Here are 12 creative handmade card designs to inspire you to make and donate some cards to charity.
A homemade card is something that a large number of nonprofits need to send to their clients and the people they serve.
Not only can a card be as simple or involved as you want, but sending even just a handful of handmade cards to a charity will make a difference.
Where Should I Donate Handmade Greeting Cards?
Making handmade cards is a great way to bring all of your family members together for a fun activity or a community group looking to do a service project.
You are sure to find a cause that speaks to you since there are all kinds of organizations and groups whose sole purpose is to deliver handmade cards or notes to a designated community or cause..
For example, some organizations focus on cancer patients, while others focus on children in the hospital.
Here are a couple of wonderful organizations I have featured on Create To Donate to get you started:
There are other nonprofits organizations that like to include a handwritten note or card in the packages they send or during their outreach to their clients.
For example, you can send a card as part of a care package or a handwritten letter in a card to a service member or veteran through Operation Gratitude or A Million Thanks.
What Kinds Of Greeting Cards Should I Donate?
If you’re coming together to make cards at a certain time of the year, making general holiday cards, a Valentine card, a Christmas card, or a happy birthday card are obvious choices and there is an organization that can use them.
Typically, the main purpose for these handmade card donations is to brighten someone’s day and provide comfort, support, and a sense of community.
So there is always a need for the more generic ‘just because’ cards that are uplifting and entertaining.
Adding a special message like “you are loved” or “you’re awesome” is also always appreciated. You can also add a silly joke or pun to the card to bring a smile to someone’s face.
What Supplies Do I Need For A DIY Card?
The supplies you’ll need for these handmade cards will vary, of course, depending on the project.
If you’ve done any paper crafting before, you probably have some of the basics like:
- a glue stick (or three)
- card bases (blank card white cards or even solid color cards)
- crayons or markers
- craft foam sheets
- stickers
If you’re new to card making, you may need some additional supplies to make some of these cards. Here are some items to consider:
- washi tape
- foam tape
- watercolor pencils
- watercolor paints
- die cut stamps
- paper punches
If you are on a tight budget you can often find a special offer or two for paper crafting supplies at Michael’s Stores or Joann’s.
Also, both stores typically have deep discounts around the holiday season where you can literally stock up and save on paper crafting supplies.
Try Some Of These Beautiful Handmade Card Designs
Many of the designs I included in this list may have been created with a specific event in mind.
For example, there is a heart shape (Valentine) and a baseball glove (Father's Day).
The handmade card concept in each tutorial, however, is something that can be used for a variety of occasions and the message can be more generic.
I didn't include any shaker cards this time because they felt just that little bit "next level".
Plus, when sending cards to people of all ages, I always think about the possibility of small parts being near small people.
So, textures are great, but small parts? Not so much. Granted, that's just my personal preference.
Each of these card making tutorials provides information on the supplies you'll need for the project and detailed steps on how to complete it.
Enjoy!
Yes, these free cards are intended for Valentine's Day, but many of them could be used any time of year.
After all, who doesn't love a Star Wars pun!
11 different characters are part of this free printable card bundle by Dollar Crafter. You also have the choice of either PDF, SVG, or PNG files.
I think I can safely safe that almost everyone likes turtles.
So, this "You're turtle-ly awesome" card is a great handmade design to make and donate.
To make this extra special, you'll want to get some googly eyes* if you don't already have them in your craft stash.
Also, don't forget to include the rosy cheeks!
*Affiliate link
This secret message card design requires simple materials - construction paper and a colored sharpie.
I also think it's a great activity for kids to play with perspective and allow their creativity to take hold without too making supplies making it hard to follow.
Plus, recipients will love interacting with the card and the fact that there was a 'secret' show of support sent their way.
This quilled hot air balloon card may end up as someone's keepsake card, it's so beautiful.
Quilling is another activity that is appropriate for people of all ages is especially great for kids since it involves fine motor skills.
Once you start quilling, you can make a variety of shapes for your handmade cards.
If you want to use a watercolor technique on a card but don't feel like working with water color paints, why not try water color pencils?
This is another family-friend card making activity because a child can easily draw a picture without the lines blurring or smudging.
Once the drawing is complete, you or your child can take a paintbrush to finish the design.
And, voila! A watercolor card design.
I included this mixed media techniques post from Artsy Karma as a handmade card design idea because the different techniques listed are a great starting point for any handmade card design.
If there is a new creative technique you've been wanting to try, I bet one of these mixed media technique tutorials will be a great place to start..
This baseball-focused card is the perfect card for the spring season when the Major League Baseball season is in full force.
Change the message to "You're a catch!"
Then, for the pop-up use an image of your local baseball team's logo or one of the more popular teams in the MLB and you have a winner of a card.
If you already have some watercolor paints in your craft supplies or you're looking for an excuse to try creating something watercolors, this tutorial provides three different methods to try.
The heart designs for most of the cards are also something that can be donated year-round.
The message on the inside of this card practically writes itself. It's as simple as, "You're sweet!" or "Just wanted to sprinkle some happiness in your day."
I really like the texture and 3D nature of this card.
Just don't eat your new handmade card creations!
This handmade kindness card tutorial is for all of you stamping aficionados out there.
I have some friends who I have mastered the art of stamping, but I I do not count myself among them.
One of the things I appreciate most about this style is the different use of textures and images.
You can layer all kinds of materials to create a visually interesting card without too many supplies.
In fact, you don't even need super special papers because you probably have some interesting options, like wrapping paper, already around the house.
This tutorial provides another look at watercolor painting along with different imagery.
I thought these trees could not only be used for handmade holiday cards, but also used for some outdoor-themed cards.
Festive Mason Jar of Hearts Card Tutorial for Silhouette
Mason jars are a fit for almost anyone and then, when you add some hearts to the jar it's an another year-round card option.
For this homemade card tutorial, you'll need a Slhouette Cameo and a specific SVG file, along with other supplies.
The final result may look like the construction is difficult, but it's not!
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Donating Handmade Cards Spreads Love
I hope you were inspired by at least a couple of these lovely handmade card designs. It’s amazing how such a small gesture can make a big difference in a person’s day.
Which design will you tackle first and, which organization will be the beneficiary of your beautiful work? Share in the comments below!
And if there is an nonprofit in your area that needs handmade cards or handwritten letters, please let me know that too in the comments so I can include them in future posts.