How to Make a Greeting Card in 4 Basic Steps

A Greeting card that you've made yourself adds an extra element of personalization when you give it to a friend or loved one because it shows you've put some thought, time and effort into your selection.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to making greeting cards but there are 4 basic steps that you move through to get the task done.

Step 1. Know the theme of your card

You start by knowing what theme of greeting card you wish to make, seems obvious but beginning with the end in mind will help guide you in choosing the right color, design, style and feel of your card.

For example a birthday card for a child will look different to that of one for an adult, especially an elderly adult. Similarly there is a big difference in the look and feel of a sympathy card compared to a card that is more congratulatory.

It is possible to make blank cards that have no headings or inscriptions that can cater to many of the same occasions such as to say thank you, congratulations, best wishes, get well soon or even happy birthday.

When making gender specific cards you need to consider a more masculine design and colors for your male recipients, though on occasions like Valentine's Day a more sentimental, feminine-looking card could be seen as acceptable.

Step 2. Decide on a design

It is helpful to have a bit of an idea as to the design you want to create. If you need ideas or inspiration to help you decide then a great place to start is to simply search online for the term handmade card together with name of the theme or greeting that you are after. And make sure you choose the images link.

There are literally thousands upon thousands of images of cards which are sure to get your creative juices flowing and inspire your own design. Select an idea from more than one card and combine them into your own.

You might be inspired by the color combinations of one card and then the layering effect of another and the types of embellishments or decorations on yet another. Combine all these elements to come up with your own design.

Step.3. Gather your supplies

You will need to gather together the craft tools you already have as well as your consumable supplies like paper, card, adhesives and assorted decorations. Once you've done that you can work out what else you will need to source.

Below is a basic list of items which are commonly used to start constructing, decorating and assembling greeting cards:

• Thick card stock. Try to use a color that fits in with the theme of your greeting. In general white card stock can be used for any theme and is a great versatile card to always have on hand. Make sure the card is thick and sturdy enough to support the decorations you wish to add as well as it needs to be big enough to be folded to the envelope size you require.