How To Make An Envelope Out Of Cardstock

While the most obvious use of cardstock is generally some type of birthday card or greeting card, there are so many other ways in which cardstock can be used. One very important one, especially if you have already made a card, is a homemade envelope. What good is a gorgeous handmade card if you do not have an envelope to place it in? There is no need to run out and buy an overpriced box of envelopes. As long as you have cardstock paper at home, you can make your own DIY envelope.

Make An Envelope For Any Size Card

Envelopes are not one size fits all. The envelope you need will depend on the size of the card that you have. You do not want an envelope that is so big the card is swimming around inside. On the flip side, you also do not want an envelope in which you have to jam the card inside, ruining its edges in the process.

Gift cards are a popular present. They are pretty much guaranteed to be enjoyed by their recipients and are foolproof when it comes to gift-giving. Making a cardstock envelope to fit a gift card is easier than you think. All you need to begin is a sheet of cardstock paper.

  1. Choose the favorite color of the gift card recipient to give the envelope a personalized touch.
  2. With a scissor, cut out four circles. Each one should have a diameter of approximately four inches.
  3. Tape the circles together to create a symmetrical clover shape.
  4. Fold each circle in half inwardly towards the middle of the clover. Use the back of a knife or a letter open to score the cardstock and create an even fold.
  5. Place the gift card in the center and fold the circle flaps into each other to close the envelope.

What if you want an envelope that holds something larger than a gift card? A5 cards are the most popular sized cards and require bigger envelopes. Have no fear. It is still very simple to create a cardstock envelope for a card that is larger. All you need is the cardstock paper of your choice, scissors, and a bottle of glue. Then, follow these step-by-step instructions.

  1. Place your card on an upright 8.5”x11” sheet of cardstock paper. Center the card in the middle of the paper horizontally but a little closer to the bottom vertically.
  2. Fold the sides of the paper over the card. As before, use the back of a knife or a letter opener to create neat folds. Do not fold too close to the card. Leave a drop of extra space for wiggle room so that the card can slide in and out of the envelope easily.
  3. Fold the top and bottom of the cardstock paper over the card in the same exact way.
  4. Open up the folded cardstock and remove the card.
  5. With a scissor, cut out all four corners of the cardstock paper. The bottom corners will be square shaped whereas the top corners will be more rectangular shaped since more space was left at the top of the paper.
  6. Now fold in the sides of the cardstock paper and place glue on the bottom edge of each folded side. Fold up the bottom portion of the cardstock and press down so that the bottom portion gets glued to the sides.
  7. Take a new sheet of cardstock paper and cut it out to match the size of your current cardstock paper, minus the top flap.
  8. Place glue along the sides and bottom of your envelope and glue the new rectangle down to create your completed envelope.
  9. Simply place your birthday card inside the envelope and glue or tape the top flap down.

Make An Envelope For Money

When in doubt, the easiest present is always money. It is even more foolproof than gift cards. Who does not appreciate some extra cash in their pocket and the freedom to spend it on whatever they fancy? However, just handing someone a crisp bill does not seem that personal at all. Even when giving a more generic present, there are still ways to add that unique touch. Making your own cardstock envelope to place the money inside is an easy way to still show thoughtfulness for that person who is impossible to shop for.

Making money envelopes is quite simple. All you will need is cardstock paper, scissors, and a bottle of glue, and you will be able to create not just any ordinary money envelope but a shogun envelope.

  1. Cut a sheet of cardstock paper in half to create an 8.5”x5.5” size of paper.
  2. Holding the paper vertically, fold up the bottom third of the paper.
  3. Then fold down the top third of the paper. With each fold, make sure to use a scoring tool in order to create neat folds.
  4. Unfold the paper and place glue along the sides of the middle section of paper. Fold up the bottom portion of the cardstock and press down so that the bottom portion gets glued to the sides, creating the envelope pocket.
  5. Fold down the top third of the paper and use a scissor to cut out a decorative pattern along the flap’s edges.
  6. Decorate the money gift envelope with metallics and stick-on beads of your choice.

Make An Origami Envelope Without Glue

All of the envelopes described above are easy to make, but sometimes we require mega easy. Sometimes we do not want to deal with glue or anything remotely sticky or messy. The good news is that you can still make your own cardstock envelope with no glue whatsoever. Here are the step-by-step instructions.

  1. Take your chosen piece of cardstock paper and fold down the top right-hand corner until it meets the edge of the left side of the paper. Press down to secure the fold.
  2. Cut off the remaining paper that is on the bottom so that you are left with a perfect square.
  3. Fold down the top corner of the triangle until its tip meets the bottom of the triangle.
  4. Now fold in the two sides of the triangle towards each other. Fold them in enough so that each folded tip slightly overlaps each other.
  5. Place one folded tip into the other tip in order to create your envelope pocket.
  6. Fold down the top triangle to create the envelope flap.
  7. Place whatever you like inside, whether it is a birthday card, thank you card, gift card, or money.

As you can see, the options are really endless when it comes to making handmade cardstock envelopes. You can go fancy or simple depending on the look you are going for. You can make smaller envelopes or larger ones depending on what you want to place inside. Lastly, you can use glue or not use glue depending on how much you hate sticky fingers. Whichever option you choose, its recipient will be sure to enjoy the personalized touch.

Best Glue for Cardstock

An often overlooked but craft workbox essential is adhesive. The search for the best glue quickly turns serious when all the other elements of your cardstock project are planned and perfected.

Whether you are making creative name-tags or handmade greeting cards, the best glue for cardstock projects differs depending on what you wish to do with them. The next most important element to consider is how the project will be used: will it be kept as a memento? From handmade cards to sparkly creations, here is the ultimate glue guide you will need to seal the deal on your cardstock project.

Best Glue For Cardstock Paper and Cards

What is the best glue for card making? If you are mostly doing a lot of papercraft, cardstock to cardstock, then investing in a simple papercraft glue will be the best choice.

Any PVA craft glue will do if you are making your own cardstock cards, such as cardstock invitations. Make sure the label says that it is a clear drying glue. For glue that goes on clear and dries that way without running, many crafters prefer Elmer’s Craft Bond Paper Craft Glue Gel.

If adding photos, permanent roller tapes are handy for keeping the edges down without awkward leaks or ugly bulk. If you need to remove the adhesive, the composition is very forgiving.

One affordable option for a slim adhesive to cover large areas is Zip Dry Glue. You can assemble cardstock invitations in a short time, and if any seeps out, you can rub it away easily without causing damage to the paper. A little smelly, it is similar to Rubber Cement, but it does not cause ripples in the paper.

For gluing large pieces, some crafters prefer a traditional glue paste applied with a brush as the best adhesive. However, you should keep a bone tool nearby to ensure a smooth surface.

You may be surprised to learn glue sticks have staying power when it comes to cardstock cards, but if you are attempting a 3D papercraft project, you will need an adhesive that is a little tackier. The glue stick shape itself can also present difficulty when you have to rely on precise angles and applications.

Best Glue For Cardstock Cake Toppers and Flowers

What if you are working with embellishments, such as bright color cardstock flowers or cardstock cake toppers? Different paper types each present their own challenges for gluing in terms of texture.

Using a brush to apply a tacky glue or Mod Podge sealant is a sure way to make sure these more 3D pieces stick, but you must have a careful hand. These glues are strong enough to take on the thickest cardstock and heaviest of trinkets. However, the drying time can also take much longer.

When working with embellishments such as cardstock flowers, you are often gluing small pieces. In this instance, glue dots are ideal to add such details as plastics, lace, or jewels.

Best Glue For Cardstock To Wood

One challenge of applying cardstock to wood is ensuring that air bubbles do not form underneath the paper. Stick with a PVA, tacky glue over watery glue. While wood glue can work, it is more prone to wrinkling than tacky glue. However, its paste-like texture is more similar to tacky glue than hot glue or super glue which will definitely cause wrinkles.

For a cleaner finish, use a wood sealant to smooth out the surface of the wood. Before you begin, sand down the wood until smooth, and then apply a polyurethane wood sealant until dry. It’s not necessary, but it is an excellent preventative measure so materials don’t go to waste.

When you want the paper to perfectly adhere to wood, pour a consistent, thick line of tacky glue. Do not doodle with the glue, as you will use a foam brush to ensure an even application all the way to the edges. You can purchase tacky glue in white or clear varieties.

Once you have applied the glue, line up the paper’s edge at an angle with the wood. Start with one corner and smooth it out across the wood’s surface slowly to avoid air bubbles.

Best Glue For Glitter Cardstock

Getting glue to stick to shiny glitter cardstock paper can prove difficult to stick as its surface is not smooth at all.

Fortunately, one simple hack makes glue stick right to glitter cardstock. Rub the cardstock with a bone tool or lightly with sandpaper to knock off the excess glitter.

Then, apply a multipurpose glue such as Beacon 3-in-1 or a permanent adhesive like Xyron. For detail work, a glue pen will provide more control over the amount of glue you are placing down as well as precision. Keep in mind that too much liquid glue applied will curl the paper, so in this instance, you should avoid tacky glue.

Another glue to consider is silicon glue, which is sturdy and clear. A pliable, clear liquid glue is the best choice to make such an uneven surface as glitter cardstock paper stay down.

“Glue” Tape Is the Back-Up Plan You Need

In a pinch, you can also rely on double-sided tape for thinner glitter cardstock. When working with cardstock on cardstock, a slim application is best.

Consider a tape glider or tape runner, which comes in both general-purpose and archival bond purpose. Different brands of roll-on glue tape give you the permanent adhesive stick you need without the mess, but when it comes to heavier elements, liquid glue is still the best go-to.

Closing Thoughts

While it seems that gluing various pieces together is pretty straightforward, the task can get tricky quickly. Always check the label on the glue bottle to ensure that the surfaces and materials involved are correct.

Even then, there are additional considerations to take into account. What are you making? Is it temporary or meant to be a keepsake? You will want to ensure that the adhesive will not discolor or break down over time. While liquid glue takes longer to dry, it provides more assurance of permanence. If the project is temporary and fun, then you may feel less worried about such properties.

Choosing the best glue for cardstock projects comes down to asking yourself a few simple questions. Will you glue a 3D or flat object, a small area or a large area? Will the project be kept as a memento or thrown away after a brief period? Will the glue need to try hard or tacky? In the end, selecting the correct adhesive for your craft project is just as important as picking the right paper.

DIY Father’s Day Cards

The United States celebrated Father’s Day with the first unofficial celebration taking place on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, as participants pinned roses on their clothing to honor their fathers. In May 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd was attending church service and listening to a sermon about Mother’s Day when she had the idea of designating a day to honor her father. Sonora was one of six children that her father William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, had raised by himself following her mother’s death in childbirth.

With the mayor’s blessing, the first Father’s Day was celebrated on the third Sunday of June 1910, and in 1972, President Woodrow Wilson made Father’s Day a national holiday. For over 100 years, people have been celebrating Father’s Day across the nation; along with nations around the world, some for hundreds of years due to religious traditions.

Along with celebrating fathers, Father’s Day is also a day to honor the paternal bonds that make our lives so rich. So, on the third Sunday of June each year, it is time to go all out for these special men!

Make Father’s Day Special

Make this Father’s Day like no other and surprise Dad with his favorite foods, activities, and the company of loved ones. What are a few ways to make Dad feel special, as well as honoring the men with whom you share a paternal bond?

To make a day of it, take time to plan ahead. What does he most enjoy, and what hasn’t he had the opportunity to do for the longest time? Is there anything you can take off Dad’s to-do list to give him more free time? Order his favorite wings or pizza and stay in for a night of tabletop or video games. Reward Dad with his own “man cave” and a gift card to his favorite home improvement store to make it truly his. Wake up Dad with a hot cup of coffee and blindfold him at dawn to head out for a day of his favorite outdoor activity.

That said, remember that your dad would even love the simplest of things. He would take pride in having a tea party with his daughters, sharing the tea sandwiches that they made together. He would appreciate it that you mowed the lawn for him and gave him time to sleep in. Something as simple as breakfast-in-bed with handmade cards can make Father’s Day incredibly special.

How To Make A Homemade Father’s Day Card

Regardless of the activity you choose, words written from your heart on a card you made yourself are the most endearing and straightforward way to show your love and appreciation this Father’s Day. Here are a few handmade Father’s Day card ideas to get you started:

1. “I Love You to Pieces” Handprints Father’s Day Card

Hold your hands out with your fingers apart. Touch your thumbs together, and now do the same with your pointer fingers. In this space, you will see a heart shape.

Now, have your child place their hands down on a piece of red or pink premium paper in this shape. Trace their handprints. In the heart, glue down colorful tissue paper, and on the palms, write “I love you to pieces!” along with any other special messages.

2. “Father’s Day Constellation” Card

Is your dad the Best Dad in the Galaxy? As with anything official, he will need to get that in writing. For this quick card, you will use black paper (cardstock or chipboard also work), colorful star stickers, white acrylic paint, and a white crayon to create a DIY Father’s Day card to show just how out-of-this-world your dad is.

Use the white crayon to spell “PAPA” or “DAD” in capital letters, and place a star sticker at the corners of each letter to form a constellation. On the card, you can paste a square that holds a special and unique message.

3. “One in a Melon” Father’s Day Card

Would you describe Dad as a goofball who cracks corny jokes? Then, this is the card for him.

On a piece of white cardstock, you will glue down a watermelon slice formed from green, pink, red, and black colorful foam sheets. Stick on a smile, and glue down a pair of googly eyes. On the cover, write “Dad, you’re one in a melon!” It’s a wordplay on being “one in a million.”

From Daughter to Dad, From Son to Dad, use these creative card ideas to make your Dad feel your deep love, admiration, and appreciation for him.

What Should You Write On A Father’s Day Card?

Now that you have a few ideas to get you started, you may feel like the message is missing the mark. The cover is covered, but what about what matters most: what is on the inside?

What should you write? Just as you match the activity and creative card design to his personality, consider your relationship with him when composing a message. What is your dad’s personality like? What are your favorite shared memories?

Does he love jokes? “Dad jokes” are their own particular brand of corny and practical. When he asks, “What did the ocean say to the beach?” and he supplies the correct answer as “Nothing, it just waved,” that is an on-brand Dad joke. Just do not be surprised if you earn yourself a full day of Dad jokes. It is FATHER’S Day, after all.

Do you two share sarcastic remarks that make others bite their lips to hold back all the laughter? Take this time to go over your best quips and describe a fun memory with your message. One study found that sarcasm increases creativity flow, so you two can share a knowing smirk at the fact that creative genius just runs in the family.

Or is Dad more stoic in nature? Then, look to famous stoics such as Marcus Aurelius, Zeno of Citium, or Seneca the Younger, and reference the quotes that are similar to some of your father’s life lessons he shared with you.

When you cannot speak to the past or the present, you can always speak to the future. Like life, relationships, too, have their ups and downs, but there is always a silver lining. Write something positive about the future to come.

Though considering one’s audience is key, always speak from the heart. From funny things to write to deep thoughts and sentimentality, these card messages will reveal your admiration and appreciation for your dad. Oftentimes, it is the simplest and most straightforward of efforts that mean the most, even if that is a simple message from the heart written on a very nice and sturdy piece of cardstock!

Happy Father’s Day!

DIY Glitter Cardstock

There is just something about glitter that makes everything more exciting. It provides a sparkly pop that no amount of paint or markers could ever achieve. Besides for the unique color effect that glitter can accomplish, it also allows you to create dimension in otherwise one-dimensional crafting projects. For such a simple art supply, glitter is truly special.

You might think that using glitter is as simple as opening the glitter container and shaking it to your heart’s content. However, if you want to avoid the dreaded glitter flaking off and falling everywhere, along with picking flecks of glitter from every surface for the next six months, here are some important tips on how to make DIY glitter cardstock.

How To Make Glitter Stick To Paper

  It may seem self-explanatory when you think about how to make glitter stick to paper, after all even preschoolers do it. Yet we have all dealt with one too many glitter projects wreaking havoc all over the house. The pieces of glitter linger for months and are so difficult to clean up. The trick is all about choosing the right adhesive. Without the right binding agent, those little pieces of glitter will end up literally everywhere.

Surprisingly, the best glue for glitter is either simple white Elmer’s glue or Mod Podge glue. Both will act as optimal adhesive agents for the glitter to adhere to. In order to distribute glitter over cardstock paper, it is important to layer an even amount of glue on the paper first. The best way to do this is by using a paintbrush to spread the glue evenly across your entire cardstock paper.

If the glue is not spread evenly, you will end up with clumps of glitter in certain areas and bare patches in others. The extra few seconds that it takes to carefully create an even layer of glue will be well worth your time.

How To Seal Glitter On Cardstock

  Once you have evenly dispensed your glue and poured the glitter in an even layer on top of it, you are at the most crucial stage in your DIY glitter cardstock project. You need to keep the glitter on the paper without it falling off like tiny sparkly snowflakes threatening to overtake your space.

Before tackling this step, it is vitally important to make sure that your initial layer of glue beneath the glitter has completely dried. This usually takes up to four hours. Once your cardstock paper is dry, gently brush off any excess glitter and make sure the glitter coating is to your liking. Now you are ready to seal all of that glittery goodness.

There are two primary methods you can use to seal your glitter. The first method requires you to use a Mod Podge acrylic sealer spray. Carefully spray an even coat over your cardstock paper and allow it to dry. If you are already in the middle of your glitter project and realize you don’t have the Mod Podge glue spray at home, there is another sealing method you can use which requires a very commonly found household item. Believe it or not, hair spray acts as a good sealant and will work to seal in your glitter and prevent unwanted shedding.

Glitter Cardstock Project Ideas

Now that you have mastered the craft of DIY glitter cardstock, the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can create. Glitter cardstock can be used for so many crafting projects. Want your holiday ornaments to have some more pizazz? Take sheets of green cardstock paper and trace Christmas trees. Cut them out and place them on the side. Then take red cardstock paper and trace circles and cut them out as well.

Once you have your cutouts prepared, it’s time to use your newfound glitter knowledge. After evenly spreading the glue with a paintbrush, you can shake green glitter over the trees and red glitter over the circle ornaments. Once dried, use Mod Podge spray or hairspray to seal in the glitter. With minimal effort, you have taken ordinary ornaments and added dimension and festivity to them.

Holiday ornaments are not the only things that you can use glitter cardstock for. Cake toppers are another great idea. Instead of wasting money on overpriced readymade ones, you can add your own personalized touch to the birthday cake of your loved one. Whether you want to use their age, their name, or a fun inside joke, you can trace and cut out whatever cake topper idea you desire. After spreading the glue evenly, you can use glitter in their favorite color to add that magical sparkle effect. The icing on the cake, quite literally, is that now that you know how to seal the glitter, you will not have to worry about unwanted glitter frosting.

Glitter cardstock is also used for invitations. Whether it’s a birthday party, a bridal shower, or a graduation party, glitter invitations will definitely make it to a prominent place on the fridge of each and every one of its recipients. As if handmade invitations do not already convey a beautiful & personalized touch, glitter enhances the look even more to create something truly unique and special.

You can also sublimate glitter cardstock. Sublimation is the transferring of any custom picture, print or design onto something else. When you walk through a mall in any random town or city, you can usually find at least one kiosk offering to put any custom design or picture onto a t-shirt, mug, or notebook.

The good news is that you can use glitter cardstock for sublimation as well. You can choose any photo or design that you love and sublimate it onto glitter cardstock. The personalization choices are entirely up to you. You can have a solid color glitter cardstock or you can mix different colors of glitter to create a stunningly unique backdrop for whatever art you choose to sublimate.

As is evident from the aforementioned examples, there are endless opportunities when it comes to crafting with DIY glitter cardstock. It can instantly transform any project by adding dimension and color that only glitter can achieve. No matter which craft you decide to make, instead of using simple cardstock paper, elevate your game and use glitter cardstock instead.

More importantly, now that you know the right technique for DIY glitter cardstock, there is no need to worry about the dreaded mess that has eternally been unfairly associated with glitter. As long as you use Mod Podge acrylic sealer spray or hairspray to seal your glitter, it will no longer be necessary to rummage for flecks of glitter on your hands and knees as you desperately attempt to clean up. So, whip out your glitter canisters and manifest those childhood glitter dreams.

Painting Cardstock Guide

Cardstock paper can be a blank canvas for millions of projects. They can be used to create birthday cards, holiday ornaments, decorative signs, and so much more. The sky is really the limit when it comes to what you can achieve with cardstock paper. Whatever the creative within you decides, decorating the cardstock is generally a crucial step in any cardstock project.

While crayons and markers are both valuable coloring tools, sometimes it’s just more fun to whip out the paints and brushes. There is something therapeutic about the stroke of a paintbrush that just awakens the artist hiding in each of us. Painting allows for bursts of creative expression that ordinary coloring just cannot achieve.

Can You Paint On Cardstock?

Before painting, the important question to ask is whether cardstock paper works as a good canvas for paint. The good news is that you can most definitely paint cardstock. Since it is significantly thicker than ordinary paper, it can withstand the weight of paint without losing its integrity. In this painting cardstock guide, we will discuss whether there is a best paint for cardstock and which painting techniques work best for different types of cardstock paper.

Acrylic Painting On Cardstock

One of the more popular paint types is acrylic paint. Acrylic paints tend to be more pigmented than watercolor paints and allow for endless possibilities when it comes to painting. A primary concern when it comes to cardstock painting is whether the paper can withstand the paint. No one wants to spend hours on a painting only to have the paper warp as it dries.

In order to prevent the dreaded warping, it is important to use a dry brush when painting with acrylic paints on cardstock paper. This means that your brush head needs to be checked prior to painting and the bristles must be completely dry. If you are switching paint colors during painting and wash your brush, make sure to dry the bristles completely before continuing to paint.

Not all cardstock papers are created equal. When it comes to selecting cardstock for painting, it is best to choose a thicker cardstock. The thicker the cardstock, the better it can withstand the amount of paint on its surface. Depending on your painting project, you can decide which cardstock thickness works best. If your plan is to paint a few small decorations, a midweight cardstock will be more than adequate. If you want to paint the entire paper, a heavyweight cardstock would be ideal.

Besides for the actual weight of the cardstock, it is important to note that the best paper for acrylic paint will not be one hundred percent smooth. Texture allows the paint to absorb better. For this reason, make sure to stay away from any glossy finishes. To achieve optimal results, use acrylic paint on mid-weight to heavyweight cardstock that has a slightly textured feel to it.

Watercolor Painting On Cardstock

Acrylic paints and watercolor paints could not be more different. One is not better than the other. It really just comes down to personal preference. Watercolor paints can create masterpieces of subtle calming colors that no other paint can really achieve. If watercolor is your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that watercolor paints can be used on cardstock paper. However, because the paint is different, the same rules do not apply.

When it comes to watercolor painting, it is impossible to use the dry brush painting method that is recommended when painting with acrylic paint. Watercolor paints require a wet brush. For this reason, it is extremely important to use a heavyweight cardstock paper. When selecting cardstock for watercolor painting, you should ideally choose a cardstock with a weight of 130 pounds. The weight of the paper will allow it to withstand the water without warping.

Once you have selected your heavyweight cardstock paper, you can use your watercolors to begin painting. If you plan to use a lot of paint in overlapping layers, it is recommended to allow each part to dry before continuing. Even heavyweight cardstock can’t withstand too much water. It’s advisable to pay attention to the amount of watercolor paint on cardstock; use your judgement on drying times and what the paper can withstand.

Spray Painting Cardstock

There is something about spray paint that just screams fun. Graffiti is generally the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning spray paint. While there is an entire culture of street art dedicated to spray painting graffiti, spray paint can be used in so many other ways. It’s such an alternative painting method since it doesn’t abide by the typical painting method of using a paintbrush. Spray paint can allow you to easily change the color of an entire paper. It can also be used to create tie-dye effects as well as many other unique designs.

When selecting cardstock paper for painting, it is important to choose a heavyweight cardstock that can withstand the amount of paint you plan to use. If your plan is to spray paint a few small stencils, a medium to heavyweight cardstock will be perfect. If you want to spray paint more than a third of the paper, it is recommended to use a true heavyweight cardstock.

Painting with spray paints differs greatly than painting with acrylics. Whereas rough slightly textured paper is the best option for acrylics, a smooth glossy finish is the ideal choice when spray painting. The reason for this is that when it comes to acrylics, you want the paper to absorb the paint so a texture that is not completely smooth will achieve that. In contrast, when it comes to spray painting, you don’t want the paper to absorb the paint. You want the paint to sit on top of the paper and dry there.

Once you have selected your heavyweight glossy cardstock paper, you can begin the spray painting project of your dreams. Get creative and use painters tape to create unique cut-out looking designs. When spray painting, since the paint sits on top of the paper and doesn’t absorb into it, it is important to allow each layer of paint to dry before continuing to spray additional paint. Also, don’t worry if the spray paint doesn’t look one hundred percent even, the slight differences in texture are what makes the spray painting method so unique.

When you spray paint cardstock, it is important to be in a well-ventilated room. The fumes can get a little heady and proper ventilation is very important. Open a few windows before you begin and allow them to stay open for at least an hour or two once you have finished in order to allow all of the fumes to escape.

As long as you remember these basic tips when it comes to painting cardstock, you can really take as many creative liberties as you like when creating your masterpiece. Whether you’d like to awaken the street artist within you or whether you prefer an idyllic Van-Gogh style painting, the sky is really the limit when it comes to painting. Simply roll up your sleeves, include the whole family, and paint away!

DIY Cards For Kids

Now that we are spending more time at home, it’s important to keep the kids entertained. Crafts are always a great way to interact with your children and spend quality family time together. Making homemade cards is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Whether it be for a birthday, a graduation, Mother’s Day, or Christmas, DIY cards always add a personal touch that a store-bought card could never achieve. Continue reading to learn how to make beautiful yet simple DIY cards at home.

Mother’s Day Cards

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. It has been a particularly stressful year and there is no better time to show appreciation than with a Mother’s Day card from kids. Instead of expecting your children to get creative on their own, give them a little push in the right direction with this Mother’s Day card craft. Not only is it easy for kids to make, but it’s something every Mom will cherish for a long time.

Begin by selecting your cardstock paper. Pastel colors work very well with this project, but really any color will do the trick. Once you have selected your cardstock, fold it in half to create a card. To get a neat fold, use the back end of a butter knife and press along the edge of a ruler to create a deep line.

Once the cardstock is neatly folded, it’s time to decorate the card. With your children’s input, select the color of washable paint they prefer and pour the paint onto a plastic plate until there is a complete layer of paint covering the plate. With rolled up sleeves, allow them to place their hand palm down onto the plate until it is completely immersed in paint. They can then place their paint-covered hand onto the front of the card, pressing down until their handprint is nice and visible.

Allow the card to dry for about an hour. Once dry, the kids can use markers or crayons to write “Happy Mother’s Day” either above or below their handprint. On the inside of the card, they can write their own sweet message and sign their name. Not only will you cherish their handmade creation for years to come, but the handprint will also be a precious reminder of their youth before you blink, and the kids grow up.

Birthday Cards

Birthdays are another great time to show someone a little extra love. Sure, you can go to the local pharmacy and buy a readymade card, but children’s birthday cards that are handmade are just so much cuter and more special. It is also a great opportunity to teach your kids the value of working on something for someone they care about.

All you need to begin is the selected cardstock of your choice. Any color works for this, but if the birthday boy or girl has a favorite color, it would be great to choose their favorite. Again, start by neatly folding your selected cardstock. Once it is folded to create a card, you are ready to design the front. Choose three different colors of balloons. These should be non-blown-up balloons from a bag of assorted colored balloons. These can be purchased from Party City or just about any dollar store near you. Allow your child to carefully glue each balloon onto the front of the card. Each balloon should be spread out and flattened as much as possible so that it has a round balloon shape.

After gluing down the three balloons, your child can take a marker and draw three lines, one beneath the bottom of each balloon and down towards the bottom of the page. Towards the end of the three lines, they can draw a large bow. With those simple steps, they will have a beautiful balloon bouquet on a birthday card. The rest of the decorating can be up to your children’s individual imaginations. And just like that, they have created beautiful kids’ birthday cards.

Valentine Cards

Another especially important DIY card that kids can make is the Valentine’s Day card. Children often like to make valentine cards for their classmates for school. To make homemade valentine cards for kids, begin by selecting a pink or red cardstock paper. Once you have your paper, fold it in half to create your card. If needed, help your child with the ruler and the back of the butter knife in order to create a neat fold.

Make sure that you have at least three to four bottles of washable paint and fill plastic bowls with each color of paint. With either a paintbrush or their finger, have your child draw a large heart on the front of the card. Once they have painted the heart, they should choose another color of paint and begin to paint diagonal lines inside the heart. They can alternate colors until the heart is completely painted.

With a gorgeous hand painted heart on the front of their card, they can then use markers or crayons to finish decorating the card and filling it with their Valentine wishes. These are easy Valentine cards that are fun to make and any recipient will be overjoyed to receive one.

Christmas Cards

Last, but certainly not least, DIY Christmas cards for kids can make for a festive pre-holiday activity. Instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses and attempting to get that impossibly perfect family photo, have your kids make homemade Christmas cards that will actually make it to the fridge instead of the garbage pile.

To make kids’ homemade Christmas cards, begin by choosing red-colored cardstock paper. Neatly fold the paper in half to create your card. You will need brown paint and green paint for this particular card craft. Pour each paint color to fill plastic plates. Have your child dip the entire side of their hand and wrist into the brown paint and place it onto the front center of the card. That will be the trunk of the Christmas tree.

They can then dip one entire finger at a time into the green paint and with their fingertip facing diagonally upwards, press their fingertip onto the tree trunk. Continue doing so until the tree looks healthy and full. Once the tree is fully dry, use markers to draw ornaments under each tree branch. Your kids can get as creative as they would like with the ornaments, as well as with any other decorations and holiday wishes they would like the card to have. The great thing about kids’ homemade christmas cards is the ability to truly personalize them as much as the children like.

It really doesn’t matter what the occasion is, making DIY cards with your children is a family activity that can be enjoyed any time of year. It creates memorable bonding moments and also encourages kids to be creative and expressive. With minimal supplies needed, the sky is really the limit when it comes to DIY cards for kids.

Wedding Thank You Cards Guide

As a newlywed couple, planning a wedding brought on a slew of challenges to face together as you dealt with deadlines, lists, and endless decisions on top of everyday life. At the end of it all, you tied the knot and had the most beautiful wedding! Congrats!

Now that all is said and done, you find that not everything wedding-related is done. There are still wedding thank you cards to send, and there are a lot of folks you wish to share your happiness and gratitude with. In fact, you may feel overwhelmed by the idea of etiquette and wording. What do you write? When do you send the cards? Not to worry, your complete wedding thank you cards guide is here!

Wedding Thank You Cards Etiquette

Just as there are table manners, there is wedding thank you note etiquette. Sending out hundreds of thank you notes feels daunting, but it is both doable and rewarding. In fact, you can even complete the job in under a month with a bit of planning.

Remember your wedding gift wish list and your guest list? Both are excellent tools when it comes to planning. For gifts received prior to the wedding, you should plan to send thank you notes within two weeks after their delivery. For gifts received on the day of your wedding, or following it, you can send thank you cards up to three months of their delivery.

Each time frame correlates with the time of arrival for the gifts, making the arrival of the thank you notes also timely. With a little planning, you don’t have to worry about when to send your wedding thank you cards.

What To Write In A Wedding Thank You Card

When it comes to thank you notes, timing is simply logistics. When it comes to writing, the muse does not always deliver inspiration on the ideal time frame. Are you not great at the whole words thing?

Well, neither are famous authors. Remember, J.K. Rowling was rejected by 12 publishers before she accepted an advance of £1,500 and went on to sell hundreds of millions of books. You got it easy. You and your amazing partner picked each other and you’re celebrating with a few stand-alone slips of gratitude; preferably with a foil stamp. You got this.

You’re going to pen this writing wedding card thank you messages thing, easily! A good rule of thumb is to write an average of 50 words or three to five sentences per card. When writing, consider how the gifts made you feel, what use you have for them, or how they will improve your married life.

To get you started, here are a few wording examples for the different sets of lovely folks you wish to share your gratitude with via wedding thank you notes.

For Bridal Showers

First, if you have not already, send thank you cards for the bridal shower. This one is easy to forget in the glow of the wedding experience and following the recovery process from all that planning! So, what should you write as a thank you? Here are two examples for inspiration:

Dear Alexis,

Thank you so much for the “Meal Planning For Busy Families” book that you gave me for my bridal shower. There are so many great tips in the book, and I know that it will keep us healthy while on the go! You’re helping us preserve a lot of JUST US time with this. It was so lovely to see you and celebrate with you.

Love,

Jill

Dear Auntie Thelma Louise,

The pair of champagne flutes you gave us from your Princess House collection are such wonderful heirlooms to inherit. We are excited to use them to ring in the New Year! You always know how to make the best memories even better. We love you!

Gratefully,

Jill

Always acknowledge the specific gift and the value you will derive from it. A general “good to see you” is kind for when you are at a loss for words, but it is even better to add a personal touch to build on your connection with that person.

For Wedding Gifts

Beginning with the bridal shower thank you cards will help you get into the flow of things when the time comes to write the thank you cards for wedding gifts. Chances are that your list of people to thank is longer than a wedding gown train. To save time, consider using flat note cards that require less fuss.

Much like how a literal train makes several stops at different stations, it is best to tackle long thank you lists in spurts of ten. Here is a better metaphor. Think of it like weightlifting. Do your first set of ten. Rest. Then, go again, but do not overwork yourself. Cap off your thank you note writing at two hours at a time, maximum. Here is another example when it comes to making note of gifts and wording for wedding thank you cards in general:

Dear Yolanda,

Your personality really shined through in your gift to us, and it meant a lot.

We imagine we will be smiling for many years to come because of it. Thank you for coming!

Joyfully,

Jack

Did someone give you an unfamiliar item that you have no idea what it is or how you will use it? (It may or may not resemble the “Bop It!” game from the ‘90s, but if you bop, twist, or pull it, there is the questionable risk of potentially losing a finger. Yes, that sort of gift.) If you have a mystery gift, write about a fond memory you shared with that person at the wedding.

Similarly, if you do not know the person well, focus again on the gift and the memories you hope to make around it, and you can also speak of a person you both know, as seen above.

For Bridesmaids

What about writing a bridesmaid thank you card, especially to your maid of honor? For specific people who mean the world to you, personalize, personalize, personalize…

Dear Becky,

It meant the world to me that you were my maid of honor. You made my dream wedding come true and were my ROCK! You have always been like a sister to me, and it was so touching to also relive some of our memories on my special day.

Much love,

Jill

For Parents

How do you write a thank you note to parents following a wedding day, when they have been so giving and loving for your whole lifetime? How do you put that into words, especially to the father of the bride? You just share your heart, and you keep sharing it.

Dear Dad,

I know they call it “giving away the bride” at the wedding, but you know I will always be your little girl. Jack and I were elated to have you there at the wedding, especially with your jokes. You were the one holding me up as I walked down the aisle, as you always have. I love you! Your marriage to Mom inspires us.

Always your little girl,

Jill

Dad’s not crying. You’re crying. No, you’re both crying. For love.

DIY Wedding Thank You Cards

While there are digital services that allow you to use a “handwriting” script on an automatically mailed card, it is nothing compared to handwriting your own cards. Perhaps one of the easiest and most personal approaches to wedding thank you cards is by purchasing blank thank you cards and writing a thoughtful and original message in each one.

For the wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and parents, you can go for a more homemade touch by making handmade cards. Think DIY. It does not have to be complicated, and you do not have to be “crafty.” Purchasing nice paper and folding it over also works, such as a handpainted cardstock paper lined with a beautiful pastel colored paper.

With a little planning, you will ace both the etiquette and wording when it comes to sending out wedding thank you cards. A swell of gratitude is certainly a wonderful way to celebrate the next stage of your life as a married couple!

 


Check out our collection of beautiful and elegant thank you cards.

Beyond Grateful Thank You Cards Thank You Card — Simple Border Beyond Grateful Thank You Cards

 

DIY Cardstock Crafts

Cool craft projects don’t only have to happen in art class. We’re not all in highschool anymore, and who has the time to sign up for a local art class at the community center? No need to worry. There are many DIY cardstock crafts that you can do from the comfort and safety of your own home.

At Fine Card Stock, you can choose to have whichever cardstock you need delivered straight to your door, allowing you to get started on a plethora of DIY cardstock crafts. So whether you would like to create homemade ornaments, gift boxes, cardstock flowers, or pinwheels, we’ve got you covered.

Hanging Decorations

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a graduation, or any other special occasion, DIY cardstock decorations can really help achieve the level of celebration you desire. One popular hanging decoration you can make are cardstock ornaments. Those dusty ornaments sitting in a box in the attic do hold lots of memories, but you can start creating even more memories by making DIY ornaments with your family.

To begin, make sure you have cardstock paper in a variety of colors. For the Christmas ornaments, I prefer mixing metallic cardstock with red cardstock to create a festive vibe. However, the sky’s the limit and you can really mix and match whichever colors you prefer. Once you have selected your cardstock, it’s time to begin:

  1. With a scalloped edged scissor, cut seven equal-sized circles out of the various colors of cardstock chosen for the project.
  2. Once you have cut seven circles, fold each circle in half, making sure to fold into the colored side.
  3. With double sided tape, attach each outer side of the circle to one another. Do so with six of the seven circles while leaving the seventh one on the side.
  4. Take a sewing needle and thread a looped piece of yarn or twine through a decorative bead of your choice. Triple knot the thread below the bead so that it stays in place.
  5. Now, apply double sided tape to the seventh circle and place the twine down the center of the circle, with the bead protruding from the top center.
  6. Stick the last circle to the remaining open sides of the six circles you have already taped together. This will finish the ball-shaped ornament to create a perfect 3D circle.
  7. Hang your completed ornament using the looped top.

Cardstock Flowers

Ornaments are not the only things you can make with cardstock. With spring upon us, how about creating some cardstock paper flowers to brighten up your living space? They don’t need to be watered and will never die. For this project, I prefer to use pastel-colored cardstock to promote the springtime vibe. Once you have selected the 8.5” x 11” paper with the color of your choice, you can begin making paper flowers with cardstock:

  1. Begin by making a grid on your paper. With a pencil and a ruler, draw out 2-inch squares across the entire paper.
  2. Once you have finished drawing the grid, take a scissor and cut out all the squares. You should have 20 squares from the one sheet of paper.
  3. Take each square and fold it in half.
  4. With a scissor, take each folded square (the fold should be on your left side) and cut off the top open side to create a curved tapered look. These will be the petals of the flower.
  5. Once all of your petals have tapered edges, you can roll each one to give it a more lifelike 3D look. Placer each square under a pen or pencil and use a rolling motion to help you achieve the rolled look.
  6. After all the petals have been rolled, take one petal, unroll it a drop and use a glue gun to place a drop of glue in the bottom corner. Then roll it back up to create the center of your flower.
  7. One by one, take each petal, place a dab of glue on the bottom and wrap it around the base of the center petal. Continue doing so until you have used up all of your petals. Don’t worry about exact evenness. Most real-life flowers are not perfectly symmetrical.

Cardstock Gift Bags

Another fun DIY cardstock craft is making your own gift bags. Why run to your local pharmacy to buy some overpriced generic gift bag? I prefer to use white linen cardstock to achieve a subtle elegant look. Once you have your selected cardstock, you can begin to construct your gift bag:

  1. Download a printable gift bag template. They are easily searchable online.
  2. Print the template on your selected cardstock paper.
  3. Cut along the solid lines as shown and fold along the dotted lines. Scoring the cardstock before folding will ensure a cleaner, more precise look.
  4. Use clear tape to attach the edges.
  5. Fill your handmade gift box with whatever heartfelt gifts or treats you’d like to give.

Cardstock Pinwheels

If gift bags aren’t your thing, cardstock pinwheels are another cardstock craft idea. We can’t all have Martha Stewart worthy gardens. Depending on your outdoor space and the amount of time you have available in your day, it can be hard to create a cute outdoor area. Cardstock pinwheels are an easy way to decorate the space. Begin by selecting your cardstock. I like to use a mix of pastel-colored cardstock and bright-colored cardstock. Mix and match any colors you like, and you are ready to begin:

  1. Cut out 4-inch squares from your two colors of selected cardstock paper.
  2. Take one square of each color and glue them to each other to create one square that has a different color on each side. Allow to dry.
  3. Fold the square on the diagonal in both directions to create an “X” pattern on the paper.
  4. With a scissor, cut into each folded line until you are approximately one inch away from the center of the square.
  5. Take every other corner and fold it in towards the center. Use a hot glue gun to secure each fold.
  6. Punch a hole in the center of your pinwheel. You can do this using a safety pin, a knife tip, or anything with a sharp pointy edge. Make sure the hole is large enough to allow the pinwheel to spin freely without getting stuck. However, don’t make the hole too large or it won’t hang nicely.
  7. Take a pushpin and place it thru the hole at the center of the pinwheel and into the eraser at the top of a pencil.
  8. Create as many pinwheels as you like and stick the bottom end of the pencils into your soil.

When it comes to DIY cardstock crafts, the sky is really the limit in terms of what you can create. All it takes is a good supply of cardstock paper and a nice imagination. And if creativity isn’t your strong suit, simply follow the instructions listed above and no one will ever doubt your creativity again. Get crafting and make sure to enjoy the creative outlet it provides, as well as the quality family bonding time!

How To Score Cardstock

Folding a sheet of paper may sound like an easy thing to do, but cardstock is thicker than regular paper and there’s nothing worse than a messy fold. In order to fold cardstock neatly, it needs to be scored. This ensures a smooth hinge-like fold that looks like high-end greeting cards purchased at stores. There are many different methods with which to score cardstock. Each method will be explained below.

Score Cardstock With Your Cricut

A cricut is a cutting machine that is able to cut many different types of materials. In addition to cutting, it is also able to score. The cricut machine can use one of two different attachments to score cardstock – the scoring stylus or the scoring wheel.

Both tools will allow you to score cardstock for folding. The main difference between them is that the scoring wheel gives you two different tips. One is for lighter materials, i.e., regular paper and cardstock, and the second one is for even thicker paper, like posterboard. The scoring wheel also allows for adjustable pressure, so it is a much more powerful tool.

On the other hand, the scoring stylus will provide more precise scoring lines because it draws lines in single strokes. The scoring wheel is driven by an adaptive tool system and therefore will have some overlapping in the lines. This holds true for regular paper and mid-weight cardstock. However, once you start working with thicker cardstock, the scoring wheel will provide smoother scoring lines because it is more powerful.

Once you have decided which attachment to use with your cricut machine, you can use the Cricut Design Space. This is an app which allows you to control the machine and wirelessly score your cardstock. Once you upload your file to Cricut Design Space, you will have to adjust the layer setting which controls cutting and scoring. By default, it is set to cut, so you want to make sure to change that before beginning your project. To do so, you need to first select the layers tab. There, you can identify the scoring thumbnail easily – it is the one with no color and very thin lines. It will say “Cut” since that is the default setting.

Once you have selected the thumbnail icon of the layer you’d like to score, simply go to the Linetype Menu at the top of the screen and switch it from “Cut” to Score”. That’s it. Now you’re ready to score your paper and you just have to click the “Make It” button to start the actual scoring process.

Score Cardstock With a Bone Folder

 

Bone folders are another method with which to score cardstock. A bone folder tool is a traditional book-binding instrument that is rounded at one end and pointed at the other end. It is sometimes made of real bone and is an ideal tool for scoring paper and smoothing edges. To use it as a paper creaser tool, simply take a ruler and place it on the cardstock you would like to score. Run the pointed tip of the bone scorer along the edge of the ruler, pressing down as firmly as you can as you go down the length of the ruler. When finished, simply remove the ruler and your cardstock is ready to be folded.

Since the bone folder is a handheld tool, it is best for smaller projects. If you need to score hundreds of cardstock papers, it can put a lot of strain on your hand when using a manual scoring tool for that long. For bigger projects, the cricut method would probably be your best bet. If you need to make a few thank you cards, the bone folder would probably be the quicker method since you don’t need to pull out the machine and adjust all the settings.

 

Score Cardstock Without a Cricut Or Bone Folder

What if you want to score cardstock but don’t have a cricut machine or a bone folder at home? There’s no need to worry. There are basic household utensils you can use to score cardstock. They will create a nice scoring line without the need for a cardstock scoring tool. Simply open your cutlery drawer and take out your butter knife.

With this method, like with the bone folder, you will need a ruler to hold a straight line as you score the cardstock. Using the smooth edge of the knife (and never the sharp side), press down firmly as you move along the length of the ruler and down the paper. The more pressure you exert, the deeper the score will be.

If your butter knife disappeared in one too many dishwasher cycles, there is another common household item you can use instead. Use the tip of a wooden skewer and with a ruler, do the exact same thing as you would with the butter knife. However, make sure not to press too firmly. The wooden skewer can potentially damage the cardstock if you apply too much pressure.

There are even more DIY methods to score cardstock. You can use a large heavy-duty toothpick, a knitting needle, or a letter opener. There are a multitude of basic at-home items which can be used alongside a ruler in order to score paper. However, from all the household tools mentioned above, the most popular yet precise tool amongst users has been the butter knife.

Which Way To Fold Scored Cardstock

Now that you have scored your cardstock, it is time to fold it. You might think that the actual folding is self-explanatory, especially once the scored line is already there, but that is not the case. You want to make sure to fold it correctly in order to ensure the smooth clean finished look you desire.

A score line creates two distinct sides on a piece of cardstock paper. One side of the cardstock will have an indentation, while the other side will have a raised line. So which direction should you fold the paper – into the indentation or into the raised side? When you score cardstock, you are essentially stretching the fibers of the paper. Therefore, you want to fold away from the score line. In other terms, you should be folding the cardstock into the raised side and the indentation of the scored line should be on the outside of the card. An easy trick to remember this is that the mountain should be in the middle.

What happens if you do it the opposite way? Since the fibers of the cardstock are stretched when scored, if you fold into the score line, you are going against the stretch and can cause cracking in the paper. That’s the last thing you want after putting in all that effort to score your cardstock, so it’s important to remember the correct way to fold it. Now that you know how to score cardstock and how to fold it, you can get working on your crafting projects like a true Pinterest-worthy professional.

How To Age Paper and Cardstock

Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate the happy occasions. Whether it is a birthday, a graduation, Valentine’s day, a job promotion, or just a really productive day, there is reason to acknowledge the event and applaud the occasion. What better way to do so than with something personal and heartfelt? A handmade card shows just the right amount of personal touch; and if you take a bit of extra time and age the paper first, you will create something so unique and special.

But special occasions are not the only reason you may want to artificially age paper. You may want to make paper look old for an arts and crafts project in history class. You may want to show your kids what something from the olden days would look like. You may even want to create old fashioned invitations for a themed party. Whatever the reason may be, ageing paper can be a very cool technique to use and can come in handy more often than you would think.

There are many techniques that can be used to make weathered paper. Before you begin, choose the type of paper you would like to use. You can stress cardstock and you can age regular printer paper too. Keep in mind that the thicker the paper, the longer it will take to stain. That is not a bad thing; thicker paper is more durable and will withstand a stronger staining and not be as delicate. The look you want for your end result is entirely up to you.

Once you have chosen your paper, you need to write, print, or decorate it with whatever you plan for it to say. After staining, the paper is uneven and does not withstand writing or coloring that well, so it is best to do all of that first and leave the aging for the last step. After you have chosen your paper and decorated it, you are ready to begin the ageing process. There are many techniques you can utilize. If you really want to lean into the old-fashioned look, begin by carefully crumbling up your paper and then opening it back up. This will add to the distressed look.

Aging Paper With Tea

Tea is not just for rainy afternoons in London. You can make aged paper with tea. Place a sheet of paper onto a baking sheet or any type of tray that has a rim to prevent spillage. Boil up a small pot of water and fill a mug with the boiled water. The amount of tea bags you need will depend on how many papers you would like to stain. Generally, one tea bag is good for one paper, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the paper.

The more you let the tea bags steep, the darker your tea will be, so don’t rush the tea making process. Once you have your tea prepared, you can either use a sponge brush or the tea bag itself to begin the staining process. When using a sponge brush, simply dip the brush into the tea and start painting the paper. Don’t worry about painting evenly. Pages never age evenly so an uneven look will just add to its authenticity. If you are using a tea bag, simply dab the tea bag over the paper until you see the desired amount of color transfer onto it.

Once you are done coloring the paper, it is important to put weights along the edges of the paper to hold it down while it dries. If there is nothing holding the paper down, it will crumble and warp as it dries. Another easy method to prevent warping is to place a few sheets of paper towel over the wet paper and then a book or two on top of the paper towel. That will provide plenty of weight, ensuring the paper dries and maintains its integrity.

Aging Paper With Coffee

Not all of us are tea drinkers, so what if you don’t have tea bags in the house? Not to worry, you don’t need to run to the grocery store. You can also artificially age paper with another common household item – coffee grounds. To age paper with coffee, begin by brewing the coffee. Again, remember to allow the coffee to brew so that it is strong. The stronger the coffee, the darker the stain will be. The actual staining process can be done in a few different ways.

Once you have your paper prepared on a rimmed baking tray, you can use a paint brush to stain the paper just like you would do with the tea. Alternatively, you can mimic the tea bag technique by placing coffee grounds onto the center of a paper towel sheet. Twist the paper towel around the coffee and use a rubber band or twist tie to hold it in place. Then simply dip the self-made coffee pouch into boiling water and dab it onto your paper to begin staining.

If you would like an even darker stain, simply pour the coffee over the entire paper until the paper becomes completely submerged in the coffee. Let it soak for about five minutes and then very carefully, lift the paper by its edges and place it onto a surface to dry. For faster drying, you can either use a blow dryer or put the paper in the oven for five minutes at 200 degrees. You can use this fast-drying technique for the tea aging process as well.

Aging Paper With Vinegar

If you have time to prepare, you can age paper naturally with vinegar. All you need to do is pour some vinegar into a jar and add steel wool to it. Make sure not to close the lid too tightly – the chemical reaction that occurs needs room to breathe and you don’t want any explosions.

Allow the jar to sit for a few days, or until the steel wool fully dissolves. Then simply soak the paper with the solution to achieve your desired stain effect. This method is also the fastest drying one.

Aging Paper With Lemon Juice

One last method you can use to stain your paper is with another very common household item – lemon juice. Begin by carefully tearing off the edges of your paper and then brushing lemon juice in broad strokes over the entire paper. Use just a touch of water to wet the torn edges of the paper. Very carefully, hold the paper over an exposed heat source and it will begin to brown. The longer you expose the paper to the flame, the darker it will become. The wet edges will prevent the paper from burning too much.

As you can see from the techniques listed above, there is no best way to age paper or cardstock. There are various methods, both artificial and natural, and it really is entirely up to you which one you prefer. Each technique creates a slightly different end result, so if you really want to have fun, you can experiment with all four and choose your favorite.