Let's make a handmade graduation certificate! A collection of memorable design and crafting ideas
On this special milestone of graduation, why not create a one-of-a-kind diploma? An original certificate that carries your congratulations and gratitude will become an irreplaceable treasure for the recipient.
A handmade diploma, brimming with individuality, conveys the giver’s feelings directly.
Still, when it comes time to make one, many people may struggle to decide on a design.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of handmade diploma ideas.
Send a heartfelt piece to someone special!
Let’s Make a Handmade Diploma! A Collection of Memorable Design and How-To Ideas (1–10)
Mini Graduation Certificate KeychainNEW!
Why not turn a mini-sized diploma into a keychain? Just place a diploma and a graduation photo—both printed to fit—back-to-back inside a keychain-style photo holder, which you can even find at 100-yen shops, and you’ll have it done in no time! It’s super quick to make, so it’s great for those short on time.
A practical keychain also makes a perfect graduation keepsake.
It would likely be appreciated as a gift for relatives who can’t attend the ceremony, too.
Commuter Train Graduation CertificateNEW!
https://x.com/ookawa_ID/status/1368372110616264704For those who commute to school by train, graduation day might be the last time they use that line.
Finding a graduation certificate for train commuters placed there at such a moment would be truly moving.
An unexpected surprise like that could instantly brighten the usual morning routine.
The train commute may be ending, but the future continues.
Cheering them on with the command “All aboard!” is something only station staff can do.
Not only graduates—anyone who sees that certificate will likely whisper “Congratulations” in their hearts, and a warm atmosphere will arise.
Graduation Certificate Made with ResinNEW!
https://www.tiktok.com/@arthega.resin/video/7515380281306631446A resin graduation certificate also makes a great interior decoration.
Pour resin into a mold and use letter stickers or graduation-themed illustrations to create the certificate.
Once the design is finished, cure it with a UV or LED light to complete it.
Since resin is basically transparent, add glitter or gold leaf if you want a more festive certificate.
Decorating the edges with bijou parts is also recommended.
Since it’s a special piece, try creating original wording, too.
Graduation Certificate-style Message CardNEW!
https://www.tiktok.com/@cusa_9300/video/7472331583215783176At graduation ceremonies, you usually give a commemorative gift, right? If you’re adding a message card, why not arrange it to look like a diploma? Include a round tube for holding the diploma, incorporate cherry blossoms as illustrations, and draw a border to match the edges of the card.
Then add “Diploma,” the “graduate’s name,” and a “congratulatory message” to complete it.
Receiving a regular message card is nice, but when it’s styled as a diploma, it feels more special and leaves a stronger impression!
Create it using a classic certificate template
These days there are all kinds of certificate templates, but a classic, traditional design for a graduation certificate is still something that makes people happy to receive.
Even in more casual communities outside of school—like clubs or extracurricular lessons—a design that instantly conveys “graduation” can become a springboard to the next step.
There are many free templates available online, so it’s easy to create one.
It’s a design that will be welcomed as a gift for a new future.
Decorate with photos alongside your favorite character
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMvzK3KH90_/I think there are as many ideas for graduation certificates as there are preschools—writing about future dreams, drawing self-portraits, pasting photos, and so on.
How about this idea? A graduation certificate where the children appear together with their favorite characters.
You can paste each child’s photo into a frame decorated with their favorite characters, or use a photo of them dressed up as that character.
It’s the kind of certificate that will surely bring a smile when they receive it.
And when they look at it as adults, it will remind them of the characters they loved as children and fill them with fond nostalgia—a wonderful idea.
Graduation certificates made of washi by children
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqMlVxtgF3X/Many people may be thinking about creating a one-of-a-kind, special graduation certificate.
What we’re introducing here is a graduation certificate handmade from washi paper.
By making Izakida Washi—a local traditional paper—together with the children, teachers, and community members, students can connect with the traditional culture of their hometown where they were born and raised, and also embed warm, shared memories into the certificate itself.
Handmade washi combines softness with strength, and each sheet has its own unique character.
It’s perfect for a graduation certificate that celebrates each child’s growth.
We hope you’ll use this as inspiration.