birthday "cards"

My husband's birthday was Friday. We took the day off to celebrate together, as we do every year. Since he already received his gifts before his birthday, I wanted to come up with something to surprise him. He's commented on occasion that I make cards (as in greeting) for everyone but him. So this year, I decided to make cards for him. But, instead of greeting cards, I made playing cards so he could "deal" the day however he wanted it to play out. It was a big hit. Here are the steps I came up with, in case you want to do something similar for someone you love.

• Decide what you want on the cards. I used categories such as food & drink, movies, culture, outdoors, road trip, etc. Click on the photos to see what I mean.


• Create a 3-column table in Microsoft Word or similar program, setting the column height at 3.5" & the width at 2.5"


• Type in the table cells & use available clip art to add visuals & color. Print. I used glossy photo paper, but this isn't necessary.


• Make a generic version for the card backs. Print.


• Trim excess from all printed pages, keeping the table of 9 cards still together, 3 columns & 3 rows per page.


• Glue card fronts to card backs. I used my tape gun, but if I do this again, I'll use the adhesive cartridge with my Xyron.


• Laminate the fronts & backs. I used the two-sided lamination cartridge with my Xyron, but any lamination product should work.


• Cut the cards. Use a small corner punch on all four corners of every cards. Note, however, this was extremely tough on my punch, so I'll be buying a new one at some point.


• Print two of the generic card backs on one page of card stock. Cut and glue/tape to create card box.