How to Use Decorative Stamps to Make Holiday Cards

Use decorative rubber stamps, stamp pads, paint and markers to create unique holiday greeting cards. These cards are simple to make and can be done as elaborately or as simply as you desire.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Art Sets
• Rubber Stamps
• Watercolor Brush Cleaners
• Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Blank Cards
• Greeting Cards
• Acrylic Paints
• Brush Markers
• Clean Rags
• Glitter
• Glues
• Acrylic Paints
• Clean Rags
• Pencils
• Card Stock
• Envelopes
• Ink Pads
• Pencils
• Scrap Papers
• Watercolor Paints
• Craft Knife
• Rulers
• Pencils
• Rubber stamps
• black, medium-point permanent markers

1. Choose stamps that reflect the holiday season. Decorative rubber stamps are available in a wide variety of sizes and motifs. Stamps with phrases such as "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" are also widely available.

2. Choose stamp pads, markers and watercolor or acrylic paints with which to create and embellish your stamped design.

3. Purchase greeting card blanks on which to stamp and coordinating envelopes. You can also make your own greeting cards from card stock paper. Choose either in colors that reflect the holiday season.

4. Use a pencil, ruler, craft knife and cutting board to cut card stock sheets to a size that will fit into your chosen envelopes when folded. Wait until after ink and/or paint has dried before folding card stock paper.

5. Unfold greeting card blanks so that they lie flat on your work surface with the drawn or traced design facing up. The cards will be easier to paint if they are positioned like this.

6. Practice stamping your design onto scrap paper. This is especially useful if you plan on using more than one stamp.

7. Stamp your chosen design onto the greeting card blank or card stock paper. The stamp can be inked on the stamp pad and then placed onto the greeting card, or you can color your stamp with brush markers and then stamp the design onto the paper.

8. Embellish your stamped design with watercolor or acrylic paints and/or markers. You can also use glitter and embossing powder to make raised designs on your greeting cards.

9. Add any holiday greeting or message to the inside of your cards. Write your message with calligraphy pen or a black or metallic medium-point permanent marker.

Tips & Warnings

• Discount paper supply and stationery stores have a wide variety of greeting card blanks, card stock paper and envelopes from which to choose. Stamps can be purchased at most craft stores.
• Stamp the same design on each greeting card or use a different image for each one.
• Make sure to clean stamps in between uses.
• Keep craft knife out of the reach of small children.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Surprise Friends Near and Far with Fresh Teleflora Flowers. Save 15% & Same-Day Delivery Available.