Friday, May 12, 2017

Cricut-less DIY Mother's Day Card

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I've posted a few tutorials using my Cricut to aid in my card making, no Cricut? No problem! Don't let my fancy machine intimidate you from making your own greeting cards. A few everyday supplies are really all you need to get started. If you have paper, scissors, double sided tape or glue and a ruler, you're ready to go. Otherwise, grab your coupons and run to the craft store really quick. I'll be here when you get back!



Cricut-less DIY Mother's Day Card

Materials:

  • Cardstock paper (white, colored, patterned)
  • Double-stick tape (the Elmer's Craftbond is by far my favorite, shout out to my MIL for the suggestion...but if you have glue or a glue stick, that works too, I made glue work for the last year)
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Scissors or Paper Cutter
  • A2 Envelope
  • Mother's Day Card Templates (All About the Benjamins 2015 Blast Subscriber exclusive)
    NOTE: All templates have been scaled for this card. Make sure to uncheck "fit to page" when printing.
  • Optional: Have a heavy book handy if you are using glue to help hold your creation in place until glue dries.

Instructions:

A few things to consider before you start...
  • Are you an All About the Benjamins 2015 Blast Subscriber? If not, join here for access to my Mother's Day Card templates, available exclusively for All About the Benjamins 2015 Blast subscribers. (These puppies will make this DIY a breeze!)
  • What colors do you want to use? For some ideas on compatible colors, check my Pinterest Color Palettes board.
  1. Grab a sheet of white 8.5"x 11" cardstock paper. This is going to be the base of your card. Hold it tall. Measure the 11" side and mark the center (5.5") on both sides. With a pencil, lightly connect your marks and cut along the line to make 2 cards. Set one piece aside, fold the remaining one piece in half.
  2. Pick a color scheme.
     
  3. Take a sheet of color or patterned paper. Mark a 4" x 5.25" rectangle. (Use my template to trace if you are not confident in your measuring/right angles). Cut out your rectangle along the lines. This will become the decorative background for the front side of your card.
  4. Lightly outline the edges of your rectangle in glue or tape, center on the front side of your card. Press down firmly. If using glue, set under a heavy book for several minutes until dry.
  5. In the meantime, using a complimentary color paper or pattern, cut another rectangle. This time 2.25" x 1.25". This will be the backer for your "Happy Mother's Day" text for the front of the card.
  6. Line the outer edges of your "Happy Mother's Day" text panel with glue or double sided tape. Center on the backer panel and press down firmly. If using glue, set aside under a heavy book to dry.
  7. Now let's repeat that for the inner text panel. Cut a new rectangle, 3" x 2.5" in the same color as you used in step 5.
  8. Line the outer edges of your inner text backer panel with glue or double sided tape. Center the text on the panel and press down firmly. If using glue, set aside under a book to dry for a few minutes.
  9. Your card and front panel should be dry by now. Remove from under the book. Line the edges of your "Happy Mother's Day" panel in glue and place on the front of your card. (Consider if you want top fold or side fold). Press down firmly. If using glue, set aside under a book to dry for a few minutes.
  10. Repeat step 9 with the inner text panel.
  11. Sign your card, stuff in an envelope and prepare to impress Mom more than your siblings!
Share your creations with me on Instagram! Tag @allaboutthebenjams2015 and use the hashtag #allaboutthebenjamins2015! I can't wait to see.