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How to Make an Impression: Extraordinary Thank-You Notes

September 15th, 2008 in patterns & designs, paper crafts

Jeffery Rudell, contributor

53 users recommend

These days, sending any thank-you note will get you noticed, but sending this thank-you note may very well get you hired!

Try to keep your designs loose and unfussy. This note was done mostly freehand and took just over an hour to cut out.

A handmade vellum envelope is a wonderfully mysterious way to wrap your note for delivery.

These days, sending any thank-you note will get you noticed, but sending this thank-you note may very well get you hired!

Photo: Jeff Rudell

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One holiday, many years ago, I hand-made ornaments for everyone on my Christmas list. Then, I wrapped each ornament in tissue paper, fashioned the tissue paper it into the shape of a bird, and placed each one inside a small paper cube that I had carefully cut to resemble a birdcage. Then (to the consternation of everyone I gave a gift to that year) I glued the cages shut with paper adhesive. My hope was that each person would tear open their cage to get to their gift. Unfortunately, one after another of my friends and family refused to cooperate. "I don't want to ruin it," was the prevailing complaint, though it came in a number of variations. One person attempted to steam open the box—against my protests—and completely ruined the ornate clay ornament inside.

I couldn't fault my friends, of course. What they saw was only the finely cut paper, and they were loath to destroy it. I suppose it was a testament to their appreciation of my work that each of them was so adamantly against damaging—even a little—anything I had made for them. However, I had envisioned that the act of tearing open the paper cages would engender a sort of childlike glee in everyone and I had hoped that moment would be memorable. It was memorable, all right, but not in the way I had hoped. I nearly ruined Christmas that year.

My tactic was a bit off the mark, perhaps, but my idea was sound. The way I saw it, I work with paper and paper is inherently emphemeral. Under perfect conditions, it might last a few centuries. Under less than perfect conditions, it will fade, yellow, become brittle, disintegrate into dust, and blow away in no time at all. I was trying to capture that fleeting, joyful quality that I associate with paper and somehow give that same experience to my friends.

The great thing about paper is that while it may be temporary, it can also be a tremendously effective medium for memory-making. By "memory-making" I don't mean scrapbooking or the related crafts that are so often lumped together under that name. Those crafts are more often about "memory-keeping" rather than "memory-making." I love paper's incredible power to surprise, delight, awe, get you noticed, and make you memorable. It is inexpensive and plentiful (not to mention biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable) and it can be both strong and delicate.

While I'll probably never tinker with Christmas again, I still try to put this temporary nature of paper to good use as often as possible. One of my ways of doing this takes the form of the humble thank-you note. These days, thanks to email, thank-you notes seem to have fallen out of fashion, but that's a shame. A friend of mine likes to say that a thank-you note is "the gift you give someone for sharing their time." In light of such a lovely sentiment, it seems a little miserly to simply dash off a note on a computer.

Granted, not every note merits the time and energy required for this project. But, on that rare occasion when someone's gone out of their way to give you a little piece of their day, why not give them a little of your day in return by crafting an extra-special thank-you note? In time, the paper it's written on may fade, but the sentiment never will.

Begin with a sheet of lightweight pastel drawing paper or any lightweight paper that can be folded without too much bulk, 18" x 20".

Sketch out a design focusing on shapes that extend to the edge of your paper. I went to Google.com/images and searched for "Queen Anne's Lace" for my inspiration. My sketch is very loose since I intend to cut most of the details freehand.

Once you have sketched your design, fold your thank-you letter down to its final size and press firmly along all creases. Unfold. (Note: creasing your paper BEFORE you cut it is many times easier than creasing it after it's cut.)

Use a scissors or craft knife to cut out your design. It's sometimes easier to begin by cutting the perimeter silhouette before focusing on other details.

Try to keep your designs loose and unfussy. This note was done mostly freehand and took just over an hour to cut out.

Notice that I have left a rectangle where I intend to write my note, along with a smaller rectangle where I intend to write a short postscript. Gently re-crease your note before proceeding.

Write in the text of your note. I always write out my text on a piece of scrap paper first, to make sure it will all fit in the space I have available.

The finished note delivers grateful sentiments along with a bouquet of Queen Anne's Lace. The fact that the flowers extend so far off the page is what gives this note the feeling of exuberance. Wouldn't you LOVE to receive a note like this from someone?

To create an envelope, I wrapped my note in a piece of translucent vellum by folding in first the right side and then the left side before folding the bottom of the envelope up toward the top. (See detail below.)

A detail of the envelope closure. I left about 4" at the top as my flap and affixed it with a piece of double-stick tape. An adhesive decal or sealing wax would also work well.

The finished envelope is ready for mailing (don't forget to add extra postage if your note is oversized, like mine). Just imagine your reaction if you found something like this waiting for you in your mailbox.

Also check out how to make my simple paper ornaments.

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Comments (24)

Inklings writes: Wow! My sister asked me to help her with her wedding invitations. For a moment I thought... but then I thought of my poor hands after 50-odd of these.

Still - lovely, lovely work!! Posted: 12:29 am on November 18th

Makteh writes: oh wow,I love it,I'm going to make one. Posted: 4:50 am on November 16th

majkp writes: This is incredible Posted: 8:27 pm on October 31st

amaquima writes: This is adorable... Who wouldn't love to receive something like this... Posted: 12:09 am on October 15th

javajenny writes: I love the story about your Christmas ornaments. The card is lovely - very stunning! Posted: 10:34 pm on October 4th

erica2567 writes: Beautiful! To bad I didn't see this yesterday when I was making a thank-you card. Posted: 7:04 pm on September 30th

LonesomeRoadStudio writes: Absolutely gorgeous! I would love to receive this card in the mail. Posted: 2:07 pm on September 29th

MAVIE writes: Marvie: This is the most beautiful and delicate card that I have ever seen in my life. Posted: 5:12 am on September 29th

LPERRY193 writes: You do make this look so easy, as I have over the years purchased books on this craft and tools such as sissors so fine pointed that I paid much money for it, and yes the craft knife you so readily speak of.

It takes a special person with this special talent and patience to create what you did. I would envy your family and friends at any Christmas gift you have created. You are so wonderful to share this craft with us and you're beautiful design. I wish there was a class on this, but I also have at times limited use of my fingers with Chronic Arthritis...which I'm sure many readers can agree with. You're only as good as your hands allow you to be.

Awesome job would love to see more of your work!!! Posted: 11:40 am on September 28th

dollsntpartys writes: Breathtaking!! I'd frame this, place it at my bedside, and smile every night before going to sleep and then upon waking. Posted: 9:02 am on September 28th

UniqueMommi writes: How lovely! I have been searching for years to find someone who does just this. Now I can make a letter most thoughtful and cherishing and maybe even frame. An heirloom to pass on to my children and family. Posted: 12:36 pm on September 27th

camounts writes: Jeff,
What an absolutely EXTRAORDINARY idea! Since I am a 'newbie' at this sort of craft, snowflakes seem a good way to start.
Thanks so much for your expertise and for sharing these facinating 'Thank You " Notes. Posted: 11:56 am on September 27th

JhenniK writes: Your photos and step-by-step instructions are fantastic.
I must agree that receiving such a stunning card in the mail would light up my soul. I can't wait to create my own version. You've given me so-o-o many ideas!! THANKS! Posted: 11:47 am on September 27th

LostAndFoundObjects2 writes: simply beautiful Posted: 8:04 am on September 27th

paperrain writes: This is just absolutely amazing. Posted: 7:13 pm on September 25th

mrsnicolaray writes: Wow, that really is very gorgeous. It must have taken you hours and your recipient must have been thrilled. That's the kind of thing I'd frame if I received it. Totally awesome! Posted: 7:06 am on September 25th

bevvsedge writes: Wow that is just stunning! Beautiful! Posted: 3:55 pm on September 24th

MandaPanda writes: Somewhere out there the universe is laughing at the thought that I might possibly make something that looked remotely like this. I think mine would turn out more like a sheet of paper with a child-like version of a snowflake jutting out the side in a roundish mound of jailed and slightly scared confetti. You are incredibly talented, and patient to boot, and I have so much admiration for your skills. I might not be able to duplicate your efforts, but it's fun to read about you doing it. Keep up the good work. Martha's got nothing on you. . . Posted: 1:46 pm on September 19th

AWilcox writes: Hello Mister Jeff,

Your work is magnificent, your "Thank You" notes are beyond extraordinary, they are breathe taking to say the least. Congrats on always delivery such amazing work to this site.

Posted: 3:21 pm on September 16th

MichaelaMurphy writes: Wow, love, love, LOVE! Posted: 8:19 pm on September 15th

JanineS writes: Jeff...loved this blog and the project...beautiful. Also loved meeting you when you were in Connecticut! Thanks for such an inspiring lunch! Posted: 7:43 pm on September 15th

iHanna writes: It's beautiful but I can't imagine it would look as delicate if I cut out flowers, hehe. I'd love to see photos of your bird cages too, did you take any? :-)

Thanks for posting, it sure is a beautiful letter! Posted: 5:53 pm on September 15th