Easy Stationary

Stationary can be expensive, so why not make your own? I've been making these card-like ones for many different occasions. They're a quick and easy way to thank or congratulate someone. I've attached the templates you'll need to print in different formats (e.g. PDF, DOC, PAGES).

*You'll notice that the template for the card's Back is not centered even though the Front is, that's because I've calibrated the Back after several test prints to be aligned with the Front. (You may want to do a test print first though and calibrate it yourself.)

WARNING: You need a printer capable of printing card stock or greeting cards. In part, this is due to the printer's ability to grip the page. Printer's that can't print card stock won't be able to feed the paper... On Word, you can figure out if your printer can print card stock by going to Print > Printer Properties > Paper/Quality > Media > see if there's Greeting Card.

You'll need cardstock and envelopes. Here are the ones I use. My templates follow the size of this envelope. So if you have a different sized envelope, you'll need to adjust.

*I suggest getting card stock that's a little less smooth or glossy, a little more texture will not only absorb ink better but also add warmth to the card. If you can, go to an office supply store so you can actually see and feel the paper quality.

Again, there's a lot of room for creativity in the templates.

Here are some ideas:

• Replace the greeting with your full name.
• Add your initials to the bottom of the Back.
• Edit borders and font for different colors, types, sizes.
• Add a company or school logo to the back.
• You get the picture.

You'll want to dry the ink quickly. I always have my desk lamp on, so I'll take my printouts and hold them under for a minute each face. You'll be surprised (esp. with glossy paper) at how easily the ink can smear even after applying heat. So do it for a while.

Take a pencil and ruler, and extend the gray, cut lines. This will help when making your cuts.

Be sure to cut inside the gray box. (If it's not clear already, I made the gray box to help outline the card's size.) You'll want to make these cuts as straight as possible, so use a paper trimmer or an exacto knife with a ruler. If you're using scissors, really take your time. Because the card is so simple, anyone looking at it will be able to perceive a misalignment.

Then round the corners. This helps ease the reader's eyes. I bought a round, corner punch to quickly accomplish this.

If you're interested in where I obtained these products:

• Paper trimmer - https://www.amazon.com/Swingline-Trimmer-Guillotine-Capacity-ClassicCut/dp/B016LDV41S/ref=pd_sim_sbs_229_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C7PN48K2VS6VSESKBE83
• Corner punch - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WWIPEE/ref=s9_dcacsd_bhz_bw_c_x_1