Think of making a handmade birthday card as setting a stage -- you can create the set ahead of time and leave space for the main attraction -- customizing it later for the intended recipient. Simply create a basic design and adapt it for all kinds of celebrants such as a toddler boy, grandfather, or a special card for mom.
The Basic Card
Step 1:
Cut a piece of green cardstock to 2 1/2 by 2 inches and a piece of yellow cardstock to 2 1/4 by 1 3/4 inches. Glue the yellow cardstock centered on top of the green one.
Step 2:
Cut a 2-by-1 1/2-inch white cardstock mat and attach the "Happy Birthday" sticker to it. Glue the "Happy Birthday" message to the green/yellow cardstock. Glue the layered birthday message centered horizontally near the top edge of the card.
Toddler's Card
Step 1:
Stamp each letter of the toddler's name in black ink on colored cardstock, leaving extra space around the letter to punch it out with a circle punch. Add a foam dot to the back of each punched letter and adhere to the card in a carefree arrangement below the matted message. The foam dots “pop” the letters off the card to add texture and dimension.
Step 2:
Finish by adding a star on each side of the toddler's name and a toy truck sticker near the bottom of the card.
Grandpa's Card
Step 1:
Attach the photograph to two layered pieces of cardstock, picking up the colors in the photograph.
Step 2:
Center the matted photograph near the bottom of the card.
Step 3:
Write Grandpa’s name and finish with a heart sticker to send a strong message.
Mom's Card
Step 1:
Create assorted flowers and leaves in various shapes and colors:
- Punch various flower shapes from an assortment of colored cardstock.
- Punch small circles, stars and decorative shapes for the centers of the flowers.
- Punch different leaf shapes from green cardstock and decorative shapes such as a blue swirl for added interest.
- For texture and shadow, chalk the edges of the flowers with a slightly darker shade of the flower. Add white dots to the blue swirl for added texture.
- To create a daisy, punch two yellow flowers. Attach one daisy over the other, rotated slightly to spread the fingers of the bloom. Add a small orange starburst to the center. Chalk the edges with a slightly darker yellow shade.
Note: Every bloom is at least two colors: the petals one color and the flower center another color.
Step 2:
Start to build the flower garden on the card one bloom at a time, just below the matted birthday greeting. Attach the flowers with foam dots.
Step 3:
Continue layering blooms, and add in leaves and swirls for visual interest. Color captures our attention immediately, and a carefree arrangement of colorful flowers captures our hearts. What could be better than a colorful garden card for mom?