Make Your Messages Memorable with These Sentiments for Cardmaking

Have you ever received a card with a message that made your heart swell with joy? A few simple words can turn an ordinary handmade card into a treasured keepsake; one that gets tucked away in a memory box, pulled out on rainy days, and read over and over again. That’s the magic of heartfelt sentiments in handmade cards! 

At Altenew, we believe that crafting is more than just putting ink to paper, it’s a way to connect, uplift, and spread kindness. Whether it’s a quick "thinking of you" note or a special birthday card, the right words can make all the difference. But let’s be honest, sometimes finding the perfect sentiment can be challenging! 

Should it be short and sweet? Playful? Poetic? How do you make sure your stamped sentiment is straight and crisp?  

In this blog, we’ll explore creative ways to use sentiment stamps to bring warmth and meaning to your handmade cards, scrapbooks, journals, and DIY gifts. Let’s get started!

Why Words Matter in Handmade Cards

In 2009, The New York Times journalist Nick Bilton cited a University of California study revealing that the average American consumed approximately 34 gigabytes of content and 100,000 words daily. That was over a decade ago. With today's rapid technological advancements, increased screen time, and the rise of digital media, our daily word consumption has likely grown even further.

Words are everywhere; whether we’re reading articles, scrolling through social media, or engaging in conversations. They shape our perceptions, influence our decisions, and connect us to the world. As our exposure to words expands, so does their impact on how we think, feel, and interact.

Now, imagine receiving a handmade card with a heartfelt, personalized message; something truly special amid the countless words you encounter each day. This small yet meaningful gesture has the power to uplift, encourage, and bring a smile to your face. Even on your worst days, simple sentiments like "You are loved," "Don’t let anyone ever dull your sparkle," "May your day be as beautiful as you are," or "Hope shines brightest in the darkest moments" can make all the difference. Needless to say, the right cardmaking sentiment can turn it into a cherished keepsake. 

Different Types of Sentiment Stamps, Dies, and More!

Our collection of sentiment stamps for card making includes a wide variety of basic greetings, unique messages, and inspirational quotes. From simple "hello" and "thank you" greetings to sweet and sincere messages like "Kindness is your superpower," "Bad days happen, be grateful for the good days," and "Sending sincere appreciation for all you have done."

Do you want your sentiments to be more simple and straightforward or huge and fancy? Need something that will fit a small space or something vertical? Perhaps you want a script font that exudes elegance. Over the years, we’ve come up with sentiments in stamp, die, stencil, embossing folder, and even press plate and hot foil plate form, featuring different sizes, orientations, typography, and font. 

Here are the different types of cardmaking sentiments available in our store including a few sample sets you can add to your collection. 

• Inspirational

• Precious Moments Stamp Set, Better Together 2 Stamp Set, Beautiful Quotes Stamp Set

• Birthday

• Birthday Greetings Stamp Set, One Card Stamp Set, Birthdays Around the World

• Love

• Say It With Love Stamp Set, One-Go Loving Sentiments, Raised Sentiments 3D Embossing Folder

• Encouragement

• Bad Days Happen Stamp Set, Classic Greetings, Fancy Greetings

• Sympathy

• With Deepest Sympathy Stamp Set, Tranquil Greetings, Floral Dahlia Stamp Set

• Thank You Sentiments for Cardmaking

• Heartfelt Sentiments Stamp Set, Inside & Out: Thanks Stamp Set, Thank You Builder, Outlined Thank You Die 

• Crafting-related Sentiments

• Crafty Friends, Mini Delight: Mini Paintbox Stamp & Die Set 

• Miss You

• Dynamic Duo: Whispering Meadow, I Really Miss You, Craft Your Life Project Kit: Treasured Memories, Fancy Miss You Die

• Themed

• Boat Adventures, Well-Read Stamp Set, Calming Koi, Joyous Sentiments, Greatest Blessings Stamp Set, Magical Memories, Celebration Sentiments

Creative Ways to Use Sentiments for Card Making

A. Use sentiments as the focal point

There are so many ways to use cardmaking sentiments as the focal point of your project. You can simply use a bold and big word stamp, die cut it out of colored cardstock or vellum, and place it in the middle of your handmade card. You can also heat emboss the sentiments in gold or silver for that extra shine and shimmer!

In her card above, Svitlana kept the 3D embossed background white and made her sentiment strip stand out by using rainbow colors!

B. Try background sentiment stamping

Stamping sentiments repeatedly to create a quick background is such a cool and handy technique. If you still haven’t tried it, we highly recommend you do. For more pizzazz, try using different colors for a gradient effect or do a tone-on-tone effect! The card above features our fan-fave Raised Sentiments 3D Embossing Folder as the focal point.

C. Layer die-cut words

Stack die-cut words or use Instant Dimension Foam Tape for that extra depth and dimension. Here’s a fun trick! Cut the word die out of various colored cardstock, vellum, patterned paper, and regular white cardstock. This will allow you to easily stack and layer them up according to your card’s design and color palette. In Vicky’s card above, she cut out a word from Scripty Sentiments Die Set and combined it with a stamped sentiment from another set.

D. Mix and match cardmaking sentiments

The best thing about sentiment stamps for cardmaking is that they can be easily mixed and matched with other sentiment dies, stencils, press plates, embossing folders, and more. For more dimension and interest, try using word stamps (or dies!) with your sentiment stamps and dies. Take it up a notch by choosing different fonts, sizes, and styles for that dynamic look.

Sentiments Beyond Handmade Cards

A. Scrapbooks & Memory Keeping

Sentiments are not just for cardmaking. You can use these for scrapbooking and other memory-keeping projects. You can use small sentiments for subtle designs or any of our big word stamps and calligraphy-style sentiment stamps to highlight special moments. 

B. DIY Gifts & Home Décor

When you’re crunched for time and you need to personalize a birthday, wedding, or anniversary gift, cardmaking sentiments will get the job done. You can use these to create quick DIY tags, bookmarks, notes, and more. Big word stamps and dies are also great for creating framed quote art or a framed motivational message. 

C. Journaling & Planners

While journaling technically involves handwritten notes and messages, using sentiment stamps, dies, and letterpress plates will add that creative flair to your journals and planners. Look for themed sentiments or quotes that will fit your aesthetic. 

How to Fix Common Sentiment Stamping Challenges

1. How to stamp a straight sentiment?

Getting a perfectly straight sentiment can be frustrating, but using a stamping platform like the Stampwheel ensures precise alignment every time. Simply line up your sentiment following the grid lines etched onto the Stampwheel clear flip plate and press down for a flawless impression. If stamping by hand, using a grid-lined stamping mat or a ruler as a guide can help keep your sentiments aligned while stamping directly onto your card front.

Our One-Go sentiment stamps and dies also solve this common sentiment stamping challenge since you can stamp all the sentiments and die-cut them into different sized strips - ALL IN ONE GO!

2. How do I prevent smudging and ink bleeding?

Smudged or blurry sentiments often result from using too much ink, pressing too hard on your acrylic block, or using low-quality cardstock. For crisp and waterproof impressions, use pigment inks. If you want to prevent accidental smearing and achieve smooth and crips impressions as well, use dye inks. The right cardstock also makes a difference. Smooth, high-quality cardstock like Altenew’s Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock works best with most inks, preventing unwanted bleeding or feathering.

3. How to achieve even ink coverage when stamping sentiments?

If your stamped sentiment appears patchy or uneven, make sure to ink your stamp properly by tapping the ink pad lightly over the surface instead of pressing too hard. Using a stamping tool like the Stampwheel applies consistent pressure across the entire sentiment, ensuring a clean and crisp impression. If needed, stamp multiple times in the same position to achieve solid, even coverage without missing spots.

Sentiment Stamps for Inside of Cards

Complementing the sentiment on your card front with a sentiment stamp for the inside of cards is a great way to make your card go from basic to professional! You worked hard on making that card so why stop there? You can opt for small, block-style letters, short and sweet sentences and phrases, or even inspirational quotes - the creative possibilities are endless.  

Here are some sample cardmaking sentiments for the inside of cards:

• Birthday: “May your year be filled with love and laughter!”

• Thank You: “Your kindness means the world to me.”

• Encouragement: “You are stronger than you think!”

• Sympathy: “Holding you in my thoughts during this difficult time.”

Crafting an Act of Kindness with Words

Every handmade card is a heartfelt expression of love, encouragement, and kindness. Words have the power to uplift, heal, and bring joy, and when combined with the beauty of handmade craftsmanship, they become even more meaningful. Your message can brighten someone's day in ways you might not even realize.

At Altenew, we believe in spreading joy and kindness through creativity. Our sentiment stamps for cardmaking are designed to help you share uplifting words with loved ones, making it easy to express appreciation, encouragement, and warmth. A simple "thinking of you" or "you are amazing" can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Never underestimate the impact of a handwritten note filled with kind words; it can inspire, comfort, and even become a cherished keepsake.

Explore Altenew’s Sentiment Stamps for Heartfelt Cardmaking!

Crafting with cardmaking sentiments allows you to add meaning and emotion to every project. Whether you prefer classic, elegant phrases or fun, whimsical messages, we offer a variety of sentiment stamps to match every occasion. From inspirational quotes to bold statement sentiments, there’s a perfect stamp set for every creative vision.

As you continue your crafting journey, we encourage you to experiment with different sentiment styles and techniques. Try heat embossing a sentiment for a striking effect, layering die-cut words, or even creating a background filled with meaningful phrases. Play with different ink colors, fonts, and layouts to discover new ways to make your messages stand out.

Let your creativity shine, use your words to uplift and inspire, and keep spreading kindness, one handmade card at a time. Find more cardmaking inspiration In the Craft Room!

FAQs