Crafty Genes: Thank you cards

Date: December 12, 2012
by: Mallory & Leslie Gnaegy | DIY Editors

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Before

It's hard to mess up watercolor. If the final result doesnâ��t look great, donâ��t sweat it. Sometimes the ugly ones look cooler when you cut shapes from it.

If you don't have stencils, make your own or trace around household objects such as a coffee mug or toilet paper roll.

If you're using a wet glue, like tacky glue, use it sparingly. A lot of glue might cause the card to curl or dimple.

Project Details:
Skill level:

Price:

Average time: One day
Supplies:
• White card stock
• Black card bases
• Watercolors
• Black felt-tip marker
• Adhesive photo backer, tacky glue or glue stick
• Optional flair (ribbon, rhinestones, etc.)
Tips:
• Once the card stock dries after being painted, you might need to iron it flat

1. Watercolor card stock
Do not be dismayed; this type of painting requires no artistic skill. Dip your brush in water and apply color to the card stock. Play around with brush strokes and opacity of paint.

2. Outline shapes and cut
We used a circle and a heart stencil to create the shapes. We also created our own stencil using card stock, and traced a nickel to make smaller circle cut-outs. The possibilities here are endless: stars, a rectangular border, squares, spirals, etc.

3. Lettering
Trace your lettering with pencil before you go over it with black marker; this will save you from having to go back to step one. Choose a variety of fonts and handwriting. You can always type out a font, print it and trace it or go online for more inspiration. And these don’t just have to say “thank you.” It could be a card for any occasion, from “Happy Birthday” to “I’m sorry I ate your sandwich.”

4. Glue to cards
Using adhesive photo backer, tacky glue or a glue stick, apply your shapes to the black card backer.

5. Add flair
Add bows, rhinestones, glitter or stickers where you see fit. Everything needs a little flair, but keep it simple. There is a thing as too much bling! Use a silver or white gel pen to write your thank-you note on the inside of the card.