Thinking outside the ‘rectangle’

Affirmation cards are a delightful way to share your art and some positivity with your friends. They can be any size or shape, a common larger option is 4 x 6 inches the same as a large postcard. They could also be made on a playing card, or the same as an Artist Trading Card 2.5 x 3.5 inches. You may choose whatever medium excites you and make them a matching set or all unique.

What’s a Masterboard?

Instead of making each card individually I usually use a larger sheet of cardstock to make one large page and then I cut it down into cards. This works well for ATCs too. Sometimes I make a mask to choose the best portions and other times its fun to cut them out randomly.

One of the artists in a Swap Club suggested making them round and that idea stuck with me. My base card stock was an old oversized file folder about 9.5 x 11.5 inches. I wanted to use all the gorgeous pieces I’ve received in art swaps over the years and gluing them down without overthinking was totally Zen like for me. 😉

Step 1: decorate your masterboard. Glue down bits of gelli prints, ephemera, printed paper.

Step 2: add finishing touches: I decorated with these round stickers from the John Derian Sticker Book. You could stamp, stencil, write words…there is no wrong way to do this!

Step 3: Choose a shape and size to cut out. My husband and I have been learning to use a laser engraver so we were able to cut four large circles out of the masterboard. And yes we cut through some stickers but I think it adds character.

Since I already had the stickers with words on the front I thought I’d put the affirmation on the back so we made solid black backs out of boxes we collect from products.

And then I thought a thin frame would make the front POP. Also cut out of cardboard boxes.

Step 4: Glue backs and or rings if you are adding these pieces. You could also glue patterned or solid paper to the back or use a piece of a gelli print.

Step 5: Write quote/ affirmation/message on the back. I used Sharpie Creative Markers as they popped against the black.

Step 6: Sometimes a splatter of white or black paint on the ring or the art itself makes it pop.

Be sure to snap a photo of your affirmation cards before you share with your friends! I can’t wait to see what you create, 😉

Hi! I’m Laura, a Central Florida based art journaler who loves getting messy with collage or my gelli plate and exploring new mediums or techniques.
Find me here: @wowva64