Card and Envelopes – Basic Supplies and How-to's

Cards and envelopes are the basic starting supplies required to create unique cards.  Paper craft card making is the perfect place to get creative!  Cards and envelopes are blank and ready to be embellished.  Cards and envelopes come in a variety of colors.  Cards and envelopes are often sold together, but card making paper is also available, as are envelope packs.  It is best to look for acid-free and lignin-free cards and envelopes as they will not age as quickly.

Common Card and Envelope Sizes

• 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
• 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.

• 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.
• 5 x 7 in.
• Card Making Paper and plain envelopes can also be used.

Craft Card Tools and Supplies

Printed Paper - Add paper embellishments to your cards without adding bulk

 

Scoring Tools - These will help give even and smooth creases in the folds of your cards.

Punches - can be used to add embellishments to your cards. Use border punches for a good effect, or add punched paper.

Rubber Stamps - When your handwriting isn't up to par, turn to an alphabet stamp for a homemade touch.

Adhesives - Use acid free adhesives for long lasting cards

Card Sleeves

Card sleeves are clear envelopes used to protect handmade cards, trading cards, or any other card that you want to keep safe.  Card sleeves are acid free, lignin free, archival quality, and buffered, and will protect cards from dirt, oils, and acids.  Paper Accents Card Sleeves come in 5.5" x 8.5" or 2.5" x 3.5."

Tips for Card Making

• Don't take ideas from cards that you see in stores. Card making is much more personal, think about who you will give the card to and what they will like.
• Try to avoid drawing directly onto the card, it could make an impression on the other side.
• Don't worry about perfection, homemade cards should look homemade.
• Get creative with dies and punches, layer them, add rubber stamps and other embellishments.
• Try to get creative with scraps too, sometimes layered shapes can look great as a background.
• Don't forget the envelope! It's another place to express your creativity!

Popular Card and Envelopes Brands

• Paper Accents
• Paper House

Card and Envelopes Decorating Ideas

• Stickers
• Rub-ons
• Brads
• Eyelets
• Buttons
• Punches
• Photographs
• Feathers
• Vellum
• Ribbon
• Decoupage
• Embossing

Card Making Projects

An Easy to Create Spiral Pop Up Card

Coming Up Butterflies Spinner Card

Celebration Pop Up Card

Layered Rose and Butterfly Card for Mom

Happy Birthday Pop-Up Card

 

For tutorials on handmade cards and envelopes, visit ThinkCrafts.com!