Birthdays are a time to celebrate the special people in our lives, and what better way to show your love and appreciation than with a handmade card? In this in-depth tutorial, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a fun and vibrant DIY birthday card that anyone can make. Get ready to unleash your creativity and make a one-of-a-kind paper craft that’s sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
Gather Your Supplies
Before we dive into the Birthday card-making process, let’s make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Card stock in various colors (we used Simon Hurley card stock)
- Liquid pearls in different colors (we used Dazzle and Brilliant liquid pearls)
- Stamps (we used the Simon Hurley Create Birthday Party stamp set)
- Archival ink (we used jet black)
- Pencil
- Bone folder
- Tape runner or other strong adhesive
- Scissors
- Scoring board or tool
- Paintbrushes (we used a 1/2-inch brush and a #6 Ranger artist brush)
- Water cup
- Craft sheet or palette
- White embossing powder
- Heat tool
- Unicorn stickles (or other glitter glue)
Prepare the Card Base
Let’s start by cutting and scoring the card base. You’ll need the following pieces:
- One piece of card stock cut to 11 x 7.5 inches
- One piece of card stock cut to 3 x 5.5 inches
- One piece of card stock cut to 1 x 3.25 inches
Using your scoring board, score the 11 x 7.5-inch piece at 2 inches and 3.75 inches. This will create the card’s folds.
Next, on the 3 x 5.5-inch piece, measure 1.125 inches from the top left corner and draw a diagonal line to the bottom right corner. Score along this line.
Finally, set aside the 1 x 3.25-inch piece for later use.
Stamp the Designs
Now it’s time to add some fun and festive designs to your card. Start by placing the 11 x 7.5-inch card base with the scored lines to your left. Using the Simon Hurley Create Birthday Party stamp set, stamp the gift box images in jet black archival ink, spacing them out along the second score line and about an inch from the bottom.
Next, take the 3 x 5.5-inch piece and position it so the scored line is at the bottom right. Stamp the balloon images from the same stamp set, arranging them in a diagonal pattern towards the top left. Then, stamp the “happy birthday” sentiment underneath the balloons.
Paint with Liquid Pearls
Time to add some shimmer and shine to your card! We’ll be using the Dazzle and Brilliant liquid pearls to paint the various elements.
Begin by painting the 1 x 3.25-inch strip with the Dazzle liquid pearls. Dilute the paint with a bit of water to achieve a watercolor-like effect, and apply it evenly across the strip.
Next, use the #6 Ranger artist brush to paint the gift boxes and balloons. Start by adding the Dazzle liquid pearls to the craft sheet, then dilute with water. Paint the bows on the gift boxes and the balloons, allowing the paint to dry in between layers.
Once the Dazzle is dry, switch to the Brilliant liquid pearls and paint the remaining elements, such as the balloon strings and any other details you’d like to highlight.
To add a fun, splattered effect, dip a small piece of scrap paper into the diluted liquid pearls and flick it onto the card, being careful to avoid the painted areas. Feel free to experiment with different color combinations and patterns to make your card truly unique.
Add Embossed Details
Now let’s take your birthday card to the next level with some embossed details. Using a pencil, draw a small arrow in the center of the 1 x 3.25-inch strip. Trace over the pencil line with a Perfect Medium pen to create a crisp, defined edge.
Sprinkle white embossing powder over the line and heat it with a heat tool until the powder melts and creates a shiny, raised effect. This will serve as a visual cue for the recipient to pull the card open.
Carefully glue the embossed strip to the left side of the card base, aligning it flush with the edge.
Assemble the Pop-Up Card
Now it’s time to bring your birthday card to life with a fun pop-up element. Start by folding the 11 x 7.5-inch card base, creating a valley fold on the first score line and a mountain fold on the second score line. Use a bone folder to create crisp, defined creases.
Do the same with the 3 x 5.5-inch piece, creating a valley fold and a mountain fold.
Place the 3 x 5.5-inch piece onto the card base, aligning the scored line with the right edge and positioning it about an inch and a quarter down from the top. Use a small amount of adhesive to secure it in place, making sure the pop-up element doesn’t interfere with the fold.
Finally, apply adhesive to the top and bottom edges of the card base and close it, securing the pop-up element in place.
Add the Finishing Touches
To complete your DIY birthday card, add a few final touches with the Unicorn Stickles glitter glue. Apply small dots of the glue to the balloons and bows, adding a touch of sparkle and dimension.
If desired, you can also decorate the envelope to match the card. Simply stamp or paint the envelope with coordinating designs and colors.
Celebrate with Your Handmade Card
Congratulations, your easy DIY birthday card is now complete! This vibrant and interactive card is sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face. The pop-up element and the shimmery liquid pearls add a unique and personalized touch that will make your gift extra special.
Remember, the beauty of this project is that it’s simple enough for anyone to try, yet the end result is a truly impressive and heartfelt card. So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and get ready to celebrate your loved one’s birthday in style!
