Photos on Greeting Cards

Tips on Adding Photos to Cards

Card Making with Photos

Most card makers have applied stamping techniques, stickers, and stencils, decorative ribbons, and every other embellishment imaginable.

Handmade cards are precious, and make any recipient feel special.

Why not make these paper craft treasures even more personal and special with a photo?

In today’s world of high-tech communications, finding a letter or card in the mailbox is so rare; it’s practically an occasion in itself.

Imagine opening your mailbox and finding, stuffed among the bills and marketing collateral, a lovely envelope with a handwriten address. Inside, a card so lovely, so well crafted, and best of all, with your photo prominently displayed right on the front of the card.

How would that make you feel?

Special, treasured, and important!

Isn’t that exactly why we make and send cards - to make our loved ones feel good? Now, imagine you are the maker and sender of that card.

Here are some tips for using photos in card marking.

Choosing Between Color or Black and White

Some photos look great in color, especially if they have colors that pop. Colorful cards are great for holidays and birthdays, especially children’s birthdays.

Meanwhile, black and white photos create an aura of elegance or convey an artistic idea. They are ideal for weddings and anniversaries.

Beyond that, how do you decide which colorization style to use?

First of all, examine the photo. If you have photo editing software, you should be able to view it in both color and black and white.

Go with the style that best flatters your photo or creates the feeling you are trying to convey.

Second, know your audience.

Is the recipient a boisterous humorist (go with color) or a sedate intellectual (black and white is the way to go).

Photo Cropping

Be creative when it’s time to crop the photo and get it ready for your card.

Try wetting the edges with a paintbrush dipped in water, and then tearing along the wet line.

Use fire (with caution) along the edge of the photo, to generate a vintage look. Burnt edges look especially nice with black and white or sepia-toned photographs.

Your usual scrapbooking tools such as paper trimmers and specialty scissors will also add fine touches and spice up photo edges quite well.

Don’t Forget the Envelope

For an extra special touch, include another photo on the envelope.

You can use a smaller version of the photo on the card, or a completely different one.

Use plenty of glue to make sure it’s completely secure and won’t rub off during transport. You can also use mailing tape over the photo on the envelope. Since mailing tape is wide, clear, and weather-proof, it will protect the photo, and your crafty handiwork!