Best Tips for Making Beautiful Personalized Note Cards

Last Updated: January 24, 2023

Are you looking for an easy and stylish way to brighten someone's day? If you answered yes, then making customized note cards is the perfect project! Whether you want to create something special for a loved one, need handmade cards to give as a quick gift, or just want some unique stationery, crafting personalized note cards is a great way to get creative.

Make your personalized note cards with beautiful stamps and inks!

Note For You Stamp & Die Bundle

In this blog post, we'll discuss what makes a note card different from your standard greeting cards, what you can use it for, and give you note card ideas to make one for yourself! So read on to learn how to make the most delightful handmade note cards in quick, easy sessions! 

What Is a Note Card?

A note card is a customized piece of paper that you can use for various purposes. Typically, a note card size is the same as the size of a standard index card. They can be plain or decorated and made from specialty paper such as vellum board or cardstock. You can purchase pre-made note cards or make them by hand using materials such as cardstock, stamps, and other decorations. They can also be printed by using computer software and a printer.

From jotting down reminders or sending someone special a thank-you note, personalized note cards are the perfect way to express your thoughts and feelings with style. 

What Is the Difference Between Note Cards and Greeting Cards?

You may wonder, "how is a note card different from your usual greeting cards?" They may appear similar in terms of both being used to send out short messages to loved ones, but there are a few key differences between the two. 

Get inspired with beautiful note card ideas using the colors of washi tapes!

Gold Splatter Cosmic Berry Wide Washi Tape

A note card is a small index-sized card that bears a logo or personal design on the front. It is usually blank inside, with a small space for notes, reminders, or short letters. They're perfect for giving quick cards since they are commonly made in bulk. 

On the other hand, a greeting card is a handmade card filled with a message for special occasions, such as anniversaries, birthdays, and other holidays. They are elaborately-designed cards decorated with embellishments, stamps, dies, stencils, embossing folders, and other tools. Most greeting cards feature larger sizes or A4-sized cardstock and are available in different finishes, such as metallic, glittery, vellum, and gradient

In short, the difference between the two are these:
Note Card
Greeting Card 
Smaller in size Larger in size
Mostly flat cards with simple details Have more varied dimensional designs
Used for personal, academic, and professional use, such as stationery, invitations, gift tags, notes for making presentations, and short grocery lists Used for fancy events and occasions, such as gifts, invitations, and letters
Made in bulk, so you can conveniently grab a pre-made one off the shelf You have to plan one from scratch because greeting cards are more unique in terms of designs
Perfect for quick and easy notes Perfect for elaborate and elegant designs
 

What Materials Do You Need to Make Your Own Note Cards?

Another great note card idea is to make space-themed flash cards for note-taking and reminders!

Space Travel Stamp Set

To make your own personal note cards, you would need the following materials:

  • Cardstock - This would be the base of your note cards. 
  • Scissors or paper trimmer- To make your note cards, you would need a scissor or a trimmer to cut them down to a smaller size, such as an A1 size or 3" by 5".
  • Stamps and inks - You can easily use stamps to make similar and repetitive designs for your note cards. Since stamps in different beautiful designs and inks in various colors are available, you have many options for note card ideas. 
  • Markers or other mediums you like - You can add beautiful colors to your note cards by decorating them with your favorite coloring mediums!
  • Ruler - You can use a ruler to make grid lines or borders for your note cards.
  • Washi tape - Another quick way to make note cards is to use washi tape to frame borders or make backgrounds. 

Tips for Making DIY Customized Note Cards

Now that you know what a note card is and what materials you need to make your own customized note card, here are some tips and tricks to help you get started on your first batch: 

Plan Your Size and Design

Start by visualizing the layout of your note cards. Do you want them to have grid lines, or do you want a blank template? What materials will you use to decorate, and where will you position the design? Will you make a background, a border, or just put some accents on the sides? Will you stamp a consistent sentiment at the top or bottom?

Make stunning customized note cards easily with the vibrant colors of dye ink!

Sunray Crisp Dye Ink

When you plan your design, think of what you will use your note cards for. Will you use them mainly for taking notes? If yes, you might want to allot more space for writing text by making a more minimalistic design. Whatever it is, note cards are versatile, and you will use them for a lot of things, so have fun thinking of designs that screams YOU! 

Use a Paper Trimmer for Clean Results

Like how you'd want your greeting cards to have a professional look, making note cards with the same size and cut would be easier with a trimming tool. A paper cutter will give you a clean, straight edge and make it easy to get all your note cards the same size.

Be Consistent With Your Design

If there's one thing that makes note cards different from greeting cards, it's that all your note cards should have a consistent design. This process is made easier with tools like stamps, stencils, stickers, and washi tape, which can guide you to make similar patterns and marks on each note card. 

Find the best floral stamps to decorate your customized note cards here at Altenew!

Stunning Starflowers Stamp Set

Have Fun and Get Creative!

Making your own note cards should be fun, so enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs and materials. From playing with different folds to making your own color palette, the best note card ideas would stem from your own personality and branding.

Start Making Your Own Note Cards Today With These Ideas!

If you're looking for your next paper crafting project, why not try making personalized note cards? From customizing them as thank-you cards, little love notes, or even impromptu to-do lists and reminders, the possibilities for their use are endless. Best of all, they're easy to make! Just follow the tips in this blog post, and you'll be on your way to creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind note cards in no time.

While you're here, if you want to keep updated on the latest Altenew events, workshops, releases, blog hops, and other crafty reminders, make sure to check out our Altenew Calendar! We can't wait for you to discover the exciting things we prepare for you daily. See you there!


6 comments


  • Becky Gregory

    Thanks for clarifying this and also for giving suggestions. I’m definitely going to make some!


  • Altenew

    Thank you for all your kind comments, Ladybug, Stephanie, and Ginnie! :) We hope to see your note card projects soon! <3

    Nancy, depending on the type of design, you can classify A2-sized cards as either a greeting card or a note card, so you aren’t incorrect! :) Thank you for your feedback.


  • Nancy

    Enjoyed reading. I did not see A2 cards mentioned, which is what I make. They are more complicated than note cards, but I leave them blank inside since I don’t do stamping. I’ve been calling them greeting cards – is that incorrect? Anyway, good tips. Thanks!


  • Ladybug

    Thank you for this good information. I will be making notecards.


  • Stephanie T

    Thank you for the explanation and ideas


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