Scraps of Life: Quick and Easy Birthday Cards

Good morning, Authentique Paper Fans! I decided to make a set of "quick and easy" cards to share. I know a lot of you are making and mailing cards during this time of COVID-19 self-isolation. I wanted to share a few simple cards, that are also easy to mail.

I always need birthday cards, especially cards for men and children. I make a lot of cards, but most of them are very feminine. Making cards that are more plain and less frilly and flowery is not my "go to" style! Every time I need a card for a man, teen, or child, I scramble to throw one together! I have made a 2020 pact with myself to make up a nice selection of suitable cards for these occasions!

I used the NEW Hooray Collection for this set of four cards. This is a bright and fun paper collection, that is PERFECT for children especially.

This first card is a 7" x 5" version. I cut each layer a bit smaller than the previous one. I think that this one will work for a man fairly well. I stayed with with geometric shapes, and a flirty ephemera card. The sentiment is one of the Hooray cardstock stickers. A little bit of twine and this card is finished!

For all the cards in this set I used black cardstock for the card base and for each layer mat. I used some ivory cardstock to line the inside of the cards, giving a place to write a message or stamp an additional greeting.

This card is a bit of an odd size, 6" x 5", but it will mail in an envelope made for 5" x 7"cards. The bow is pretty flat and should go through the mail fine. Sometimes I slip a scrap piece of cardstock into the envelope to protect the small bows.

Another way to make sure your card mails safely is to ask the post office to "hand cancel" the envelope. That means the envelope won't go through the automated system, where it may get caught in the machinery. The safest way to mail a lumpy card is to use a cardboard or padded mailer.

The Hooray Collection is so perfect for kids cards and other party favors. I love the images and the bright colors! This card is a standard A2 (5 1/2" x 4 1/4") size and fits into a standard note card envelope.

To get the perfect layers, I cut each panel 1/8" smaller than the black cardstock base or mat. That gives a nice 1/16" border all the way around. For example, the ephemera card with the elephant measures 4" x 3". I cut the black cardstock mat to 4 1/8" x 3 1/8".

This card is my favorite! This is also a standard A2 size, but in the landscape format. This image is simply adorable. I also love the "happy birthday" paper I used for a background. I once again used a cardstock sticker for the sentiment. The addition of the star ribbon makes the whole card come together!

Thanks for stopping by! Have fun making some cards!