How to Make a Handmade Paper Greeting Card

Step 1: Create a stencil Unfold a greeting card and trace the shape on a piece of cardboard or thick plastic that is the same size as your mold and deckle. Cut out the shape using your craft knife to create an envelope stencil.
Step 2: Dip the stencil in a vat of pulp Place the cardboard stencil between your mold and deckle. Dip the mold and deckle with the stencil sandwiched in between into the paper pulp at a 45-degree angle and draw them toward you.
TIP: If you cannot find a mold and deckle at a crafts store, construct your own from two flat picture frames with a screen attached to one of them.
Step 3: Raise the stencil from the vat Raise the mold, deckle, and stencil to the surface in one continuous motion. Then remove them from the pulp. Allow the water to drain, shaking the mold and deckle from side to side.
Step 4: Remove the card from the stencil Remove the deckle and transfer the layer of pulp inside the stencil to a flat surface covered by a damp cloth by placing the mold upside down on the surface, tapping on the screen, and then raising the mold up. Let the paper dry.
TIP: If you plan to write on the card, coat it first with a sizing solution made by boiling ½ teaspoon of gelatin in 1 cup of water.
Step 5: Fold the card Fold the card, put it in an envelope, and send it to someone you love.
FACT: The oldest known greeting card in existence is a Valentine made in the 1400s.

Lessons in this Guide