Bare Cards - Making Cards More Accessible

Bare Cards

When we created Bare Cards, our mission was simple: make beautiful, eco-friendly greeting cards without the waste of an envelope. One card, three panels, self-sealing — easy for the sender, better for the planet.

Ceri, Owner of Bare Cards, and husband Derren showing their love for sustainability by holding their hands together to make a heart in front of a large tree trunk.

But at Pride this year, something happened that made us see Bare Cards in a whole new light.

A Surprise We Didn’t See Coming

While chatting to visitors at our stall, several people came up and said almost the same thing: “My mum has arthritis — she’d find these so much easier to use.” Others mentioned loved ones with disabilities, reduced grip strength, or mobility issues who struggle to get cards in and out of envelopes.

People gathered around a booth with posters at an outdoor event.

It was something we’d never considered before. Our focus had always been on sustainability, but here was another benefit: accessibility.

Why Envelopes Can Be a Challenge

Close-up of a hand with arthritis pain indicated by red spots on a white background

For many people with arthritis, chronic pain, neurological conditions, or limited dexterity, small tasks can be frustrating or even painful. Traditional greeting cards come with envelopes that need to be opened, slid into, sealed, and opened again — all of which require grip and fine motor control.

Open envelope with a red 'X' over it on a wooden surface

Bare Cards remove that barrier. You simply write, fold, and seal with an easy adhesive strip. No fiddly envelope, no extra steps — just the joy of sending and receiving a card.

This illustration shows the 5 step instructions to using the Bare Cards concept. It shows digital images of the 5 steps: Step 1 - Purchase your card. 2 - Write your personal message. 3 - Remove tape then fold to make envelope. 4 - post your card.  5 - Fold back and stick to display.
The images also contains the words 'Fully-illustrated Posting Pages! Unique Card Concept. No separate envelope needed.

A Small Change with a Big Impact

This means a grandparent can send birthday wishes without asking for help. A friend recovering from surgery can post thank-you notes without strain. Someone with joint pain can keep in touch without unnecessary difficulty.

Cards aren’t just paper — they’re connection. And everyone deserves to send and receive them with ease.

The image depicts a photo of the Bare Cards Dog Photo Sentiment Card with the full trifold image open showing a silhouette of a dog under a tree on a sunset background. The caption on the card reads 'Things will get better with time and friendship.'Bare Cards self-sealing Trifold Female friend Support Card featuring a woman mountaineering on an abstract background of rainbow paint splatters and the text "Friend Sometimes Life's a climb. Let's Scale it together".The photo shows the front of the Bare Cards Thank you teacher card with images of a sunflower and a bee and the caption "Thank you teacher for helping me grow". It is displayed on a shelf with a green candle behind.

Listening and Learning

We didn’t set out to make Bare Cards for people with disabilities, but thanks to the conversations we had at Pride, it’s now something we’re proud to champion. Just as we design for sustainability, we’ll now design with accessibility in mind — from peel-and-seal strips that are easy to use, to folds that are smooth and intuitive.

So, whether you choose Bare Cards because they’re kinder to the planet, or because they make life that little bit easier, know that you’re sending more than just a card. You’re sending connection — without waste, and without barriers.

The images shows the Bare Cards Brand Logo. A green tri-fold greetings card with the words Bare Cards written in white bubble text, and the tagline Naked and Free written in black script. All on  a white background.

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