Quickie Homemade Card Idea

Sorry about the terrible photos, I had my camera on the wrong setting!

Here's a really easy card idea and you can base it on your own everyday capitals. It's easy because if you leave any letters out or your layout doesn't fit, you can just slot in a letter here and there and your recipient will think that you are very arty and creative (rather than forgetful and /or illiterate).

This is an excellent card for any occasion: a birth/birthday for anyone, christening, new house, good luck or perhaps two names for a wedding card. It doesn't need to look exactly like this as it's a design and technique which is flexible. Try doodling a few ideas with a biro next time you're on the phone and you will end up with interesting variations.

You need: A blank piece of card folded (a square looks good ) and a set of good quality colouring pencils (or just a few colours). I like to use high quality watercolour pencils because the pigments are a lot brighter.

1. With clear and simple capitals write your name/s, words, message. I have adjusted my capitals subtly by lowering the cross bar of the A and H and stretching out the O. You could use a square layout like this or just write it in a line.

2. Add weight to your letters. An even weight is easy to achieve especially with a really sharp pencil. Emphasise the beginning and end point of each letter by drawing a little line. Or draw a bigger line a create a serif, perhaps?

3. With a different colour draw the shapes which fit in between the letters leaving a little white outline space between the shape and the letter and then colour in...and who doesn't like a bit of colouring..but remember to stay in the lines!

4. For a slightly posher finish colour the inside shapes again this time adding a bit more pressure around the outside of the shape which will really crisp it up. Then lightly colour again with a slightly different colour. Purple or pink looks interesting over blue, orange and red also look good together.

Finally, add a few embellishments like hearts, stars, little bird etc.