JUST FOR FUN: Be Creative ~ Card-making by Camy Tang

Cards aren't just for birthdays or holidays. They can be Pick-Me-Ups for the people you care about.

Cardstock: you can buy the extra-thick paper at any stationery store, including Office Max, Office Depot or Staples. 90lb to 110lb weight (it'll say on the package). Make sure it's heavy and strong enough to use as a card, but flexible enough to be able to fold once and for your printer if you want to print a message or graphics.

Envelopes: An 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper can be cut in half, and each half folded to make a 1/4 sheet card which will fit nicely in 4 3/8" x 5 3/4" envelopes, sometimes referred to as Invitation envelopes or Thank You Card envelopes. There are envelopes for 1/2 sheet cards (an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper folded in half), but they tend to be more expensive. You can buy these at any store where you find cardstock.

Printing: Use your computer to print a message or graphics on your cardstock. It might take a few tries to get the spacing right, so use scratch paper for your first few printings. The best way is to print your message/graphic in Landscape (sideways). You can also use stamps and colorful inks.

Decorating: Use anything and everything to decorate your cards: buttons, beads, charms from old jewelry, feathers, fake flowers, dried flowers, any random knick-knacks you have lying around the house or in your desk drawer. These can be glued to the cardstock with Elmer's glue or a glue gun, but be careful not to use too much. You can also decorate with colored paper cut into shapes, or strips of ribbon attached with narrow, double-sided scotch tape (the next time Mom drags you to a fabric store, scout out the ribbon on sale). To make a fancy 1/2 sheet card, cut colored paper smaller than 8 1/2 x 11, and glue it to the inside of the folded cardstock.

Skies the limit! Once you get started, you'll be able to think of lots of creative ways to make unique cards to give away!