Roooarrrr! (Translation: Thank You)

You know, I don't really consider myself a card-maker. I have several friends who make beautiful cards with card stock and pretty papers and ribbons and stamps. And while I can appreciate them, it's just not "me," not something I've had an interest in. Yet, yesterday I found myself working on more hand made cards, and I suddenly realized, "Ah, I guess I sort of do make cards."

I thought about it some more and decided that I don't make cards because I really love card making itself, but because I enjoy giving a card that is hand made. It's just that I don't do it in the more common, "scrapbook-y" way (for lack of a better term). My way is rather "quick and dirty," a little more carefree, but I like it that way. And it's great for using up and sharing toddler art.


Here's how you can make this kind of card too, in five easy steps:

1. Get some construction paper and stamps and ink. I used a set of foam jungle stamps that I found for $1 at Michael's and the cheapest ink pads I could get (because I knew they wouldn't be treated with much care). Let toddler stamp to heart's content (or, if lacking a toddler, stamp the cards yourself in a toddler-ish way).

2. Cut stamped paper into appropriate sizes and shapes for pre-made blank cards (or your own cards made with card stock). I like using my accumulated scrapbooking tools to make decorative edges, and I rounded the corners of the cards.

3. Attach the stamped paper to the cards.

4. Add a few accent stamps to the inside of the cards and on the envelopes.

5. Use a pen to jot your desired greeting on the card. (I then use a different style and color of ink to write a more personal message, so the greeting looks like part of the card's design.)


Voila! It's another quick, simple way to make something that's a little more personal, a little more fun. I like the abstract, colorful look of these, people like having my kiddo's artwork, and she likes making a huge mess all over my craft space. Everyone wins.