How to Make Collage Cards

March 8th, 2008 in patterns & designs, gifts, paper crafts, magazine extras

ChrisTimmons, member

Splash on fabric accents for a gift card unlike any other.

Splash on fabric accents for a gift card unlike any other.

Photo: Scott Phillips

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If you ask me, you can never have too much fabric or too many note cards. I've always loved having a stash of unusual cards for various occasions, and a few years ago, I started making my own. Recently, when I became interested in collage, I discovered that it was the perfect technique for note cards. They're a natural canvas for scraps of fabric and trim that are too beautiful to throw away. The process is really simple and doesn't have any rules. Just start snipping, gluing, and stitching, and let your creative juices flow!

What You'll Need:
Card Stock
Scissors and ruler
Rotary cutter
Bone folder
Thread
Fabric scraps
505 spray or glue stick

Make a Blank Card:
Begin by cutting and folding a few blank cards out of heavy paper. Available at art-supply stores in various weights and in a range of neutral shades, printmaking paper is best. You can also buy blank cards, but be sure the paper stock is not too lightweight.

Step 1: Cut blank cards
For a distressed look, use a ruler as a guide, and rip toward you. For clean, cut edges rather than the feathered edges that tearing produces, cut along the ruler with a rotary cutter.

Tear the edge with a ruler for a distressed look.

For easy cutting, try a rotary cutter and a mat.

Step 2: Fold the cards
To make the center fold, use a bone folder (or any tool with a smooth, rounded end) to press and set the fold.

Score the fold with a ruler.

Create a collage:
Try out various arrangements before you commit to one and glue. Use bits of paper, fabric, ribbon, and trim for your design. Japanese and art papers, pictures pulled from magazines, old calendars, postcards, and even paint chips will fit the bill. Add bits of velvet, silk, wool, and snazzy print fabrics for tactile quality and to add dimension.

Step 1: Cut out and test trim
Fringe fabric ends, and tear paper shapes for interest. With burnout velvet fabric, as shown below, you can cut off the sheer backing.

Cut out shapes from fabrics, paper or even magazines.

Step 2: Glue trim to cards
Spray your shapes with 505, or brush the shapes over your glue stick. Press them onto the paper. Lay a heavy book on top of the card while it dries.

After you decide on your design, glue it on with adhesive.

Step 3: Use your sewing machine!
Use all of the fancy decorative stitches on your machine. With the right side facing up, sew over and around the fabrics and papers in a loose pattern.

Add fancy stitches with your machine.

Step 4: Add beads or buttons
Glue on three-dimensional objects: beads, buttons, or even shells and charms. If you plan to mail your card, make sure that the items will fit in your envelope and won’t be crushed.

Add 3-D objects for added dimension and texture.

Step 5: Cover the stitches
You might like the look of the stitching on the inside cover of your card. If not, simply glue a rectangle of decorative paper over it.

Hide the inside stitches with paper.

Make Custom Envelopes:
If you don’t have an envelope into which the new card will fit, just make one. Take apart an old envelope to use as a pattern.

Step 1: Create and cut out a pattern
Take apart an old envelope. Enlarge or reduce the envelope across the width or length as needed. Trace it on decorative paper, and cut it out.

Create a more interesting envelope.

Step 2: Add decorative stitching
If you want to add decorative stitching to the envelope, sew it while it’s cut out but still flat and unglued. Then fold it, and glue.

Tips:
If you used a large button or delicate beads as accents, wrap the card in bubble wrap or tissue paper before you put it in an envelope to mail it.

Photos by: Sloan Howard

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