How To: Make Stitched & Stenciled Handmade Greeting Cards

I may be a crafty guy, but my drawing skills are basically nonexistent. I can barely draw a stick figure that would be discernible to the average eye. Or, maybe it’s just that my artistic skills are so abstract that no one understands them. Yeah, I’ll go with that. Regardless, spray paint is much more my game-it’s simple to use, and hard to screw up.

That being said, it can be frustrating to get crafty when spray painting is the extent of your artistic ability. I love my colorful aerosol cans, but they can only do so much. This is where my new best friend, stencils, come in.

Stencils are no longer just for creating yard sale signs, or elementary school science project boards-they’re for crafty grownups too!

For this project I decided to combine the use of some super fab stencils and embroidery thread to create unique and simple greeting cards.

To begin you’ll need a few things:

• Stencils (store bought or make your own)
• Heavy stock greeting cards 
• Paint (I used leftover wall paint) 
• Embroidery thread and needle 
• Foam paint brush

1. Begin by choosing the design you want to create by laying out your stencils. It’s good to have a plan of attack beforehand, because paint on paper is not erasable.

2. Place your stencil on the card-stock and make sure you have a firm grip. One little slip and your design will look a little wonky. Stencils can be fickle, so when applying paint, be sure to use a dry brush technique-that means putting paint on the brush, then wiping it off so there is just a little left. Additionally, you’ll want to apply paint in a dabbing motion, up and down, almost like sponge painting.

Once painted, remove the stencil and allow the image to dry while you get your needle and thread ready.

3. Poke holes in a pattern around your card, being careful not bend it. It’s easier said than done-my deer card got a little dinged up. Then stitch through your card and tie a firm knot at each end.

That was pretty simple, right? Now you’ve got yourself a super adorable card that’s totally original for someone special. Just make sure you pick the right recipient before you put all the time and work in.

For more food and craft projects, be sure to visit AJ’s blog, Handjobs (For the Home)