How to Make 40+ Cute Handmade Cards In One Day! {No Kidding!}

I love to make handmade cards - you probably do to, or else you wouldn't be here reading this. You definitely want to keep reading if:

• You love to create card sets to give away as gifts 
• You like to have a big stash of cards handy for all occasions
• You love the sense of accomplishment, looking at a big stack of cards you made
• You send a LOT of cards
• You're looking for a simple card layout to reproduce

In today's post I'll show you a quick and easy formula for creating lots of different cards using just a few simple supplies. In fact, I made 47 cards in one day using this simple process. Plus, this idea is easy to customize with whatever supplies YOU love to use. Are you ready to learn my secrets to bulk card making? Let's go!

This blog post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, I receive compensation at no cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my crafty heart!

Today's cards began with two products in my stash - a 6x6 pad of patterned paper, and a package of premade die cut shapes. 

But let's pause here for a moment - don't have a 6x6 pad of paper? Then use sheets of 12x12, or adjust the measurements and use 8.5x11. Or better yet, pull out your box of scrap paper (I know you have one) and let's use that up. Don't have premade die cut shapes? Die cut some basic shapes, and stamp out some sentiments. Go through your embellishments and use what you have. 

I love to share my favorite products and deals with you, but I am ALL FOR being creative with what we have. Your cards won't likely look anything like mine - because you're going to put your own spin on it, and use what YOU love.  Okay. . . .onward we go. Throughout this post, you'll see some of the cards I created, but don't worry - I didn't take a photo of all 47 of them!

Step 1: Prep Your Paper

If you're starting with a 6x6 piece of paper, just cut it in half on the 3-inch mark. Then, cut each half into two pieces, one 4-inch piece, and one 2-inch piece. Easy peasy. Cut a big stack of pieces for mix-and-matchability. (Each card will take one 4-inch and one 2-inch piece.) Did you notice, there's NO paper waste in this project!? As an alternate, you can also cut the paper into 3x3-in squares, and use them in the same way. I tend to do both, depending on the paper stash I'm using!

Step 2: Fold Card Bases

Here we're going to use what we've got again. I dug through my cardstock and chose sheets that matched the colors of my patterned paper.  I supplemented with white cardstock for some cards too. Sometimes I stock up on pre-made cards when I catch them on sale, but use whatever you like! Obviously you'll want to cut and fold however many card bases you plan to create.

Step 3: Mix, Match and CREATE!

Now that we've gotten the busy work out of the way, it's time for the FUN PART. Grab two pieces of paper that look good together and center them on a card base - the pieces will overlap. Think about how the colors and patterns interact, so they aren't too busy together. Then spread all those delicious die cuts all over your desk and start pairing things together. 

You'll probably want a sentiment for each card, and then cluster together one, two or three images that work together. I glued all of these cards, rather than using foam squares, because they're easier to pop in the mail. But again - do what YOU love. 

If you've looked at the cards in this post, you might realize that none of them REALLY look the same, do they? But they all follow the exact same formula. And that, my friends - is the magic. It's what makes the project simple and FUN.

Using ONE 6x6 pad, and ONE pack of premade shapes, I ended up with 47 cards. I'm not even kidding. Not too bad, huh?! I really do encourage you to use what you have for this project, but if you are interested in shopping, I do highly recommend the cute die-cut shapes and coordinating paper in Spellbinders Paper Arts card making kits. They are PACKED with so much goodness, including cardstock and embellishments. 

If you're in the market for a monthly club, you can get a new box of this goodness every month, in the Quick & Easy Card Kit of the Month Club. The monthly box of goodies includes stamps, dies, paper, embellishments and more. And if you're not looking for a monthly club, just check out the kits available in the shop. (You might even catch them on sale!)

You'll find a whole assortment of past Card Kits on clearance right now, if you'd like to try one out to see what they're like.

So, what do you think? Does this simple card making idea sound like something you can handle? I'd love to see you try it out! Remember the formula - two prints of patterned paper, a sentiment, and a few die cut images, and you're all set to create a whole pile of cards! (Can you beat my record of 47?)

Want a kit EVERY MONTH? Join the Card Kit of the Month Club!

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updated 9/28/23