Creating Unique Handmade Wedding Cards: A Simple Guide

Handmade wedding cards are a great way to add a personal touch to your gift. They are also a good option if you have multiple weddings to attend and want to save some money. Making a card is a fun and creative process that will be appreciated by the couple. You can use a variety of techniques, such as stamping, die-cutting, quilling, and origami, to create elegant and unique designs. In this article, we will explore different ideas and methods to make beautiful handmade wedding cards that are easy and won't break the bank.

Using stamps and gold embossing powder

Materials:

• Rubber stamps with your desired design (wedding-themed stamps are available from various suppliers)
• Gold embossing powder
• Ink pad (a slow-drying, fade-resistant, and non-toxic ink pad is recommended)
• Cardstock or paper for your card base
• Heat tool (a hairdryer can also be used)
• Embossing pad or anti-static pouch

Instructions:

• Choose your stamp design and ink pad colour. You can opt for a clear ink pad if you want the gold colour to show through, or choose a coloured ink pad for a different effect.
• Prepare your cardstock or paper for stamping. You may want to practise on a separate piece of paper first to get a feel for the process.
• Ink your stamp by pressing it firmly into the ink pad, ensuring even coverage.
• Stamp your design onto the card. Apply firm and even pressure to get a clear impression.
• Carefully sprinkle gold embossing powder over the stamped design. You can use a embossing pad or anti-static pouch to help contain the powder and prevent static.
• Gently shake or tap off the excess powder. You can return it to the jar for future use.
• Use a heat tool or hairdryer to heat the powder. This will cause it to melt and create a raised, glossy effect. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for your heat tool and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Allow the melted powder to cool and harden. This will only take a few moments.
• Admire your beautiful gold embossed design! You can repeat the process to add more stamped elements to your card.

By using stamps and gold embossing powder, you can create a sophisticated and elegant wedding card that the happy couple is sure to cherish.

Adding a personal touch with DIY

DIY wedding cards are a great way to add a personal touch to your gift. The time and effort you put into crafting a card will be appreciated by the happy couple, and it's also a chance to get creative! Whether you're a crafting novice or a pro, there are plenty of ways to make a unique and thoughtful handmade wedding card.

Choosing a design

The first step is to decide on a design. You can keep it simple with a classic, elegant look, or go for something more whimsical and fun. Perhaps choose a theme that reflects the couple's interests, like a Harry Potter-themed card, or a floral design for a summer wedding.

Materials

Once you have a design in mind, gather your materials. Paper crafts can be as simple or as intricate as you like, and you can use a range of materials to create your card. Some popular options include:

• Coloured and patterned paper
• Glitter cardstock
• Sequins
• Washi tape
• Stamps and embossing powder
• Alphabet dies
• Wax seals

Adding a message

You can also add a personal message to your card. If you're stuck for words, try using wedding-themed sentiment stamps, or create your own unique message by mixing and matching various sentiments from different stamp sets. You can also use alphabet dies to pop up a message, like "Mr. and Mrs.".

Finishing touches

To finish your card, consider adding some extra special touches. You could include a paper doily, or the couple's monogram, for a personalised feel. If you're feeling adventurous, try some quilling—the art of wrapping strips of paper into shapes and gluing them onto cardstock—for a high-impact design.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and be creative!

Using wax seals

Wax seals are a great way to elevate your wedding card and give it a regal, Old-World aesthetic. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use wax seals:

Choosing your wax and stamp:

First, you need to decide on the type of wax you want to use. The traditional method involves using a wax stick, similar to a small taper candle, and allowing the wax to drip directly onto the card. Alternatively, you can use a wax furnace, which holds a metal spoon above an open flame to melt small wax beads. For an easier option, use a low-heat glue gun with round wax sticks.

Next, choose your wax colour. Metallic gold and silver are the most traditional options, but you can also use an assorted colour palette or create your own marbled wax by mixing different colours.

For the stamp, you can either purchase a pre-made design or create a custom one. Custom stamps can feature monograms, wedding dates, or any other design that reflects your wedding aesthetic.

Creating the seal:

To create the seal, melt the wax using your chosen method and allow it to drip directly onto the card. If using a wax stick, light it and let the melting wax drip down the wick. If using a wax furnace or glue gun, dispense the melted wax onto the desired area of the card.

Quickly press your chosen stamp into the cooling wax before it hardens, creating an imprint of your design. Keep your metal stamp cool by placing it on an ice pack between uses, and ensure it is dry by blotting it with a paper towel.

Drying and adhering the seal:

Allow the wax seal to dry completely before handling. You can use parchment paper as a surface to make the seals on, as they can be easily removed once dry. If you are sealing string or ribbon on your invites, place a small swatch of parchment paper underneath to prevent the wax from sticking to the paper.

If you are mailing your invitations, traditional wax-on-paper seals should be sturdy enough to send through the mail. However, if you are concerned about potential damage, you can use outer envelopes to protect the seals or ask your local post office about hand-sorting.

For a quicker and easier option, consider using self-adhesive wax seals, which are available in various designs and colours. These pre-made seals can be easily stuck onto your cards and are suitable for flat surfaces.

Using vellum translucent paper

Vellum is a beautiful, delicate paper that can add a touch of luxury to your handmade wedding card. It is a translucent paper with a 'cloud-like' quality that is perfect for DIY wedding cards. Despite its delicate appearance, vellum is surprisingly strong and can be purchased in varying thicknesses. The thicker the paper, the less translucent it becomes. For instance, 100gsm vellum is ideal if you want to 'see-through' it, whereas 230gsm vellum is less translucent.

Vellum is available in an array of colours, including Bright White, White Iridescent, Ivory, Pearl, Gold, Nude, Blueprint, and Red Lacquer. It can be used in many ways when creating a handmade wedding card. For example, you could create a simple invitation card with a base card topped with a vellum layer. The base card can be printed, or you could print on the vellum itself. If you choose to print on the vellum, use 100gsm paper so that the text on the base card can be seen.

When joining the two layers of paper, you can use eyelets and ribbon, or simply wrap them together with jute string or twine. You could even finish the card with a wax seal. If you want to add a luxurious touch to your envelope, you can line it with vellum paper. Using a thinner weight paper, such as 100gsm, will make it easier to cut and fold.

When it comes to printing on vellum, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you are using an inkjet printer, the ink will take a while to dry, so it is important to find a setting that allows for a longer drying time. Alternatively, you can print each sheet individually and allow it to dry before printing the next one. Laser toner printers are also a good option, as the toner is fused onto the paper.

If you want to add some sparkle to your vellum, you can try foil printing with gold, silver, or rose gold foil. Another option is to use embossing powder and a heat embossing tool to print 'metallic' inks. Simply print your design on the vellum, sprinkle embossing powder on the wet ink, shake off the excess, and heat the paper with a heat tool.

When attaching vellum to your card, it is important to use the correct adhesive to minimise its visibility. ATG tape or a glue stick tend to work well, whereas tapes, especially 'red tape', are more noticeable. Try to make the joins where they are less likely to be seen, such as on the reverse or an edge of the card.

Using sequins

Sequins are a great way to add some sparkle and shine to your wedding card. They are versatile and can be used in many different ways. Here are some ideas for using sequins to create a beautiful handmade wedding card:

Choose Your Sequins

Firstly, you'll want to select your sequins. You can find these at your local craft store or online. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colours. For a wedding card, you may want to stick to a neutral colour palette or choose sequins in the wedding colours. You can also opt for different shapes, such as stars or hearts, for a unique touch.

Shaker Cards

Shaker cards are a fun way to incorporate sequins into your design. These cards feature a window filled with sequins that move around when you shake the card. To create a shaker card, you will need a die-cutting machine or a craft knife to cut out a window in your card. You can then fill the window with sequins and seal it with acetate and foam tape. This creates a fun, interactive element that the happy couple is sure to love.

Embellishments

Sequins can be used as embellishments on your card. You can glue them on individually or sew them into place for a more secure hold. Try spelling out words with the sequins, such as "Mr" and "Mrs", or create beautiful designs like flowers or hearts. If you're feeling creative, you can even try making your own sequins using a die-cutting machine and thin plastic sheets.

Backgrounds

Another way to use sequins is to create a background for your card. You can glue down sequins to cover the entire card base or create a border. This adds texture and sparkle to your card. If you're using a lot of sequins, try choosing a simple card design so that your message doesn't get lost in the sparkle!

Embellish Envelopes

Don't forget about the envelope! You can add a few sequins to the envelope seal or lining for a special touch. The recipients will get a glimpse of the sparkle before they even open the card, building anticipation and making your handmade card even more memorable.

With these ideas, you can create a stunning handmade wedding card using sequins. Get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different colours, shapes, and techniques!

Frequently asked questions