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Blue Cardstock Paper Guide

Choosing The Right Shade of Blue

Blue is a color that evokes calm, peace and serenity. It makes us feel confident and secure, and we tend to trust people more when they’re wearing the color blue as it exudes honesty and reliability.

As a natural color occurring in nature, many people look at the ocean and the sky for inspiration and to feel tranquility. Blue promotes relaxation and seeks to find order and direction amongst chaos. It is a friendly color you can depend on.

From baby blues to ice blue and everything in between, there isn’t a one ‘blue’ which fits every project. Different blues have different hues and saturations, some closer to green and some with red more predominant. We offer cardstock in a few distinct shades of blue, and we’ve created this guide to help you choose just the right color for your project.

 Blast-Off Blue Celestial Blue Lunar Blue

Celestial Blue True to its name, Celestial Blue is ethereal in nature and belonging to the heavens. On the spectrum of blue, it falls somewhere in the middle close to indigo and can be used for a large variety of purposes requiring the color blue, paired with lighter blue color. It is a great color to use for Hanukkah decorations.

Lunar Blue is a medium light shade of cyan and is situated somewhere between green and blue. It is close to aqua and brings a feeling of brightness and happiness, like the deep blue of the sky or ocean. You might use this in a project where nature is represented, and for decorations and cards when welcoming a new baby boy.

Blast – Off Blue Blast Off Blue is mostly blue with little relation to green, coming off as a cool color. It is moderately close in color to sapphire, and it really packs a punch. Blast Off Blue is deep where other blues are not. It brings to mind blueberry pie and lazy BBQ’s on the 4th of July.

For A Baby Boy

You’ve welcomed a new baby boy into your home. Now it’s time to send out baby boy shower invitations, and start deciding on a menu, the guest list and of course baby boy decorations for the party.

Lunar Blue is the perfect color palette to start with, and the large selection of cardstock can help you make baby shower decorations, cards, and invites. The cardstock is printer friendly with inkjet and most printers, and we also carry cards and envelopes in various blue shades.

Cardstock is great for paper chains and other decorations and can be used as a poster board for baby well wishes or formed into photos hanging on a clothesline. There are so many cute and festive things you can do with blue cardstock paper, from making “It’s a Boy!” sign with each letter printed on a different paper and cut with a design, to making all sorts of decorated hanging crafts and decorations.

You can even use this for your gender reveal party! Cute little blue and pink feet and baby carriages strung up as people eagerly beg the question, is it a boy? Is it a girl? As you shop for just the right shade of blue paper, only you will know the answer to that question.

For 4th Of July – Independence Day

You could say someone is as American as… blueberry pie. Why has America become associated with blueberry pie, you want to know? Who cares, it’s delicious! As you prepare for the 4th months in advance in anticipation of summer and of course America’s independence, don’t forget the biggest part of the party.

Kids love to make 4th of July crafts, from patriotic wreaths and hanging basking, to cut out red, white and blue stars, to finger painted flags. Be sure to have something for everyone. You might even cut out stars and use them as stencils or decorate the empty space on the page into beautiful fourth of July cards you’ll want to take home with you. While the adults are enjoying ice cold beer and BBQ like the good ole American way, the kids will be happy being entertained by arts and crafts and fun activities to keep them busy.

Make your own bingo boards in various shades of blue with cutout reds and whites as pieces. Kids can win fun prizes like ice cream or a lovely keepsake that they can take home with them. Some other fun activities for kids involve printed 4th of July coloring pages or making your own backyard carnival.

From BBQ’s to backyard campouts, 4th of July wouldn’t be complete without the perfect touch of Blast Off blue.

For Hanukkah

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Jews celebrate Hanukkah in December and that means 8 nights of parties.

Make your Hanukkah decorations this year with Celestial Blue cardstock paper. Paper dreidels, Stars of David and hanging Menorahs all need the support of some good sturdy cardstock. First, start with something for your front door to greet the guests as they arrive for the festivities. 3D dreidels in various shades of blue hanging on blue ribbon is sure to do it.

A Hanukkah paper wreath is another great decoration to bring that Hanukkah cheer into your home.

Kids expect nothing less than a present every night. Enjoy activities with your kids and make crafts together. Each person will have their very own Jewish star “pocket” hanging on the wall where they can delight in finding new gifts every Hanukkah night. Take two pieces of cardstock paper, cut them into stars and sew or glue the bottom half of two stars together leaving an opening at the top as a pocket. What a delight the kids will have.

There are some beautiful DIY Hanukkah card ideas to make and send to family and friends, or even to give to your family at home. With cardstock you can cut out the shape of a Menorah, dreidel or other Hanukkah symbol and glue another color behind the empty space, or you can overlay colorful cutout candles onto a cardstock. Whether you choose to make a more complicated 3D popup card, or a simple and easy cutout dreidel design with your child’s face on it, someone will have the warm and fuzzies when they get your delightful homemade card made with heart.

Looking For Blue Cardstock?

Whatever the occasion whichever day of the year, when you need blue cardstock, we’ll be here. From warm serene blues to pack-a-punch blue to something quite in between, we understand the need to keep looking until you find the right color.

We are experts in the fine art of crafts and understand the distinction between the many closely related shades of blue. It is no wonder that discerning people can look at a fine project and immediately call to mind the blue color or one that it closely resembles, and as a color aficionado you know that periwinkle is blue not purple, and that cyan is a color and not a hot pepper.

With that, we trust you to browse Fine Cardstock to find the right shade of blue, as there are many, and have fun crafting!

Blast-Off Blue Celestial Blue Lunar Blue

 

How To Harden Paper & Cardstock

There are many reasons why you might want to harden paper or cardstock. Maybe you enjoy making your own board games and pieces and need a way to make the cards hard. Or perhaps you’re into cosplay (that’s costume play for you novices) and want to make a really cool paper helmet but need it to be hard enough to rough around in. You might be really into arts n crafts and making your own hard paper canvas for spray paint art, or crafting beautiful paper beads which have been around for centuries. Whether you need to make paper hard for anime paper figurines or action figures and papercraft or you are creating an intricate 3D diorama, you’ll need paper that is really hard, strong like plastic.

Here we will discuss a few tried and true methods on how to stiffen paper and achieve the results you are looking for.

Using Decoupage Glue

One of the staples in any crafter’s basket is Mod Podge, a type of decoupage glue. Decoupage glue or paste is a good option and can work for some of the projects you need. Here is one way to use decoupage to harden your paper.

Take a cardstock paper. Use push pins at each corner to secure it down to a hard surface, like a cork board. You will first want to spray the paper with heavy spray starch, the kind you use for laundry. This way it will be extra hard. After spraying the heavy spray starch, wait 30 minutes then turn the paper over and spray it on the other side. Wait another 30 minutes and then apply the decoupage to one side of the paper. You can apply it with a brush or sponge. Let it dry for 1 hour, then turn it over and apply the decoupage to the other side. Let it dry for another hour, and then compress between two heavy objects or bucks like cookbooks for 24 hours to make sure it doesn’t wrinkle. Now your cardstock is hard and glossy, and ready to use for your craft.

Using Acrylic Varnish

A great way to harden cardstock or paper that has already been formed into a paper craft is with acrylic varnish. The best medium to use is spray varnish, which is quick-drying and waterproof and will protect your craft. It will also help to get into any hard-to-reach spaces which liquid varnish could not get to. Buy the acrylic varnish of your choice and follow the instructions on the bottle. The best way to do it is to spray your craft with a few coats and then let dry for 30 minutes. If you need to spray it again go ahead and do so liberally. The great thing about spray acrylic varnish is it will not make your craft ink run whereas other liquid methods might cause the ink to run.

Spray Starch

Stiffening paper with spray starch is a good idea because it is an item that you probably already have in your house if you use starch in your laundry. You can use liquid starch using a paint brush or sponge or you can use a spray version if you have that on hand. To stiffen cardstock with spray starch simply coat the paper on one side then flip it over and do the other side. The thing about spray starch is it only gives a light to medium hardness which is good for crafts that don’t need to be so stiff.

Minwax Wood Hardener

Minwax wood hardener is a spray used to reinforce rotting wood. You can use this to make paper really hard like wood or plastic. But be warned, this product needs to be used in a well ventilated area and with a mask as it is dangerous to breathe in. You can also use other types of wood hardeners or glue. Just brush it onto the paper and let it dry.

Fibreglass Resin

A great way to get the look and hardness of plastic is by using fiberglass resin. Considering that fiberglass resin is used in the manufacturing of cars, boats and even shower stalls it should tell you how hard this substance really is. You can find this product online, and all it takes is a few coats of the resin to harden the paper considerably. The good thing about it is that it is easily brushable and slow drying so you can apply a few coats at once. It will make the paper as hard as plastic.

PVA Primer

PVA primer is used to seal holes in drywell and protect it from moisture. Using a PVA primer is a great way to harden paper. If you are using the liquid version, thin it out first with some water, otherwise you can use it in spray form. It gives the paper a protective shield and makes it extremely hard. Don’t use too many coats otherwise the paper will be wet and wrinkly.

Textile Hardener

Powertex is a brand of textile hardener that is used to stiffen materials used in sculpting, such as paper, fabric, cardboard, leather, and fiberglass. Simply coat the paper or papercraft in Powertex and let it dry. Do note that Powertex comes in a black/brown color which may not work for what you are doing. There is a clear version which is not weatherproof.

Wood Glue

Wood glue is something you may already have in your tool chest. Dilute the glue with water and apply to paper or cardstock. You can create the shape or design that you want while the paper is still wet, then let it set and dry. Once it is dry you can apply a few more coats to make it extra hard.

Regular School Glue

The best thing about school glue is that it is something almost everyone already has in their home. You’ll want to create a mixture that is part glue and part water. For stiffer paper use more glue and less water, and for more pliable paper use less glue and more water. You can use a paintbrush to apply as many coats as you need, and more once it dries if it is not stiff enough.

Glutinous Wheat Paste

Similar to glue, you can make your own homemade gluten paste. You’ll need 2 cups of water, 4 tablespoons of flour, a pinch of salt, a saucepan, wire whisk and a craft brush. Bring the water to a boil in the saucepan on the stove and add the salt. Bring down to medium heat and add the flour a little at a time whisking well. Once all the flour is added you’ll begin to see a gel like substance forming. Remove from heat and let cool. It should be thick like pudding. Once cool, if it’s too thick add water, otherwise you can shape your paper into whatever you like and then apply the paste. The paper will be too hard to work with after the paste has dried. Let dry 2-4 hours and apply more coats as needed.

Most of the items listed here can be found in your local hardware or craft store if you don’t already have them in your house, and of course can be purchased online as well. And for the best quality paper and cardstock for all your crafting needs, look no further than our selection right here on Fine Card Stock website.

Happy crafting!

Award Certificate Paper Guide

The thrill of bringing home an award or certificate does not dull as you get older, in fact it may even increase. As a kid, everyone is always a winner, and everyone gets an award for one achievement or another. But as an adult or a person in the workforce for many years, receiving a certificate of appreciation or certificate of achievement means so much more, because you know that you earned it. A college student receiving a diploma for the first time is filled with pride and elation at what they have accomplished in four years. Presenting a certificate of merit to someone who has made significant contributions to their institution is a wonderful way to show them that their work has not gone unnoticed. These awards are kept and displayed for years to come, as a reminder of hard work and achievements.

Choosing the right paper to print your awards and certificates on is the difference between someone keeping and treasuring their awards in beautiful frames, versus throwing them away as something unwanted and cheaply made.

People don’t know how much work and thought goes into preparing awards, from selecting the perfect wording and font to the paper that is used. It is important to choose the right paper and paper weight, as the quality of the paper makes all the difference. When the recipient is proudly standing on stage accepting their award bearing your institution’s seal or logo, make sure they have something they can be proud of.

Choosing The Best Award Certificate Paper

Blank certificate paper is perfect for creating Certificates of Recognition to present to teachers, students, employees, and others that you want to acknowledge. A little goes a long way, and everyone would appreciate a high-quality certificate or award that they can show off with pride. Give them to your coworkers to let them know you value their hard work, present them to your volunteers for showing up and helping out, or your community members for stepping up when it is needed.

The type of certificate you are creating will determine the certificate paper type you will need. Most certificates are printed on 8.5 x 11 size paper, but some other popular sizes are 8.5 x 14, 11 x 17, and 11 x 14. The standard certificate orientation is landscape, but if you have a template that is in portrait be sure to get the right size to fit the template.

Paper weight is another big consideration. Most consumer laser printers can handle up to 80-100 lb paper weight. While 24lb is great for more informal awards and can be produced in large quantities to have on hand, for printing formal certificates and diplomas that have that quality feel, 80lb paper is the right “weight” to go. Most weights work well with both laser and inkjet printers

When it comes to the best color for certificates, most awards, diplomas and certificates are printed on neutral tone color paper or light pastels, which brings the focus to the text. Shades of whites, creams and light browns are most popular, and for added luster and richness choose gold or silver metallic paper.

Parchment Certificate Paper

Parchment paper is a great choice for certificates and awards and gives off an aged and formal air while being easy to work with. The 24lb printable parchment paper comes in 7 neutral tones and smooth paper finish, with the texture and feel of historical documents that will leave your certificates looking and feeling authentic. You cannot go wrong using parchment paper for certificates, as the unique mottled appearance of the paper will create an important looking award. The paper is easily compatible with laser and inkjet printers, and even typewriters for those who want to go the extra mile for authenticity. Parchment paper also creates a naturally blank background, that is easy to print text and graphics on, that stand out.

Business or educational awards work perfectly with the 24lb weight parchment paper and will work with any template you choose. Parchment paper certificates fit easily into frames or jacket holders for the most formal awards ceremonies. Prepare your many awards and certificates with parchment paper for the best-looking certificates.

Opposite parchment paper we have a beautiful linen cardstock paper in 80lb weight. The benefit of the heavier weight paper is it works well for more formal achievements like graduation diplomas or executive awards. The soft, cloth-like feel and texture captures the feel of real linen and will have your certificates standing out as elegant and sophisticated. It is an excellent choice when you really want to impress those who deserve recognition.

8.5 x 11 Parchment 8.5 x 14 Parchment 11 x 17 Parchment

 

Foil Certificate Paper

Upgrade your awards ceremony with the luster and shine that the gold foil certificate paper adds and celebrate achievements in style. Even the names of the paper are dazzling, in Ice Gold, Lustre, and Gold Leaf metallic paper that will turn your ordinary paper awards into glamorous keepsakes worth taking home and hanging on display.

The heavyweight 80lb cover stock is a sturdy and impressive paper that the recipients of your awards will be proud to receive. They can be framed or displayed on a mantle or shelf and will last for years, as the conveniently acid-free and lignin-free materials will prevent the prestigious awards from turning yellow and brittle over time. The 80lb metallic cardstock is easy to print on and is also compatible with most printers. Starting at 25 sheets per pack up to 3000 sheets, make sure you leave no one out and check your list twice to ensure that everyone is acknowledged properly.

There are so many ways to give brilliant and beautiful awards, but the metallic foil paper is that extra bit nicer and more exciting to receive. And when giving awards, acknowledgements, or diplomas, don’t you want to go with the best? After all, it is not just the person receiving it who matters, but your reputation as well. Be sure to stand out with the best quality paper and the finest most sophisticated awards.

8.5 x 11 Curious Metallics 11 x 17 Curious Metallics 12 x 18 Curious Metallics

 

Certificate Paper Weight

When it comes to certificate printing paper weight, no two are created equal. You want to make sure to get the right paper weight for your certificates and to be sure they will work with your printer. There are a few common weights when it comes to paper used for certificates. The 24lb paper like the parchment paper featured above is a lighter weight paper that is perfect for certificates and other achievement awards. 24lb prints very well and has the right substance to withstand being handled, and it stands out nicely. It is also made for easy embossing. It is great to use for things like student awards, employee of the month, star student awards, or other awards and acknowledgments that people will appreciate.

The 80lb paper like the metallic and linen that we discussed is a heavier paper and is better for diplomas and other more prestigious awards that can be framed or stand on their own. Beyond 80lb is 100lb and even higher, and as the weight increases so does the paper thickness. If you choose a paper weight that is too thick it can cause paper jams or damage your printer. The great thing about the 80lb paper thickness is that it will support any raised or embossed text or seals that you apply and will not show through on the other side. It is also a great option for calligraphy that will not bleed on the paper.

The paper weight, size, color, and style that you choose says a lot about the importance of the certificate you are presenting. So choose wisely.

DIY Valentines Cards

Love is in the air! With Valentine’s day fast approaching, start making your list of everyone you want to send a Valentine’s day card to. Whether you love this day and look forward to it every year or think it’s a made up holiday created to get people to buy more stuff, sending homemade Valentine cards is sweet and will brighten someone’s day. Show your loved ones you care by making a handmade DIY Valentines day card.

You can make cards for your spouse, your best girlfriends, or even your kids. If you’re a teacher, it’s nice to make them for your students, or make cards with your kids to pass out to their classmates at school. There are so many card ideas that are so simple to make and look so nice. And, if you want to get craftier, there are some more difficult and elegant cards. The main thing you will need is card stock or paper, and we’ve got lots of it! Check out our assortment of red paper and red cardstock, use white or cream cardstock for the base of all your cards, and of course, pink paper and pink cardstock for the fine hearts you’ll be needing.

How To Make A Valentines Card

There are many cute homemade valentine cards ideas that are simple and easy for kids to make. For one, you have the thumbprint hearts card. Use a sheet of white cardstock paper, cut in half lengthwise. Fold it in half to form the card. Next, using red and pink finger paint or ink pads, press your little one’s thumb into the first color, and press it into the paper at an angle. Next, overlap it with another thumbprint pointing in the opposite direction to form a heart. Do this multiple times over the card, in both colors. You can even make the hearts in a row to create a “love bug” caterpillar. Or draw lines under the hearts to make them look like balloons. Next, using a black felt tip pen or marker, write your message on the bottom of the card. “Happy Valentine’s day”, or “Glad that you’re mine”. Put it in an envelope and give it to your love! You can even write something personal inside the card.

Another great idea for kids is the Folding Hearts Card. It is so simple to make. Take a sheet of paper in a lighter weight, size 8 ½ by 11, in any color or with a pattern. On the white side of the paper, cut out a big heart. You can do this by folding the paper down the middle and cutting half a heart. Color or write anything you want on the heart. Then, turn the heart upside down so the point is facing upwards. With the pattern side down (and the message facing up), fold both sides of the heart towards the center. Next, fold the top of the heart (now on the bottom, the part with the curves) up to the center. Lastly, fold down the tip, which now forms the flap of your envelope. Close it with a pretty sticker or patterned tape. Give it to someone special, who will open the envelope that turns into the card!

Pop-Up Valentine Cards

If you want a more intricate card idea, try this Popup flower card made out of hearts. You’ll need two colors of card stock paper, preferably red and pink, and one for the card itself, cream works nice. For these DIY pop up Valentine cards, you can use a heart puncher if you have one, or just cut out your own hearts using the red and pink papers. To get the perfect heart, you can use small squares of paper, and fold them in half then cut half a heart. Once you have one done, it’s easy to trace it to make the rest. You’ll need around 8, or more if you want. Once you have all your cut hearts folded in half, start arranging them on the cream cardstock to form the 3D pop up heart. Using glue or double sided tape, secure one half of your first heart on the paper, with the tip facing inwards. Then glue the next heart right under the unsecured flap of the first heart, and keep going around in a circle until they are all glued down. They will pop out to look like a beautiful flower. Follow the tutorial here.

Better Homes & Garden offers free templates to make your own popup “I Love You”, Accordion Hearts, and a Heart Wreath.

Kids can make these fun Kissing Hand Popup Cards from Buggy and Buddy. Fold a piece of lightweight paper in half. Help your kid trace their hand starting from the folded edge. Cut out the hand, being sure not to cut the folded edge. When you open it up, you’ll have two hands facing each other. Write your message on the top half. Next, cut a small strip of construction paper (pink) and fold it into an accordion. Cut a small heart (red) and glue it to one end of the accordion. Glue the other end onto the bottom hand of the card. Now, when you open the folded hand, the heart will pop out! A great card to slip into your kid’s lunches to remind them how much they are loved.

What To Include In A Valentine’s Day Card

You can make a great gift for your boyfriend or girlfriend using these fun and clever Love Coupons. Maybe you don’t want to buy a gift this year, but you still want your partner to know that they are loved. Use this easy template to print the coupons on 8.5×11 cardstock paper, in any color or pattern. You’ll also need 8 size A2 envelopes, preferably in red. Print the coupons out on two pages, and cut each into four coupons. The coupons include things like, Cuddle, Dinner and a Movie, Hug and a kiss, perfect for him or her. Every couple’s goals. You can also create your own coupons. Next, follow the instructions to glue the envelopes together to create a chain. Put the coupons inside, fold it like an accordion and tie it with a ribbon if desired.

There are some neat ideas for classmates and cards to make for school.

For an edible Valentine’s card to send with your kid to school or to make with your students, make these Lollipop Butterflies. Use the template to cut out the butterfly shape. You can print it with a laser printer on red or pink cardstock. Cut two small slits in the center to stick the lollipop through. Write sweet messages on the edges of the card. Give it to your friends and enjoy!

Or use this cute and easy “Color My World” template from Better Homes & Garden for kids to color and stick on top of a bag of crayons. They can give them out to friends.

There are so many great ideas for beautiful cards, like this Bouquet of Hearts that adults and kids can make, or this Hearts in a Jar that is the cutest thing, using a mason jar template filled with lots of little hearts that pop off the page in a 3D effect. Or make this brilliant card by painting on cardstock paper, and using different sized heart shaped cookie cutters as stencils, dip them in contrasting color paint and stamp on the paper. For something more fun, try this Woven Heart Basket and fill it with your favorite candy.

Whichever card you make, simple or complicated, the message to your loved ones is the same: you are loved, today and every day.

And leave them with a homemade Valentine’s Day card that they can’t help but treasure forever.

DIY Greeting Cards Guide

The holidays are officially here. Christmas season is upon us and with that, all the hope and excitement for a happy new year. All that warmth and fuzziness begs to be shared with family and friends. What better way to do so than with some homemade greeting cards. Store bought cards can feel generic and not that thoughtful, whereas handmade greeting cards convey a personal touch that warms the soul.

Many people hear the term, “DIY”, and immediately think it’s too much work. We’re here to knock that assumption out of the water. Making your own greeting cards is easy and fun.

For the first step, you need to choose which type of card you want to work with. There are three main options to choose from. You can use a blank foldover card, a blank colored holiday card, or you can even make your own card using cardstock. For blank foldover cards, you can pick the paper size, the paper weight, and the paper finish. For blank holiday cards, you get the same array of choices, along with vibrant holiday colors.

Lastly, when it comes to making your own cards using cardstock, the possibilities are endless. A general rule to follow is to pay attention to the paper weight, i.e., the cardstock thickness. As the paper gets heavier, it is less likely that your home printer will be compatible with it.

Once you’ve chosen your preferred card of choice, it’s time to get to work on that homemade creation. We’ve made the work easier for you with some handmade card ideas:

DIY Christmas Cards

‘Tis the season of joy, merriment, and making Christmas cards. Spread the cheer with a unique greeting card that is personal yet elegant.

Let’s make this card using the Holiday Christmas Colored Cardstock.

  1. Take a red cardstock paper and fold it in half so that it opens like a book. There, you made your own handmade Christmas card. We’re just kidding around, but step one really is the most important step.
  2. Now that you made your card, it’s time to decorate. Take a sheet of white cardstock paper and cut it in half. Then fold it over on the diagonal and cut off the excess paper so it makes a perfect square. Fold the square in half and then fold it in half again.
  3. With a scissor, start cutting out miniature triangles. When finished, you can open up the folded square to reveal a festive snowflake. Glue the snowflake so that it’s centered on the outside of the card. It will create a beautiful latticework effect.
  4. Then you can take the green cardstock paper and trace and cut out a Christmas Tree. Glue that tree starting at the bottom of the card and reaching over the snowflake.
  5. The decorating is done and the writing can begin. Either on the Christmas tree itself or right below it, you can write in script, “Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas, or whichever well-wish you prefer.
  6. As to what to write inside the card, that’s all you. It can be meaningful, it can be funny, it can be joyful, it can be all those things and more. The message is completely up to you and what you want your homemade Christmas card to say.

DIY Birthday Cards

Holidays are not the only time when you need a greeting card. There are special occasions throughout the year. The biggest and perhaps most anticipated occasions are birthdays. Making it through another year is no simple accomplishment. It deserves celebration and lots of heartfelt wishes. So stop browsing the pharmacy aisle for a random card that will do the trick. Make a handmade birthday card for mom, for dad, for grandma, or for any other loved one in your life.

Let’s make this card using the Blank Foldover Card.

  1. This one comes pre-folded so that crucial first step is already done for you. You’re already halfway there to your very own homemade birthday card.
  2. Using any color cardstock paper you prefer, cut out small balloon shaped circles. You can make as many as you like; it’s up to you how large the balloon bouquet should be.
  3. Once you’ve cut out your balloons, glue them to the top portion of the front of the card.
  4. Cut out tiny little triangles and glue them right side up underneath each balloon.
  5. Using a different color cardstock, cut very thin ribbon-like strips for the balloon strings and attached them underneath the triangles. As you glue down the strings, bring them together so they form one clean bunch towards the bottom of the card.
  6. With a bright colored marker, draw a large bow right above where the balloon strings end. Underneath that, you can write, “Happy Birthday”. This is just one idea for an easy DIY birthday card. Feel free to take as many creative licenses as you like.

DIY Pop Up Cards

But wait, there’s more. Just when you thought we had the homemade greeting card thing all wrapped up, we have one more exciting card making idea. This one is a little more intricate, but the work pays off when you see your 3D creation. These nifty cards work for any and all occasions. You can make a DIY pop up birthday card or a DIY pop up Christmas card. Let’s not forget about Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. There’s always a special occasion for which to make a homemade pop up card.

Let’s start out with the Orchid Pastel Cardstock.

  1. Fold it in half so that it opens like a book.
  2. Then take a sheet of red cardstock paper (lesser thickness preferable for this one) and draw three hearts in a row, each one touching the next. Cut them out in one piece so that the three hearts form one long strip of paper.
  3. Fold each heart in half and open up your card. Line the hearts so that the center of the middle heart fits into the crease of the card. Be sure to do this with the card not fully open so that you leave space for the pop-up effect. If you stretch out the hearts all the way flat, there will be no room for them to pop up.
  4. Then, glue the outermost side of the right heart onto the right side of the card. Again, don’t pull it too close to the edge of the card or there won’t be excess paper to pop up.
  5. Do the same on the opposite side, gluing half of the left heart to the left side of the card. It can take a few tries to get it to line up properly so take it easy on the glue until you get the pop up effect you desire. Close the card, open it back up and watch the hearts jump out at you.

This pop out card idea works for your mother, your valentine, or your loved one’s birthday. Depending on which occasion it’s for, you can fill it with whichever wishes are most appropriate. Examples include, “You Make My Heart Flutter”, “I’ll Love You Forever”, and “You’ve Taught Me How to Love”. If hearts are not your thing, you can make the exact same card using flower cutouts instead to create a handmade flower pop up card.

When it comes to making DIY greeting cards, the possibilities are limitless. Have some fun and get creative!

Check out our collection of high quality cardstock for any DIY projects!

Pastel Cardstock Bright Color Cardstock Parchment Cardstock Linen Cardstock

 

Holiday Cards Guide

Holiday Card Messages

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? The holidays are fast approaching, bringing with them much needed doses of cheer and good spirits. This year, more than ever before, is a time to wish your friends and loved ones a Happy Holiday! And what better way to do that then with a handwritten or handmade card?

Paper greeting cards may be old fashioned, but there’s a reason they are still favored over ecards any day of the year. Millennials have even jumped on the bandwagon, abandoning their devices to keep in touch with people through paper cards. There’s something special about getting a card in the mail and holding it in your hands that you just can’t get from an email greeting. There is something emotional and sentimental about picking out or creating your own beautifully crafted cards that will take over someone’s mantle as a treasured keepsake.

Think about that as you design your card.

What is the best Christmas card message to include? It depends on your audience. There are many Christmas card wishes you can open the card with, for instance: “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Holidays!”, or the classic “Seasons Greetings!”

There are also more Corporate themed Happy Holidays card messages that are formal or professional. You can thank you clients for all their support, and wish them success in their business for the upcoming year.

You may have many things to write in a Christmas card, but keep it short. Remember, this is not a family newsletter. You can include a religious quote or bible verse for people who celebrate their faith. Cheerful or festive quotes can help spread the holiday joy.

Make sure to sign your card, and for close family and friends to use a warm closing, such as “Merry Christmas with love and light, Fondly,” {your name}. For co-workers and business associates, a nice “Happy Holidays and Tidings of Joy! From, Your associates at {company name here}.

Funny Christmas card messages are a great way to bring laughter to your close friends and family. Puns and inside jokes work great here. Be sure to know your audience so as not to offend them. Some funny messages:

“Christmas is cancelled. Apparently, you told Santa you have been good this year…he died laughing.”

“I put so much thought into your gift that it’s now too late to get it. Merry Christmas anyways!”

“Christmas is mostly for children. But we adults can enjoy it too, until the credit card bills arrive.”

Who Should You Send Holiday Cards to?

Now that you got your greetings down pat, you need to decide who to send Christmas cards to. You don’t want to leave anyone important off the list, and risk insulting them.

First, family. Mom and Dad may be obvious, and even your grandparents. But what about distant aunts or uncles, cousins or adopted family who are too far away to join the family in person? Think about sending to people who are alone during the holidays, and who would appreciate getting a personal card from you. And what about your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend and kids? Cards don’t have to go far, and don’t forget the people you love who live right at home with you.

Speaking of home, let’s not forget the soldiers who can’t be at home with their families this holiday. The United Soldiers and Sailors of America (USASOA) runs an “Operation Christmas Cards For Our Troops” every year. You can send messages of peace and goodwill, and “Thank you for your service” cards. They will be delivered to our soldiers stationed all over the world this holiday.

Your friends are not to be left out, and even if you talk to them on the phone every day, they would be delighted to receive a personal gesture from you in the mail. You can also send holiday cards to coworkers or hand deliver them in their office mailbox. And don’t forget your children’s teachers who work so hard and deserve a nice card (with a check!) letting them know how much they are appreciated.

Holiday Card Designs

Fun fact: the average number of cards sent by households each year: 68. Number of cards received: up to 150. Make yours stand out.

We offer a large selection of beautiful Christmas card designs, and a line of premium quality holiday and New Year folding cards with envelopes in a variety of designs and colors in 3 sizes: 4 1/4″ X 5.5″, 4.5″ x 6″, 5″ X 7″. Each card is printed on premium quality 80lb thick white card stock, scored on the middle for easy and neat folding. We also carry festive green and red greeting cards with envelopes which are perfect to print your holiday messages on. All our cards are inkjet and laser printer compatible for easy and hassle-free printing. The blank interior has enough space to include your heartfelt and personal holiday message.

The benefits of minimal holiday cards design is that you can send a lot of them and create them in bulk, without the hassle of worrying about and putting too much thought into each one. These are great if you have a large number of people to send to, especially corporate and business associates. You can print a large number of cards and personalize them with a name or signature, and do them in batches. Our top-quality cardstock will create superior cards with images that are vibrant, pure and clean so all you have to worry about is the message you write inside.

DIY Holiday Cards

For those of you who are more crafty and creative, we offer a guide to DIY Christmas cards. We have a new product just in time for the holidays! Our limited Christmas Edition 8.5”x11” Holiday Christmas Colored Card Stock in 65lb weight comes with 25 Red, 25 Green and 50 White cardstock, perfect for creating your own homemade Christmas cards. You can also buy the colors separately in different sizes, weights and finishes, depending on your needs. The bold vibrant colors will make your design pop, and the cardstock is acid and lignin free to prevent fading.

With scissors, glue and a paper hole puncher, you are well on your way to creating beautiful handmade Christmas cards.

The benefits of making Christmas cards is that you get to express yourself creatively, and send something special that you made to someone special in your life. These handmade cards will be treasured for a long time. Designs include Christmas lights, Christmas trees, ornaments, stockings, Santa Claus, snowmen, presents or striped candy canes. Making your own cards doesn’t have to be hard. There are endless possibilities and lots of DIY tutorials online. You can upgrade your cards using ribbon, a die cutting machine, stamps, stencils, and lots of other stuff you can buy or may already have in the house. You can also use household objects to trace shapes if you don’t have a die cutting machine. Homemade cards are so much fun to make, and you can involve the whole family!

Whatever design you choose, Fine Cardstock high quality paper will hold up well. It is durable and can take all the glue you can throw at it. We have the cardstock you need to create the holiday cards you want.

Remember to send your holiday cards out early to ensure your recipients receive them before Christmas. It is recommended to send them out no later than the first week in December.

Happy cardmaking and Happy Holidays!

DIY Baby Shower Invitations

Your bundle of joy is almost here, and a baby shower is one of the most memorable pregnancy events you’ll take part in.

But, much like welcoming your baby into the world, it’s a good idea to get things off on the right foot. And where your baby shower is concerned, that means getting the right baby shower invitation sent out.

The good news? There are tons of ways you can DIY an adorable baby shower invite. Here are some ideas and how to do your invitations the right way.

Why Make Your Own Baby Shower Invitations?

First, it’s worthwhile to consider why you should make your own baby shower invitations. After all, with the baby arriving soon and everything in a flurry, it can seem like just one more thing to worry about.

And yes, it is another thing to think about. But it’s also a worthwhile way to spend your time, especially in preparation for a baby shower.

Invitations, like the rest of the baby shower, are steeped in tradition. In fact, an invitation holds an important role in the baby shower tradition. The invitation is the first time your guests will hear of the shower, so it’s the ideal opportunity to set expectations for the shower. In many ways, the invitation is a reflection of the shower that is to come, and making your own invitations can ensure you send the right message for that purpose.

But more than that, you’re inviting your loved ones to help you welcome your little one into the world. And there’s no better way to do that than a handmade baby shower invitation.

Things to Think About Before You Begin

Sound like the right fit? If so, don’t break out your paper and scissors quite yet. There are a few things to keep in mind first.

First of all, think about the kind of baby shower you’re hosting–and make sure to talk with your baby shower hostess about it. Are you going for something cute and sweet, like a Peter Rabbit-themed baby shower? Are you celebrating your love of books and building out baby’s library with a book-themed baby shower? Are you going for something classic in pink or blue? Are you looking for more of a modern, refined party?

Remember, your invitation sets the theme for the whole baby shower, so knowing what your theme is will make it easier to create the right invitation to match it.

From there, don’t be afraid to get creative! Think about what you want to see represented in your invitation and what you want to be communicated (beyond the date and location, of course). How fancy is the baby shower? How casual is it? How formal or informal? All of these things filter through your invitation.

How To Make Your Own Baby Shower Invitations

Once you have your ideas in mind, you’re ready to start thinking about your homemade baby shower invitations (and your diaper party invitations, if you’re covering Dad too!)

First, think about your cardstock for baby shower invitations. Baby shower card stock can be as diverse as the baby shower invitation card, which is why it’s useful to know your theme first. You can keep it classic with pink or blue, especially if this is the first time you’re announcing the baby’s gender, or you can shake things up a bit based on your theme.

Also, there’s no strict rule governing baby shower colors, so if you want a green or gold or red baby shower invitation, go for it! After all, this is a party for you, and your invitations should reflect that.

The one thing to note about diaper party invitations is that they’re usually less cutesy. After all, the diaper party is for Dad and the baby shower is for Mom. As such, you can probably go for a more streamlined, masculine invitation. And don’t forget to ask for Dad’s input on it! After all, this is a 50/50 effort, and your preparations should be a 50/50 effort too, all the way down to the invitations.

DIY Baby Shower Invitations For A Boy

For the sake of simplicity, we’ll keep it classic in talking about DIY invitation ideas, but keep in mind that you can always customize invitations based on what you want.

The classic choice for boys is blue, which means blue cardstock paper. Even then, you have a whole world of baby blues available to you.

For example, if you want something cute and classic, go for a lighter blue, like our Lunar Blue folding greeting cards, and decorate them with something classic. Maybe cute animals, like a blue elephant? Or if you’re loving the night sky theme, you can grab some of our Curious Metallics paper, cut out a moon and stars, and set up your own twinkling night sky.

If you’re looking for something more modern or sophisticated, try a darker blue, like our navy Blast-Off Blue greeting cards. They can also work with a more refined night sky (maybe a Starry Night for the art lovers), but they’re also gorgeous for a sleek nautical theme with a cute sailboat.

DIY Baby Shower Invitations For A Girl

For girls, the classic choice is pink cardstock paper, which is what we’ll focus on here. Again, don’t feel like this is limiting–you’ve got a whole world of colors out there just within the category of pink.

For example, if you want something bright and bold, try our Fireball Fuschia cards and play it up with our Gold Leaf Curious Metallics paper–maybe a glittery moon for a modern starry night theme? Or you can balance it out with a chic, minimalist floral stencil and swooping cursive letters.

If you’re looking for a more classic pink that still pops, try our Pulsar Pink cards and pair them with a floral theme, or maybe some cute animals like little owls. If you’re artistic and want your shower to reflect that, maybe you can print some watercolor flowers on the card.

How Far In Advance Do You Send Out Baby Shower Invitations?

Your baby shower invitations can be just about anything–kind of like your little bundle of joy can grow up to be just about anyone. The only thing your invitations cannot be is impolite.

We mentioned earlier that baby showers are steeped in tradition. That’s also true of invitations, which have a laundry list of rules guiding the proper etiquette. This isn’t to say you’ll be penalized for not having a formally-worded invitation, but it is polite to include specific details on mailed invitations. No matter what, your mailed invitations must include:

  • Who and what (hint: let them know it’s a baby shower!)
  • Date and time
  • Location (include directions and be specific)
  • Food served (if applicable)
  • Where the mom-to-be is registered for gifts (depending on your gift policy)
  • RSVP (call? email? text? return a letter?)

Timing is another part of baby shower etiquette. You should plan to host the shower four to six weeks before your due date (so that you’re not uncomfortable and have enough time to get anything missing), which means invitations should go out at least three weeks prior to the shower.

Everything You Need for Beautiful Invitations

With your baby arriving soon, you want everything to be perfect, the right way to welcome the newest member of your family into the world. That’s why we’re here to ensure you have all the materials you need to create a baby shower invitation you’ll love.

If you’re looking for beautiful cardstock paper for your invitations, make sure to check out our foldover cards. No matter your shower or style, you’ll find the perfect canvas for your invitation.

A2 Size
A6 Size
A7 Size
A2 Size Colored
A6 Size Colored
A7 Size Colored

Scrapbook Paper Guide

Want to preserve the memories of that recent trip you took to Italy? Or maybe you’ve been going through old family photos and decided it was time to start scrapbooking. Not only is scrapbooking a fun hobby and a great way to showcase your experiences, it is also a great stress-reliever and memory keeper. You can keep your scrapbooks on your coffee table for visitors to see, enjoy looking at and reliving your great memories over and over again.

For beginners, here is a basic list of scrapbooking supplies you’ll need to get started:

  • Scrapbook album
  • Photos
  • Scrapbooking paper- Card stock and patterned
  • Scissors
  • Adhesive
  • Embellishments
  • Oval Template

It’s easy to get started once you decide on the theme, the photos you would like to include as well as creating your layout before you start.

What Is Scrapbooking?

Fun fact: the first known scrapbook was created even before the invention of photographs! The book, entitled “Manuscript Gleanings and Literary Scrap Book” was published in 1830 by a male, John Poole, not a female. (Scrapbooking is not just for women!) It contained his printed poems and engravings.

Which begs the question, what does one put in a scrapbook? The answer is, pretty much anything you want. Thank-you cards you want to preserve, pressed flowers from a special occasion, selected poems or quotes that have meaning to you. Include newspaper clippings, movie stubs, or even some sand from your favorite beach!

If you are new to this you may be asking, “What does a scrapbook look like?” There are many different types of scrapbooks, but the overall definition is a book that holds your memories. Scrapbooks can be cardstock pages inserted into plastic protectors and held in a 3 ring album, or they can be premade books with pages for you to glue on your photos.

Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker, and even submitted a patent to improve the scrapbook. His idea was a ‘lick and stick’ type book, to save on glue.

There are scrapbooks for every occasion, but whatever your need for scrapbooking, you get to exercise your personal style and creativity, and really put your stamp on it.

What Kind Of Paper Is Used For Scrapbooking?

The key to any good scrapbook is the paper it’s made on. Extra thick paper, or cardstock, is your best friend. The heavier paper will withstand the weight of glue, embellishments and other accessories you choose to use. Card stock is used as a base, and ranges in weight from 60 pounds to 110 pounds, with the average weight being 80 lbs.

Even though cardstock will be used for your background, and have lots of patterned and decorative paper on top, you don’t have to go with plain white. There are so many styles and colors of cardstock to choose from. Just perusing our menu you’ll find:

  • Parchment cardstock with an old-world charm, in 6 colors and 3 sizes
  • Charming pastel with a soft look and finish, in 10 striking colors and 3 sizes
  • Our Metallic Cardstock features a striking dual-sided metallic finish with a glittering luminescent sheen. It is also acid and lignin free, which keeps your precious scrapbook pages protected from yellowing and getting brittle with age, and allows you to pass on your scrapbooks to the next generation.
  • White gloss cardstock is perfect for printing full color photos, as you want to use a copy, not the original. Gloss cardstock is a great accent to allow your scrapbook to shine.
  • Linen cardstock has a great texture to it and will add a nice effect to your scrapbook, and comes in 3 beautiful colors in the perfect 80 lb weight.
  • The most popular scrapbook paper is our brightly colored cardstock in 23 mesmerizing colors with delightful sounding names like Outrageous Orchid, Celestial Blue, and Cosmic Orange. You’ll find colors to match any theme, and will make your scrapbook stand out.

The average scrapbook size is 12×12, or 8 ½ by 11. Smaller sizes such as 8×8, or 6×6, and even mini scrapbooks hold less photos, but are great to give as gifts.

Cardstock paper can be used in full, or cut down to size.

Scrapbook Ideas

To make a scrapbook, you can start with a premade scrapbook or scrapbook kit, which will have all the materials you’ll need, and even a theme already laid out. Or, you can choose to create one page by page, which takes time but feels great because you did it yourself.

Scrapbook ideas for beginners: A scrapbook is just a collection of your memories, preserved in a fun way. You can collect your materials as you go, and save ‘scraps’ or clippings and photographs from your recent trip, or do some digging when you’re ready to start putting it together. You can buy scrapbook magazines for great tips, or even join scrapbook clubs to get lots of great ideas.

Scrapbook ideas for kids: A family vacation or summer road trip is a great place for kids to start scrapbooking. Kids can use a premade kit, or make their own pages. Scrapbooking is about letting them express their creativity in their own unique way. They can choose the colors for their pages, and have fun with accessories and embellishments. Let them choose their photos, and come up with their own themes for their scrapbook, like their dog, or their grandma. They’ll love stickers and lots of accessories. Make it fun and they’ll have a blast.

Scrapbooking Layouts

For your scrapbook design, you can follow a story, or a theme. A story will be a specific event in your life that you would like to document, like ‘Baby’s 1st Year’, where every page is another month or milestone, and a theme is a more broad way of showcasing an event, like Birthday, Graduation, or Wedding. If you don’t have a specific theme in mind, you can keep it more general, and work on each spread separately, then put it all together. You can also make a list of topics you want to include, and then use them later.

Scrapbook layouts follow a spread- two pages side-by-side. Each page can have their own theme, or one theme that spreads across both pages.

Once you have your theme, select your photos. If you aren’t sure which photos to include, or you aren’t sure about the theme, choose the photos that most tell the story you would like the scrapbook to be about.

Your cardstock will be the background template, and can also be used as photo mattes. Arrange any photos, accessories or embellishments on the page, and move them around until you are satisfied with the layout. Scrapbook layout ideas can follow a unified look, with each spread following the same general layout: title at the top, description underneath each photo. Having a set layout will bring your scrapbook together and give it a clean look. Or, you can play around and have fun, making each page and spread its own unique journey. The choice is yours.

Another great idea is a collage scrapbook, with lots of cut-out photos, words, mementos and embellishments arranged on a page close together, to make one beautiful montage. Each page can be its own theme.

Once you have all your photos selected, you can crop them if you’d like, and choose to matte them. Using cardstock to matte your photos with a pretty border will make them stand out more on the page, and create a focal point. Once you have your photos arranged, it is time to glue. Use an acid-free adhesive, and set the photos in place.

Lastly, create a title for your page, to tie everything together. Once you have all your spreads arranged, it is time to lay them out in the album that you chose, and create your cover page with the title of your scrapbook. Then, enjoy it and show it off! You worked hard on this, and you deserve the recognition- and the compliments.

 

PARCHMENT PASTEL METALLIC GLOSSY LINEN BRIGHT COLOR

Direct Mail Paper & Envelope Guide

Whatever your business or the marketing message you would like to put out there, you might be wondering what the best way is to reach your customers. What is the best method to get the most return on your investment? Well, today most business have gone digital, and their marketing is based heavily online. This includes email marketing, social media advertising, paid search marketing, and sponsored ads.

But what of Direct Mail Marketing? Is it gone completely, or is it possibly still a great way to disperse your message?

Keep reading to find out.

Does Direct Mail Marketing Still Work?

The simple answer is, yes. Direct mail advertising is still very much alive and thriving. But to do it right and get the most return on your investment, and turn potential customers into hard sales, you must have the right strategy.

Interestingly, direct mail has a high ROI- only slightly behind social media and email. Direct mail is also more likely to turn into sales than email marketing. Direct mail connects to people on a personal level.

The best marketing campaigns combine direct mail with digital marketing to get the best results and encourage action. But direct mail on its own is still very powerful.

Here, we discuss the best ways to utilize direct mail campaigns for your business.

10 Reasons to use Direct Mail Marketing

  1. Direct mail can reach a wider audience. Older people are more likely to get mail than to have email, and younger people these days feel that physical mail is personal, and see email as mainly spam. Direct mail also reaches a whole household instead of just one person, and is more likely to be seen and talked about among groups of people or family members.
  2. People like getting mail and reading letters. 57% of people said that getting mail makes them feel valued. By adding a personal touch like a handwritten note or even just a written signature, people are more likely to read it.
  3. Direct mail is a physical reminder, especially if it includes a special offer, and people will save it for future use. They may hang it on their fridge or put it in a pile with other offers, and will recall it when the need arises. It is memorable.
  4. People use emotions when making purchases, so be sure to create an emotional connection with your customers to get a sale. If you are selling pet supplies, using a picture of a cute puppy will draw people in. Think of ways to trigger emotions.
  5. Since less people are doing direct marketing these days, you can stand out from the crowd. Imagine an email inbox inundated with email, but not many friendly postcards or brochures filling up a mailbox. Among all the spam and bills, your mailing will definitely jump out and cause people to look.
  6. You can have fun with it, be creative and interesting, using compelling or humorous visuals to accompany your message. Some examples of this are: to promote World Water Day, a marketing company sent out a direct mailer with a hidden message that only became visible when held under water. Another clever company, ADT Security, executed a campaign with cardboard boxes that had rubber bands inside which popped up into a box when triggered. They slipped these flat boxes under people’s doors, and when someone walked to their front door (inside their house) they saw a box that said, “Breaking into your apartment is easier than you think.” Scary, but effective.
  7. Keep it trackable- use unique phone numbers and landing pages for each specific campaign, with a very direct call to action so you can easily track how many customers followed through and how many sales you made.
  8. Direct mail is physical, which makes it more likely that people will remember your brand through visualization. Even if they don’t follow up right away, or they throw the mailer out, in the future they will more easily recall your brand name and logo.
  9. Direct mail can be very targeted and effective with the right tools, and by knowing your audience. But be precise and personal, and target the right audience. Don’t just send junk mail, but do a lot of research and send out treasures, not trash.
  10. Keep the text brief, use clean and modern layouts that are easy to read, and be sure to include eye-catching photography. Limit your campaigns to keep it special, like follow-ups for first time customers, or special offers for birthdays.

You can use USPS Every Door Direct Mail program to identify the demographics of the people you want to reach. You can even do different campaigns targeted to different groups of people.

But whatever you do, make sure it is memorable, fun and interactive, personal, and evokes emotions in your customers.

Which brings us to our next point.

The Best Colors for Direct Mail

There’s actual science behind what colors appeal to people more. When it comes to colors that increase sales, read the guide below to find the best color envelope for direct mail campaigns, or for postcards and brochures.

Ever watched a courtroom drama TV show where the lawyer tells the defendant to wear blue to court? That’s because blue stands for security, peace, and reliability, and promotes trust in company’s products and services. Blue is also the color most preferred by males.

Green is a soothing color, and evokes feelings of power, nature and tranquility. Green is a great color to promote health, environmentally friendly products, and spas.

Red is a very bold and powerful color, and should be used sparingly. It is also a color associated with romance, and can be used to promote deals that target couples.

Yellow evokes feelings of joy and optimism, but it can be hard on the eyes. Use it as an accent rather than the main focus.

Purple is best associated with problem solving and creativity. It is also known to represent royalty, and is most often used to appeal to women.

Orange grabs attention, and represents warmth, energy and enthusiasm. But it can also be seen as aggressive, so use it minimally.

If you’ve been wondering about the connection between color meaning and how people make decisions, now you know which direct mail colors will best stand out, and the optimal envelopes that get attention for the type of campaigns you are running.

Printing Direct Mail Postcards

Postcards are a highly effective and very affordable way to get your message out there. It is a quick and easy way to share important information, and a catchy way to reach new customers. Postcards are great for many industries, especially business postcards, and custom postcards and invitations.

With postcards, you’ll want to use striking visuals on the front, and keep your message short but powerful. It also helps to highly personalize your postcard printing, using as specific customer information as possible.

To maximize the effectiveness of your direct mail printing, it is best to send multiple campaigns. Combined with email marketing, it may take between 3-9 times to turn a potential customer into an existing customer. So don’t give up after one try, or you won’t see results.

We offer 4×6, 5×7 and 6×9, which is considered small, medium and standard size postcards. The 4×6 is considered an actual ‘postcard’ size by the USPS, and is most effective for simple and straightforward designs. The 6×9 is very popular for campaigns, and can be printed vertical, horizontal, or both. It is also larger than a standard envelope so will stand out among the rest of the mail.

Whichever size you choose for your campaign, we use fine cardstock and the highest quality ink to make your design stand out.

Envelope Marketing

Envelopes are the first thing your customers will see when mailing invitations, announcements, photos, letters, statements, invoices, bills, business memos and many more. When sending out direct mail marketing, you can use the envelope as an advertisement itself, to increase the likeliness of it being opened.

While business envelopes are blank white and generally have nothing but the address printed on it, direct mail envelopes are more personalized, and customizable. Custom printed envelopes deliver ready-made branding, and printing on envelopes such as your company logo or slogan is a great way to stand out at first glance.

For extra fancy personalized envelopes you can add embossing or a foil stamping to emphasize something special is inside.

You can also add a hook or a teaser message on the outside of the envelope, to encourage recipients to open it up and read what’s inside. It’s great to use colorful envelopes instead of white, and our variety of colored envelopes will stand out more in your campaign. Include a clear call-to-action on the back flap, by including a discount code or a link to your website.

There are many original ways you can stand out in your direct mailing, and this includes the type of paper you use, the envelopes you pack it in, the cardstock you use for your postcards, and so many more choices. FineCardStock is here to ensure your marketing campaign is a raging success.

Orange Cardstock Paper Guide

Orange is a warm color that brings to mind festive times–Halloween, Thanksgiving, and, of course, autumn, the favorite season of 27% of Americans. It’s a time of renewal represented by a vibrant, energetic color.

Orange is often used to draw attention, and the color is intricately associated with autumn thanks to the orange hues seen in dying leaves and pumpkins. This also makes orange cardstock the perfect choice for autumn crafts, whether you’re getting your spook on for Halloween, settling in for a hearty meal on Thanksgiving, or just looking to celebrate your favorite season.

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the perfect orange cardstock, and ideas for seasonal crafts the whole family will enjoy.

Choosing The Right Shade Of Orange

Before you break out your scissors, glue, and imagination, it helps to know what shade of orange you’re looking for.

There’s a whole spectrum of different shades of orange ranging from papaya to tangerine to butterscotch to saffron to vermillion, each as lovely and lively as the last. But the hues you might want for fall crafts might be slightly different than the hues you would reach for during family Thanksgiving art projects. There’s no wrong shade, but there is a shade that’s just right.

Here’s a look at our three beautiful shades of orange cardstock.

Orange

Our basic shade of orange is a bright, happy color that will brighten anyone’s day. It’s more of a yellowish orange that calls to mind the fruits from which it gets its name. If you’ve seen fresh orange peel lately, you’ll almost swear you can smell the citrus coming off the paper.

It’s roughly halfway between pure orange (i.e. the even combination of pure red and pure yellow) and amber (a pure chroma golden color seen in nature when tree sap freezes bugs in time).

This shade is a bit light for pumpkins, but it’s the perfect choice for a bright spray of paper fall leaves or a turkey’s lighter orange feathers.

Cosmic Orange

Our second shade of orange, Cosmic Orange, is a deeper, brighter hue than our regular Orange. It’s a bit more saturated, a bit more red, closer to the hue of the perfect pumpkin freshly arrived from the pumpkin patch to turn into a jack o’lantern.

If you’re looking for a craft that involves pumpkins, look no further than our Cosmic Orange. It’s also the perfect shade of Halloween orange to juxtapose with black and call to mind the chilly, spooky occasion of October 31.

Orbit Orange

Last but not least is Orbit Orange, the reddest of our three shades of orange. Compared to Cosmic Orange, it’s a highly saturated color with the slightest flavor of coral, a rich shade of tangelo orange.

The name calls to mind the fiery hues of the galaxy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring it down to earth with autumn crafts. In fact, it’s the perfect burst of color to add depth and richness to your yellower shades of orange. It will liven any craft with a burst of fun, but it can also add character and excitement to an otherwise understated project.

You can use it as an accent for lighter oranges, or you can go all in and make it the star of the show if you’re feeling bold. Either way, you’re bound to feel energized and imaginative as soon as you see this orange.

 

Autumn Crafts

Looking for a fun way to celebrate your favorite season? There are all kinds of simple autumn crafts to make, whether you’re collecting the crafts for kids or adults.

Handmade autumn cards are one of the most classic fall crafts out there–and really, what says “happy fall!” better than happy fall greeting cards?

The best autumn greeting cards are the ones that call to mind the best features of the season: autumn trees replete with orange, red, yellow, gold, and brown leaves.

If you’ve got preschool kids (or just kids that don’t have patience) keep it simple. A sheet of orange paper for them to draw a leaf or a tree is a great option, or you can give them cutouts of leaves and pumpkins and let them glue together their own cards.

If you’re looking for a different take on fall’s best feature and you’ve got a party coming up (or even if you just want a reason to celebrate), paper leaf cake toppers are a great craft for kids and adults.

To do this craft, get several different shades of paper, twigs of varying lengths, gold acrylic paint, and a glue gun. Cut out different shaped leaves, one for each color of paper. Using a dry paintbrush, paint brushstrokes of gold in an upward motion (don’t apply too much paint!) Let the leaves dry completely, then gently crinkle the leaves for texture. Use a glue gun to affix them to twigs, and once the glue dries, you’ve got a festive group of autumnal cake toppers.

Halloween Crafts

As one of the year’s most fascinatingly weird holidays, it should come as no surprise that Halloween has a storied history, and our cultural notion of black and orange as the hues of Halloween runs deep.

The holiday is the descendant of an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain (pronounced “sow-en”) which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Because November 1 was the beginning of the Celtic calendar year, the Celts believed this new year’s eve was a time when the spirits of the departed returned. Orange and black reflected this duality of warmth and cold, light and dark: orange representing the life seen in the harvest, black representing death and darkness.

Halloween arts and crafts today reflect this duality in the balance of orange and black, which means classic Halloween decorations usually include both colors. If you’re looking for DIY Halloween crafts for kids, the easiest craft for preschoolers is cutout pumpkins, the perfect way for youngsters to craft their dream jack o’ lantern. Halloween greeting cards are another great way to get in the spooky spirit. For young kids, the easiest option is to have them glue their paper pumpkins to a card–or turn their paper pumpkin into a card on its own!

And if you’re looking for more complex Halloween art projects, why not try your hand at Halloween origami? You can make an easy origami pumpkin (best complemented with origami bats) or you can make these cute and easy paper pumpkins.

Thanksgiving Crafts

Last but not least are Thanksgiving crafts. Whether you’re making Thanksgiving cards or DIY Thanksgiving decorations, Thanksgiving arts and crafts are the perfect way to show your gratitude for the bounties of the year.

These turkey placeholders are one of the easiest Thanksgiving crafts for kids (and they double as cute Thanksgiving table decor). To do them, get large clothespins, a collection of orange paper, some glue, scissors, and googly eyes.

Cut your orange paper into the shape of various leaves–two different sized maple leaves work well. These will become your turkey’s tail feathers. You can also cut the paper into other shapes and arrange them. The clothespin will hold the tail feathers together.

For a simple craft to spread the thankful spirit, you can also turn to Thanksgiving cards. The easiest route for kids is a simple turkey card–two circles of brown paper for the turkey’s body and head, oval pieces of paper in various shades for the tail feathers, and a bit more orange paper for the feet and beak. Don’t forget a sweet message inside!

Looking for Orange Cardstock?

Whatever your occasion, there’s a shade of orange cardstock that’s perfect for your project. Our job is to inspire you, which is why we’re proud to provide beautiful orange cardstock as the perfect addition to your next craft. Click here to check out our selection of orange cardstock today!

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