For as long as I can remember, my mom has made name cards for holiday dinners. Sometimes she paints our names, sometimes they are written in her beautiful handwriting, and there have definitely been times when she’s pulled out her calligraphy pen and made the name cards extra fancy. In light of this, as I was playing around with some regular note cards the other day, I thought it would be fun to make name cards that would double as a mini card with a message inside.
Because the cards are a folded piece of paper, they can stand on their own though you can also place them in whatever name card holder you have on hand.
How to Make Name Cards (With a Secret Message)
You will need:
Watercolor paper note cards (I use and love these cards.
Scissors
Pencil
Watercolors
Paintbrush
Eraser
Black gel pen
Place the cards in front of you so the fold is on your left. Make three light marks near the fold of the card to divide the card in thirds. Using those marks as a visual guide, cut the card into three name cards. The fold will be on the left so you will have three miniature cards when you’re finished.
Use your pencil to lightly draw names and a couple of leaves onto the card. You can be as fancy or simple as you’d like here.
Paint the edges of the cards with the watercolors. Fill in the leaves with paint as well. Use a black gel pen to ink in the names. Wait for the paint and ink to completely dry, then erase the pencil lines.
Now use the black gel pen to add additional details to the leaves and the card. Have fun with this. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
And here’s my favorite part: open the card and write a secret message inside for each of your guests.
You could also write a bit of a poem, some lyrics to a song, or tape in a tiny, flat gift. This is such a simple addition to a traditional name card that will let your guests know they are loved and appreciated.
