How to Make Holiday Cards

A growing trend in the card industry is handmade greetings. You can buy pre-packaged “handmade” cards at Target or Wal-Mart, but with a little effort, you are capable of creating beautiful holiday cards with your personal style. They can even be made cheaper than what you can buy them for! (Read this hub if you are looking for tips on buying photo cards online.)

1.       Determine which techniques you are most comfortable with, and which one you will use. There are many to choose from, and they will each give a unique feel to your card. Stamping, rub-on transfers, and sticker embellishments are a few ideas. Also, keep in mind that (depending on how many cards you intend to make) your technique can quickly become laborious. Stamping one hundred cards, especially if you color them in with colored pencils, can be very time-consuming. On the other hand, sticker embellishments can be expensive. There is no wrong way to make a card, so choose which technique you feel best conveys your personal style.

2.       Generate ideas and layout your card. Books, paper crafts magazines, and internet sites are great brainstorming tools if you need a little inspiration. Keep in mind your experience level; start with a basic design, and embellish on it as you go along. Also, remember how much (or how little) time you have before you should mail them. If you are trying to churn out one hundred cards in two weeks, you will have difficulties with an elaborate design.

3.       Start with a blank card. Either buy a bulk package of blank cards with matching envelopes (I would suggest doing this to save time) or buy a pack of cardstock, cut the paper into two 5-1/2” x 8” pieces, and fold in half to make cards. You will still need to purchase envelopes separately if you intend to send out your cards in the mail.

4.       Purchase the paper and accessories. Don’t forget about adhesive. Make a list before heading over to the craft store to help avoid several trips for forgotten items. This is when you’ll want to pick up your cards and envelopes from step #3, as well.

5.       Have fun! Card making is designed to be an enjoyable experience, and an outlet for creativity – not a stress-inducer! Take pride in your work. Your greetings are sure to warm the hearts of every recipient, knowing that they are a handmade product made with thoughtful effort.

Good luck! Let me know how they turn out!