by Gillian Taber

Created on: February 15, 2011   Last Updated: February 16, 2011

Using a computer to create personalised cards can seem a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before but, using a few simple tools and a little imagination, wonderful Valentine's can be created in a matter of moments. The following are guidelines to get a project started, but once the first card is created and the initial fear forgotten, the whole family are likely to find themselves inundated with these mini works of art.

Paint – Paint is a program which comes with nearly every computer. Click on Start – All Programs – Accessories and find the Paint option. Click and begin. Drag the page size to whatever is required, use clip art, photos or other images to create the front of the card. Add a message and print off. Fold the printed paper in half and the card is done. This is an easy option for children to use to create Valentine's for friends and relatives.

Another option for this is to use the drawing and colouring tools included with the program to draw a card. Although this may take practise and time to accomplish, it is certainly worth the effort as this makes anything printed out as a card truly personal. No-one else will receive a Valentine exactly the same as one created in this way. In the resources below is a link with guidance from Microsoft on how to use the Paint program.

The Internet – Open Google and type in words which match the image required. Be careful what images are chosen and look for pictures which are not under copyright. An example might be searching with the words 'red roses silver vase' or 'golden heart design'. Click on the 'Images' option and set off the search. Sift through the results, select the perfect image, save to the computer or print off and either fold the page to create a card or cut out and attach to a plain card base. Quotes, love poems and messages can also be printed off this way to fill the inside of a card. Two free image sites are included in the resources below.

Free e-cards – Although this may not feel like the right thing to do, creating a card at a free site has no less worth than one created by Paint. Going through the time and effort of choosing the card, selecting words, images, colours and fonts, is just as creative and just as meaningful as any other way to personalise a greetings card. The advantage of using the site included in the resources is that Care2.com helps to plant trees every time someone uses one of their cards so it is possible to be green and send a personal greeting.

Photographs – Think about the person receiving the card and then look through photo collections. Most people store digital photographs on their computers, but photos in albums can also be used. If there is a scanner in the home, use it to scan older photos for use. Many shops and service providers such as libraries will also scan and print photographs. Make the photographs into cards which speak to the person about personal memories.

All of these ideas will help get projects started. Other ideas and options will occur as the project continues. Enjoy creating truly personal and very easy to make Valentine's day cards with a computer.

Resources

Paint – How-to guide to using the paint program from the Microsoft site

Free images – Site one

Free Images – Site 2

Care2.com – Free e-cards

Learn more about this author, Gillian Taber.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.