For as much as we love tech, sometimes the best way to express a sentiment is with a hand-written card. With that in mind, we rounded up a handful of ways to make your own stationery. Whether you use them for yourself or make a set to give it as a gift, you’ll always have the perfect card on hand with these ideas. Now all that’s left is to practice your penmanship!
1. Neon Glitter: Neon and glitter—what’s not to love about these simple notecards? (via For the Love Of)
2. Sequined Cards: We think these would make the perfect new year’s cards. There’s nothing like ringing in the new year with a bit of sparkle. (via Kitten Hood)
3. Cross-Stitched Cards: We made a Valentine’s version of these cross-stitched cards, but there’s no limit to the shapes or designs you can stitch. Just sketch it out on graph paper first! (via Brit + Co.)
4. Chevron Stamp Cards: Make a quick carved stamp to create these sweet chevron cards. We love the idea of alternating colors on the card. (via SAS Does)
5. Watercolor Cards: You don’t have to be planning a wedding to make these beautiful watercolor cards. We love the two takes on the style— (via Oh So Beautiful Paper)
6. Embossed Stripes: Embossing powder is a great DIY stationery staple. This tutorial teaches you how to use it, and you know you can’t go wrong with stripes! (via A Little Hut)
7. DIY Embroidered Cards: Similar to our cross-stitched cards these simple embroidered ones are a great raining afternoon project. Try making a whole set with different sayings and giving them as gifts! (via Say Yes to Hoboken)
8. Duct Tape Envelopes: With all the colorful and patterned duct tape options available out there, you can come up with some amazing combinations for these easy duct tape envelopes. Just remember, if you make them square they’ll require extra postage! (via Brit + Co.)
9. Chalkboard Cards: These chalkboard notecards are genius! Since you can customize them, you’ll always have the perfect card for every occasion. (via Grace Laced)
10. Tissue Paper Cards: These colorful cards are quick and easy to make. The trick is to trim the edges after you’ve glued down the tissue. (via Mad Mim)
11. Doily Cards: These doily cards are somehow dainty and modern at the same time. To keep them from feeling like Valentine’s Day cards, simply avoid the red or pink palette. (via Avie Designs)
12. Animal Stamped Cards: These make the perfect birthday cards for your kids or their friends, or keep a few on hand so your little one can send thank you cards for the presents they’ve received. (via Oh So Beautiful Paper)
13. Dip-Dyed Cards: A bit simpler than watercolor, these dipped cards are subtle and perfect for everyday stationery or condolence cards. (via Martha Stewart)
Which of these DIY ideas is your favorite? Tell us in the comments or on Twitter!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.