How to make: A simple rustic handmade card.

I've been wanting to have a go at card making for sometime now, so Valentines day was the perfect excuse. (Hubby - there's a good chance you're reading this so act surprised when you get your card!) What I'm going to show you can be applied to ANY card; Birthday, Christmas or Wedding. It's quick, fun and much easier than I thought. My advice - keep it simple. Also when choosing stamps choose something versatile that will work for lots of different occasions. This card might be for Valentines day but it would also be perfect for Weddings, Birthdays or Christmas.

Remember: It might cost a little money initially to get what you need, but once you have it you can use it time and time again, saving you money in the long run.

'You and me' stamp by Noolibird. Note this is a close up!

YOU WILL NEED: 

Al of the following can be found online, in craft shops or at Hobbycraft

Card Any colour - though cream or natural recycled card is a great background to most designs.

Main stamp The main stamp I've used here is called 'You and me' and is from the company Noolibird. It's £8 but I intend to use this stamp for Birthdays, Weddings and on fabric so I'll get my moneys worth! You needn't spend a penny though (see the fabric heart idea at the bottom!)

Smaller stamp It's worth getting a smaller stamp you can use inside the card. I've used a simple 'LOVE' here, both inside and on the front. I've also used a 'handmade by ... ' on the back.

Ink pad Any colour, though you can't go wrong with black.

Scissors and glue Scissors with fancy serrated edges are really effective, but optional.

Optional extras A few coloured glitter pens and sticky pads.

***

STEP 1. Cut card to size you want. Then if you've got fancy scissors cut around the edges now.

STEP 2. Put your main stamp face down in the ink pad and give it a gentle rock, Then off you go! Once your stamp is dry you could embellish your stamp by adding colour (optional). 

When using gel pens, beware it comes out fast. Practice on something else first.

STEP 3. Either keep the front simple or add words. I've added 'LOVE' to mine. I roughly tore out a small piece of coloured recycled paper, and glued it on. I then cut out my chosen word and stuck it on using a sticky pad (to give it height.) 

STEP 4. Finally when the front is dry stamp your word inside and when dry, your 'handmade' stamp on the back!

TA DA!!! 

Here's some other simple ideas to inspire you ....

Cut out a simple heart from a piece of fabric or lace and glue it on. You can't get easier than that!

or layer up some some torn coloured recycled paper and glue an object to the front! I made this heart  (below) out of Fimo clay earlier this month ... it's easy peasy. If you'd like to see how click here.

Lastly put your card in an envelope or pretty bag, and enjoy all the hugs and kisses you receive for your effort.

Happy Valentines Day

Love 

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