Make a handmade card that is perfect to give for any occasion. Easy DIY craft tutorial idea for a Birthday, Wedding, Anniversary or Thank you card.
A handmade card can be a gift all by itself. I love making the cards that I give to friends and family because I truly believe and handmade card means just a little bit more. In the last couple weeks, I have had several orders placed for the kits that I sell through Apostrophe S, and I feel it’s only right to send them a little note saying thank you because they could have bought those kits through anybody, but they chose to buy them through me. That makes me feel special and I want them to feel special too!
Going through my cards, I had many Birthday and Christmas cards but I didn’t have much of anything else. That is when I decided to design a card that could be used for any occasion. It would need to be simple but still beautiful and could work as a sympathy card, a birthday card, or what I really needed at the moment, a thank you card.
Supplies Used: Some links may be too similar items when exact items couldn’t be found online.
- 3 1/2 x 5 inch White Card Base
- 1 1/16 x 4 7/8 inch Pattern Paper Pieces
- 5/16 inch Ribbon
- Craft Knife
- Adhesive
I do have a video if you would prefer to watch the tutorial. If you like my video subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you don’t miss out on any future video tutorials!
How to Make Any Occasion Handmade Card
My card bases are for 3 1/2 x 5 inch cards. That means that is the measurement for the front of the card once it is folded in half.
Across the front of my card, there are three panels each measuring 1 1/16 x 4 7/8 inches.
This part is math – so skip ahead if you don’t need the explanation. In case you are dealing with a different sized card base, I want to share how I got my measurements. I wanted some white space around each of the panels so I couldn’t just divide the width by three. I first subtracted 5/16 from to allow for the white space. This made for a width of 3 5/16, then divided that number by 3 for 1 1/16. For the length, I didn’t need to divide anything only subtract a little for the white space on the top bottom of the panel. So the 5 became 4 7/8. Are you with me? Math isn’t my strong suit so if I made this more difficult than necessary I’m sorry, just use a 3 1/2 x 5 card base. 🙂
Adhere the pattern piece panels to the front of the card using your favorite paper adhesive. It really doesn’t matter if you use double sided tape, liquid glue or a glue stick. Whatever you have is fine.
Using a craft knife cut a small slit on the fold of the card for the ribbon to go through. Mine is about 1/2 in down from the top of the card.
The slit doesn’t need to be too long, just wide enough for the ribbon.
Tie a flat knot. If you aren’t sure how to tie a flat knot I do show in the video. The key to a flat knot is going slow.
Fold your card, write your heartfelt message and your handmade card is ready to be given away!
Who would you give a handmade card to right now and make smile? Share and leave a comment below!
SAVE HOW TO MAKE ANY OCCASION HANDMADE CARD TO YOUR FAVORITE PAPER CRAFT PINTEREST BOARD!
And let’s be friends on Pinterest so you can see all the DIY projects I’m pinning!
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- How to Make Paper Envelopes
[email protected] says
March 19, 2016 at 11:32 amYou made it look easy! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!
Katie says
March 20, 2016 at 7:48 amOF course Pam! Thanks for stopping by.
Jamie says
March 19, 2016 at 3:57 pmIt’s always so fun to make a card for someone. Being personal and one-of-a-kind, means so much! Thank you for sharing this one with us at the #HomeMattersParty
Katie says
March 20, 2016 at 7:48 amI totally agree Jamie! Thank you.
Jacky @ Joyful Savings says
March 20, 2016 at 10:13 amBeautiful card Katie…. It is great to connect with you through the Happiness is Homemade Linky Party!
Katie says
March 21, 2016 at 7:32 amThank you Jacky for stopping by! I’m glad you like the tutorial.
lindsay says
March 20, 2016 at 12:22 pmLove this! so smart to have these around the house for when you need them! thanks so much for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
Katie says
March 21, 2016 at 7:30 amThank you Lindsay! These cards really are super nice to have around. Thanks for stopping by.
Danielle from storypiece says
March 20, 2016 at 8:36 pmI need these cards in my life! I tell myself all the time that I will make them, but I never do. Perhaps your tutorial is just the kick in the pants that I need. 🙂
Thank you for sharing at the Celebrate Your Story Link Up Party.
Katie says
March 21, 2016 at 7:29 amYou are so welcome Danielle! I am glad that you like the tutorial.
Janet Vinyard says
March 21, 2016 at 9:10 amHi Katie, What a clever card! I have lots of long strips of various papers for scrapbook borders – I can see cutting them down to make these lovely cards. I often use a small hole-puncher to make 2 holes from which to tie a bow – just another way to do the same thing you did with a slit. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas! Blessings, Janet
Katie says
March 21, 2016 at 11:51 amGreat tip Janet, thanks!
Suzy says
March 21, 2016 at 5:51 pmvery nice. I like it that you suggest using what you have on hand. I’m a card maker and like to choose paper, ribbon and adornments at random. I’ll be back to visit!!
Katie says
March 22, 2016 at 7:58 amThank you Suzy! I have an entire box of scrap paper so I love when I can dig into that box and mix and match.
Denise/DIY Crush says
March 22, 2016 at 6:40 amCutest little card! Love it! Thank you so much for sharing at my craft party on Thursday! I pin all your posts! Would love to see your newest posts this week, which starts at 7pm EST.
Katie says
March 22, 2016 at 7:54 amThank you Denise! Of course I’ll be there, I love your party!
MELANIE REDD says
March 23, 2016 at 8:51 amWhat a practical idea!
Love the handmade card!
I came over to find your post today on Party in PJ’s.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
Gina says
March 31, 2016 at 2:24 pmThis looks so good! I made a handmade card a few months ago on my own. I didn’t really use any tutorials, but one definitely would have helped. This is great to give me more of an idea what to do. I was just randomly cutting and gluing before. Thanks for giving such clear tutorials!
Katie says
April 1, 2016 at 7:55 amYou are so welcome Gina! I am glad that you found the tutorial useful.
sue says
May 16, 2016 at 11:46 pmHi Katie how lovely and I do love homemade cards or gifts. Thanks for the video too! Great to have you link up and share with us at Over the Moon.
Katie says
May 17, 2016 at 7:31 amThank you for stopping by Sue! I am so glad that you liked the tutorial.
Patrick Weseman says
March 14, 2017 at 8:52 amNice. If I could do it, it would save a bunch of money.
Debra says
March 19, 2017 at 6:18 amI love getting handmade cards 🙂 My sister-in-law makes them and they are so cute. Thanks for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday!
Katie says
March 19, 2017 at 7:45 amThanks, Debra! I agree, there is something extra special about receiving a handmade card.