by Raven Lebeau

Created on: March 24, 2009

Sending hand-made thank you cards can save you money, but that doesn't mean they have to seem cheap. In fact, a hand-made thank you card can be both more personal and more beautiful than a store bought one. If you enjoy drawing or calligraphy, then you already have the talent to make a unique, professional looking card. For those of us with more limited artistic skills, however, making the perfect thank you card will take the right tools. Here are a few ideas for making your card look great even if you aren't an artist:

1. Rubber stamps.

A stamped card will look fantastic if you follow a few basic rules for rubber stamping. First, make sure any stamps you use are clean. You can buy a special stamp cleaner or you can use water with a tiny drop of dish soap. Either way, be sure that you clean your stamp with a cellulose sponge and not a cloth or paper towel; paper and fabric can both leave fibers on your stamp, which will ruin the look of your design.

When you ink the stamp, be sure not to overload it. You may want to gently touch the stamp to a piece of scrap paper before you stamp your card. Too much ink on the stamp will make the lines bleed.

Make sure that you are working on a solid surface such as a sturdy table or even a concrete floor. When you stamp your card, you will want to push down on the stamp with firm, even pressure. As you lift the stamp, be sure not to drag it.

2. A computer and printer.

One option for high-tech, homemade cards is using free, printable cards like those offered by HP. You an also purchase greeting card creation software. Microsoft Word users can download free card templates. You don't have to use all of the template; you may want to change the graphics by replacing a picture with your own photo, or you may want to leave most of the card blank so that you can embellish it with stamps or hand drawings.

One thing computers do very will is print lettering. Choose an attractive, fancy font and the message on your greeting card is sure to look professional.

3. An embossing pen.

An embossing pen writes in embossing glue which can then be sprinkled with embossing powder. The powder is then heated and melted. When it dries, it forms a raised surface similar to the letting on many fancy, expensive greeting cards.

Your use of the embossing pen is only limited by your imagination! You can combine embossing with stamps by going over a portion of your stamped design with the embossing pen. Embossing pens also work well in conjunction with printed cards, since you can go over the computer-printed lettering. Just be sure to choose a font color that is close to the color of your embossing powder, since it is likely that some of the original letting will show.

4. Stencils.

Like stamps, stencils provide a way to add graphics to a card without having to draw. You can purchase a variety of stencils in the scrapbooking section of most craft stores. Stencils are useful for letting as well as adding simple shapes and designs. Be sure to use stencil cream and a stencil brush, since using other types of paint and brushes can make your designs bleed over the edge of the stencil.

5. Quality paper.

A card printed on or created with regular office paper will look cheap and seem very last-minute. Construction paper is colorful and pretty, but generally associated with elementary school. Cards made from construction paper will have a childish feel. When making your own cards, be sure to pick up a box of nice cardstock. Whether printing your cards from your computer or creating them with other techniques, they will have a substantial feel and a professional look if made with cardstock.

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