Make a Wish with This Fun Handmade Birthday Card!

Hello G45ers!

Looking for birthday card inspiration that’s both playful and achievable? This charming handmade birthday card tutorial by Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador Katelyn Spencer is just what you need! Created with our Hip Hip Hooray paper collection and 5½” x 5½” Square Cards with Envelopes, this layered and whimsical card is part of our #SimplyG45 series, designed to inspire simple, affordable, and stunning papercrafting. Whether you’re a seasoned cardmaker or just getting started, you’ll find helpful measurements, fussy cutting tips, and clever layout techniques to bring this celebration card to life.

Hip Hip Hooray Card

Tutorial by Katelyn Spencer

“Hey Everyone!

I’m thrilled to be back on the blog this month sharing with you this adorable vintage Hip Hip Hooray Card. My card features the Hip Hip Hooray Collection and the Square Cards 5 ½” x 5 ½” with Envelopes. You’ll want to read below as I share how to create my Hip Hip Hooray Card at home.

Step One. You’ll need one of the cards with Envelopes out of the Square Cards 5 ½” x 5 ½” with envelopes. 

Step Two. From the Hip Hip Hooray! Paper, cut one piece that measures 5” x 5”. Cut a second piece that measures 3” x 3 ½”. You’ll need the green triangle side for both.

Step Three. From the Make a Wish Paper, cut one piece that measures 4 ½” x 4 ½”. Cut a second piece that measures 2 ¾” x 3 ¼”. You’ll need the blue leaf side for both. Flip the paper over and fussy cut the Hip Hip Hooray Banner out.

Step Four. From the Celebrate With Me Paper, cut a piece that measures 4 ¾” x 4 ¾”. You’ll need the red side of the paper.

Step Five. From the Enjoy the Little Things Paper, cut a piece that measures 4 ¼” x 4 ¼”. You’ll need the confetti side. Flip the paper over and you’ll need to cut the present border to 5”. Cut the Happy border down to 4 ½”.

Step Six. From the Best Day Ever Paper, you’ll need to fussy cut the cat with balloons, stump with bear/present/balloon and the fence with presents and balloons. Cut the balloons apart from the stump.

Step Seven. Adhere the red paper to the large green triangle paper. Adhere the blue leaf paper to the red paper. Adhere the confetti paper to the blue leaf paper.

Step Eight. Adhere the small leaf paper to the small green triangle paper. Adhere the green triangle paper ⅝” from the right and ¼” from the top of the confetti paper. Adhere the present border ⅞” from the left and all the way to the top of the green triangle paper. Adhere the Happy border ¾” from the left and ¼” from the top of the green triangle paper. 

Step Nine. Foam square the stump with present all the way to the right side and ⅛” from the bottom of the confetti paper. Use adhesive and foam squares to adhere the fence with presents slightly over top of the stump and all the way to the left hand side of the green triangle paper.

Step Ten. Use adhesive and foam squares to adhere the cat with the balloon overtop of the stump making sure that the present is shown. The cat will sit slightly behind the green present by the fence. Use adhesive and foam squares to adhere the Hip Hip Hooray Banner above the cat as desired.

Step Eleven. Adhere the cardfront to the 5 ½” cardbase.

G45 Products Used:

Hip Hip Hooray 12×12 Collection Pack

Square Cards 5 ½” x 5 ½” with Envelopes

Thank you so much for joining me today and I hope that my card has inspired you to create your own at home.”

• Katelyn Spencer

Katelyn Spencer – Canada

2024-2025 Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador

Blog

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

Cardmaking Tips:

• Layer strategically: Use contrasting patterned papers from the same collection to make your elements pop.

• Fussy cut with care: Sharp scissors and a steady hand can turn illustrated elements into eye-catching focal points.

• Use foam squares for dimension: Add lift and depth to your scenes by layering characters and banners.

• Create visual balance: Katelyn arranges her sentiment, borders, and icons with precise spacing to guide the eye.

There’s nothing like a handmade birthday card to make someone’s day feel extra special. With easy-to-follow steps and vibrant papers, Katelyn’s Hip Hip Hooray Card is a joyful reminder that crafting doesn’t need to be complicated to be beautiful. Follow along with her step-by-step tutorial and share your own version using the hashtag #SimplyG45 — we’d love to see what you create!

Happy Papercrafting!

Want even more Graphic 45? Sign up for our newsletter here!