Fun And Easy 40th Birthday Card DIY For All Skill Levels

Decor & DIY

Turning 40 is a milestone birthday! It’s a time to celebrate achievements, cherished friendships, and all the exciting chapters yet to come. But what better way to kick off the festivities than with a personalized 40th birthday card DIY that truly shows you care?

Let’s Make It Personal With 40th Birthday Card DIY

This guide will take you through a variety of decor & DIY ideas, from simple and elegant to fun and quirky.

Quilled Cake On DIY 40th Birthday Card

40th birthday card diy — Crafting these homemade 40th birthday cards will touch their soul

Quilling, the art of rolling and shaping paper strips, is a beautiful technique that adds elegance to any 40th birthday DIY card.

Materials

Quilling paper strips in various colors (at least colors for the cake, frosting, and a celebratory color like red or gold)
Quilling tool (slotted tool for coiling the paper)
Craft glue
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Cardstock for the base of the card
Marker or pen to write a birthday message

Step-by-step guide

Cut out a rectangle of cardstock in the desired size for the cake of your 40th birthday card DIY.
Cut the quilling paper strips into thin strips. You can use different widths for variety in the cake design.
Use the quilling tool to coil the paper strips into tight circles. Once coiled, let the circles loosen a bit to form open coils. You will need several coils for the cake layers and frosting.
Use craft glue to adhere the cake coils together, stacking them to form the cake layers. You can alternate coil sizes to create a textured look.
Use tighter coils in a contrasting color to make the frosting. Glue them on top of the cake layers.
You can use additional quilled shapes, like hearts or stars, to decorate the cake. Use a marker or pen to write a birthday message on the card base.
Glue the finished quilled cake onto the cardstock base.

Embroidered 40th Birthday Card DIY

For a tactile and charming option, consider an embroidered handmade 40th birthday card.

Materials

Cardboard (for the card base)
Fabric (embroidery-friendly, like cotton or linen) slightly larger than your card base
Embroidery hoop (to hold the fabric taut)
Embroidery needle
Embroidery floss in various colors (to match your design)
Pencil (for transferring your design)
Scissors
Optional: Embroidery stabilizer (helps prevent fabric puckering), greeting card stencil (for a pre-made card shape)

Step-by-step guide

Cut the cardboard to your desired card size and shape. You can use a greeting 40th birthday card DIY stencil for a perfect outline.
Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than your card base. If using stabilizer, iron it onto the back of the fabric.
Choose a simple 40th birthday-themed design (number 40, balloons, cake, etc.) Sketch it lightly onto the fabric with a pencil. Alternatively, you can trace a pre-printed design.
Thread your needle and separate the floss into strands depending on the desired thickness of your stitches. Use embroidery stitches like backstitch, satin stitch, or French knots to fill in your design.
Once the embroidery is complete, cut away any excess fabric around the design, leaving a small border. Attach the embroidered fabric to the cardboard base using fabric glue or by stitching the edges together from the back.
Write a birthday message on the inside of the card.

Fabric Collage Homemade 40th Birthday Card

Fabric collages offer a tactile and visually appealing way to create personalized DIY birthday cards.

Materials

Cardboard card (any color you like)
Fabric scraps in various colors and patterns (consider the recipient’s taste!)
Fabric scissors (pinked edge scissors are optional for a decorative touch)
Glue stick (or other fabric glue)
Ruler (optional)
Pencil (optional)
Buttons, ribbons, sequins, or other embellishments (optional)

Step-by-step guide

Decide on a theme or image you want to create with the fabric scraps. You can sketch it lightly on the 40th birthday card DIY beforehand for reference (optional).
Use fabric scissors to cut your chosen fabrics into different shapes and sizes. Consider geometric shapes, letters to spell out “Happy Birthday,” or freeform pieces for a more abstract look.
Carefully arrange the fabric pieces on the card to create your design. Once you’re happy, use the glue stick to adhere them securely.
Add a special touch with embellishments like buttons, ribbons, or sequins. You can also write a birthday message directly on the card or on a separate piece of paper to attach inside.
Allow the glue to dry completely before gifting your one-of-a-kind card!

Polymer Clay Decorations DIY 40th Birthday Card

If you’re looking for a quirky and playful option, consider incorporating polymer clay into your 40th birthday DIY card design.

Materials

Polymer clay in various colors (depending on your design)
Craft knife or razor blade
Rolling pin
Sandpaper (optional)
Glue (suitable for adhering clay to cardstock)
Blank cardstock (choose a color that complements your clay colors)
Optional: Toothpicks or skewers for shaping clay
Optional: Acrylic craft paints and paint brushes for details (if not using colored clay)

Step-by-step guide

Sketch some ideas for what you want to depict on the 40th birthday card DIY. Numbers “4” and “0” are a classic choice, but you could also create balloons, party hats, slices of cake, or anything related to the recipient’s interests.
Soften the polymer clay by gently kneading it between your hands. This will make it easier to work with.
Use the rolling pin to flatten the clay sheet to a desired thickness. Aim for 1/8 inch or slightly thinner.
Use the craft knife to cut out your desired shapes from the clay sheet.
Use toothpicks or craft tools to add details or dimension to your shapes. You can also use this time to smooth any rough edges with your fingers or sandpaper.
Following the baking instructions on your specific polymer clay package, bake the clay shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Baking time can vary depending on the clay thickness.
Let cool completely.
If you’re not using colored clay, use acrylic paints to add details or lettering to your baked clay shapes.
Glue the cooled clay decorations onto your cardstock base. You can arrange them in a fun composition and write a birthday message inside the card.

Vintage Book Page 40th Birthday DIY Card

For a nostalgic and charming option, consider repurposing vintage book pages into a unique DIY 40th birthday card.

Materials

Vintage book page (thicker pages from old books work best)
Cardboard (for the card base)
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Glue stick
Decorative items (optional): lace, ribbon, buttons, washi tape, markers, stamps etc.

Step-by-step guide

Use the cardboard to cut a rectangle. A standard size is 5″ x 7″, but you can adjust this to your preference of your 40th birthday card DIY.
Cut a rectangle slightly larger than the card base from the vintage book page. You can leave the edges ragged for a vintage feel.
Apply glue stick to the back of the book page and adhere it to the cardboard base. Smooth out any wrinkles.
Here’s where you can get creative! Decorate the front of the card with lace, ribbon, buttons, or washi tape. You can also write a birthday message directly on the book page or use a separate piece of cardstock for the message and adhere it on top.
Write a heartfelt birthday message referencing the recipient turning 40. You can use a fun quote related to books or age, or simply write a warm and personal message.

Magazine Collage 40th Birthday Card DIY

For a colorful and eclectic option, consider creating a magazine collage DIY 40th birthday card.

Materials

Old magazines (lifestyle, travel, humor – depending on the recipient’s taste)
Scissors
Glue stick
Cardboard (for the card base) – cut to your desired size (think standard card size)
Ruler (optional)
Pencil (optional)
Markers, pens, or colored pencils (optional – for adding personalization)

Step-by-step guide

Think about the recipient’s interests – travel, hobbies, fashion, music, etc. Flick through your magazines and shortlist images, words, or quotes that reflect that theme and evoke a fun, 40th birthday vibe.
Carefully cut out your chosen images and text for your 40th birthday card DIY. Play around with the arrangement on a separate sheet of paper until you’re happy with the layout.
Once you’re happy with the layout, use the glue stick to adhere the magazine clippings onto your cardboard base.
Add a special touch by writing a birthday message or using markers to create borders or highlight certain elements.

Brown Paper Package Card For 40th Birthday DIY

For a rustic and charming option, consider using brown paper packaging to create a unique 40th birthday card DIY.

Materials

Brown paper bag (grocery bag size works well)
Cardstock (optional, for a sturdier card)
Scissors
Ruler (optional)
Pencil (optional)
Glue stick
Colorful markers, pens, or paints
Stencils (optional, for lettering or designs)
Stickers, washi tape, or other embellishments (optional)

Step-by-step guide

Cut a rectangle out of the brown paper bag. You can eyeball it or use a ruler and pencil to make a specific size (e.g., A6 postcard size). If you want a sturdier 40th birthday card DIY, glue the brown paper to a piece of cardstock cut to the same size.
Here’s where you get creative! You can draw string and a bow on the front to represent a package. Use markers or pens to write “Happy 40th Birthday” or another message.
Stencils can help create fancy lettering or designs. Stickers, washi tape, or other embellishments can add pops of color and personality. You can even cut out small shapes from colored paper and glue them on for a collage effect.
Write a heartfelt birthday message on the inside of the card.

Recycled Paper Flowers Card DIY For 40th Birthday

For a sustainable and eco-friendly option, consider creating a 40th birthday DIY card adorned with recycled paper flowers.

Materials

Recycled paper (magazine pages, colorful construction paper scraps, or old greeting cards)
Cardboard (optional, for a sturdier card base)
Scissors
Glue stick
Pencil
Pipe cleaners (green for stems)
Markers (optional, for adding details to flowers)

Step-by-step guide

Choose your recycled paper and cut out various flower shapes (circles, petals, etc.). You can layer multiple colors for a dimensional effect. Experiment with folding, twisting, and layering the paper to create different flower forms (roses, daisies, lilies).
Cut a card base from recycled cardboard (cereal box) or cardstock, if desired. You can use a pre-made card or decorate a plain 40th birthday card DIY with leftover paper scraps.
Arrange the paper flowers on the card base, positioning them for your desired composition. Glue the flowers and pipe cleaner stems (cut to size) onto the card.
Add a birthday message inside the card. Use markers to draw details on the flowers (centers, stamen, etc.) for extra flair.

DIY Wine Cork Coasters 40th Birthday Card

For a practical and stylish option, consider incorporating wine cork coasters into your handmade 40th birthday card design.

Materials

Cardboard (cut to desired card size)
Craft paper (optional, for decorating the front)
Wine corks (4 or more, depending on desired coaster size)
Hot glue gun
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors (if decorating with craft paper)
Markers, paint, or stamps (for decorating)

Step-by-step guide

If you want to add a decorative touch, cover the cardboard with craft paper. You can cut out shapes, write a message, or use stamps to personalize it.
Decide on the size and layout of your coasters. Use the ruler and pencil to lightly mark placement on the card’s back if desired.
Apply hot glue to the bottom of each cork and carefully press them onto the back of the 40th birthday card DIY. Hold for a few seconds until secure.

Coffee Cup Card 40th Birthday DIY

For the coffee lover in your life, consider creating a DIY 40th birthday card inspired by their favorite brew.

Materials

Blank card (white or colored)
Brown construction paper or cardstock
Scissors
Glue stick
Colored pencils, markers, or crayons (optional)
Coffee beans (a few whole and some ground, optional)
Ribbon or twine (optional)

Step-by-step guide

From the brown construction paper, cut a large rectangle for the base of the cup. On top of that, cut a smaller rounded rectangle for the top part of the cup.
Glue the two brown pieces together to form a simple coffee cup shape.
Use colored pencils, markers, or crayons to draw details on the cup like a handle, coffee steam, or a “40” for the birthday.
Glue a few whole coffee beans on the top of the cup to represent coffee beans. You can also sprinkle some ground coffee for a textured effect (be careful, this can get messy!).
Glue the completed coffee cup onto the front of the blank card.
Tie a small ribbon or twine around the card for an extra decorative touch. Inside the 40th birthday card DIY, write your personalized birthday message.

Where To Buy Ingredients For Creating A Handmade 40th Birthday Card?

Now that you’re inspired to create your own 40th birthday card DIY, you may be wondering where to find the necessary supplies.

Craft stores

This is a great one-stop shop for all your gift idea needs. They have a wide variety of paper, embellishments, stamps, dies, stencils, inks, paints, and more. Some popular craft stores include Michael’s, Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, and AC Moore.

Dollar stores

Dollar stores are a great place to find inexpensive craft supplies. You can find things like cardstock, colorful construction paper, glitter glue, stickers, and ribbon.

Office supply stores

Office supply stores also have a good selection of cardstock, markers, pens, and other crafting supplies.

Online retailers

There are many online retailers that sell craft supplies. This can be a great option if you can’t find what you’re looking for in a brick-and-mortar store. Some popular online retailers for craft supplies include Amazon, Etsy, and Scrapbook.com.

See more ways of DIY birthday cards for various ages:

Conclusion

Turning 40 is a significant milestone that deserves to be celebrated in style. A handmade 40th birthday card DIY is a wonderful way to show your loved ones how much you care while also indulging your creative side.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a novice enthusiast, there’s a DIY card idea out there for everyone. So gather your supplies, unleash your imagination, and get ready to spread some birthday cheer!