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Thursday, January 8, 2026

You Don’t Need to Be Perfect to Create Beautiful Handmade Cards”

 


Creating handmade greeting cards doesn’t require fancy tools or years of experience. It starts with heart. If you’ve ever looked at someone else’s cards and thought, “I could never do that,” this is your reminder that you already can. One simple fold, one thoughtful message, one moment of creativity is enough. Your cards don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful — they just need to be made with care. Start where you are, use what you have, and trust that your hands are capable of creating something special. Every card you make is a gift.
 

For many handmade card creators, the hardest part is one of these:

  • Getting started — staring at supplies and not knowing what to make

  • Design confidence — worrying their card isn’t “good enough”

  • Choosing colors or layouts — too many options can feel overwhelming

  • Time — wanting to create but feeling pulled in a hundred directions

  • Comparing — seeing others’ work and doubting their own creativity


“If this feels hard, you’re not alone. Every card maker has been here — even the ones you admire.”

Getting started feels hard when everything is an option. Dig into your stash and just choose one supply. One fold. One step. 

Choose a design(s) like the ones below that don't need a cutting machine (although you can cut the pieces into different shapes with a machine if you have one), if you are a beginner on a budget, these designs work well with just a 12" x 12" paper cutter, embellishments, glue and a stamp set and some inks.

I made a simple flower card using the stamp set called Impressions Abloom. I made these 4 different cards using very simple and easy designs from my old Close To My Heart Card Confidence Program. I used retired DSP, embellishments and cardstock from my stash matching the colors of the DSP. The top left card has been random stamped with the stamp set which is a budget friendly way to make cards if you don't have the DSP.



This stamp set is still available in the Last Chance section for only $10! The dies are no longer available but as you can see above, I didn't use the dies at all and if you are so inclined, you can always cut them like we did in the old days by fussy cutting. This is a great beginner stamp set and called a 2-step stamping because each flower bud and leaf has 2 different stamp sets to make them more realistic. 

 

Here is an outline for getting started and even to continue making cards on a day to day basis or how ever your schedule works. I hope this in some way helps you to overcome that overwhelming feeling and just jump in and try. 10 minutes to a great looking card, and remember, the best part is "giving it to someone you love!"