How To Make A Card

My A5 paper (which is half an A4 size) makes 2 gift cards or 4 single layer gift tags. Each one measures 3 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep approximately. You can reduce the size more if you prefer.

It's your choice whether you leave the paper in the sketchbook to do illustrations or you can cut to size first, it really doesn't matter.

I had no clue how to make a card properly so this is simply the process I made up as I went along.

Tips For Making Gift Cards

Ok, now I think about the person the gift is meant for and I want to draw something of interest to that person.

If you are a beginner artist, you need to compromise here and think of something that is simple enough for you to draw successfully and preferably something that suits the recipient. You also need to have an interest in the subject otherwise you will be reluctant to complete it.

My first handmade card was for my eldest sister - she loves old buildings, animals, farms and anything to do with nature.

I drew an old style gateway on the first attempt, I thought it came out great and then I realized I can't use it -- I drew it on the wrong half of the paper!

As with everything, there is a learning curve to making gift cards!

In hindsight, I can still use this sketch by cutting and pasting it onto a new surface, or I can use it as a single tag with writing on the reverse.

So, remember, if you want a folded card, images must go on the right-hand side of the paper!

Next, I drew a rose but it wasn't the effect I was looking for so I kept experimenting until I was satisfied with the result.

This rose was produced by going over a rough outline with a watercolor pencil.

There has to be some thickness to the watercolor pencil so when the water is applied inside the outline, it can grab the color and run haphazardly into the petals of the flower.

Fine felt tip pen outline

This next flower is a hybrid daffodil but I'm going to pass it off as some type of exotic flower to be colored however I like!

Once my card was complete, I punched a hole in the top left corner. I threaded gold gift wrap ribbon through the hole and tied it to the handle of the parcel bag.

So that's all there is to how to make a card! Remember to lightly sketch in the image and once you are content with the outcome, go over it with pen or pencil.

There's no harm in using reference material, I still do it because I don't trust my imagination!

If you use pen, make sure your drawing is completely dry before you erase any stray pencil marks.

Use the eraser gently, watercolor paper is very sensitive. It's preferable to dab or blot the paper with a kneadable eraser so no damage is caused.

Another Example

Next up, was a gift for my niece who visited Japan last year and because she had a fabulous time, I thought it would be nice to have a Japanese theme on her card.

I looked up Google Translate to find what her name represents in Japanese writing.

To keep with the Japanese theme, I drew a Shinto Gateway.

Actually, the landscape was so easy with a few scattered lines here and there.

Put your initials in a discreet place near the edges of the illustration and make a copy of the artwork for your records.

Now you have the basics of how to make a card, you stand to make an impression due to your efforts.

As the old saying goes 'It's the thought that counts!'

For The Inside

To complete the card, you can find an appropriate verse by searching the internet.

I don't use a copied verse because I like to write my own gratitude for knowing that person and what he/she means to me.

Being a gift tag, a simple greeting on the inside will suffice for those who don't like to express feelings. I'm pretty sure the drawing on the outside will say everything you really want to say!

Side Benefits

Using your artwork for giveaways is an excellent way to showcase your talent and to grow as a true artist in-the-making. Please don't worry about what other people think of your work, if you like it (and don't forget, you are your harshest critic), it must be good!

Practice the steps on how to make a card, don't procrastinate, give it a trial run! It is something that will be treasured by others plus you save money and have fun at the same time.

When you teach yourself to draw, it opens up many pathways. You will likely spend some wonderful moments experimenting with all the different mediums at your disposal.

This hobby also gives you the opportunity to venture into crafts you never dreamed you'd be able to produce.

Really, you will never know what you are capable of doing until you set challenges for yourself. You now know how to make a card so who knows what you'll tackle next?

Drawing is a hobby to be enjoyed and it's up to you (and me!) to make it so.