DIY Cards
Open up a world of possibilities with invitations and cards featuring the artwork of any beverage, luncheon, or dinner paper napkin.
We have found 3 super-simple methods to create your own unique party invitations, gift cards, birthday wishes, and thank you notes using the artwork of everyday printed paper napkins.
We've included instructions for using Mod Podge (glue & water), Saran plastic food wrap, or freezer paper to make a 5.5” x 5.5” card, but you can easily adjust the measurements for the exact size card that you need.
Materials Used - Mod Podge
- Parchment paper
- Mod Podge*
- Glue stick
- White cardstock, 8.5" x 5.5"
- Color cardstock to match napkin, 8.5" x 11"
- Beverage napkin
*You can make your own Mod Podge by mixing 1 cup of white glue with 1/2 cup of water.
Materials Used - Saran Wrap
- Parchment paper
- Saran or similar plastic food wrap
- Glue stick
- White cardstock, 8.5" x 5.5"
- Color cardstock to match napkin, 8.5" x 11"
- Beverage napkin
Materials Used - Freezer Paper
- Parchment paper
- Freezer paper
- Glue stick
- Color cardstock to match napkin, 8.5" x 11"
- Beverage napkin
Separate the top ply of an unfolded beverage napkin by gently flattening one of the embossed corners with your fingernail.
Paper napkins are typically made from 2 or 3 layers of tissue called ply, which are embossed to hold them together.
The napkin artwork is only printed on the top layer.
Cut the separated napkin artwork layer into 4 square panels.
Mod Podge Prep
Apply Mod Podge to cover white cardstock to the edges and let dry about 30 minutes.Mod Podge Layers
Lay down on an iron-safe surface:Parchment paper on bottom to protect surface
White cardstock with dry Mod Podge facing up
Napkin artwork panel facing up
Saran Wrap Layers
Lay down on an iron-safe surface:Parchment paper on bottom to protect surface
White cardstock
Saran wrap
Napkin artwork panel facing up
Freezer Paper Layers
Lay down on an iron-safe surface:Parchment paper on bottom to protect surface
Freezer paper with shiny side facing up
Napkin artwork panel facing up
Cover all layers with another piece of parchment paper on top.
Set iron to high setting.
When hot, iron for 10-15 seconds.
Let cool about 1 minute.
Remove top parchment layer.
Trim excess around napkin artwork.
Cut off 3" from width of 8.5" x 11" color cardstock.
To make a 5.5" x 5.5" card when folded, color cardstock should be 5.5" x 11" (5.5" times 2) unfolded.
Fold color cardstock in half crosswise.
Apply glue with stick or brush to cover back of artwork panel to the edges.
Position in center of folded color cardstock and press into place.
Although everyone won’t notice that your invitations, birthday card, and thank you notes are coordinated with your party beverage & luncheon napkins, but those who do will be thrilled with the discovery. They will also be on high alert for all of your other subtle details and hidden nuances.
These are the people we do it for, the people that make our extra effort worthwhile.