Summer Greeting Cards: Homemade Card Ideas to Make

Rose is a full-time freelance writer who frequently writes about education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more.

There are a number of occasions to send greeting cards throughout the summer, including graduation, Father's Day, and the Fourth of July. However, sometimes you feel like making a summer card that isn't for any specific occasion. There are a variety of messages and themes that you can use throughout the summer season. Alternatively, you can incorporate these themes into cards for other events during the summer, such as baby showers, weddings, birthdays, and sending thank yous.

Unless it is indicated otherwise, all of the tutorials and ideas here are for personal use only. If you are interested in selling your cards, please contact the artists directly. Thank you and happy creating!

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Flowers

Carry this classic theme from the spring right into summer. Create simple flowers with button centers or make layered flowers by sewing with paper. Fill a large card full of colorful flowers or pair a single flower with a simple sentiment. If you want to switch up the routine of making flowers with paper, consider cotton fabric or felt.

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Sunshine

For those of us who live in the areas of the country where sunshine is scarce through the late fall and most of the winter, we welcome the chance to celebrate the sun through the spring and summer. Fill your card with a large sun and its rays or include a simple, smaller sun with a beach or flower field scene.

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Sunshine Rays Card | Simon Says Stamp

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Flip Flops

I am surprised what a staying power flip flops have had in this country the past decade. In addition to being able to purchase flip flops in just about every size, color, and pattern imaginable, there are a wide variety of flip flop themed items available, such as necklaces and wall art. Why not put them on your greeting cards, too?

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Bicycles

Whether you're giving a card to someone who will be learinng to ride his first bike this summer or to someone who has been biking for years, there is a certain element of nostalgia to this theme, especially if the card depicts a young bike rider. Many of us remember hopping on that first bike or strapping on a new pair of skates during the summer.

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Weekend Card - Bicycle | Vicky Papaioannou

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Swim Suits

One of the exciting transitions for any new season is the change in clothing. Even though you were so glad to put away your sweaters at the end of the winter, you're always happy to pull them out again. Swim suits are part of that transition for summer. It's fun to see the bright colors and new patterns in the stores at the end of spring. Capture this excitement in a summer card.

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Beach/Tropical

Who doesn't want to take a beach trip at least once or twice during the summer? Whether you will be heading to Hawaii for a week or simply spending an afternoon on Lake Michigan, there is something very cathartic about time with the water. Depict a detailed beach scene or just include an element or two, such as a couple palm trees.

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Ice Cream/Popsicles

Summer desserts are another great nostalgic theme for summer cards. Whether you made Popsicles or ice cream at home, frequented the local ice cream shop, or always went running outside when you heard the ice cream truck, many people have fond memories of sweet summer goodies. There are lots of colorful choices for this theme.

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Fruits

There is nothing like getting fresh fruit from the garden or the farmer's market during the summer. Strawberries are one of the most popular choices, but don't feel limited to this.

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Boats

Doesn't it put a smile on your face to see sails dotting the water on a hot summer day? This is a perfect birthday card choice for someone who is passionate about boating.

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Fish

Fish are a fun choice for a kid birthday card, for a baby shower card, or for anyone who really likes fish. Customize your card for your recipients with colors and/or patterns that you know they will enjoy.

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Butterflies

I don't mind butterflies, but I don't have a particular interest in them, so I'm always surprised how frequently they show up in greeting card designs. In addition to being a popular choice for graduation cards with the sky's the limit, let your talents soar, etc., they are a great option for many types of cards throughout the spring and summer.

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This post has a cute Popsicle card idea, too.

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Summer Drinks

Whether your favorite summer drink is lemonade or a Margarita, most people have a summer go to drink that they love to make at home or that they always order at restaurants. If you have a personal favorite recipe of the drink that you feature on your card, consider including it with the card.

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Don't fill limited to choosing a single theme! You can mix and match many of the ideas in this article.

Coconut Drink Card with Stampin' Up! Island Party | DOStamping

Cards - Swap Greeting Cards - Part 3 of 3 | Lisa Carlin

Looking for more greeting card ideas? Check this out!

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Comments

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 29, 2012:

Thanks so much prasetio! That means a lot to me, especially coming from such a talented hubber. I appreciate you sharing this! I hope that your students enjoy it.

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on May 29, 2012:

Very inspiring hub. You are one of the best hubbers who always find the most inspirational hub for creative work. This card is no exception. Beautiful and I'll show this hub to my students. Thank you very much. Voted up :-)

Best wishes, Prasetio

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 26, 2012:

Thanks RTalloni! Have fun with your cards!

RTalloni on May 26, 2012:

Lovely, lovely collection! I've got some cards to make and these are inspiring--thanks!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 26, 2012:

Thanks Joanie! Honestly I'd like to learn more graphic design so I could make cards on the computer. There are advantages to both types of design techniques.

That's awesome that your family enjoys receiving your unique cards. Using family photos will always add a personal touch.

joaniebaby on May 26, 2012:

Another great Hub. I make all of my greeting cards now on my computer, but would like to be more creative. Your ideas will certainly help. One of my grandsons who lives in California and a long way from me here in Iowa once told me that he loves to receive cards from me as they are always different and unique. So that keeps me looking for new ideas all the time. One of my favorite ideas is to use family photos on my cards. Thanks so much for your great Hub. Keep up the good work.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 25, 2012:

Thanks! Yes for sure about the swim suit card!

Om Paramapoonya on May 25, 2012:

Lovely! That swim-suit card made me really want to go to a beach. Thanks for always sharing such cute ideas with us.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 24, 2012:

Thanks Christy! It wouldn't be too hard to put together one of those cards.

Linda, haha, I didn't even think of that when I put this article together, but of course that is the perfect choice for you! I will keep it in mind. :)

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on May 24, 2012:

Superb! As usual! I also like the Sunshine card. My birthday is next month (hint)! Haha! UP! Awesome!

Christy Birmingham from British Columbia, Canada on May 24, 2012:

The Hello Sunshine card looks great. You really do give us such creative ideas, I would be so pleased to be able to make the Sunshine card.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 23, 2012:

Kelley, that's awesome! Have fun with that. The good thing about paper boats is that they're pretty cheap so it isn't a big deal to make another one.

kelleyward on May 23, 2012:

Randomcreative, I love the boat idea. We are working on a little book for my toddler and he loves boats. I'll make him one and see how long it stays in one piece ha ha. Thanks for sharing! Take care, Kelley