Mini Card Tutorial

I was slap bang in the middle of a clean up session in my craft room today when I just happened to run across a few scraps, buttons and bits that I thought might look good together. See what you think.

I thought a tutorial was long overdue. Forgive me if you think this is a bit too basic but I know gals who craft yet don't make cards who would love to have an easy project like this.

This is what I began with - a mat with inch measurements, a clear ruler with steel on one edge for cutting against (or you could use a trimmer or old fashioned ruler, pencil and scissors), a craft knife, scissors, a scrap of plain card stock, a scrap of designer paper, a few smaller scraps of paper, a scrap of punched scallop, stamped and hand cut flowers, buttons and embellishments, scrap of ribbon or trim and of course adhesive tape to stick it altogether..

Here's what I did to create this sweet mini card.

First I trimmed my black card to measure 7" x 3.5" and then folded it in half.

Next I took a scrap of my patterned paper (remember this could simply be a trimming off another project) and adhered it across the card using double sided tape and leaving plenty of space top and bottom. Then I trimmed the excess. I do this from the reverse because its easier to see where to cut and to cut straight.

Then I added a scrap of punched border I had to hand.

WHAT to do if you don't have a punch - use a straight edged piece of co-ordinating paper OR use a corner punch to create a scalloped edge (see photo below) OR use decorative scissors OR punch small circles, cut in half and lined up along the lower edge of your scrap OR draw a straight line (on reverse of paper to hide pencil lines) and place a button or penny half on the line, draw around it, move it along, draw around it and so on and so on, then free hand cut a scallop. Any one of these methods should work just as well.

If you haven't yet invested in a corner punch try getting one that has a plastic guide that can be removed. Once removed you can now punch scallops along a straight edge rather than a corner. This allows you to avoid decorative scissors which can sometimes be tricky to line up and gives you 2 effects from one tool making it much more economical too. These can be found at most craft stores but YTOC stock them and will happily show you how to do this technique if you ask when purchasing one.

Using a corner rounder on the edges adds an extra touch to your handmade card. I personally don't like hard lines and harsh edges so I have collected at least a half dozen corner rounders over the years but this yellow one is my personal favourite. The green one is the next size up - I must get that one some time!

Next you can tie a scrap of ribbon around the front and secure into a knot, then trim the ends to neaten. Knots happen to still be trendy but if you prefer a bow tie a knot first; that way you're not fighting to keep the ribbon tight. If you really struggle with this add a thin piece of adhesive tape behind your ribbon to keep it in place whilst you tie.

Now you're ready to add an embellishment of some kind. You can use die cut shapes, pre-purchased shapes or embellishments, punched shapes, stamped images or even hand doodled flowers. An inexpensive set like this (YTOC) has multiple uses for mini cards and at £4.99 is a reasonable investment. Whatever method you choose try using a scrap of patterned paper rather than plain to add further interest.

Here is a flower that I doodled myself. The trick is to go around with the pen twice and it looks better if the lines aren't neat! Note - I also added pen stitches to the pink border instead of ribbon. It really doesn't have to be expensive to craft.

For a 3D element add a button or similar type embellishment to the middle of your flower and your card is essentially done. How cute!

Ok so now you could just stop there but I NEVER give a card without a liner (so unprofessional ladies) so cut yourself a piece of paper measuring 6 3/4 " x 3 1/4". Fold this in half and round lower corners if you used this method on your card.

Add some adhesive tape to the inner crease of the card and gently tuck the liner into the crease then fold the card to secure in place. Now you are completely finished!

I went ahead and made another sample to show you the difference. Yes I like the one that used the border punch and ribbon better but it just goes to show you don't have to have lots of fancy things to create cute cards. The 'love' on the pink card was a cheap and cheerful peel off.

I have an envelope tutorial here on the blog to make square envelopes so check that out too.

Why not make 4 or 6 of these cute mini cards all the same, add envelopes, wrap in clear cellophane, tie with a pretty ribbon and add a tag featuring one of the flowers and the words 'handmade note cards' or 'handmade especially for you' and you have a lovely handmade gift item.

Put together the pre-cut elements into a decorated box, basket or small tin and you have a handmade card kit to give. If you give this gift along with a made up card then the recipient will have a sample to work from. This is great for gift giving to fellow crafters that you know and especially nice for someone just starting out. You could even include a corner punch as part of the kit!

Hope you've found this tutorial helpful. Happy crafting!