Today, I want to share with you a new graduation card idea that I was inspired to create after browsing Pinterest. If you are anything like me, I’m drawn to all of those amazing and talented artists and crafters there. I kept seeing a similar theme popping out at me and I thought with a few tweaks and addition of metallic watercolor and calligraphy, I could bring something new to life.
Here’s what I used for supplies:
• Black card stock and calligraphy paper (32 lb paper will also work)
• Paper cutter (or scissors) and bone folder (optional but helps to make crisp folds)
• Pencils (graphite and white) and erasers (traditional and black)
• Calligraphy pen, nib and ink with lint-free cloth
• Metallic watercolors, brushes, paper towel and water jar
• Ruler (optional for measuring lines and spacing) and glue stick
• Small black button and gold embroidery floss
• Hot glue gun
First, I cut the black card stock into a square (I made an 8.5in x 8.5in square). Then, position the paper to a diamond shape and fold in the side edges. Next, turn so card sits like a square tent. Fold in half both directions so that there are four squares. Finally, fold diagonal corners in toward each other and press the opposite squares flat to make one smaller square. I’m a visual person so I included photos of the steps to help.
Now it’s time to add the inside details! With the card lying flat, draw a curved stem with leaves design using the white pencil onto each of the squares with a fold crease.
Once your design is ready, begin to write over the pencil marks using metallic watercolor painted onto the backside of the calligraphy nib. See an explanation of this technique in this post. Once the stem and leaves are outlined, continue by adding leaf veins and details to give it a lacy look. The final photo is a close-up to see the detail of small circle shapes inside of the veins.
While this is drying, cut two squares slightly smaller than 4x4 to fit into the squares that are not painted. With the squares placed as diamonds, begin writing your messages using watercolor or standard calligraphy ink. When everything is dry, use the standard glue stick to attach the white squares onto the black card stock as shown below.
Now that the inside is complete, let’s move onto the the outside. Use the gold embroidery floss to make a tassel by looping it around two fingers, cut one end of the loops and tie the other end together leaving a long tail to attach to the card. Using the hot glue gun attach the tassel with the small black button over the top. Pair with a complimentary envelope and it’s ready to present to your graduate!
Next post I will share a vital addition to your hand-made card in case you don’t happen to have an envelope handy to fit your newly crafted design: a custom envelope design tutorial along with a free template!
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