Tissue Paper Stained Glass Cards

These are a smaller card and very versatile. I've used them mainly as
Thank You cards, but also everywhere from Birthday cards to Sympathy cards. I make about a dozen at a time and it's useful to have some on hand when I need one.

This project is fairly simple in concept but rather time consuming. However, if you have a little patience and a steady hand this can be an enjoyable project. And after all, a handmade card is special and will be treasured for a long time.

Black construction paper
Exacto knife Cutting mat or piece of stiff cardboard
Various colors of tissue paper
Glue stick
2-3 sheets card stock, (1 sheet makes two cards) (white or colored, it's your preference. Just be aware that writing will be more difficult to read on darker colors.)
A printed pattern (keep it simple. See next step.)
Pen

Search the web for coloring sheets of the object you want on the card. Pictures can work but coloring sheets are already simplified down to mere lines that are easy to transfer to the paper. Choose patterns that are not too intricate as you will have to adapt them a little. Format the images so that they are not larger than 3.5"x5", then print.

Cut each sheet of card stock in half horizontally creating two 4"x5.5" rectangles. Fold in half. Repeat for all sheets of card stock. These are your cards.

Cut the black construction paper into rectangles 3.5"x5", this will leave a quarter inch margin on all edges of the card. You need one for each card you intend to make.

Also cut your patterns 3.5"x5", the same as the black paper.

Layer the pattern on top of the black paper. Put a small piece of tape on the top and bottom of the papers to hold the two together. Trace over the pattern darkly with the pen. This will transfer the pattern to the black paper. The lines can be a little difficult to see, if they are not visible enough you can cut directly through both the pattern and the black paper.

With the exacto knife, cut along the lines transferred in the previous step, or directly through the pattern. Begin with the center most portions and work your way out. Now it gets a little difficult. You have to be sure to leave a thin line of black between each section. You will have to edit the pattern slightly. (See the second picture for an example) Just cut each section individually.

Cut out all sections.

Glue preferred colors of tissue paper over sections of patterns.

Several tips:

~Put glue on the black paper, not the tissue paper.

~Glue to the same side you cut so the opposite side stays nice.

~For tiny sections, glue a larger piece of tissue paper over it and with the exacto knife, cut excess away from the sections where that color is unwanted.

~Try not to get glue on the opposite side as it might leave a mark.

Finally, spread glue on the entire back of the black/tissue paper piece and stick onto the card made previously.

They're pretty standard sized small cards so it should be easy to find envelopes this size to go with them if you want.