Summer Challenge #2- Cards for the Military

Challenge 2 of 5 – Booklet Inspired Card Style with BOLD Colours

Lynn Slevinsky’s booklet-style card design inspired this fun and festive creation with a twist of bold, non-traditional colours!

Suggested Supplies

 (Feel free to get creative- use what you have on hand!)

• Card Stock (14" x 4.5”) or 2 pre-cut card bases (9.25" x 4.5")
• Envelope to match card size (or handmade envelope)
• Recycled holiday cards or decorative paper
• Ribbon
• Markers or calligraphy pens
• Glue or preferred adhesive

No glitter, confetti, or strong scents please.              

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut & Prep Your Papers

• Cut cardstock to 14.5" x 4.5"

• Score cardstock at 4.5" and 9.25"; fold 

• If using 2 pre-cut card bases, trim 1 and tape them together to form base

• Cut a diagonal on the front panel 

Step 2: Decorate the Card

• Cut pieces from recylced holiday cards to fit the base (i.e. triangle for the front flap, border strips, etc.)

 

• Adhere the pieces to the card base

Back of card:

Inside of card:

• Add a ribbon to cover any taped seams

• Decorate centre panel- get creative!

Step 3: Write Your Message

Using your favourite calligraphy tools, letter a thoughtful holiday message on the centre panel. Do sign your first name. You may optionally include "Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild member, Calgary, Canada" on the back of each card.

 Popular greetings:

• Wishing You Peace This Season

• With Gratitude & Warmth

• Happy Holidays from the Home Front

• Warm wishes from Canada

• Warm wishes from a fellow Canadian

• Thank you for your service and warm wishes from Canada...

• Your service is appreciated by me and by many. Warm wishes...

• Handmade with gratitude and warm wishes...

• Thank you for your gift of service. Warm wishes from Calgary, Canada...

• Gratitude and warm wishes from Canada

 

Writing Suggestions

• Keep your tone warm, positive, and secular (e.g., “Thinking of you with thanks this holiday season.”)
• Avoid specific references to politics, religion, or combat
• Always write legibly and spell-check your message

Lynn Slevinsky, a BVCG member has graciously offered the following lettering style to use for the challenge. It is a fun, monoline alphabet that is perfect for holiday cards!

Holiday Lettering Guideline

Step 4: Create or Decorate the Envelope

On the front of the envelope, write:

To: Any Canadian Armed Forces Member

Optional: add a border, small icon, or patriotic detail. Try adding doodles to match a design element from the recycled card (i.e. snowflakes, etc)

Step 5: Getting Cards Ready for Drop-Off or Mailing

Stack cards gently with their envelopes — let's make mailing easy! Place each card under the envelope flap (not inside the envelope), and please don't seal the envelopes. Click here for where you can drop off or send your cards.

Share Your Work & Tag Us!

Finished your design? We’d love to see! Email us here for us to post on the BVCG's socials. Or share on your socials and tag us. Tag @bowvalleycalligraphy and use #CardsForTroops or #CalligraphyForACause 

Coming Up in the Summer Challenge:

Next card design: to be released on July 29th
Stay tuned for more festive, calligraphy-friendly designs that brighten a soldier’s season!