How to Turn a Child's Art into Custom Notecards: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To turn your child's art into custom notecards, start by selecting a few favorite drawings that will reproduce well, then decide on a format and paper stock. You can use a printing service like Plum Print's stationery options or scan the art and print at home. Finally, add personal touches like a child's name or a custom message on the back.

There's something special about sending a note that carries your child's creativity. Whether it's a thank-you card, a holiday greeting, or a quick hello to grandma, custom notecards made from your child's art turn a simple message into a keepsake. And the process is more straightforward than you might think.

This guide walks you through every step, from choosing the right artwork to selecting paper and printing options. You'll also learn how to make personalized notecards for kids' camp care packages, so your camper feels connected to home. Even if you're not a designer, you'll have everything you need to create stationery that feels both professional and heartfelt.

Choose Artwork That Reproduces Well

The first step is picking the right piece of art. Bold, high-contrast drawings with thick lines and bright colors tend to look best when scaled down to notecard size. Avoid pieces with very fine details or lots of similar light colors, as they can become muddy in reproduction.

Consider the orientation of your notecard. If your child's drawing is portrait-oriented, a vertical card will work best. If it's a wide scene, a horizontal card will display it better. Also think about the amount of background space—drawings with a clear focal point look more polished on a small card.

• Tip: If you're working with a very large piece, photograph it in good natural light rather than using a scanner if the scanner can't fit the whole image.

Decide on Card Format and Size

Notecards come in different shapes and sizes, and the format affects both usability and print quality. Standard flat cards (like 4" x 6") are easy to mail and write on. Folded cards offer more space for a message inside and feel a bit more formal.

For camp correspondence, a flat postcard-style card is lightweight and easy to send. Plum Print's Camp Fill-In-The-Blank Cards are a fun option because they combine your child's art with guided prompts, making it easy for campers to respond. If you prefer a blank card that works for multiple occasions, a simple flat card is versatile.

• Check that your chosen print size fits standard mailing dimensions to avoid extra postage.

Select Paper Stock for Durability and Feel

Paper weight and coating affect both the look and the writing experience. Heavier cardstock feels substantial and is less likely to bend in the mail. Uncoated paper absorbs ink well and is easy to write on, while matte or silk coatings offer a slightly more polished finish.

For a kid's art print, a matte finish reduces glare and helps colors look true. Plum Print's Camp Fill-In-The-Blank Cards are available in 100# Uncoated or 111# Matte cardstock. If you're making your own at home, look for cardstock in the 65 lb to 110 lb range. Heavier weights are better for cards that will be handled a lot.

• Remember: Coated papers like silk or matte may not be compatible with all home printers. Check your printer's specifications before buying.

Digitize the Artwork

To turn the original into a printable file, you need a clean digital copy. A flatbed scanner is the most reliable method for flat paper art. Set the resolution to 300 DPI to ensure crisp printing. For textured pieces (like those with glued-on elements), photographing may be easier—just make sure the lighting is even and the camera is parallel to the artwork.

After scanning or photographing, use a photo editing tool to adjust brightness and contrast. Cropping out any background paper edges makes the design look intentional. Save the file as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG.

• If you're using a service like Plum Print, you can upload your scans directly—they'll handle the rest.

Add Personalization or Text

Personalization makes the notecard uniquely yours. You might add your child's name in a corner, a handwritten note inside, or a custom message on the back. If you're creating fill-in-the-blank cards, you can include prompts like 'The best thing about camp is…' to encourage a response.

When adding text, keep it simple. Too much type can overpower the artwork. Use a clean font that's easy to read, and consider leaving blank space for a handwritten message. On folded cards, you can put the art on the front and leave the inside blank for a personal note.

• Test print one card to check the color and layout before printing a full batch.

Print and Cut (or Use a Professional Service)

If you're printing at home, use the best paper you can afford. A quality inkjet printer with pigment-based inks will produce more vibrant, longer-lasting colors. Print on one side, let the ink dry completely, then cut the cards to size using a paper cutter for clean edges.

If you'd rather not hassle with printing and cutting, a service like Plum Print can handle production. Their Camp Activity Cards set comes with five different fill-in-the-blank prompts and white envelopes, making it easy to send a batch to camp. Professional printing also ensures consistent color and accurate cutting.

• Order a few extra cards beyond your first batch—they're great for last-minute thank-yous.

Mail or Gift Your Notecards

Once your notecards are ready, you can write your message and send them off. For campers, a small batch of cards with prepaid envelopes can be a thoughtful care package addition. For other occasions, consider pairing a set of notecards with a gift card holder or a small art supply bundle.

If you're giving a set as a gift, especially to grandparents, present them in a simple box tied with ribbon. You could also include a note explaining the story behind each drawing. The experience of sending and receiving personalized mail is a joy that never gets old.

• Protect cards from bending by mailing them in a rigid envelope or with a piece of cardboard.

Step-by-Step Recap

1. Select Artwork: Pick a high-contrast, bold drawing that will reproduce well. Avoid fine details and light colors. Checkpoint: If the drawing looks good in a small thumbnail, it will likely work.
2. Choose Format and Size: Decide between flat or folded, and match the orientation to your art. Consider mailing ease. Checkpoint: For camp, a flat 4x6 card is practical.
3. Pick Paper Stock: Select uncoated or matte cardstock for easy writing and reduced glare. Heavier weights feel more premium. Checkpoint: If printing at home, verify your printer supports the paper type.
4. Digitize Artwork: Scan at 300 DPI or photograph with even lighting. Crop and adjust brightness for a clean file. Checkpoint: A test print will reveal any color or clarity issues.
5. Add Personalization: Include a name, prompt, or message. Keep text minimal to let the art shine. Checkpoint: Print one card to review the layout.
6. Print and Finish: Print at home or use a service like Plum Print. Cut cleanly and keep a few extras on hand. Checkpoint: Order or print a few extra cards for last-minute needs.
7. Mail or Gift: Write your message, pack to prevent bending, and send with a smile. Verdict: Your child's art now brightens someone's mailbox.

Products Mentioned

• Camp Activity Cards: Includes 5 different fill-in-the-blank prompts to spark creativity and engagement. Comes with white envelopes. This ready-made option saves you time while still offering a personalized touch. The prompts guide campers to write more than a simple 'I'm fine.'
• Camp Fill-In-The-Blank Cards: Available in sets of 5, 10, 25, or 50 cards. Choose between 100# Uncoated or 111# Matte cardstock. Each card measures 4" x 6" and comes with a white envelope. You can select the cardstock that best suits your writing tool and mailing needs. The larger set size is ideal for sending a card every week of camp.

Turning your child's art into custom notecards is a rewarding project that blends creativity with practicality. Whether you print them yourself or use a service like Plum Print's camp cards, you'll have stationery that spreads joy and preserves a moment in your child's artistic journey. Start with one favorite drawing, and you'll likely find yourself making more for every occasion.