Card Making for Kids

Card making is a great activity for kids—whether it's for a special occasion or just for fun.

Making homemade cards encourages a child's artistic side. And gives them the opportunity to show off their art!

So, get ready for giggles, glue sticks, and maybe a sprinkle of glitter (because, why not?).

I'm talking easy card making ideas that won't turn your kitchen table into a craft supply explosion!

Think simple, fun, and totally doable, even if you're more of a "stick-figure artist" yourself (I'm right there with you!).

First things first, why is card making for kids such a winner?

It helps them think outside the box, problem solve, and express themselves in unique ways. There's the development of fine motor skills as they snip, glue and stick. And emotional development as they create something special for someone else.

Plus, who doesn't love getting a handmade greeting card? It's like a warm hug in paper form!

Let's get those creative juices flowing!

Making Cards for Different Occasions

One of the coolest things about card making for kids is that it's the perfect activity for any occasion.

Got a birthday coming up? Time to break out the paper, glitter glue, and birthday candles!

They can make special cards for family. Birthday cards for parents and siblings. Or, festive holiday cards for grandparents.

Crafting friendship cards or teacher thank-you notes will help them show appreciation.

Also, making cards for community and charity projects can teach them about kindness. They could send cards to hospital patients or local events. Have a look at my list of organisations accepting cards on my page Cards for Causes.

These small gestures of kindness can make a world of difference.

Getting Started

First make sure you have all the supplies you need to get started.

You'll need some card stock or heavy paper to use as the base for your cards. Use full sized sheets of US Letter or International A4 folded in half. This will make larger cards than usual but it's easier for little hands.

See my guide to different card folds

You also need....

• Watercolour paper for a top layer for the card front if using paint or markers that bleed through.
• Scraps of different coloured paper along with safety scissors and glue sticks
• Washable markers, crayons, or coloured pencils for drawing
• Non Toxic paint or Tempera sticks.
• Stickers, glitter in a sprinkle jar, and stamps for decoration.

If you want to go green, you can even use recycled materials, which are both eco-friendly and a fun challenge!

Include...

• Paper rolls, egg cartons, scraps of fabric, old magazines for collage.
• Kitchen rolls can be cut up and used as stamps for balloons, hearts and snowmen.

The possibilities for upcycling are endless!

Make sure the tools are safe for the kids' ages

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on them while they work.

Cover your table with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth. This will make cleanup a breeze! Secondly, have a "drying area" for finished cards. This will prevent smudges and smears.

And finally, keep a damp cloth or baby wipes for quick clean-ups.

Once you have all your materials, it's time to get creative!

 

Easy Card Making

For the littlest crafters, try handprint art.

Make those tiny handprints into cute animals. How about fluffy sheep, roaring lions, or colourful butterflies?

Simply, trace their handprints onto paper. Either cut them out or leave as is and let the decorating begin!

And If you are feeling brave dip the child's hand into paint to make a handprint.

Another easy card making idea that's perfect for little hands is fingerprint art. Those tiny fingerprints can become delicate flower petals or cheerful ladybird spots.

Seasonal Trees - The hand print becomes the trunk while fingers make great leaves. Depending on the season, children can create different types of trees. Use green for a summer tree. Orange and red for a autumn/fall tree,. White and blue for a winter tree. Pink and yellow for a spring tree.

Butterfly Paintings - Kids can create symmetrical butterfly wings with a hand print. Paint the hand print on one side, and fold the paper in half to transfer the paint to the other side. Creating a mirror image.

Animal Handprints - Create handprint animals with painty hands. A handprint can become a turkey or chicken, with each finger representing a feather. You can turn a handprint into a fish by adding details like fins and scales.

Garden of Flowers - Make a vibrant garden by using their fingertips to make flower petals and leaves. Or have the fingerprint flowers bursting from a vase.

Fireworks Display - Use dark coloured paper and bright neon paints to create bursts of color to mimic fireworks. They can layer the colours to add depth and excitement to their display.

Rainbow Waterfall - Dip fingers into different colours and sweep them in a downward motion (into an arc) across the paper. Encourage them to mix colours to see what new shades they can make! Sing the Rainbow song so children know which colours go next to each other.

Enjoy the messy fun!

Don't underestimate the power of simple shapes!

Cut out circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles from paper. Then let the kids arrange them into their own unique masterpieces.

A circle can become a smiling sun. A square can turn into a sturdy house. A triangle can take flight as a mountain peak.

The possibilities are endless!

Cut thin rectangle shapes for birthday candles and draw in a flame - simple and effective!

For Christmas cards make snowflakes from folded paper - can't remember how? Martha Stewart has some great instructions.

Tips for Card Making for Kids

Provide a wide selection of coloured paper, markers, stickers, glitter, and other embellishments. This will allow children to experiment and create in their own unique style.

Don't be afraid to experiment. One of the best things about card making is that there are no rules! Encourage your kids to experiment with different materials, techniques, and designs. You never know what amazing creations they'll come up with!

Kids can use drawings, colours, and photos to personalise their cards. They can even add collages or personal messages.

As they get more comfortable, kids can try out more advanced ideas....

• Use stencils and masks to help with detailed designs.
• Play with watercolours or mixed media to add cool textures and effects.
• Make stamps with fun foam shapes stuck to tubes.

Card making is also a great opportunity to sneak in some learning! Talk about colours, shapes, and patterns. Practice counting and sorting. Even read a story about the holiday or occasion you're celebrating.

And Finally....

Card making for kids is a fantastic activity. It sparks creativity, builds skills, and helps kids express their feelings. 

And the best part? There are no mistakes, only unique creations!

Handmade cards mean more than store-bought ones. Creating them brings priceless joy.

And, while you're at it, why not join in on the fun? Card making isn't just for kids, you know!

It's a wonderful way to de-stress, tap into your creativity, and create something truly unique. So go ahead, unleash your inner child and have some fun with it!

After all, life's too short to be anything but crafty!

Happy crafting, everyone!

See Also:

Birthday Card Ideas for Kids

Printable Birthday Cards for Kids

Baker Ross - Card Making Craft Ideas