3 Easy Handmade Father's Day Card Ideas

Create a handsome card for Dad this Father's Day using elements from your backyard.

Father's Day Card

All you need to give Dad a personalized, handmade card this Father's day are a few craft supplies and some plants from your own yard. Kids of all ages can participate in making these cards, although the little ones may need a helping hand.

By: Ruth Meharg

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All you need to give Dad a personalized, handmade card this Father's Day are a few craft supplies and some dried items taken from nature. Kids of all ages can participate to make these cards, although the little ones may need a helping hand.

Materials Needed

blank card
colored or patterned paper
liquid school glue
scissors

pencil, pen or marker
leaves, small twigs, ornamental grass, etc.
craft sealer spray

Create Window

Begin with a blank, folded greeting card. If it doesn't already have a window, cut one in the shape and size of your choosing. Trace this window onto the inside of the card. The shape will allow you to know what will show through when the card is closed.

Tracing the Window

Begin with a blank, folded greeting card. If it doesn't already have a window cut one in the shape and size of your choosing into the front. Trace this window onto the inside of your card. This shape will allow you to know what will show through when the card is closed.

Write Message

Use pens, pencils or markers to draw and write your message on the inside. Fit all or part of your message carefully in the window, or let parts of it overlap so the window only shows a preview. Don't worry about getting it perfect; let your personality show through. Kids' handwriting is especially sweet peeking through the window once the card is closed.

Write Your Message

Once you have your window traced, it's time to write your message. You can fit all or part of your message carefully in the window, or let parts of it overlap so the window only shows a preview. Use pens, pencils or paint. Don't worry about getting it perfect, let your personality show through. Kid's handwriting is especially sweet peeking through the window once the card is closed!

Create Frame

Place a colored piece of paper inside and trace the shape of the window again. Use this guideline to create a frame for your window. Cut the window shape out of the paper, leaving a frame the size of your choice intact around it.

Creating a Frame

Once the inside of your card is finished, place a colored piece of paper inside and trace the shape of the window again. Use this guideline to create a frame for your window. Cut the window shape out of the paper, leaving a frame the size of your choice intact around it.

Assemble

Glue the frame onto the front of the card, surrounding the window. Optionally, cut multiple frames in different colors and layer them to create a textured effect. Try cutting wavy, uneven frames for a more organic look.

Glue the Frame

Glue your frame onto the front of the card, surrounding the window. You can cut multiple frames in different colors and layer them to create a dimensional effect. Your frames don't have to be perfectly straight, try cutting wavy, uneven frames for a more organic look.

Embellish

When the frames are dry, use a liquid or hot glue to attach the natural elements to the card. Some ideas to use are:

Twigs

Look for twigs of different colors, textures and sizes for added texture and dimension. Don't choose large or heavy ones or the card might not be able to hold the weight.

Adding Sticks

When your frames are dry, you can add your natural elements. You'll need a liquid glue or hot glue for this part, a glue stick won't be strong enough, but a regular school glue will work just fine.

Leaves

Leaves can be easily found in interesting colors, even in the summer. Look for additional items from the yard that contrast with the leaf color such as ornamental grasses. Set the leaves in a cool, dry place until they are completely dried before gluing.

Adding Leaves

If twigs aren't quite right for you, try using leaves to decorate your card. Look for something to use with the leaves that contrasts with their color or texture. Thin ornamental grasses go well with the dark, purple leaves on this card because together they create interesting texture.

Weeds

Give your gardening dad an extra special gift by pulling some of the weeds from the garden or yard to use. When dried, some weeds can be really beautiful, and he's sure to appreciate your hard work.

Repurposing Weeds

If you want to give your gardening Dad and extra special gift, pull some of the weeds from the garden or yard to use for your card. When dried some weeds can be really beautiful, and he's sure to appreciate your hard work!

Seal

To protect the card, use a clear sealing spray on the front once the glue is dry. Set the card outdoors to spray it, and leave it outside until it is completely dry.

Finishing Touches

If you want to protect your card, you can use a sealing spray on the front once the glue is dry. You can use a spray from the arts or crafts store, but cheap hairspray will work as well. Use a hairspray with acrylate in it, and no added conditioners. Set your card outdoors to spray it, and leave it outside until it is completely dry. Then you're ready to pass your beautiful creation on to Dad!

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