Setting Up A Handmade Card Assembly Line


Honestly, it's been a while since I felt like creating anything. 2024 was a rough year for me, so much so that I put away my craft supplies downstairs and worked on some other projects. But a friend recently asked for an order of 34 handmade cards, and it literally triggered something in my heart.


I was actually excited just to pull out a pack of card stock and set up my handmade card assembly line. And it's been fun ever since - I'm smiling even as I type that.


When I cut cards, I cut some extra bits along with it. The card itself is 6.25x9 inches, so I cut off the long strip first and then the short piece that will become a bookmark. The long strip is cut down to two 2.25x4.5-inch gift cards and a tiny gift tag.


This is what piles of 34 sets looks like. With each card I make, I'll use the scraps to make the other bits, too.


Next comes all the supplies to make the cards. I had to move my Bible study spot at the dining room table for a bit so I can spread out and having everything I need in arm's reach.


It took a little bit, but I found a hefty stack of cards to upcycle, along with some cards my mom made that I can embellish, and a variety of colors of card stock. That will become the mats for pictures, phrases, and Scriptures.


I print out a lot of phrases and Scriptures myself, just in case I can't reuse the ones in the card itself. And I never go anywhere without my basket full of embellishments: everything from stickers and die cuts to 3D dots and metal brads.


Then I disassemble the card, removing the front and saving any phrases, poetry, or Scriptures inside. Large images can cover the entire front, while smaller ones can be matted on colored card stock and layered.


Cards are the best opportunity to use up paper scraps. Small pieces you can't use for a big project easily turn into mats for phrases or corners for a large image.


And here's the first finished product. I'm a huge fan of this friendship card, and I always look forward to hearing about who the recipients were once they've been sent. This is one of my favorite ministries, and it's been wonderful to be excited about a project again. One down, 33 to go!

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