Making handmade Thanksgiving cards is a special way to let family and friends know you are thinking of them on this family oriented holiday. When you make homemade cards you can make them express your own unique sentiments.

There are many types of handmade cards for Thanksgiving. Some are more involved than others so you should always read the instructions carefully. While it is fine to challenge yourself don't try to do something that causes you to be frustrated with it.

Handmade cards are an art form, a way for you to express your own creativity. Don't be afraid to use several techniques to get exactly the look you want. Some techniques to try are:

• Stamping
• Collage
• Watercolor
• Calligraphy
• Fabric Art
• Computer enhanced images

You can find most of the materials for you homemade Thanksgiving card at almost any craft store. You will want to find the area when they keep the scrap-booking and stamping supplies. First choose your card stock. You will probably want to choose an autumn related color such as:

• Gold
• Orange
• Olive green
• Red
• Brown

You may also want to choose more than one color of card stock so that you can add layers and embellishments. One way to do that is to cut squares or other shapes of card stock and stamp or embellish it. Once it is dry glue it to the primary card. By using several colors and shapes you can add visual interest to your card.

There are all kinds of stamps you can use for your card:

• Pumpkins
• Pilgrims
• Cornucopia
• Corn
• Leaves
• Turkey
• Pilgrim hats

There are probably even stamps that have “Happy Thanksgiving" in calligraphy. Choose one or more stamps to use on your handmade Thanksgiving cards.

Once you have chosen the stamps you will need to find stamp pads in colors that will coordinate with the card stock you have chosen. These ink pads come in numerous colors and even include gold leaf and silver. After the ink or inks are chosen it is time to consider the embellishments.

You can embellish the cards with:

• Hang tags
• Pockets
• Ribbons
• Buttons
• Silk flowers
• Brads
• Charms
• Copies of photos

There is an almost endless supply of items that you can use to embellish your homemade Thanksgiving cards. Using a thick, double stick tape to add the embellishments will give the cards added dimension.

There are many instructions for all kinds of Thanksgiving greeting cards on the Internet. If you need more inspiration try the following sites:

• Pumpkin Greeting Card
• Custom Thanksgiving Cards
• Thanksgiving Card

If you are looking for handmade Thanksgiving cards to buy you may want to shop at Etsy. There is almost anything handmade that you could want.

Handmade greeting cards are a great way to connect with your inner artist and express yourself. Just get some materials, begin and see where it goes. Be sure to stamp your envelope to match your homemade cards.

If you find that you like making cards you may want to try selling them for a little extra income. Give it a try and see if it is something you enjoy. Crafts are a great way to relieve stress!