Create Handmade Cards That Will Make Them Go “Wow!”

Last Updated: July 11, 2024

Are you tired of giving the same old store-bought cards for every occasion? Do you want to impress your friends and family with handmade cards that will make them go "WOW!"? Well, you've come to the right place!

Beautiful DIY greeting card with large peonies and a die-cut "hello" greeting, made with Altenew's Gracious Peonies Stamp, Die, and Stencil Set

Gracious Peonies Stamp, Die, and Stencil Bundle

In this blog post, I'll share some tips and ideas on how to make handmade cards that are sure to impress the recipient.

7 Tips for Creating Cards That Will Impress Your Recipient

Sweet and simple handmade card with a large bouquet of peonies stamped and stenciled on the card front.Large blue peonies on a handmade greeting card, made with Altenew's Gracious Peonies Stamp, Die, and Stencil Set

Invest in Complete Cardmaking Bundles and Sets

One of the best ways to create stunning handmade cards is to invest in complete cardmaking bundles or sets. This will ensure that you have all the coordinating elements you need to create a cohesive and professional-looking card. Look for bundles that include stamps, dies, and stencils, as well as coordinating embellishments that you can easily match with your ink colors. Having a complete set will make it easier to create beautiful cards without having to search for matching elements.

Colorful peony flowers on a 3D embossed handmade greeting card, made with Altenew's Gracious Peonies Stamp, Die, and Stencil Set

Play with Color Combinations

Color is a powerful tool when it comes to card making. Experiment with different color combinations to create handmade cards that are visually striking and unique. Consider using contrasting colors to make your designs pop or try using monochromatic color schemes for a more subtle and elegant look. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and try unusual color combinations – you might be surprised at how well they work together!

Watch the video tutorial below on how to use only 3 ink colors to create instant dimension!

Use only 3 inks to create dimension on handmade cards - video tutorial

Use Stamp Sets with Large Images

Stamp sets with large images are perfect for creating eye-catching focal points on your handmade cards.

Simple floral handmade card idea with the greeting "thinking of you" and a large bouquet of pink peonies, made with Altenew's Gracious Peonies Stamp, Die, and Stencil Set

Grand Stream Washi Tape

Look for stamp sets that feature bold and intricate designs, such as flowers, animals, or geometric patterns. These large images will make a statement on your cards and are sure to impress the recipient.

Sweet DIY handmade greeting card idea with bouquet of large yellow peonies

Gracious Peonies Simple Coloring Stencil Set (5 in 1), Swirl Motif Die Set

You can use these large stamps as the centerpiece of your design, or as a background element to add interest and dimension to your cards.

Large pink peonies stamped on a slimline handmade greeting card and colored in with watercolors, made with Altenew's Gracious Peonies Stamp, Die, and Stencil Set

Don't Be Afraid to Think Outside of the Box

When it comes to making handmade cards, don't be afraid to think outside of the box. Experiment with different techniques and materials to create cards that are truly unique. Consider using non-traditional materials like fabric, wood veneer, or hot foiled designs to add texture and interest to your designs. You can also try unconventional card shapes, such as square or circular cards, to make your creations stand out from the crowd.

Here’s a quick and easy card making tutorial on how to make shaped cards. Click the image to watch the video.

Quick and easy shaped card - cardmaking video tutorial

Use Your Stamps Creatively

Stamps are incredibly versatile tools that can be used in countless ways to create stunning handmade cards. Experiment with different stamping techniques, such as heat embossing, dry embossing, watercoloring, or masking, to add depth and dimension to your designs.

Beautiful DIY motivational card with 2 different peonies, watercolored in jewel tones, made with Altenew's Gracious Peonies Stamp, Die, and Stencil Set

Billowing Peonies Bundle, Gracious Peonies Bundle

You can also combine multiple stamps to create custom patterns and backgrounds for your cards. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using stamps creatively, so don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild!

Clean and simple wedding card idea with a large stamped peony flower and a swallowtail butterfly die-cut, made with Altenew's Gracious Peonies Stamp Set

Combine Old Stamps with New Stamps

If you've been collecting stamps for a while, chances are you have a mix of old and new designs in your collection. Don't be afraid to mix and match these stamps to create unique and interesting card designs. Combining old stamps with new stamps can give your handmade cards a vintage feel or a modern twist, depending on the style of the stamps. This is a great way to breathe new life into your old stamps and create fresh and exciting designs.

DIY greeting card idea for friends featuring large blue peony flowersLarge bouquet of yellow peony flowers on a handmade card with a white background, made with Altenew's Gracious Peonies Stamp, Die, and Stencil Set

Get the Coordinating Dies and Stencils for Your Stamps

To take your handmade cards to the next level, consider investing in coordinating dies and stencils for your stamps. Dies allow you to easily cut out stamped images with precision, while stencils can be used to add background patterns and textures to your cards. Having coordinating dies and stencils will give you more options for creating dynamic and professional-looking cards. They will also save you time and effort compared to fussy cutting or hand-drawing backgrounds.

Beautiful and simple handmade thank you card with a large peach peony bouquet, made with Altenew's Gracious Peonies Stamp, Die, and Stencil Set

Start Creating Wow-Inducing Handmade Cards Today!

Making handmade cards that will make the recipient go "WOW!" is all about investing in complete bundles/sets, playing with color combinations, using stamp sets with large images, thinking outside of the box, using your stamps creatively, combining old stamps with new stamps, and getting the coordinating dies and stencils for your stamps. With these tips and ideas in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning handmade cards that are sure to impress everyone who receives them. 

Easy handmade card idea with gold heat-embossed large peony flowers

Join us In the Craft Room for more unique cardmaking ideas and tips that are Instagram and Pinterest-worthy!


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