Creating quirky cards

I never buy greeting cards from a shop. Why would I?

With a stockpile of gorgeous children’s art on hand I have all I need to make my own - or indeed outsource the job to one of the children. I keep a stash of blank cards, either scrounged from scrap cardboard or purchased in a pack from a discount store. Then when a birthday or other occasion comes around I simply commission one of my 'team' to get to work with a gluestick and scissors. Yep, we can whip up a personalised card for any and every occasion at the drop of a hat!

Children love to create. It’s important to always celebrate your child’s creativity, chat with them about the thing they have made, and proudly display their masterpiece.

But kids can bring home a MOUNTAIN of paintings, drawings and constructions from kinder and childcare, and it’s impossible to keep it all. So, deal with the ever-growing pile of artwork by asking yourself the following questions about each masterpiece:

• Will you really, really love it forever? Frame it!
• Is it "fridgeworthy"? Blutak it to the wall and enjoy it for a few months, then re-purpose.
• Is it worth keeping beyond a few months? Pick up a sturdy cardboard art folio (they’re often available at newsagents) and file it away. Or get yourself one of those sturdy boxes from the fruit shop or supermarket - they're perfect for storing A3 work flat, and can be slid under a bed. Is space an issue? Then photograph the artwork, and move it on....
• Is it on its way to the bin? Stop! Save the good bits to re-use later. This stuff is perfect for re-purposing into artwork, cards or wrapping paper. Chop it up, as even the most simple scribble becomes a gorgeous panel once glued onto a card. Store pieces in a box from the $2 shop (or even just an old shoebox). That box will becomes a treasure trove for pastings, and your 'go to' resource for whipping up unique birthday cards.

I also have a box of collected Christmas cards. I’ve ripped off the front from cards sent to me over the years, and I chopped them up into shapes. I know that the sending of Christmas cards is a dying art, but there are still times when cards and tags are needed. I get the kids to glue them onto blank cards in bright arrangements for a really a cheap’n’cheerful option.

The best cards are always the most handmade, and heartfelt. So save your pennies, and set the kids the task of creating cool cards for every occassion.