World Card Making Day – Oct. 3, 2026

World Card Making Day
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World Card Making Day inspires creativity every first Saturday in October. This year, on October 3, 2026, dedicate time to the joy of crafting unique, heartfelt cards. Gather your supplies, explore new techniques, and share your handmade creations with loved ones.

Want to sponsor World Card Making Day? Learn how

Expected World Card Making Day Deals

World Card Making Day sparks a flurry of promotions from major craft retailers and independent suppliers. While we await official 2027 announcements, history shows deep discounts on paper, stamps, dies, and embellishments. Look for sales from Michaels, Joann, Hobby Lobby, Scrapbook.com, and Simon Says Stamp. Many brands like Stampin’ Up! and Cricut also offer special bundles or free workshops to celebrate. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October approaches.

Platform Guide for World Card Making Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldCardMakingDay. Share photos or reels of your latest card creations, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your crafting space, or quick tutorial snippets.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #WorldCardMakingDay. Film speed-crafting videos, DIY card tutorials, or showcase your favorite card-making tools and techniques in short, engaging clips.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldCardMakingDay. Share your finished cards in crafting groups, organize a virtual card swap, or host a live Q&A about card-making tips.

Social Media Tips for World Card Making Day

Individuals

Challenge yourself to make a card for someone special in your life. Experiment with a new technique like heat embossing or watercoloring, and share your finished piece with friends and family.

Creators

Host a virtual card-making workshop or a 'craft-along' session on your preferred platform. Share your favorite supplies, demonstrate unique card folds, or offer tips for beginners looking to get started.

Brands

Run a 'Card Challenge' contest, inviting followers to create a card using specific materials or a theme. Offer a prize bundle of crafting supplies and feature the winning designs on your social channels.

Top Brands for World Card Making Day

  1. Stampin' Up!

    Founded in 1988 by Shelli Gardner and her sister, Stampin' Up! is a direct-sales company specializing in rubber stamps, paper crafting tools, and accessories. They are often credited with initiating World Card Making Day in 2006.

  2. Cricut

    Cricut, founded in 2005, is a leading brand in smart cutting machines and design software for crafters. Their machines allow users to cut intricate designs from various materials, making personalized card creation accessible and efficient.

  3. Sizzix

    Sizzix, a brand of Ellison, is renowned for its die-cutting and embossing machines and an extensive library of dies. Crafters use Sizzix products to create precise shapes and textures, adding professional touches to handmade cards.

  4. Michaels

    Founded in 1973 in Dallas, Texas, Michaels is one of North America's largest arts and crafts retailers. They offer a vast selection of card-making supplies, from specialty papers and adhesives to stamps, inks, and embellishments.

  5. Joann

    Joann Stores, established in 1943, is a prominent fabric and craft retailer with locations across the United States. They provide a comprehensive array of products for card making, catering to both novice and experienced crafters.

  6. Hallmark

    Founded in 1910 by Joyce Hall, Hallmark is a global leader in greeting cards and gifts. While known for mass-produced cards, they also inspire card-making culture and offer supplies for those who prefer to craft their own messages.

  7. Papyrus

    Papyrus, founded in 1973, is known for its high-quality, distinctive greeting cards and stationery. Their elegant designs often serve as inspiration for card makers seeking to create sophisticated and artistic handmade pieces.

World Card Making Day Hero

Shelli Gardner

Shelli Gardner is the co-founder of Stampin' Up!, a prominent direct-sales company in the paper crafting industry. In 2006, Gardner and Stampin' Up! spearheaded the creation of World Card Making Day, establishing it as an annual event to encourage crafters worldwide. Her vision was to provide a dedicated day for enthusiasts to celebrate their passion, connect with others, and get a head start on holiday card preparations, fostering a vibrant global crafting community.

History of World Card Making Day

Creating handmade cards for loved ones to celebrate different holidays and special occasions is an art form, one that many people from around the world indulge in. As such, it does make some sense that a special day to celebrate this was created. This was exactly what “Paper Crafts” magazine inadvertently did on October 7, 2006.

The celebration was initially only for subscribers to their magazine, but they were pleasantly surprised when it went viral. This was how the day was birthed and it is now celebrated by thousands all over the world. A company called Two Peas was also part of the history of World Card Making Day; they were involved with the first events commemorating the day.

The history of card making itself dates back to the Victorian era. Then, they had cards that announced someone’s arrival. These cards were plain, with no emotion, but things started to change as new printing techniques became available. They started making more colorful cards, which also gradually changed how they were used. People started sending them to each other for different occasions.

This was how the card-making industry was built. Calling cards became penny postcards, which eventually became modern-day gift cards. These days, you can probably get a card for anything you need. There are business cards, greeting cards, IV cards, all sorts, and what better way to express yourself through cards than making them yourself? Make them with the person they are intended for in mind, and you will definitely steal their heart.

World Card Making Day timeline

1400s
Europeans Get into the Game

Europeans start exchanging and also selling handmade greeting cards.

1800s
The Postage Stamp is Born

The use of postage stamps is introduced.

1837–1901
Card Making Takes Off

The earliest use of cards dates back to the Victorian era.

2006
World Card Making Day Starts

“Paper Crafts” magazine begins the worldwide tradition of making cards.

How Businesses Can Celebrate World Card Making Day

Local craft stores can host open-house events with free card-making stations, offering supplies and guidance to beginners. Small businesses selling handmade goods can promote custom card services or offer discounts on personalized stationery. Coffee shops might collaborate with local crafters for a ‘Cards & Coffee’ workshop, providing a relaxing environment for creation. Retailers can also highlight card-making kits and supplies, encouraging customers to embrace the DIY spirit.

World Card Making Day FAQs

When is World Card Making Day?

In 2026, World Card Making Day falls on Saturday, October 3, providing a perfect weekend opportunity to dive into your crafting projects and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

How popular is card making as a hobby?

Card making remains a highly popular creative outlet globally, with millions participating. In the US, approximately 50-60 million households engage in some form of paper crafting annually, making it a significant segment of the crafting market.

What is the economic impact of the greeting card industry?

The greeting card industry in the US generates billions in annual revenue, with handmade cards contributing significantly to the broader craft and hobby market. This includes sales of paper, stamps, tools, and embellishments, supporting numerous businesses.

What are the benefits of handmade cards?

Handmade cards offer a personal touch that store-bought cards often lack, conveying extra thought and effort. They allow for complete customization, making the message and design uniquely tailored to the recipient and occasion.

How to Celebrate World Card Making Day

  1. Make some handmade cards

    This is a no-brainer. One of the perfect ways to celebrate this day is to get your supplies ready and make some cards for your loved ones.

  2. Organize a craft party

    One thing that is better than making cards for your loved ones alone is making cards for your loved ones with friends and family! A craft party sets the perfect mood and brings fellow crafters together to celebrate the day.

  3. Teach card making

    Yes, help the next generation of card makers get started on this amazing journey. You can organize classes, even for kids, and teach them the basics of card making.

5 Facts About Cards That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Dance card anyone?

    During the Victorian Era, ladies wrote the names of gentlemen that they wanted to dance with on a ‘dance card.’

  2. Calling card

    The culture of making gift cards was so popular during the Victorian era that a criminal’s signature element was called their ‘calling card.’

  3. Fancy greeting cards

    Some of the most expensive greeting cards ever made come from a company called Gilded Age Greetings and their cards can cost as much as $4,995.

  4. The greeting card business is booming

    Americans spend an estimated $8 billion on more than six million greeting cards each year.

  5. White House Christmas cards

    The very first Christmas card to be sent by a president was sent by President Calvin Coolidge in 1927.

Why We Love World Card Making Day

  1. It brings people together

    World Card Making Day provides a great opportunity for lovers of crafts to get together and do what they love to do. It is also not limited to craft lovers alone, the joy of card making can be spread around, just be ready to have fun and know how to hold scissors.

  2. It helps in planning for the holidays

    World Card Making Day comes up every October, which gives everyone a big headstart on their card-making activities for the upcoming holidays. You can get all your cards ready by the end of October!

  3. It creates joy

    Making cards for a loved one is not only about the crafts, it’s about the thought and care that goes into making something with your hands. These cards are usually more appreciated and they bring joy and a feeling of being loved to the recipients.

World Card Making Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 October 4 Saturday
2026 October 3 Saturday