Got Scraps? Make a Card

Making cards go hand-in-hand with scrapbooking. They help you use up lots of scrap papers leftover from your layouts. Plus, it makes you feel less guilty about not using supplies that you paid so much for! I keep an accordion file folder for all my scraps categorized by color families, patterned paper and other specialty papers such as vellum or mulberry. This keeps my scraps organized and ready to go when I want to make a quick card. Here some tips to help get you started.

Select Your Paper
You’ll need to choose 8 1/2” x 11” paper for the background color of your cardstock. This will be shown on the inside as the main color. I generally pick white or a cream cardstock.

You might also ask why 8 1/2” x 11”? Generally, cards made from this size are cut into two pieces (each 8 1/2” x 5 ½”) and folded so that the finished front of the card is now 4 ¼” x 5 1/2”. Certainly there are many other sizes that you can create, however this one quarter letter size is called in invitation size and you can find pre-made envelopes at any business supply store.

Create your message
If you wish, add a saying, quote, or personalized message inside the card. You can use a pre-made stamp for special holidays, birthdays or an anniversary; however, you can also print or hand journal on your background paper to create a personalized message. Remember that the card will be 4 ½” by 5 ½” so you will need to ensure that your words fit in that space with lots of room to sign your name.

Decorate your card
Pick some scrap papers and embellishments you want to use for your card. This is a great opportunity to use up some of up some of your old supplies. For instance, you may have a large stash of stickers that you don’t want to use anymore. You might find that some stickers may look great on a card but do not to go with some of your pictures.

All small items look great on cards (i.e. charms, tags, clips, eyelets, etc.) and you’re not as limited in thickness on cards as you would be with your scrapbook pages. So go ahead and use those thick buttons that your mother has been saving forever! The other thing to remember is that cards do not have to be acid-free since there are no pictures nearby so you can use anything that you see in your house, such as old sewing supplies, yarns, tissue paper, other old cards that people sent you. Try using mod-podge, your kid’s old toys, things from your recycle box and other general finds. The list goes on and on.

There are so many possibilities with cards and a great way to use all your scraps. Hope you have fun creating your cards and remember that others will love receiving your handmade creations - even if they were only the scraps!

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