Things You'll Need:
- Design software, such as InDesign
- Word processing program that allows pictures
- Internet access
- Paper and pencil
- Flatbed scanner or photo scanner
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Step 1
Decide what type of holiday card you want to send. If you are going the online route, find an ecard site and browse through the selection of cards they offer.
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Step 2
Decide on the text that will go on the card. Keep in mind that some online sites have word limits, so be concise in your wording.
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Step 3
To create your ecard online, you will need to provide some details, such as your email address and your recipient's email address. Include a subject line for the email so your recipient will know what it is. Fill in the space reserved for your message. Some sites will allow you to format the text, so you can change the font, text colors and styles. Play with different looks until you find one you like.
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Step 4
Set a delivery date for your card. Some sites will send immediately, while others will let you set a date for delivery. This is helpful if you're sending something in advance and want it to arrive on a certain date.
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Step 5
Preview the ecard before sending it. This gives you a chance to proofread what you've written and see the card with the text and art combined. Once you are satisfied, hit send.
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Step 1
Browse the Internet for holiday images, or use a scanner to scan pictures, magazine pages or art from old holiday cards onto your computer. Save the images to a folder on your desktop.
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Step 2
Use the paper and pencil to sketch out a rough design of the card. Get an idea of how the art will look by drawing basic shapes from the image or images you plan to use. Once you are satisfied with the placement of the art, sketch out the text around or over the images.
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Step 3
Open your design or word-processing program. Insert the image or images you've chosen by browsing and finding the desktop folder where you saved the images.
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Step 4
Choose a font style that works for your card. Type the wording you want, whether it's into a text box in InDesign or directly onto the document in a word-processing program. Experiment with the card's layout until it looks the way you want it to look.
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Step 5
Spell-check the card when you've finished arranging the pictures and text. Once you're satisfied with the card, go to the file menu and select "Export as pdf." Save the pdf to the folder on your desktop. Open your email program and include the pdf of your card as an email attachment. Hit send and you're done.
If you don't have the option to export the file as a pdf, print the card and mail it in a decorative envelope.
