A-Thank you very much!

Every year we all go through many traditions of birthdays, baby showers, weddings, congratulatory events, ‘I’m leaving’ parties, ‘I’m coming home’ parties, 'I won a trophy and I'm fabulous' parties - I think you get the point, but basically plenty of celebrations to go around. There is one consistent element crucial to making these events happen, the cards! Invitations, thank you notes and congratulations in little envelopes, I have lost count of the amount of cards I have received over the years, but in all honesty I have only kept a few of the important ones.  For me, there is nothing worse than getting a generic card. No offense to my parents, but their card will probably end up in a recycling bin 3 months later (I know, you must think I’m the worst daughter in the world, but sometimes it is 6 months later!).

There are however just some of those cards that make it into the keepsake box for me to treasure for years later and these are either heartfelt long messages from my friends and family OR handmade cards.

Recently for my birthday in June, I received a handmade card from a friend I had only known 1 week. As I opened the envelope the gleam from the metallic gold, cut out lettering struck me first, “Happy Birthday”, wonky and adorable and clearly made for one person, me. To my delight, as I opened to read the contents which sprung from the page, literally, it was a pop up card! This gift was more so personalised by the fact she knew I loved skulls; this skull pop-up card was amazingly the best gift I had received that day.

I’m sure I am not alone with my reaction when experiencing this special treatment. That handmade little beauty sure did put a smile on my dial, so what’s to say you can’t achieve that with a special friend or loved one of your own?

SO, the purpose of this blog; handmade cards for special occasions, there are a myriad of different handmade card approaches I could have taken this week, but I thought I would attempt to replicate a foil card. These cards are often made at a great expense at your printer but I will be using silver imitation foil. The only limitation you have for when using this medium is your own imagination, so go for gold... or in this case, silver. 

I have decided to go for the traditional thank you card and some quite kitsch, iconic symbols that you could use for any occasion but are quite pretty and effective. 

Step 1: Pick out your card and re-size it using scissors or a cutting board. I have picked the Fluro card stock because the colours will provide a vibrant contrast against the silver foil.

Step 2: Make the fold before applying any design or adhesive. This way you do not damage the foil later.

Step 3: Paint the leaf size using a small brush into any design you want. Allow this area to become tacky and dry for a few seconds.

TIP:

To get straight lines grab a ruler and paint along it.

To get perfect typography (lettering) print off the words you want and use tracing paper for accurate, clean lines. 

Step 4: Gently remove the foil from the packaging, you might want to use a soft brush to help you, and place over the area you have applied the adhesive to. Either blowing onto the foil or using a brush with soft bristles pat down the foil. If you come across any areas that has a tear, simply rip off a small piece of foil and add to only that area.

NOTE:

The Silver Foil is the most delicate out of copper, gold and silver, so it it more inclined to tear. Be gentle and make sure you are not near a window or fan!

Step 5: After patting the surface down leave for a few moments then using a brush with a broad, flat edge, sweep away the excess foil.

NOTE:

Be prepared for the foil to stick to anything with moisture.

Step 6: Once all the excess foil is cleaned off, write a personalised message on the inside, give to your special friend then brag about how you made it all by yourself!

These designs could be used for a tea party, a pool party, an engagement or maybe you will want to have a moustache party! The freedom is yours to create. Happy creating!