Re-dressing those not so pretty greeting cards

How many of us have bought one of those blank greeting cards packages that are on sale, just because is convenient, inexpensive  and we like some of them? I guess a couple of us had. Even if you haven't buy the big package, some of you, like me, might  have had hard time finding the perfect  birthday or father's day card that would convey our feelings to the other person.  Stumbling over  cards with not so pretty or meaningless design and nice message inside, or just plain boring; we all have find those, is not fun at all. 

The other day, was my friend's friend birthday, and he was going crazy trying to find a birthday card at the last minute. He found one with the perfect funny message, but he hated the picture. With not too much time to spare, to keep going around trying to find the perfect card, my light bulb lighted up and I suggested him,  "why  not making it your own? Just cover the front design with something you like."  Yes, you heard me right (well read me right).  His answer, "I have not much time for buying materials for that, plus I don't know what to use."  But what kind of friend would I be if I don't have his back?

So I brought him home, and show him a bunch of scrapbook papers that I have, most of them left over pieces of paper from my previous works. There were also some 'happy birthday' stickers that I had save because, honestly, I wasn't to fond of them nor did I know what to use them for. When he looked at the papers he was less convince of it been a better idea, he thought it was too much work. Ok, time for me to let my creativity come out and fast. What I did? I layered all the festive papers that could be used in the table, as well as the few stickers. Then started to see what will look good with what; everything as fast as I could since we were short of time.

Finally, we found something simple that would work. Some adjustments to the card dimensions were needed, so we could make use of the paper we decided to use. Other "last minute" changes were needed, like the use of a small piece of paper to cover the folding edge of the card so the small part of the old design was covered; by the way it ended up being way better than the initial design we had in mind. All this, in five minutes and for practically nothing but, in this case, the cost of the card.

So it doesn't matter if you already have so cards at home or if you just by one only for the right message, the important is that you convey your feelings. There is no better way to do the later, but by putting some of yourself on it. So don't be afraid of using your scrapbook, origami materials or even magazines for something else, as for example greeting cards, it will save you money by using material you already have plus will show how much you care.