My kids love to create anything! Sometimes when we create we need a little direction. I love homemade cards. They are a fun little project. When people receive the handmade cards they are even more appreciative. However, the hardest part when making your own card is coming up with an idea.

Thank You Template #1 is a way to help you create while spending less time planning.

How the template works:

1. Print out the free thank you card template.
2. Gather your desired solid or patterned paper.
3. Cut your paper the same size as each of the template pieces. This can be done by using the measurements and a paper cutter OR trace the template pieces onto the back of your desired paper then cut out.
4. Assemble and glue the thank you card by layering the cut out papers as shown in the picture.

Supplies needed:

• Thank You Template 1
• Desired patterned paper/card stock
• Card base
• Pencil, if tracing the template
• Scissors/paper cutter
• Glue/glue stick/ double sided tape/glue dots
• A2 envelope, if desired

Card Base

Cut an 8.5 x 11 piece of card stock in half like a hamburger. You should end up with 2 card bases both 4.25 x 5.5. Card stock is important because it is the backbone of the card. It gives strength to stand up on one end to display. When cards are this beautiful it is hard not to display them, especially when they contain words of gratitude.

Use of Template

There are two ways to use this template.

1. Cut out each piece then place it on the backside of your desired paper to trace. Cut along the traced lines. Repeat with all the layers.
2. Use the measurements provided on the template and a paper cutter to cut your chosen paper to each size.

Here are the template pieces and my chosen paper all cut out.

The template let’s you know how to layer the papers. The card base is always first then layer on 1, then 2 and so forth. Layers is what makes thank you cards interesting and fun.

Hint: When I am making cards I like to cut all the supplies for a few cards at once. I can easily cut perhaps 4 of each template piece and then glue together 4 of the same card. It only takes a few more minutes but I have 3 more in my stash for next time.

Growing up I could be found writing thank you cards, especially after Christmas or birthdays. I’m pretty sure my Mom didn’t care exactly what I wrote. I’m pretty sure she wanted me to get into the habit and/or feel the importance of writing thank you notes.

In fact, after Christmas, even now, she ALWAYS sends handwritten thank you cards to myself and each of my kids thanking them for spending time with her during the holiday and for the homemade present.

What is the big deal about writing thank you notes?

In my opinion, it is more about the time and effort put into the card and not the specific words. It is easy to text a ‘TY’ to someone quick. It is easy to send a short thank you email.

It is NOT easy—

• picking out a card, or creating your own thank you card
• figuring out what to say (check out this How To Write Thank You Notes printable)
• nicely writing your thoughts
• finding a stamp
• finding an address
• mailing the letter

Writing thank you cards is a BIG deal because it teaches you –

• to be thankful for what others do for you
• to recognize effort
• to be thankful for time spent
• to recognize small acts of kindness – not just the easily seen large acts
• to see the world through different eyes

When we shift our mindset to being more thankful and expressing that thanks we start looking at things differently. We discover there is always something to be thankful for. This makes us more grateful and we are happier.

Put together your own thank you card kit. It may be filled with premade cards or it may have handmade thank you cards. If you want to make your own cards check out this Thank You Card Template that requires glue, paper and the free printable.

Try it out today! Challenge yourself to find one thing that warrants a handwritten thank you note. Then, set a goal to write one thank you note each Sunday or once a month.

You will get more out of writing thank you notes then you can imagine. You will see a change in your outlook. You will see a more thankful you.