Make Your Own Note Cards and Envelopes, Part 1

With my recent giveaway, Trisha asked if I would make a tutorial so that others could learn how to make the notecards and envelope sets. I thought that was a wonderful idea! This is the first part of my tutorial. I’ve split it into parts to make it less intimidating. Click here to see all the how-tos for making your own notecards and envelopes. 

For this ongoing tutorial, I will be referring to the cards that I make which are made from high quality scrapbook paper. They are thick and durable. There are other ways to make these cards, of course, and any paper you choose is totally up to you

What really takes the most time, I think, is choosing the papers you wish to use to make the sets. With scrapbooking such a popular past-time, it is easy to find great designs and wonderful colors. Really any type of paper will work for this but certain thickness and textures work better. 

Some paper brands* I would highly suggest are:

*the themes are not what I am recommending but the brand, the images are there to give an idea of what the cover page may look like*

Paperabilities- it is similar to a different brand that I suggest against using but it is better quality. You can feel it. You may notice the “TM” after Printed Paper. This is the type of paper I would suggest starting out with to make the note cards and envelopes until you get a feel for it.

Karen Foster Design- these come in a lot of different styles/themes and they are generally resistant to cracking when creased. There are some papers from this brand that are thinner.

S.E.I –this brand sells so many different great textures of paper!

Here are a few I would suggest not using:

“Printed Paper”- the photo that follows isn’t exactly the paper I personally have because there are many different kinds/themes. This paper is extremely thin paper and just does not work as well for making the sturdy note cards and envelopes (just pick up the paper and feel the difference). It generally will have the gray lines on the cover and say “Printed Paper”. Or if you just want to have fun with cutting up and making things this would be the perfect paper

Textured Cardstock Pad from We R Memory Keepers – the paper ‘cracks’ when it is creased (it doesn’t matter what color scheme you choose, the texture isn’t conducive to this type of craft- unfortunately).

DCWV Glitter papers- Beautiful paper and some of it can be tricked into working but generally the glitter cracks because of the adhesive that holds it on the page (I do use these but have to be very selective-you may have noticed that a set of note cards in the giveaway were made with these papers )

With all that said, you can use any type, theme, or texture of paper for your notecards and envelopes. The different thickness, texture and overall quality of the paper will determine how easy it is to work with and also the finished product.

Next up: What tools do you need to make your own note cards and envelopes?

**Disclaimer: All the links to products do go to Amazon.com, of which I am an affiliate. Purchases made from Amazon after clicking on my link provide me with an advertisers fee and, although small, it does help with my finances- and I am most grateful!