There are several reasons why you may choose to make handmade cards for your friends and family. The first is because handmade greeting cards are much more personal than store bought greeting cards. Rather than being a card that the receiver will throw out in a few days, homemade cards are keepsakes that will last a lifetime.
Store bought greeting cards are also becoming quite expensive. For a nice greeting card, you are looking at spending at least $5.00, and sometimes much more. Instead of spending so much, why not make your own using leftover scrapbooking supplies or inexpensive items that can be found that any craft store or even around your house.
Now, if you have been to the craft supply store, you may be thinking that I am completely wrong – scrapbooking and card making embellishments are expensive. And yes, they can be but by using a little creativity you can easily find many supplies at very reasonable prices. Let’s take a look at where you might start:
1) Ribbon
Ribbon is one embellishment that is so simple, yet can add a unique beauty to any card. Most of us have some lying around the house and, if we don’t, it is very inexpensive to purchase. The best part about ribbon is that it comes in a variety of different colors and patterns and can be used in many different ways. Whether you use ribbons to create a card border or a bow, ribbon can be extremely versatile and is an excellent way to add a special touch to your card.
2) Buttons
Buttons are another type of embellishment that can often be found around the home or, at the very least, be purchased for an excellent price. While they are best suited towards cards with particular themes (for example, teddy bears or denim), buttons can add a sense of dimension to almost any card. One of the most popular ways to use buttons is as a border or to create or highlight words.
3) Faux flowers
Faux (or silk) flowers are another cheap yet stunning embellishment that can be used to decorate your handmade greeting cards. These embellishments are best used for cards directed towards weddings, thank you’s, anniversaries, or Mother’s day.
4) Fabric
Also inexpensive, fabric is probably one of the most versatile greeting card embellishments and can be used in many creative ways. Because fabric comes in so many different textures, colours and patterns, it allows you, the artist to be extremely creative. Whether you want to add a pattern, dimension or a special craft to your card, you can do so using fabric.
Because you are making your own cards, it is up to you how much you can spend. It can be as little or as much as you want. You don’t have to spend a great deal on embellishments unless you want to. Supplies such as fabric, flowers, buttons and ribbon are all inexpensive ways that you can spice up your handmade cards on a budget.