How to Create Free Printable Christmas Cards

Creating your own Christmas cards, for free, is a fairly easy crafting activity.

Creating your own holiday cards, for free, is an easy paper craft project. By using a few supplies that are often found in many households and following a few simple steps, you can create your own custom cards without spending any money. This is an ideal money saving idea before the holidays. You can also start making cards early in the year and ensure you have enough for the busy holiday season.

Things You'll Need

• Christmas colored paper
• Ink
• Printer
• Computer with appropriate word processing software
• Ribbon
• Glue
• Fabric
• Cookie Cutters
• Glitter
• Buttons

Instructions

Making the Cards

1. Go to your preferred word processing software program on your personal computer. Pick the landscape orientation in the print options. Pick a festive font. On the left hand side of the page write, "Merry Christmas." On the right hand side of the page, write a personalized greeting.

2. Find the clip art setting in your program. Choose a free image that reflects Christmas, such as a tree, an ornament or a holiday-decorated fireplace. Insert the image onto the first page, above or below the words "Merry Christmas."

3. There may also be a card making template within your word processing software. Check the templates for a card making font. If this exists, simply follow the steps above but eliminate setting up the landscape printing view. This will be done for you in the template. The template will offer you a choice of images and holiday fonts, often with more selection than traditional word processing software choices.

4. Print the cards on your choice of colored paper. You have created your own holiday cards, for free, from basic items found around the home.

5. Fold the card. Add a festive ribbon to the binding area of the card by cutting five holes down the edge of the card (the attached portion) and weaving the ribbon through the card. Using cookie cutters as a stencil, add glue to the card. Shake glitter onto the glue. Let dry. Shake surplus glitter from the card.

   Other ideas for adding a personalized touch with items you could find around your house are decorative buttons (for a textured touch) or even scraps of colorful fabric. Use the cookie cutters to cut shapes from the fabric. Glue to the card.

Tips & Warnings

• - Using a ruler folds the card properly!

• - Do not over-design your card. Simplicity is often best.

• - Get creative! Holiday colors are traditionally green, red and white but using blue, purple or pink is often a unique touch.

• - Let things dry completely when working with glue and glitter.

References

• The Big Book of Greeting Cards: Over 40 Step-by-Step Projects; Vivienne Bolton; 2002