Easy ways to put a homemade touch on greeting cards

Paper

String

With just a few simple thing that maybe lying around the house, it is possible to turn a simple piece of paper into a heartfelt greeting card while still on budget.

The vast options of theme, color and pattern govern the world of creativity.

Handmade greeting cards offer a dynamic, cheap, yet somewhat time consuming gift that is one of a kind in many occasions.

The items used to decorate are crucial; they must be versatile enough to drift away from their evident use since the plethora of different colors and patterns that nicely tie together a card give it diversity.

With the countless holidays that drown the world in rush and stress, a gift from the heart saves you the trouble and money.

These are just a few items that can be found with ease in most craft boxes or can be bought at local craft stores.

The paper must reflect the theme of the occasion with subtlety, since it is the face of the card, it cannot be too flashy- yet. From fun glittery paper to black and white elegant patterns, the sky is the limit; color coordination does not have to stick to its traditional patterns.

Ribbons

This gives the card an elegant present feel, and by placing them diagonally in a corner it gives the card geometric dimension. Color and style may vary, and it’s preferred to purchase thin lace for easy maneuverability, the best places to buy ribbons are at Jo Ann Fabrics and Crafts or Michael’s.

Buttons

These playfully give the card character, especially when choosing different sized buttons. They are perfect for child birthday cards, but can also offer a modern touch if the style, color and size are chosen accordingly. Buttons can be either glued onto the paper or sown to exhibit the full concept and dimension.

It can be used as an open and close bow or even as a frame around the card. The thicker the string the more personality the card has, the color must oppose its background in order to fulfill its purpose. The string-to -card ratio must be balanced, clunkiness is not advised.

Cloth

Cloth pairs nicely with the background patterns of the paper, old clothing works perfectly. The layering and scrunching of the cloth gives the card character, and generously scrunching cloth inside the card and gluing your birthday wishes on top of it makes the message stand out more.

Paint

This must be delicately used, and acrylic paint is preferred. The tool to paint is just as important as the paint itself, from finger stippling to brushes, paint comes a long way. Painting simple flowers may give the card a feminine look, while finger stippling the frame with a dark color might do the opposite.

Mocha Cappuccino

There may be a solution to the endless wait inside famous coffee house chains morning after morning.

At USA Gasoline at the corner of Winnetka Avenue and Vanowen Street, a mocha cappuccino for only $1.29 is definitely worth the stop.

Magazine cut outs/Photos

You can personalize the card a little more, making humans, who are driven by their senses, visually impacted. The size and shape of the cut must match the geometric shape of the entire card, so pictures must be kept to a minimum, or risk being overcrowded.

Dried leaves/Flowers

It gives the card a nature-feel, and are accessible. Collect flowers and leaves and place them in-between the pages of a heavy book and let them dry. Since they are delicate you must apply liquid white glue as a top coat and allow drying.

Feathers

Feathers bestow the card with texture and dimension, and may be used in a female or male greeting card. Feathers, like ribbons and dried leaves entice the card with elegance and a natural feel which softens the card and works against the paper.

With finals fast approaching, staying up all night to study or waking up early has become the norm for some students.

A quick boost of caffeine can hit the spot just right, but on a budget a $4 latte is not always an option.

Banana Nut Coffee

JP Gasoline on the corner of Winnetka Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard serves unique coffee that is not common at your local Starbucks.

The banana nut coffee is a new sensation sure to surprise and excite your taste buds for only $1.19.

The thick taste of banana nut is just enough to trick your body into thinking you may have actually indulged in a slice of banana nut bread, only with half the calories.

A cup of this warm and delicious coffee with an aroma combination of a banana nut mix will have you coming back for more than just gas, and with its inexpensive price it shows just how modest it can be.

The strong bold coffee beans emphasize the cappuccino, and chocolate undertones swirl throughout the blend making this mocha cappuccino just right for any early morning.

Sip after sip the sweet espresso flows with such ease as the temperature warms your throat.

Milk, chocolate, and a shot of espresso make this drink the perfect adult hot chocolate with a jolt.

Toffee

Coffee

Toffee coffee is not something you will find at the corner Coffee Bean, but you will find it at the Chevron gas station along Tampa Avenue and Nordhoff Street.

A toffee cappuccino at $1.29 brewed at Chevron is the perfect pickme-up for anyone with a sweet tooth and caffeine craving.

Sweet but not overbearing, the classic butterscotch and caramel flavors spin together.

The smell of butterscotch resurfaces with every sip, reminding you of the classic childhood candy.

Creamy and rich in its texture makes this unique cappuccino an easy must-have.

Vanilla Cappuccino

Vanilla flavored coffee is not hard to find, as the 76 gas station along Sherman Way and Tampa Avenue offers a cup for $1.39.

The French vanilla cappuccino is the perfect sequence of vanilla syrup and coffee flavor blended together to create a superb espresso.

The taste of vanilla beans is potently present, and the sugary syrup is not drenched in the recipe, keeping the cappuccino’s reputation strong.

Vanilla adds a creaminess to the frothy cappuccino, and should be sipped slowly to enjoy and preserve its delicious flavor.

The Arco gas station on Plummer Street and Corbin Avenue ensures that hot chocolate is not just for kids.

A cup of their hot chocolate for $1.29 is the perfect treat and Caffeine swims quietly in this mix of chocolate, sugar, and As the mix blends, it creates a balance in the drink

The smell of chocolate forces its way out of the lid making it irresistible to take another sip. For those sensitive to caffeine, the chocolate is just the perfect wake up call, and for those who need more of an extra shot in their morning coffee, while it is still an undeniable yummy and nostalgic cup

There are also different options on campus for those that only have a few minutes inThe Freudian Sip offers customized drinks for students that want the coffee Different options such as soy milk, temperature control, and extra espresso shots can all be added, and served with a smile. If you find yourself far from the Sip, there are vending machines that offer coffee in The Village and near the library that can also offer a quick fix while staying on a budget.