DIY birthday cards are a perfect way to send someone thoughtful birthday wishes. The effort you put into making handmade birthday cards really shows how much you care. This post is going to give you 9 DIY birthday card ideas that you can make at home.
One of the best parts about giving someone a homemade birthday card is that it’s one of a kind. Mixing and matching different patterns can make your DIY birthday card even more unique.
Ways to use different patterns on a DIY birthday card
- Pick a color palette – One of the best ways to use different patterns on a card in a cohesive way is to pick a common color palette that all of the patterns fit into.
- Balance the design – Mixing patterns often works best when you balance the design with the use of solid colors or white space to avoid your card looking too busy or disjointed. Different patterns also look best together when you keep in mind the scale of each pattern as well as how much of the card each pattern takes up.
- Have fun with it – Using different patterns on a birthday card can make it look more fun, so you should have fun putting it together. Don’t be afraid to play around with different paper and experiment before breaking out the glue and committing to a design.
DIY Birthday Card Supplies
Here are the supplies you’ll need to make your own DIY birthday card:
DIY Birthday Card Ideas Using Different Patterns
Balance patterns with white space
This card has a lot going on, but what helps the design work is the use of white space. Each strip of patterned paper is the same width and includes an even amount of white space between each.
To achieve this DIY birthday card design, use a white cardstock base. First, cut strips of different patterned paper into equal widths. After playing around with the layout, glue them onto the card with equal white space between each. Then lastly, cut any excess from the strips hanging off the edges to fit your card base.
This birthday card idea is a great way to use paper scraps from other craft projects. For more ideas to use leftover paper pieces, read more here.
Lean into the fun
This card design is a funky birthday card idea for a kid’s birthday. Making birthday cards for kids can be fun because you can really play around with different patterns. Including elements like foxes or a cactus print makes the card extra unique.
To make a similar card, first try starting with a couple of patterns you definitely want to use and then seek patterns that tie those together.
Make your own pattern with embellishments
Creating your own pattern with embellishments is another fun way to use different patterns on a DIY birthday card. This card incorporates patterned paper and an embellished design to create a one of a kind birthday card.
Keep it simple
Sometimes you don’t need to mix a bunch of different patterns to achieve a fun design. Sticking with two patterns can also be a good way to start experimenting with using different patterns in your designs. This card uses two patterns and silver washi tape to tie everything together.
Use patterns with different scales
When creating a DIY birthday card with different patterns, the scale of the patterns you use is important to consider. This card balances a colorful larger scale print with a smaller scale stripe. The solid blue helps keep the card balanced as well.
Mix textures
In addition to mixing patterns, it can be fun to mix different textures to create a unique card. This DIY birthday card idea pairs flannel with wood. These textures come together to create a fun and masculine birthday card.
Use a different pattern as a border
Another DIY birthday card idea is to use a complimentary pattern as a border for your card. The polka dot pattern used for the border can also be found on some of the cupcake wrappers for the main pattern used. This connection helps tie the card together.
Use complimentary colors
In addition to mixing patterns with similar color palettes, you can also play around with pairing different patterns in complimentary colors. It can also be fun to try using the same pattern orientated in different ways, for example the orange stripes being used both horizontally and vertically.
Add some sparkle
Finally, another way to incorporate multiple patterns into a DIY birthday card is to mix in some sparkle as well. This card breaks up the two different patterns with some glitter in between them.
Now it’s time to make your own DIY birthday cards…
Hopefully these DIY birthday card ideas gave you some inspiration to create some cards of your own. Have fun exploring the use of different patterns to make a one of a kind birthday card that your friends and family will love!