A design needs to be digitized specifically for cardstock in order to be embroidered successfully onto paper.

To find those designs, type the word cardstock into the search field at www.emblibrary.com.

Designs that are digitized for cardstock may also be embroidered onto fabric, but expect lighter fills and coverage.

You can find cardstock at most stores, including craft stores and scrapbooking stores. It comes in a wide variety of colors and quality.

Choose a high-quality cardstock with long fibers.

Fold the cardstock in half and trim to a card shape.

Spray a piece of medium-weight cutaway stabilizer with temporary adhesive.

Hoop the stabilizer firmly.

Press the inside flap of the card onto the stabilizer.

Embroider the design. When embroidering a design onto cardstock, use a size 11 (or smaller) sharp needle, not a ballpoint or universal needle.

If you find that the cardstock is ripping or tearing, then switch to a higher-quality cardstock, and make sure you're using a size 11 sharp embroidery needle.

After the design has finished embroidering, remove the stabilizer from the hoop and trim the excess stabilizer away.

Cover the inside of the card with decorative paper.

And, you can slip a freestanding ornament or bookmark inside the card as an extra-special touch.

Next we'll make an envelope for the card.

Cut a piece of paper 2 1/2 times the width of the card, and add 1 1/4" to the length. Place the card on the edge of the paper, centered vertically, and overlapping the edge by 3/4".

Draw a vertical line 1/8" to the right of the card.

Move the card so that the left edge is perfectly aligned with the line you just drew. On the right side, mark 1/8" from the top and the bottom. We won't draw the entire vertical line this time; if we did, that mark would show on the inside of the envelope.

Make horizontal marks 1/8" from the top and bottom of the card.

Connect those marks with horizontal lines.

Cut out the corner rectangles.

Fold along the lines.

Place a line of glue on the bottom and sides of the lower flap.

Fold, and seal.

And there it is -- a beautifully embroidered card with your very own personal touch.