Fresh Ideas: Handmade cards.

At least once every month, for all four years she was at the University of Minnesota, Colleen Backes would receive a card made by her mom, Susan Backes.

“I may have been 350 miles away, but it was nice to have a reminder that my family was thinking of me,” says Colleen, who graduated with a degree in economics and now lives in Waukesha. “Each card is different, and they are so creative and unique. I’ve kept them all.”

Handmade cards often are “keepers.” That’s because they can be customized for any occasion — no matter how obscure — and can be a personal reflection of both the sender and the recipient.

“I think it means more to receive something that’s made just for you,” says Suzanna Schroeder, who designs and makes her own cards and also teaches others how to do it as workshop coordinator for the Paper Source in Glendale.

“It’s also a wonderful creative outlet. And it’s less expensive to make a card yourself than to purchase one.”

The birth of triplets? A pet diagnosed with an illness? A traumatic breakup? A 71st birthday. A windfall in the lottery? You can make a card for those — and so many more occasions. Best of all, you don’t even have to be artistic.

“Artistic? Absolutely not,” says Schroeder. “Often it’s just a matter of coming up with an idea and breaking it down into simple, manageable steps.”

That’s what she does for participants in the classes that are held regularly at each Paper Source store.

“We make several cards that show different techniques that can be taken home,” she says. “Often that serves as a starting point for people to get creative on their own once they learn the techniques.”

Schroeder made four cards that were photographed for this story, each of which uses a different technique. Some of Colleen Backes’ cards from her mom also are pictured, as are homemade cards from a variety of other sources.

If the idea of making your own cards appeals to you, you might want to take a class at stores such as the Paper Source, Michael’s or Jo-Ann Fabrics to learn the basics. Video classes are available through Jo-Ann or YouTube (do a search for “Make Your Own Greeting Cards”). Books also can guide you through the process; a good one is “175 Fresh Card ideas” by Kimber McGray. Inspiration also is available on Pinterest and Etsy.

If you decide to give it a try, you will be amazed at the styles and techniques that are available, as well as the response you will get from the friends and family members you send them to.

“I loved checking my mailbox and finding something there from home,” says Colleen Backes. “Mom was always trying a new technique or incorporating an encouraging quote or saying. Her cards really made my day.”

COLLEEN BACKES Susan Backes wanted her daughter, Colleen, to know she was in her mom's thoughts.

SUZANNA SCHROEDER A well-organized home workstation helps fuel Suzanna Schroeder's creativity.

NANCY HERRICK / FOR THE JOURNAL SENTINEL Suzanna Schroeder, who teaches card-making classes at the Paper Source in Glendale, made these cards using a variety of techniques.

COLLEEN BACKES Susan Backes made these Gopher-themed cards for her daughter, Colleen, when Colleen was at the University of Minnesota.

COLLEEN BACKES Not a holiday would go by without a card, including this valentine made by Susan Backes for her daughter, Colleen.

COLLEEN BACKES Even after college, Susan Backes is commemorating her daughter's important occasions with a card. This one was for Colleen's 23rd birthday.

NANCY HERRICK / FOR THE JOURNAL SENTINEL Suzanna Schroeder teaches the craft of card making at the Paper Source in Glendale, where a wide array of papers and envelopes is available.