How to Use Natural Items to Make Holiday Cards

Mother Nature can provide a bounty of beautiful ideas for cards. Make your own pressed flowers by reading "How to Make Dried Flowers" or "How to Press Flowers."

Things You'll Need

• Raffia
• Spray Glues
• Blank Cards
• Aleene's Tacky Glue
• Clear Contact Paper
• Dried Flowers
• Dried Herbs
• Scissors
• Card Stock
• Construction Paper
• Watercolor Paper

Instructions

1. Purchase 5 by 7-inch card blanks or 10 by 14-inch sheets of card stock, medium-weight watercolor paper, or construction paper to use as your card base.

2. Fold card paper lengthwise so it measures 5 by 14 inches and cut in half to make two 5 by 7-inch cards.

3. Make your own paper as an alternative. See "How to Make Paper."

4. Purchase envelopes to fit, or make your own. Read "How to Make Envelopes."

5. Select dried flowers, herbs and leaves for your cards.

6. 

   Arrange materials on card.

7. 

   Use raffia to make small bows.

8. 

   Use non-toxic glue or a light coat of spray adhesive to affix the dried materials.

9. Attach design by starting with the larger pieces and finishing with smaller pieces.

10. 

    Cover with clear contact paper.

11. 

    Trim excess contact paper around card.

Tips & Warnings

• When you're out walking, watch for interesting shapes and colors to use on your holiday cards.