Paint :: Scissors :: Poems–Making Haiku Cards
Last Fall I made a collection of Haiku Cards–tiny cards with watercolors on one side and a line from Basho on the other. I shuffle the cards and create random operation poems. The source material is rich, so the simple three line poems end up quirky and nearly always inspiring. Here’s how I made them!
:: Paint ::
I used 9×12 mixed media paper. It’s heavier than copy paper, more absorbent than cardstock, smoother than watercolor paper. Use what you have! Index cards cut in half would be perfect. I painted saturated fields of color in 1 or 2 colors.
:: Scissors ::
I cut my big sheets of paper into 2½ x 3″ pieces after the paint had dried overnight. Then I used a punch to round the corners. This makes the cards look and feel more finished.
:: Poems ::
I used Basho because he’s my favorite. I found this collection online and copied about 30 into my journal. Then I made the final selection and wrote 1 line from a poem on each card. Now a 3 card pull creates a completely new poem.
Over the Moon Oracle
If you are interested in Haiku Cards, but don’t want to make them yourself, Kristen has a wonderful deck available. She is also teaching a free class on using the cards. During Poetry Month, Kristen is also hosting the #HaikuOracleChallenge–so be sure to follow that hashtag on Instagram!
Hi Kortney! Great minds think alike!! Thanks so much for the shoutout about my cards and course. I’m loving your Haiku Cards. The watercolor is so lovely!
Thank you for sharing your work with the world, Kristen. So inspiring!
What a beautiful idea! Thanks for sharing your creative process!
Thanks, Maya!
Kortney, I love your idea … another wonderful project to add to my list. Thank you for sharing your process.
Kay, I can’t wait to see what you make!