise one piece on foam tape. Time: 20 to 30 minutes.
Quilled card
Roll 3 mm or 5 mm paper strips around a slotted tool. Pinch the coils into teardrops and circles. Glue the shapes to the card front. Time: 30 to 60 minutes.
Tool list
- Paper trimmer with a replaceable blade
- Scoring board and bone folder
- Acrylic stamp blocks in two sizes
- Adhesives: double-sided tape, glue dots, foam squares, glue stick
- Craft knife and self-healing mat
- Heat tool and embossing powder
Common errors
- Too much liquid glue warps the paper. Use tape or dots instead.
- Pigment ink stays wet for minutes. Dye ink dries in seconds.
- Unscored 110 lb cardstock cracks along the fold.