Creative and Functional Art Cards

Creative and Functional Art Cards

Turn your painty paper scraps into something useful with a collection of 4"x6" art cards. They make wonderful starting points for creative exploration, collage, and inspiration while helping tame that ever-growing pile of painted paper. Try magazine pages or old book pages. For backgrounds use card stock, heavy scrapbook paper you no longer love, index cards, or even 4"x6" photographs. Use pieces larger than the card and trim them down afterward for clean, crisp edges.

Create sets or series for art and collage exploration instead of making another traditional art journal page or ATC. Add sentiments or lettering, then stamp the back with a postcard stamp to turn them into expressive art postcards for memorable mailings.

Make themed sets for journal cards organized by color, subject, season, or style. Add a tab to brighten up ordinary index cards for the office, or create a personalized set for gift giving. You can even spice up your recipe card collection with a little artistic makeover.

These card bases can be made ahead and stored for instant art backgrounds whenever inspiration strikes. Use photo corners to turn them into a book or display them as a collection. Make stacks to keep throughout your craft room, office, or home, giving you an easy supply of creative and functional paper pieces whenever you have a few minutes to create.

Happy paper crafting!