10 Techniques for Handcrafted Cards

Handcrafted Holiday Cards become keepsakes for the special people on your list.


They can enjoy them this year and frame them as future holiday decor. Here are 10 techniques that take your handcrafted cards over the top... 


Details make all the difference. Use rich, creamy layers of color pencil to color your rubber-stamped image. 



My favorite, favorite color pencils are Lyra. 
{This isn't an ad for them, I just really love them.}



You can use a mix of background papers and ready-made glittered lettering like this "Ho Ho Ho!" 

But... Deepen the dimension by using glue pop dots to raise the letters. 
And achieve even more depth by inking the edges of the letters and background papers for a shadow effect.



Add paper punch snowflakes in white and aluminum foil flakes (click here for the technique).



Rubber stamp more snowflakes for layers of dimension. Once you've stamped your sentiment and image, color in the image, ink the edges of the card stock, and then... 

machine stitch it to the card. It gives a quilted, homespun warmth to the card. 



The original child image actually is not holding anything. But you can stamp a wreath, jingle bell, or some other item in her hand. Have fun using your imagination!


All these beautiful layers and textures...


...create a keepsake that could be framed for future holidays!


Summary of 10 handcrafted card techniques:
  1. rubber stamp a sentiment and various images
  2. use creamy colored pencils
  3. layer background papers
  4. ink edges for shadowed dimension
  5. use glue pop dots to raise some elements
  6. use paper-punched elements
  7. use the "tinfoil technique" for snowflakes
  8. machine stitch the card
  9. alter original images by relating other images or stickers to them
  10. frame the card as holiday decor



Now, if you don't have time to do all that for each of the 50 people on your Holiday card list, take the shortcut I describe *here.*


Check out The Best of 2012!
Check out The Best of 2012Check out The Best of 2012Check out The Best of 2012
For more handcrafted card ideas, *click here.*


and *click here*



Happy Holidays!





Be sure to join the party that just started!


{I host a linky party every Wednesday. More info *HERE.*  I'm sharing 10 Techniques for Handcrafted Cards with these fine folks, whose links open on ~ Sunday:  Sew Darned CraftyShaken TogetherIt's Party TimeTwigg StudiosI Should Be Mopping The FloorMaking Monday MarvelousBrassy AppleCraftomaniacAlderberry HillUnder the Table & DreamingMaking the World Cuter ; MondaySkip to my Lou Rustic PigCherished BlissSugar Bee CraftsTip Junkie's Tip Me TuesdaySalt TreeTuesdayThe Winthrop ChroniclesNot Just a HousewifeCarolyn's HomeworkElizabeth & Co., The DIY Dreamer,  Savvy Southern StyleWhat we Wore & MadeUncommonGingersnap CraftsThe NY Melrose FamilyToday's Creative Blog ; WednesdayI Gotta Create!Uncommon, Southern Lovely, Creations by KaraAll Star Block PartyThe 36th AvenueLive-Laugh-RoweHandy Man Crafty WomanThe Trendy Treehouse ; ThursdayAt the Picket Fence540 MainCraftionaryMy Repurposed LifeFrugal GirlsShabby Nest,  Romantic HomeFrench County CottageStuff & Nonsense ; FridaySerenity NowFunky Junk InteriorsHappy HourAnything GoesFinding FabulousMy Simple Home LifeTatertots & Jellocheerios & lattesFive Days Five WaysShabby Art BoutiqueThirty Handmade DaysOne Creative MommySweet Boutique ; SaturdayBe Different Act NormalA Bouquet of TalentTutus & Tea PartiesSix Sisters StuffSew Country ChickDIY ShowoffPositively Splendid , Nifty Thrifty ThingsYoung & CraftyPolkadot PrettiesOr So She SaysBowdabraFlamingo Toes Seasonal: A Crafty Christmas Linkup

14 comments:

Danni@SiloHillFarm said...

Thanks for the tips! Yours is so cute!

Anne said...

Thanks for the great ideas! :)

Diane said...

Thanks for sharing all your great card ideas. I need some new colored pencils, I'll have to try those!

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

These are just beautiful!! You really make me want to give it a try.

allisamazing said...

Thanks for sharing these great tips!

Unknown said...

wow, that is one great card! So many elements, I wouldn't want to send it to anyone! Thanks so much for sharing on Super Sweet Saturday.
Steph
swtboutique.blogspot.com

Katie Drane said...

This is awesome! And very helpful too:)

Katie
www.funhomethings.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for the great tips. I love the cards! Thanks so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent. :)

Crystelle Boutique said...

Great tips...! I will be using these... :)

hugs x
Crystelle

http://www.crystelleboutique.com

Mel@Mellywood's Mansion said...

I'm always saying I want to make card, then never do, because I'm not sure what I'm doing. Thanks for the tips

Mel@Mellywood's Mansion said...

I'm always saying I want to make card, then never do, because I'm not sure what I'm doing. Thanks for the tips

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Wow! You're very ambitious and creative! These are so lovely. Thanks for linking up!

Natasha Mairs - Serenity You said...

thanks for your great tips! and I love the foil snowflakes! brilliant idea

would love it if you could share this on my link party @ www.serenityyou.com

Natasha xx

Cassie Bustamante said...

these are adorable! i am not much of a paper crafter, but this is too cute!