How to Teach the Disabled to Create Cards

Disabled individuals have a hard time comprehending and processing information. I have worked with many age levels and found one thing in common, they all the steps broken down. Depending on each step, it may take a while before they are ready to advance to the next step.

Below are the steps involved in the card making process.

The Niche of my store is narrowed down to providing DIY Simple Easy Beginner Card Kits for the Disabled or Elderly.

1. Narrow down the idea. The easiest to start with is what type of card to make. The categories of Card Kits I use in my store are for Birthday, cards designed for Men, Every day/All Occasion Cards, Christmas Cards, Sympathy Cards, Thank You Cards, and special holiday cards kits such as Valentines and Easter. Once we narrowed down what type of card to make the hardest decision is Step 2.
2. What style of card to create. Pinterest has been our best friend. There are many styles of cards to choose from that you can literally be scanning Pinterest for hours. I narrow down these styles scanning for simple easy cards that anyone can create with as little steps as possible. I narrow down these to 3 choices for Landon, or it would be quite overwhelming for him to deal with.
3. Once Landon chooses which style of card he creates, I work on creating the first card from start to finish. I create all the pieces involved to make the process easier for him to enjoy. My card kits come complete with everything you need to complete 3 handmade cards for the one you love.
4. Cutting and Scoring. Landon is focusing on learning the process of cutting and scoring the base card stock. He has done various steps of card making for a number of years. We even tried the process from start to finish, but he wasn’t quite ready. This is a great skill because he learns about measurements. You can score your card stock to create many types of what is called “Fun Folds”. When we create our cards together I stick to portrait, landscape, and gate fold cards. The normal A2 size card is 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2.”
5. Creating a background panel. I love panels on the base card because it highlights the Designer Series Paper (DSP) that you are using. These are normally 4″ x 5 1/4.”
6. Cutting your DSP.
7. Adding embellishments such as ribbon, twine, or decorative dots.
8. Adding an item of interest such as a coffee cup, apron, or flowers. These are created with stamps, dies, or any other items available.
9. Choosing a sentiment and sometimes and inside greeting.

There are probably more steps involved in card making, but I think you get the idea. That is why when I create my card kits, I put a lot of thought on how much time is involved in someone assembling one of my kits. Thankfully, Landon is my product control person who lets me know if my design was a bad idea.

Landon started a microbusiness with his STEP program , and we used a combination of Paper Pumpkin subscriptions and my own card kits for him to sell greeting cards. You can find his cards located in Ashe County. Before COVID-19, he and his Habilitiation Tech would visit various businesses selling greeting cards. He also sells his cards at various consignment shops like Quilt Square Girls and the Ashe County Arts Council.

This is an example of a card that has a black card panel. Creating this card took many steps, but as a card kit would only take around 5 steps to complete.