How To Make Mini Art Work Greeting Cards: The Fun Process Of Using Up Scraps Of Paintings & Swatches

I've had it in the back of my head for a while now to try and use up my scrap art pile and turn it into cards. I bought some fantastic square aperture card blanks for the job, and was happy with how they turned out!
Square Aperture Cards, 10 pack:
amzn.to/3xhqMha
Framer's Tape:
amzn.to/4cauKag
You can see some more cards which I made like this, towards the end of this video:
• Art From A Course In S...
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[@Everywhere2]

Lovely results, Helen! If you'd ever like to tell us about how the art market runs and how you've taken part, I'd be very interested, and I'm sure others would be too.

[@Erinba]

Yes same, I want to get into art markets but not sure about the digital payment machine and things.

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I've thought about taking a couple of videos at ones in the past, but it's always been a bit problematic with people everywhere, including right behind my table and needing to get their permission etc, plus I've just felt a bit awkward about doing it. It's just a very small scale affair once a month in my local village, where about 25 vendors have a large tabletop each, spread over a few different rooms in a community building. So I have a table top with a few table top easels for framed pictures, plus a free standing card stand carousel. I keep my prices cheap (£15-£30) for prints and paintings, and cards £2.50. I use a 'Square' card reading machine, along with my phone, for taking card payments. The whole set-up cost £20, and is very straightforward to use. My table costs £10 each month.

[@beverleydeeming4427]

Helen, every single one of your videos is so calming and inspiring. I also do this for cards (not to sell) and people just love them and will often tell me that they pop them in a frame. That's why I don't mind "stuffing up" any paintings because I know I can always utilise some part of said painting as a card. Anyhoo, thanks again.

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much!!

[@PEACEKEEPER-mm3js]

I scream her color 😱 so beautiful.

[@berolinastrassmann]

These would make a lovely gift as a set! Stick 5 of them in a box and voilà! I am now full of ideas. Thanks for the inspiration, Helen!

[@helencryer]

Thanks! Have fun!!

[@zenlife1200]

What a great idea for using up scraps. They look very beautiful and professional when finished.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@dinamic6210]

Wow!!

[@jude6752]

Amazing what a mount will do! They look fabulous Helen :) I especially like the sea based ones🥰

[@helencryer]

Mounts and also frames for bigger things make SO much difference!

[@PEACEKEEPER-mm3js]

Wow keep creative by simple thing. 👏

[@janasher4940]

Framing these prints/experiments/play sessions makes them feel more valued, gives them more perceived value. I do this by putting them framed on A2 cards and selling them. Many people buy them because the colors hit with their interior designs. But then I have a fortune in metal dies also. LOL. Wonderful video showing how you went through the various pads, books and paintings you have done to get those.

[@helencryer]

Thank you! I too have a lot of die cutters, but haven't used them as much lately. (I used to be on the Design Teams for Karen Burniston, Stephanie Barnard and Elizabeth Craft Designs, so amassed quite a few!)

[@karendirmish2696]

Wonderful to Learn how to use art tucked away! I’ll try this, thanks, Karen Dirmish, learner 11:04 11:04 s

[@kilamilka97]

What a brilliant idea! ❤

[@ericadrake2366]

Enjoyable and inspiring, Helen! Love your work. Thank you.

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!

[@alisonlyons4691]

Oh yes what fun it is doing this, something I've done for years. Isnt it amazing how so many of us seem to draw in the same ideas from somewhere out of the ether ? I like your aperture cards. l just cut out the images l want and stick them straight on to the card. Sometimes l tear them, and l like the ragged edges ( not for everyone) Thank you for this lovely video, your cards are beautiful.......Alioban ❤

[@helencryer]

It really is fun! I've stuck things on cards in the past, but seeing the aperture cards for sale just got me super excited for some reason! Thanks!

[@DebBat0519]

What a great way to use your scraps!

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@wendystapleton5130]

Absolutely beautiful and very inspiring. They each have a beautiful voice full of colour and interest. They are gorgeous and will be a pleasure to own. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@helencryer]

That's lovely - thank you!

[@irispeters7313]

Amazing! A very creative way to use scraps for something turning out so beautifully! Love it! I would buy your stunning little cards!

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!

[@SAP64]

Your cards are beautiful. What a great idea for using up watercolour scraps.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@jessicastrideart]

They look great and such a lovely way to display little sections of your work for people to enjoy! x

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@carloshaun7297]

Love these!

[@user-fp4rk2bj8r]

What a brilliant idea & such a good use for all those ‘bits’ 👏

[@janemcgrath9615]

What a great idea , beautiful cards,looking at them you’d never think they came from your scrap pile!

[@helencryer]

Thanks! It feels a bit like cheating!

[@janemcgrath9615]

@@helencryer great imagination and great recycling I’d say 🫶🏻😊

[@cindycreateforlife]

I sure wish the aperture cards were available in Canada! So much fun!💕🇨🇦

[@helencryer]

I wonder if they're available from shops which sell sewing supplies, for people who frame little cross-stitches?

[@mmerriman4995]

Great use of the pieces too beautiful to let go. Lovely project & video.

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much!

[@Lily_The_Pink972]

Great idea that would work with scraps of fabric as well.

[@helencryer]

Ooo, yes, that would be lovely!

[@GuyArab]

Is there no end to your talent? This was an excellent idea and the end product is quite charming.

[@helencryer]

This definitely didn't require much talent, but is enormous fun!

[@lyndamorrill5687]

Great idea.

[@eileenboffo6300]

Brilliant 👏🏼

[@sarahgreenstreet7137]

Great idea and lovely cards!

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@teekierudite5108]

Great way to use up bits of painting you don't want to throw away. More money for new supplies as well!

[@helencryer]

😁 How well you know me!!

[@sueberry1727]

What a wonderful idea the cards look stunning

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@MoonstoneCastle1]

This is an excellent idea to use up those scraps!

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@isabeldurruty]

Amazing!

[@elliegreen872]

They look really good, unique.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@sylviestar8666]

Gorgeous❤❤❤love,love,love!!!

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@montserratlavid3532]

Fabulous!

[@FaithAnnNB]

You always have such great ideas for cards… love these!! I might have to order some of those “window” card blanks.

[@helencryer]

I think you would love them - I honestly found this such an enjoyable and satisfying process!

[@dneel468]

I do this too, it’s great fun! Thanks for sharing.

[@amieclay8409]

Love this idea!

[@agnespeterse2529]

Very nice!!!! And a great idea!!!

[@pviewer1234]

Both enjoyable and inspiring! Thank you.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@Erinba]

Wonderful idea thank you

[@suefilby1511]

Lovely idea - lovely cards

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@acraftersstory]

I am definitely inspired. Thank you so much for sharing your process. 🥰

[@helencryer]

That's great! Thanks!

[@andreatorraca8755]

Love this……

[@evocationart8370]

So enjoyable watching your thought process 😊

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@MarianneVakiener]

Lovely idea and beautiful results.

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@BlueZion9]

Excellent work and presentation. Thanks for the tutorial

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@karenrouth2056]

Wonderful idea! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

Wow, what a fantastic idea Helen! Thank You kindly for sharing!

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@lisamclain2549]

Great video and such a wonderful process and result. Thank you!

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@uniquelylily1166]

What a great idea! Thanks

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@purplephoenixartbymicheled9298]

🌬🎨Love this Idea 😊Thanks for sharing

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@zenandink3531]

Very fun!! And they turned out great!!!❤

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@donnacarraway9182]

Great idea!! Thank you!

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@janetkyle9932]

Awesome thanks for this! 😊

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@lisaharner3720]

I love this idea. The cards look fabulous! You are so inspiring.

[@helencryer]

I'm so glad - thanks!

[@theresa5168]

Wonderful, thank you for sharing your video. Inspiring.😮

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@bdickson2413]

Wonderful idea. I am going to make some abstract watercolours and then see what happens.

[@helencryer]

That's great!

[@KWicksable]

Great idea. I thank the card making community ( and of course you) for fresh ideas. 😉😊😊

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@sybileberhart3439]

Great idea!! Thank you

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@karenstead8259]

What a wonderfully satisfying process. They all looked so good together - like mini landscapes done on purpose. Now I know what to do with all my discarded abstract watercolour. Thank you for sharing.❤

[@helencryer]

Thanks! That's great!

[@bethv3411]

I've used the same cards. Love them

[@avanellehansen4525]

Where did you purchase them?

[@kennybelgrave3171]

Really lovely and inspiring ❤😊

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@susanorban3059]

Hi ❤ was going noooo I loved everything you cut up!😂❤ Just finished your video. Your cards all turned out beautiful! Lucky people will be getting them! Thanks for sharing❤

[@helencryer]

Haha, thanks! I honestly think video makes everything look better 😂

[@carolgehman6036]

Beautiful! Can i ask what you would charge per card? Thanks!

[@helencryer]

My cards whether they're my prints or handmade are £2.50.

[@watercolor.wyloeck]

oh - this is such a good idea! going to buy me some of those square cards right now!

[@helencryer]

Hope you enjoy playing with them as much as I did!!

[@avanellehansen4525]

Where did you purchase them?

[@watercolor.wyloeck]

@@avanellehansen4525 I got them from Amazon

[@CydneyMorel]

Would love to know where to purchase these! Thank you for sharing this great idea

[@julieallen8125]

Very nice work.

[@helencryer]

Thank you!

[@purrcinn8]

Love these cards! Wish I had such pretty scraps. One cautionary note: here in the U.S. a square envelope requires extra postage.

[@helencryer]

Thanks! Ah - I never knew that!

[@theresaavery4670]

Love this idea! I have a similar stack of cast off paintings. I was commissioned to do a large abstract and started with smaller pieces to get the feel. This is an excellent way to offer original work at a reasonable price! Just found you and subscribed.

[@helencryer]

That sounds great!! Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@user-ol2bp3ns5c]

I have been looking for some frames to make a greeting card. Most have required too much "finicking"around with the art and the frame to make it fit. These are jewels. I live in the US and they may be a little price prohibitive but I will keep looking or something here. And your art is so beautiful in a full size setting or mini-art. Thank you, thank you.

[@helencryer]

Thanks so much! I wonder if you could find them being sold by sewing suppliers too? I know they used to make cards like this for cross stitched pieces.

[@CydneyMorel]

Were you able to find these anywhere?

[@user-ol2bp3ns5c]

I have found them at the US Amazon site but they are very cost prohibitive here. Over $12.00 per pack of ten. Doesn't leave any room for profit if selling cards. UK Amazon (which is cheaper even with shipping) requires me to set up a different account from US Amazon and I'm not certain if I want to do that. I will keep looking for alternative sources and let you know if I find any. Thanks so much for your concern.

[@helencryer]

That's such a nuisance! I'm sorry! I just assumed they'd be quite common everywhere!

[@user-ol2bp3ns5c]

I must tell you that England is sometimes so far advanced over America. That goes for gardening and the arts as I have frequently found innovations in tools for both that you have that we don't. But I am slowly making my way through the internet and think I may have found cards sold by the American branch of a UK company. Cost might end up at a little over $1.25 per if i calculate right. I'll let you know who I choose.

[@marionwigzell7334]

They look great Helen (-: Marion 🎉

[@helencryer]

Thanks!

[@CydneyMorel]

Would love to know where to purchase these! Thank you for sharing this great idea

[@avanellehansen4525]

Super. New subscriber. I'll look for the blank cards in the USA.

[@helencryer]

Lovely! Thank you!

[@tdelphia1]

Brilliant! I've not seen aperture cards before and, hmmm, maybe because even ordering them here in the US, they have to be shipped from the UK! (if another US viewer knows of a US supplier, I'd love to know).

[@Decopainterandtea]

I saw similar ones on Etsy. Just google paper aperture cards and choices come up. Michael's has white frame cards and envelopes set of 10 by Recollections but the opening is bigger.

[@helencryer]

Maybe you could find them under a different name - window cards? Or I know that people who sew use them - like for little cross stitches.

[@timeenuf4200]

How fun! What a great idea. Great way to use up all of those gel prints that tend to pile up 'cause that's not addictive is it? Thank you for sharing your time, talent and inspiration. New subscriber.

[@helencryer]

Welcome! Thank you! Ha - noooo, not in the least addictive 😂

[@cindyfromsydney7693]

Lovely! I’m so glad you didn’t cut up the watercolour rocks with doodles on them tho!!

[@ellingtonthorpe]

Great video of a great idea. I’d be interested in a video on Gel printing:

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I'm not very good with a gel plate yet, but I use one here from about a quarter of the way through: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWGbfIyOhpaYp8Usi=gwW0Zb_xuNEsOz_s

[@susanh9113]

Looks great, do you cellophane them as well, just thinking fingermarks on your cards otherwise? Thanks for sharing the technique.

[@helencryer]

I do. I've experimented with biodegradable wrappers too, but still need to find one I'm happy with.

[@amgpaints]

These are very lovely! what kind of tape is the brown tape?

[@helencryer]

Thanks! There's a link in the description box.

[@coloredcarol8074]

I love your last swatch sheets with mark making full of vibrant colours. Were these acrylics? Very inspiring! 😍

[@helencryer]

Thanks! I think they were watercolour, then the surroundings filled in with Tempera paint sticks, then some coloured pencils on top.

[@coloredcarol8074]

@@helencryer oh you inspired me to try my tempera sticks out again! I’m definitely getting a pack of those cards now 😊 thanks for replying

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

Hi Helen, this is a wonderful idea and one I have often thought of doing. I would love to have seen what you added to the more plain ones and perhaps your process and thoughts. I agree with another comment that I’d love to hear more about your art market and also how well these cards sold as like yourself, I’m also an artist and crafter with, as yet, a very small and admittedly very amateur KZbin channel and any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou so much as always, for sharing, take care xx

[@helencryer]

I just added a few splodges with Tempera paint sticks, here and there! I just gave some more info in reply to another comment - I'll just copy and paste for you!

[@helencryer]

"I've thought about taking a couple of videos at ones in the past, but it's always been a bit problematic with people everywhere, including right behind my table and needing to get their permission etc, plus I've just felt a bit awkward about doing it. It's just a very small scale affair once a month in my local village, where about 25 vendors have a large tabletop each, spread over a few different rooms in a community building. So I have a table top with a few table top easels for framed pictures, plus a free standing card stand carousel. I keep my prices cheap (£15-£30) for prints and paintings, and cards £2.50. I use a 'Square' card reading machine, along with my phone, for taking card payments. The whole set-up cost £20, and is very straightforward to use. My table costs £10 each month."

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

@@helencryer I would love to see how you added extra paint, podcaster pen etc to enhance the plainer scraps that you framed, any chance of a video in future of this please? Kindest Regards june ❤

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

@@helencryer lovely, many thanks ❤

[@Paintspotsandpaper]

@@helencryer Take a couple of photos just to give the feel of the place, I’m sure that would be just as nice ❤❤

[@christianebehr138]

Hello Helen, I realy like what you made of your unused paintings. I have also kept mine. Out of one I drew a Toscana landscape. So where did you get the little cards ? Many Greetings Christiane from Berlin Germany 😊😊

[@helencryer]

Thanks ever so much! There's a link in the description.

[@WolfmanWoody]

Interesting. It raised a question in me for you - have you ever done ACEOs? I did quite a few at one time. Might restart them.

[@helencryer]

I had to go away and look up what they are! Look fun!

[@nataschapicart1948]

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

[@maureenstott2107]

I love this idea. How big is the opening? I saw the cards in the USA Amazon website , but I couldn’t find the size of the opening. Thank you.

[@helencryer]

It's 6cm². Thanks!

[@CydneyMorel]

Do you mind sending me the link for the USA Amazon. I’m looking but can’t find

[@reblord5544]

How large is the apature?

[@helencryer]

6cm²

[@debsllewelyn230]

fab xx

[@douglefebvre4488]

Love these!