I have been feeling the crush of time constraints lately and knowing that I have a lot of cards that I need to write including thank you notes, thinking of you cards and birthday greetings, I was feeling a bit anxious about not having time to create some homemade cards. Then I stumbled upon an idea that got me to thinking about how to make a few simple cards using charms that are normally used in jewelry making and I got busy.
A quick trip to Hobby Lobby where every single item that I needed was either 50% or 40% off. The one item that I needed that wasn’t on sale I could use my 40% off coupon through the mobile Hobby Lobby app and I was one happy girl. Let the crafting begin.
The items that I had to purchase that I did not have on hand already in my massive crafting stash were some corrugated paper and charms. I already had a plentiful stock of brown craft paper cards and envelopes, jute for tying the charms on and of course an endless supply of rubber stamps and stickers for the added embellishments.
I definitely had a lot of fun playing around with different papers and designs using my materials I had on hand. I love the way the corrugated paper adds texture to the plain brown craft paper cards and the good thing is how quickly these come together.
I worked on getting a few cards made that offered simple but different looks and I loved how they all came together so uniquely. Lately I seem to have a thing for owls. It might be the influence of Chris’s Grandma Betty whom I admired so much as she loved owls and had a lot of owl themed items in her apartment. Regardless of how the attraction has come about I found the perfect owl charm to include on a card for an upcoming birthday. How cute did this card turn out?
This really was a simple idea and I have an entire stack of cards that I created in a very short time frame. The photographs do not do them justice. I need to get my Square Perfect Photo Studio set up that Micah got me for Christmas so that I can take much more professional looking photos but for today these photos will just have to do.
Anyone can make a homemade card using these ideas—buy premade cards and envelopes, a pad of corrugated paper, some charms, jute and a bit of glue ( I usually use Elmer’s Glue Sticks, Zots Singles, and Ad Tech Tape Runners) and get started. I would love to see how creative some you can get with just these items so if you venture out and make a few cards of your own please share them with me. I would love to see them.
Do you like to receive homemade cards or store purchased cards? Do you still send cards or are you more of an email type of person these days? I still cling to writing letters as often as I can and love the feeling that I get when I have time to sit down and craft a letter to a friend. I think it is a dying art. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Chime in in the comment section and remember Comments for a Cause this month goes to support Blessings in a Backpack.
32 Comments
Leave a commentDefinitely a home-made card person. But, as you rightly say, time is getting tighter. Great idea. Thanks for sharing it.
Absolutely! I love how these turned out with such little effort! Thanks for stopping by!
Handmade (anything) is always super nice but I certainly do understand the many time constraints these days! I totally love the brown as the base for all and then adding color with the corrugated papers. “It’s a texture thing” applies to whatever media is used ( and that’s what ‘quilting’ is all about……that final stitching/texturizing is what I ‘live’ for in that process!!!).
It is the texture thing, isn’t it? I love the way they look with a little embellishing but not too much. I also love the burlap trend right now. The wedding I helped out last fall used a lot of burlap and it is such a neat medium to work with. I knew that you would add your thoughts to this post, Doreen, because you are one of the most creative people that I know! Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks so much for the “kudos”!!!! (coming from one who is of the same!) Have a lovely day!!!!!!!
I love these, Beth Ann. But then I love every crafted card I’ve received from you.
I’m totally with you on sending/receiving cards and letters. There’s something about holding the paper in hand, seeing a person’s handwriting, that personal connection that comes with this type of communication. You will never get that through an email or text.
Yep—I agree. I really loved the way these turned out and have a bunch in the mail ready to go out today. I need to experiment a bit more with some other ideas I have in my head but right now these are going to have to fit the bill. Plus I need to get another round of cards done for Hospice. 🙂
These are beautiful! I also treasure each card I’ve received from you.
Aw–thanks, Jeni! I loved how these came together but my pics are a bit shabby. 🙂
They look great, Beth Ann! I love handmade cards. I made a few way back when, but got out of the groove because a friend always gifted me with a packet of her handmade beauties every Christmas and hers were so much nicer than mine! I’d much rather send and receive cards and letters than emails. For me, it just shows a little more thought because you took the time to either make/or choose a card.
I think you must have a marvelous friend to gift you cards every year! But I bet yours are every bit as beautiful!
Cute! I go “in spells” of making cards…. but all the supplies just wait for me upstairs in my little loft studio until I’m ready!
How nice that they are just waiting for you! Do you rubber stamp or use a Cricut? Interested in how you make your cards!
I rubber stamp…started probably 5 years ago. I have WAY too many supplies. Hubby wanted to buy me a Cricut, but I didn’t know that I’d use it enough to warrant buying it!
You can NEVER have too many supplies! NEVER!
Beautiful Beth Ann, just like the person making them. I treasure each one I’ve recieved!
Received
Aw–that makes me smile. Thanks for stopping by, Judy. Love you!
those are so cute! and simple!
That is the beauty of them, isn’t it? I just don’t have a lot of time right now but I hate to not send a homemade card anymore so these were the perfect solution. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
You didn’t make it easy to pick just one! Love the burlap flowers, but I think my favorite card has the gray corrugate running vertically with the small circle charm.
I like that one as well. There are so many great options when working with these materials and they all turned out so fun looking. Hopefully the recipients will agree.
I bet they will!
I love your homemade cards and sometimes get an itch to get some supplies together and make a few of my own. I remember when I was younger, I would make cards from scratch. Maybe one day, when I have a bit of time again. 🙂
Thanks so much! I do love making them.
Adorable! I’m as creative as a stick, so I envy your talents!
You are a cute stick, though. So that counts for something. I bet your picture is going to be amazing at the painting class. 🙂
Stay tuned! I hope it isnt terrible, so its not a complete waste! Lol!
Love these! It has been so long since I did cards. I need to get busy with some! Love the corrugated paper and use of the charms. Think I might have to pick some up too! Thanks for sharing!
These were so quick to make and still looked really cute — I will definitely be making more of this type just for that reason!
i love your homemade cards! I used to make them all the time too. I should start doing that again 🙂
You and I definitely should have a card making party!