2Shopper

Sometimes, the smallest accomplishments can be so rewarding and, if you’re lucky, functional as well. DIY stationery is such a simple project with numerous opportunities for doing both and yet is so often overlooked, with the convenience of texting and programs like Skype. And yes, some people just have a knack for arts and crafts stuff. Most girls I know enjoy scrapbooking, for example; I can barely walk and talk at the same time. But neither of these reasons wtill stop me from dipping my feet into some creative paper magic for some ultra-customized cards and equally eye-catching envelopes. And the best part is, all it really takes is a few materials, a little time, and a desire to feel good about creating something that expresses your personality and leaves an impression on others.

If you’re an interested novice like myself, you might have trouble deciding what to purchase among the vast assortment of paper craft products. Not to worry: you really only need a handful of things, and some can do more than their intended use. Take a gander at this Heart Hole Punch, for example. Seems unassuming enough, but use this hole puncher to add some small details to an otherwise routine envelope or card. Or use the punched hearts as envelope confetti or as decorative tie for a gift, like below.

Impressed yet? Challenge your sewing skills just a bit with fabric-covered cards. Scraps of fabric cover basic cards that are dried out using coffee to give them a handmade shabby-chic look.

If you’re a person of few words, try stationery with simplicity. A stencil of your choosing easily transforms a basic set of blank cards. With a little paint and an inexpensive foam stencil brush, a decorative medallion or symbol can embrace either a cover or a corner and is interesting enough to need nothing more.

If nothing is really catching your eye, why not try something a little more organic? Literally.

Make some easy roses with an artichoke and an ink stamper. Layer them in different colors for more depth.

Cut up different veggies and fruits for a variety of shapes and silhouettes.

Design a pattern, but be sure to test it out on cheap paper first.

Create your own stamper by cutting into a potato and dipping it into acrylic or craft paint.

If you’re really up for creating a truly one-of-a-kind stationery set, heat embossing might the next challenge to master. Heat embossing uses a special embossing powder and a heat embosser to print (or heat-stamp) designs onto stationery and appear professionally made. Though the process and extra materials might seem a bit discouraging…

What you arrive at is so satisfying and really engages your creativity! Have some inspiration on us!

ALL handmade!

It’s easy to forget about that little bit of joy that overcomes you when you receive a letter in the mail from an old pal: the surprise of having been in someone’s thoughts, the anticipation of opening the envelope, and the excitement of reading his/her thoughts in irreplaceable penmanship. No text, video chat, or tweet can provide the sort of connection one can have with something held and designed by a friend especially for that person. Try your hand at some of these stationery ideas and just watch as your creative craftiness brings smiles to others and a sense of gratification for yourself.