Help with Graduation Card!

[Beverly T.]

I badly need inspiration for my daughter's graduation {university} card and I just don't find most graduation cards very interesting - I don't know why but nothing pops out at me!

Anyone seen something spectacular out there?
I am not really looking for the 'cap' per se although its fine, but something which just expresses "Hey - we did it, so proud!" etc. {I say 'we' because trust me, it really was a group effort when life was pretty challenging over the years}.

I am making a big group of projects for a party for her, banners, table decorations, flowers, etc. - a lot to do, so any help would be appreciated -THANKS !

[I have a Big Shot, and I can do advanced techniques]

[Chautona]

I feel your pain. I've got three graduating this year. University, Community College, and High School.

Thud.

And I'm always on the lookout for ideas for graduation cards. I give them out almost as much as birthday and Christmas! There's just not that much variety out there. Hmph.

[nancystamps]

I adore the graduation gown cards that are in the gallery (I have made a few myself). I think "Jackietopia" came up with the idea. I will say I find them a bit tedious to make, but I love how they turn out.

[Crafter 4 Life]

Hero Arts had a tutorial on their site in the project section, I think. It is a card that has an altering fold closure that is a graduation cap with tassel. You could make it in card stock to match the school colors.

[buggainok]

Don't forget Google Images. I typed in graduation card handmade, and got this:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...Nsbp2QWchYGwDQ

[mamaxsix]

Here's one I made the other day-it used a more standard "way to go" sentiment that I did with the chalkboard technique. School Color Sketch

[Beverly T.]

Thanks "everyone" so much for the help - - I might make 'cap' invitations like the "Folded Graduation Cap card" at Hero Arts {thanks for that suggestion Crafter 4 Life!}

But for her card, I guess I want to make something more floral and fussy - maybe I can do a white cap? I guess its the black cap that throws me,lol.

Good luck with all your grads Chautona!

[nancystamps]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamaxsix

Here's one I made the other day-it used a more standard "way to go" sentiment that I did with the chalkboard technique. School Color Sketch

Here's where we need that "LIKE" button! I'm commenting in the gallery but also want to acknowledge your card here! Love the use of the brick to symbolize a school.

[Cartermrc]

I'm needing one this June too-our daughter is graduating from Portland State University. Thanks for all the ideas! I'm thinking of one that looks like a cap with a tassel.

[cjzim]

I think you can make a pretty, flowery, girly card for graduation, just using the word "Congratulations". This way you can make something that you know your daughter will love, and express your thoughts to her on the inside. I often make graduation cards using non-traditional images - caps and diplomas are kind of boring IMO!

[DianeinSparks]

I've spent the last week going through the gallery for ideas. 3 of my sister's kids have "graduations" this year; nephew from 8th grade, niece #1 from 5th grade and niece #2 from kindergarten. Thankfully niece #3 is only 3 years old and not in any school yet!

The hardest one for me to find something for is niece #1, going from 5th grade to middle school. Is this really a graduation? It's been a long time since I had a graduation in my immediate family - daughter graduated college 22 years ago and her other graduation was from high school. Being a military family, we moved when she was in 6th grade in HI to Ft. Campbell, KY where she was in middle school & then junior high. When in 9th grade, junior high in KY, the next move to Ft. Ord, CA brought her into high school so I guess we missed all of these in-between graduations.

I'm having trouble thinking of ideas, class of 2013 doesn't seem right and neither does a cap and gown theme. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Chautona]

I only count high school on up. LOL

[parknslide]

How about these: Chelsea's Graduating! by parknslide - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers
Nick's Grad Card by parknslide - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

[Susan_Stasel]

Here's a few cards I've pinned: Cards - Graduation/4th July

[7thSister]

I cased this card Artsy Valentine: Twiggy Tree for a graduation card but printed the sentiment "The sky's the limit" for the card front with congratulations on the inside.

[RiverIsis]

Looking at your gallery I get why you don't find graduation cards inspirational. You seem to love pattern and graduations traditionally just don't have a lot of pattern.

This is my favorite unique graduation card of all time (create your own pattern) - Hats off to you Grad! - inside - Kitchen Sink Stamps Gallery

I made this one plenty of pattern, color and texture - Red, White and Blue Graduation by RiverIsis - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

From looking at your gallery you may be happier making something more like your wedding card for hikers - and more a theme of "oh the places you will go" or something to do with their major rather than the generic cap and gown.

HTH

[CAKath]

I too struggle with grad cards. I made one that I did like that used the windshield wiper technique. Another for a college grad is non-traditional but used the school colors. Here they are for inspiration:

SUM2010CAS4 Flying Graduation Hat, SUO by CAKath - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

CAS DT Challenge #1 by CAKath - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

Graduation for Gabby by CAKath - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

A simple, but sophisticated design for a masters degree :
Congrats to Alesha by CAKath - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

[buggainok]

Here's one I did several years ago. I used his school colors and put his name on the front. (Everyone likes to see their name.) I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder that kinda-sorta looked like a door to me (i.e. the future.)

His mom said he loved it, but I'll bet he liked the enclosed check the best!

Justin Graduation Card by buggainok - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

[prairiecrafter]

What about a school logo or symbol and custom make the card to fit the graduate and the school they are graduating from.

[Beverly T.]

I have read and looked at all the links provided - super ideas! Thank you VERY MUCH, all of you

Well, a new development - we will be expanding as another graduate is joining us, so all the ideas can help me expand to two cards!

You know - when you make a lot of cards, do you find when it comes to family, its like they already sort of 'know' your style, right? Lol - I'll really have to surprise her {them!}

Thanks again!

[mamaxsix]

Quote:

Originally Posted by prairiecrafter

What about a school logo or symbol and custom make the card to fit the graduate and the school they are graduating from.

I've done this before by cutting off part of the invite but apparently it was before I was posting cards here as I can't find any pictures of it.
Found these while looking for the card above-these feature name banners with the name of the school across the bottom Graduation Banner Cards
Here's one I made today that is just feminine and blingy: Bling for the Graduate

[Rebecca Ednie]

I have a 3-D grad cap tutorial under my YouTube channel. Sorry I can't provide a direct link as everytime I try to go to YouTube desk top my mobile app opens and I can't get a URL but my channel doesn't have many vids. Rebeccacell

It can be used as decor, as a gift box or a gift card holder and has all the dimensions needed to make it. I used that as a 'card'.

Taylored Expeessions recently had a big release with lots of grad stamps so their designers had lots of grad ideas. Try checking out their blog for their designers links. I know I pinned a few I liked. Maybe you'd like their stamps or could copy their ideas with stamps you have.

[HevnLee2]

Here's a link to Tri-fold pennant Grad cards I made last year. The pennants were in the school colors. I used the Cricut but you could use a similaridea with your own supplies as well. Three of the cards were for high school graduation, and the other was for a college grad.

LoveLee Notes: Just a Note for the Graduate

I've got a high school graduate myself this year and a lot of his friends, but I haven't decided on the cards I'll make yet. Lots of great ideas here!

[ch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

Don't forget Google Images. I typed in graduation card handmade, and got this:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...Nsbp2QWchYGwDQ

Wow!! Love it. Thanks--I never would have thought of this.

[kamstutz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beverly T.

I badly need inspiration for my daughter's graduation {university} card and I just don't find most graduation cards very interesting - I don't know why but nothing pops out at me!

Anyone seen something spectacular out there?
I am not really looking for the 'cap' per se although its fine, but something which just expresses "Hey - we did it, so proud!" etc. {I say 'we' because trust me, it really was a group effort when life was pretty challenging over the years}.

I am making a big group of projects for a party for her, banners, table decorations, flowers, etc. - a lot to do, so any help would be appreciated -THANKS !

[I have a Big Shot, and I can do advanced techniques]

I found inspiration here several years ago using the Big Shot and three Cuttlebug embossing folders; colors are black, gray and white. I absolutely LOVE the card but am really uneducated on taking a picture and posting it here.....anybody got ideas on how I could do it? I'd love to show it to you, Beverly.

[jeanne3579]

Here are a few I have done. Colors could be changed as well as the sentiment.

[Teachybaby]

Bing shows some amazing cards; I searched "handmade graduation cards" in the Bing search engine.

handmade graduation cards - Bing Images

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teachybaby

Bing shows some amazing cards; I searched "handmade graduation cards" in the Bing search engine.

handmade graduation cards - Bing Images

Thanks for the reminder about Bing. Google is my home page, and I don't remember to use Bing, too.

[idletiger]

Here's one I made for my grad school cohort. I wanted something simple since it was going to professional men and women, and used the school color, maroon, with black and white. I did case this from someone, but don't remember who (sorry). I found a stamp at my LSS for the inside that says, "Congratulations on Reaching Your Star", hence, the star theme on the outside.

Graduation 2011 by idletiger - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

[debbyb520]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

Don't forget Google Images. I typed in graduation card handmade, and got this:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...Nsbp2QWchYGwDQ

This is great! Thanks for the tip

[SuG]

this is the one I am casing for my daughters high school grad announcements:
Rainbow style Graduation by CAKath - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers
I love this and I will put her grad picture inside.

[cullenwr]

I just bought the latest Paper Craft magazine and it has some fabulous new ideas for grad cards! I loved the one that looked like a scrub top (for a nursing grad) but they gave ideas on how to modify it to match the major of the college grad! There was another card that looked like an iPod and you could insert a gift card in it. I dog-eared quite a few pages in this issue!

[Card Maker 01]

If you can locate (online) or in person a copy of the diploma (or at least one from the school/college of the attendee), you could print it out on parchment (color) or white paper to use for the envelope. I found one from the recipient's college (wrong year) but I managed to change the name and other pertinent facts in Paint. It looked cool.

[KoffeeKat]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vV24CWq16j...5_edited-1.jpg

Pinterest has quire a few good ideas.

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Card Maker 01

If you can locate (online) or in person a copy of the diploma (or at least one from the school/college of the attendee), you could print it out on parchment (color) or white paper to use for the envelope. I found one from the recipient's college (wrong year) but I managed to change the name and other pertinent facts in Paint. It looked cool.

What a great idea. I would imagine you might be able to find a generic one too somewhere on line or maybe even scrapbooking paper. Not as cool as your idea, but may be easier to obtain.

[LaLatty]

I recently made a graduation card:

LaLatty Stamp 'N Stuff: Graduation Quote

Next, I have to start working my daughter's invitations.

[Chautona]

I pinned this one the other day and had to come share it since I love it so much. Now she did a pop up thing inside. I'm not gonna. Nope. Not gonna. But, it's a gorgeous card without it. LOVE how sleek and classic it is. WOOHOO

Cards I love / Happy Graduation Card, Pop Up Gift Card Holder

[Tinkerbell1958]

I was asked to make graduation cards a year or so ago and this is what I came up with. The scroll is just copy paper rolled up with a ribbon around it.

[Tinkerbell1958]

Just wanted to tell you all that I checked out all your cards and they are all fab.

[kitkat55]

I have made quite the killing over the years doing customized graduation cards. Since I work at a University, I thought it would be limited to my students and/or their parents, but fellow employees started ordering for their kids/nieces/nephews, etc. and before long I was spending every night in my craft room! These cards financed the purchase of my beloved Kindle, Big Shot and goodness only knows how much ribbon and paper!! ;)

There are several in my gallery, but here's a couple links:

Gallery at Splitcoaststampers

Gallery at Splitcoaststampers

I've since made them for UCLA, USC,Oregon State, Portland State (my steo-son is a grad of PS), all the local high schools, and even some for kindergarden and pre-schools! If the school is not familiar to me, I've Googled for the school colors and sometimes use their motto. No two are ever identical, as I love to alter the orientation, or the embellishments. I've even used gate fold cards with great success!

Good luck, and congrats on your new graduate!

Kat