How to Write Inside a Card: Creating Connections through Handmade Greeting Cards
Can we talk science for a minute? (I know, I know, physics probably wasn’t on your list of things to study today, but hear us out.) Sir Isaac Newton had some pretty revolutionary ideas about motion and how objects act in relation to each other—take his famous third law, for example: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Now, why on earth would we be talking about all this science stuff when what you want to know is how to write inside a card??
Well, we believe—in fact, we know—that Newton’s third law applies perfectly to handmade greeting cards and how to write a heartfelt message. Having been the recipients of custom card messages and having sent plenty of them ourselves, we know that as much impact as a personalized greeting card has on the receiver, the effect can be just as big—maybe bigger—on the giver.
And we’ve got plenty of evidence to back us up. Read on to learn more about how to write inside a card and why creating meaningful cards matters more now than ever!
The Joy of Giving and Receiving Handmade Cards
Have you ever heard of John Kralik? In his book A Simple Act of Gratitude, John explains how his personal and professional life had hit rock bottom. Finally, one day, John made a decision—he was going to focus on gratitude for what he still had in his life and show it by writing a thank you card every single day for an entire year.
I’m sure you can predict how that went for John. And for the recipients of his meaningful handwritten notes. Over the course of the year, John watched his life blossom as he reached out to others who’d had any kind of impact on his life, big or small. And he found that putting good feelings out into the universe has a way of coming back to you.
Think about the last time you got a handmade greeting card. Did you rip it open in joyful anticipation? Did you wait until the rest of the mail was sorted to savor the thoughtful card sent your way? Maybe it’s because it’s rare, or knowing someone putting in extra effort just for you sends a rush of positive feelings through your system—but either way, it feels good. And every time, too!
The same thing happens when you’re the one crafting custom card messages. One Ph.D. even compares the reward for practicing gratitude to a runner’s high, noting that it sends a combination of dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins coursing through your body. How could you not be ready to write your next thank you card (or any other kind and genuine message) today?!
The Art of Writing Inside a Card
It may surprise you that the simple act of writing inside a card trumps the exact content of the message. Of course, we want to spread goodness, but that comes in many forms and will certainly look different to each of us. The key is kindness, whether you’re sending congratulations, condolences, thanks, or “thinking-of-yous.”
There’s no need for eloquence, professionalism, or elegant penmanship—what we’re all looking for is the little piece of someone’s heart that automatically comes from putting pen to paper. It’s why handmade cards mean so much more.
Still stuck on creating custom card messages? Here are some of our favorite tips for how to write inside a card.
Tips for Writing Inside a Card
Try using these tips for writing thoughtful card messages!
1. Don’t feel pressured by space.
Whether you feel limited or overwhelmed, don’t let the size of a card determine your messaging. Feel free to write a simple sentence or two or carry it to the back of your card if you have more to say. Either way, the impact is because of the time and effort taken to express handwritten care.
2. Be genuine.
For a message to come from the heart, it’s got to be honest. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing to an acquaintance or someone you’ve loved for decades—authenticity makes a message matter. So even if all you have to say is, “I’m sincerely grateful for all you do to volunteer at the school!” say it boldly, and they’ll feel it, even if you’ve only ever waved in the halls.
3. Be specific.
Specifics can help get your message across. When a blanket statement doesn’t cut it, try honing in on one or two things. Maybe it’s acknowledging all the responsibility your friend is shouldering at work, calling out specific projects she has mentioned to you. Maybe it’s pinpointing what someone is grieving instead of only apologizing for a general loss. Sometimes, it can feel scary to get into specifics, but it’s also a great way to help people know you truly hear, see, and care for them.
4. Recall a memory.
Sharing a memory is a fun way to relive favorite moments together. It’s also a great strategy for making the good times last! Share a few of your best-loved details from a road trip, a silly story from when you first met, or something you cherish about a dear one who has passed on. This can help us know we’re not alone in either enjoyment or grief and extend the bonds of trust and love beyond the moment shared.
5. Practice gratitude.
Saying thank you has incredible power for both the giver and receiver. We’ve talked about how gratitude affects the one practicing it, but a heartfelt thank you also goes a long way for the recipient. Especially when you receive thanks for something that often goes unnoticed. Do you want to know how to make someone feel special with a card? Why not leave a little handwritten note for your child to thank them for making their bed and contributing to a clean and happy household? You’ll quickly see how it affects their attitude and heart!
6. Think outside the box.
Think you have no one to send a card to or no reason to send it? Think again. We often get caught up in the traditional idea of only sending birthday wishes or holiday greetings, but what happens when you send a handmade greeting card on a random Tuesday in May? Nothing may be better than receiving a completely unexpected message telling us we’re important just because. Some thoughtful card messages of this variety could look like, “Hey, I just think you’re really cool,” or “I’d love to take you to lunch soon—what’s your favorite place in town?” This means so much more in a card than a text or email, even if the process takes a little longer.
7. Make space for sharing.
Making your card into a two-way dialogue invites the recipient into a conversation, letting them know you value their feelings and input. You can start by sharing a little yourself (authentic vulnerability breeds connection!) and then asking questions that beg for a response in a safe space. Perhaps instead of simply congratulating someone on their new baby, you could mention that you know that a sweet addition comes with plenty of extra feelings, and you’d love to hear more about what they’re experiencing when they’re ready!
Make Your First Handmade Card
Ready to try your hand at a personalized greeting card? Trust us, both you and your loved ones will love it! And hey, now that you’ve got the ball rolling, why not take on a special challenge: try giving away ten cards with a heartfelt message in them and see how it changes you. We promise you won’t be sorry.
Message us on Instagram to share your story—we’d love to hear about your experiences expressing gratitude and care through handmade greeting cards!
If you need help to get started making cards or want to learn more about how to make the cards pictured above, contact a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator today.