How to Design Holiday Cards

Handmade holiday cards are economically friendly and a great way to add a personal touch towards the holiday season.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardstock
• Glue
• Scissors
• Craft items
• Stamps
• Stickers
• Ribbon

1. Choose a theme for your cards. You can do an array of designs that include snowmen, gingerbread men, christmas trees, winter wonderland, poinsettas, Religious theme, and Santa clause.

2. Decide what color theme you would like to work with. If you want to do a winter wonderland theme, consider icy blue and white cardstock. Buy some snowflakes, mittens, sleds, marshmallow stickers, and other items that represents a winter wonderland theme.

3. Once you gathered all your items and have a vision, start decorating. One 8 X 11 1/2 card stock will make two cards by simply cutting them in half. Try and make a template first and practice until you create the card you envisioned.

4. Use rubber stamps, silk ribbon, embossing powder, elegant stickers, decorative paper for borders, and other craft items. Visit your local craft store and see how they design decorative cards. Look in catalogs for ideas and inspiration.

5. When you start creating, form an assembly line. Cut the paper first, then fold, cut the ribbon, add the ribbon, and so on. Try and cover one task at a time. Don't create each card in its entirety, this takes too long. Enjoy the creative journey and have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• When using rubber stamps, don't stamp right on the card. Be creative. Stamp on a piece of cardstock, color it in, cut it out and glue it to the card as a three-dimensional look.
• Use raffia or rope instead of ribbon. It gives a different look to the card depending on your theme.
• Design your own confetti to put in your card. Hole punchers are very decorative with different shapes today. Punch out certain designs and add to your card.
• On the inside top part of the card, add a cookie recipe for your family and friends. Simply type it in your computer, print out, cut with squiggly scissors and glue to card!

Resources

• Stampin Up

[sneedc]

on 12/21/2008 Your tips at the end are great, love the stamping onto another card stock or paper, etc. COOL! These are fun ideas, thanks

[Juwaren]

on 12/9/2008 Hey thanks for the tips. Sounds great.

[brandy1123]

on 12/2/2008 great article

[MrBrett]

on 11/18/2008 Will be certain to use this article1 thx 5 stars

[acole]

on 11/10/2008 Neat idea. Thanks!