Kit Leffler

After studying, working and double-majoring for five years at the University of Kansas, I am finally graduating. I may not be graduating with honors or any special achievements, but I want my family and friends to know about my commencement. “Hey, I’m graduating,” is what I want my announcements to say. So instead of just buying a few packs of pre-made announcements from one of the bookstores or ordering through a printing service, I’m making my own.

Making your own announcements isn’t as difficult as it may sound. The only skills you really need to make a basic card are cutting and folding. And how you dress up that card is completely up to you. From printmaking to collage, you can individualize your announcements in a variety of ways.

If you decide to go with printmaking, Yoonmi Nam, assistant professor of art, says that there are a lot of ways to do it. The two methods that she recommends for students to try are relief printing and silkscreen. Relief printing is similar to using stamps, where the ink is placed on the surface that you want to duplicate. Silkscreen is a more difficult process, but Nam says that stenciling is a simplified version.

For relief printing, Nam advises carving your own stamps out of wood or linoleum. She also says that you can use other materials, such as household erasers. According to The Art of Card Making, any object with a relief surface can be used as a stamp.

Using collage can create a unique look. Instant Gratification: Cards, by Carol Endler Sterbenz and Genevieve A. Sterbenz, suggests using household materials such as ribbons, buttons, multiple types of paper and glitter. Magazines and newspapers also provide letters and photos that can be used for ransom note-style collages.

Another technique you can use is designing and printing your cards on the computer. Use a scanner to import images and decorative details. And with on-campus access to computer labs stocked with design programs such as Adobe InDesign and QuarkXpress, you can create quality announcements. “If you have a good sensibility in design, they can look professional,” Nam says.

Materials

Depending on what method you use to make your announcements, you won’t need all of these supplies. But these are basic materials to get you started.

Paper: Except for the text, this is the most important part of your announcement. You’ll want to choose a paper that can support the medium you choose to work with. Yoonmi Nam, assistant professor of art, suggests trying a variety of papers to see what you like best.

Scissors: There are two kinds of scissors: those that cut and those that cut while adding decoration. You can find a variety of decorative scissors at any craft shop.

Adhesive: Try using a glue stick, rubber cement or spray adhesives to keep your work flat.

Craft knife and cutting mat: For more detailed work, you may want to use a craft or X-Acto knife. Be sure to use a cutting mat, to not only protect your tabletop, but to also protect the blade from dulling or breaking against your work surface.

Metal ruler: A metal ruler is better when cutting paper than a plastic ruler. You’ll be able to cut against the metal ruler without damaging it or cutting into it.