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| Photo Credit: Judith K. Mehl |
| Let your loved ones know how much you care with elegant, handcrafted greeting cards created from your garden’s bounty. |
In today’s fast-paced, computer-driven world, doesn’t it feel good to receive a good old-fashioned letter in your mailbox? (It feels pretty good sending a letter, too.) And what says you care more than a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind greeting card made from goodies straight from your garden?!
All you need to get started is some card stock, mailing envelopes, a few craft supplies and a stroll in your garden or local park. Finding the embellishments for this project is really half the fun, and you can use something from nature just about any time of the year. Flower petals and garden foliage work great, but don’t rule out pinecone parts, twigs, dried seed heads, herbs…the list goes on and on! You’re only limited by your imagination – and by how flat the materials are. (Remember, you’re mailing these cards in envelopes.) | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Judith K. Mehl | | It doesn’t take a lot of supplies to get this project started. |
Once you’ve gathered the materials, prepare your harvested flowers and leaves by drying them between paper towels. Press flower petals separately, or use tiny blooms that are still intact in your design. And choose your paper towels carefully: Many have embossed patterns that can transfer to the petals – sometimes this adds a nice, subtle texture to your creation, but other times it can be a disappointment. If you want a really smooth effect (and if your petals have very little moisture in them), try drying them between sheets of wax paper.
If you’re missing a few accent items, head out to the craft shop. Ribbon, dried flowers, buttons and pins can help embellish your handcrafted cards. You might even pick up some specialty paper while you’re there (or try your hand at making your own at home). Quality cards and envelopes come in a variety of sizes and colors. For a sophisticated look, try the cream-colored ones that are 5¼ by 7¼ inches and have a deckle edge. If you use coated color paper, cut it to fit invitation envelopes for quick, small cards.
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| Facts |
- Greeting cards were sent in ancient Chinese times to exchange goodwill wishes on the New Year. Early Egyptians wrote greetings on papyrus scrolls. Handmade paper greeting cards began in the early 1400s in Europe. By 1840, with the introduction of the postage stamp, and 1850, when advances in printing mechanized the process, the sending of greeting cards flourished.
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| Tips |
- A standard 8½ by 11 inch sheet of paper can be folded to fit a standard invitation envelope, making for an inexpensive, yet personal greeting. Or choose recycled paper products to make your greetings from Mother Nature as “green” as possible!
- Want an extra “professional touch” to your card? Have an ink stamp made with your name on it and use it on the back of your handmade art.
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| Faqs |
- Q: How long does it typically take for petals and foliage to dry?
A: It usually takes as little as a week for garden materials to dry enough for use in craft projects.
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| Resources |
- We’d love to see how your nature-themed greeting cards turned out. Send your well-wishes to our Learn2Grow community by posting images of your homemade cards in our forums!
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