Some say it’s a forgotten art: thank you notes that convey gratitude for small and not-so-small acts of kindness. Happily, you were raised to honor this tradition and if you forget, Mom may issue a gentle reminder at which point you’re off to check out the greeting card section of your favorite store. Too frequently, nothing on the display jumps out at you but you’re pressed for time and must choose. Time to decide: Does it make sense to spend up to $4 to buy something that’s not your style or will you make your own cards filled with your unique feelings and save a bundle, too?
1. Sneak a peek at the covers, sentiments and designs of boxed and individual thank-you cards at a local shop to gather ideas for your own card. You’ll have the privilege of personalizing your cards to convey different messages each time you make one, but it’s good to have a repertoire of generic greetings on hand to inspire you when your brain isn’t rocking a creative thought.
2. Use your envelope size to determine the specifications of your thank you cards to avoid producing cards that require an envelope that can increase the cost of postage because it doesn’t meet postal regulations. Spend a few extra dollars for color envelopes if you favor one color over another.
3. Boot your computer. Open a 2-page document sized to fit your envelope. If you’re designing a single panel (one card; two sides) set the margins ½ inch smaller than your envelope size for a perfect fit. Going for a standard one-fold design? Double the horizontal measurement when you set margins. You’ll need a 10-inch by 7-inch field to make a 5 x 7 folded card.
4. Design the front panel of your card. Make it personal. Use your name in the text (“Thank You From Alicia”). Use a favorite saying or biblical passage that sends your message of gratitude. Pair that sentiment with an image of yourself, your family, your pet or a snapshot taken while on vacation by importing a photo from your desktop. Adjust the art and words to suit your fancy. Pick a font that’s not too fussy.
5. Create art for the second side of your card if you plan to add more graphics. Place your message on the right side of the second page if you’re making a folded card. Adjust as necessary. Output both pages and glue them back to back so you have a live “sample” and can see how your message and art appear on the completed card. Make adjustments to the design and/or the message if they’re needed.
6. Load your printer’s paper tray with card stock. Output a copy of side one. Place the stock back into the printer tray face up and print side two. Check to be sure both sides are facing the correct way before you repeat that procedure to make more than one thank you card. Store cards for future use if you designed a generic thank you card.
