DIY Graduation Card Ideas

Posted on 25th June 2025 by Papermill Direct
Filed under Card Making Ideas

Graduation season isn’t just about caps, gowns, and certificates; it's about celebrating a huge milestone with the people who have supported individuals along the way. Whether someone is finishing school, college, university, or even a professional course, this moment marks a huge turning point worth recognising in a meaningful way.

Arts and crafts are a lovely way to get creative and put your feelings into something tangible. Whether you’re making a card for your child, sibling, best friend or classmate, a handmade piece becomes a keepsake, something they will want to hold on to after the celebrations are over.

So, if you’re looking to give something heartfelt this graduation season, these four easy and inspiring DIY card tutorials from Papermill Direct are the perfect place to start.

How to Make Outstanding Graduation Celebration Cards

This bold and eye-catching card design incorporates clean lines, bold colours and a celebration-ready sparkle. It’s a great option for anyone who loves a more modern, polished style.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Black card for the base

• Gold and white card for layering

• Alphabet dies or stickers

• Adhesive gems or sequins

• Foam pads

• Adhesives/glue

How to Make it:

1. Cut and fold your black card into a card shape

1. Layer a gold rectangle on top, slightly smaller than your card base

1. Add a white card layer on top of the gold to create depth

1. Spell out your message using letter dies or stickers like “Congratulations” or the graduate’s name

1. Decorate with gems, sequins or glitter and use foam pads to give it some 3D lift.

How To Make A Graduation Card – By Karen Telfer

This design captures the timeless essence of graduation, utilising iconic symbols such as the cap and scroll. This DIY craft is simple, traditional and full of meaning.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Navy or red card for the base

• White card for the scroll

• Black card for the cap

• Ribbon or twine

• Craft glue

How to Make it:

1. Fold your base card using a dark-coloured card; navy or red works well.

1. Create the cap by cutting a small square from a black card and attaching a ribbon tassel to the centre.

1. Create the scroll by rolling out a small rectangle of white card and tying it with twine or ribbon.

1. Stick both pieces to the front of the card using glue or foam pads

1. Add a short message like “You Did It!” or “Well Done Graduate”.

Use Papermill Direct’s wide range of coloured card stock and adhesives to build your design.

Superstar Graduation Card – By Karen Telfer

For the graduate who has truly shone, this energetic and fun card is packed with colour and character. Perfect for anyone.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Bright card for the base (red, blue or yellow)

• Glitter card for star shapes

• Star punch

• Foam pads

How to Make it:

1. Choose a vibrant base and fold it into a card.

1. Punch or cut stars from glitter cards in various sizes

1. Stick the stars in a starburst layout across the card front.

1. Use foam pads to raise some stars and add texture.

1. Add a sentiment like “Superstar Graduate!” with stickers or handwritten text.

Rainbow Graduation Card - By Tracy Home

This card is bright, joyful and filled with positivity. This rainbow card is ideal for anyone who’s overcome challenges or followed a unique path to graduation.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Rainbow-coloured card (cut into strips)

• White card for clouds

• Cloud punch or hand-drawn template

• Adhesives and foam pads

How to Make It:

1. Cut narrow strips from the card in rainbow colours.

1. Stick them in an arc across the card base to form your rainbow.

1. Punch or cut out clouds from white paper and place them at either end.

1. Add depth by sticking clouds with foam pads.

1. Finish with an uplifting message like “The Sky’s the Limit!”

Grab your rainbow card pack and cloud-making supplies from Papermill Direct.

Add Personal Touches

Personalise your card, by incorporating any of the ideas below making your card even more special:

• Match the colour scheme to the graduate’s school or university.

• Add their name, degree or graduation year.

• Write a personal note inside, something heartfelt, funny, or inspiring.

• Include a photo, a small keepsake or even a gift card.

Craft Supplies That Make It Easy

Everything you need to make these cards, from high-quality cards and tools to inspiration, is available from Papermill Direct. Browse our full collection of arts and crafts supplies or select cards of your choice with our Pick and Mix boxes to turn your ideas into gifts they’ll treasure and have fun crafting!

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