Paper Crafts for Children » Set of Greeting Cards

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Set of Greeting Cards

December 7th, 2011 by Craftylocks

Some occasions call for a set of greeting cards – so here is one way of making a very special set of invitation or thank you cards. Although there are many many simple print making techniques that can be used, I really like this polystyrene tray print making method. It is simple to do and you are also recycling at the same time. Note that if you want to do text, you will need to do it in reverse so that it prints correctly.

	We usually do our simple design onto paper first and then transfer it onto the polystyrene tray by positioning the paper on the tray and pressing firmly with a pencil. The pencil will dent the tray. Then working directly on the tray, go over the image again so that it is firmly dented into the tray.
	Apply paint onto the tray, use a roller or dabber.
	Carefully place the painted side of the tray onto your paper and press firmly. I usually pick up the two and gently rub with my finger to make sure all the paint is picked up. Do not leave them together for too long in case the paper becomes glued to the polystyrene tray. Then repeat until you have plenty.
	Glue each image onto a simple folded piece of card. To continue the consistency theme you could also print out the same message to glue on the inside of each card.

3 Responses

dawnie writes:

December 21st, 2011 at 8:48 am

ty – we may have collected a few and they are “under the sink” as we speak” – since upcycling is totally my thing too we really like this idea and look forward to trying it out.

Craftylocks writes:

December 19th, 2011 at 2:20 am

Oh, good question! Yes they are the ones like the meat trays from the supermarket. I usually use the ones that have had vegetables packed on them (although I try not to buy vegetables on polystyrene trays if I can help it) or meat that is not ‘drippy’ like the little red party sausages (I call them ‘cheerios’). I just wash the tray with dish-wash and dry it and I have never noticed them smelling, and sometimes I have saved them up for ages before using them.

dawnie writes:

December 18th, 2011 at 5:45 pm

are these “polystyrene” trays like meat trays from the market – where can they be bought – is there a source to buy them from – how does one sterilize trays they have collected – we really love the design and whole process – thank you for your help