On Fun Ideas For Making Christmas Cards

With Christmas fast approaching the scramble to get cards out before the day arrives has come and, if you love crafting, there’s nothing more fun that making those cards! For those who have not started to send out cards already or who still have to find a card for someone special here are some ideas:

 

ªMake a Collage

At this time of year there seems to be no end to the Christmas images you can find in magazines not to mention the plethora available online and elsewhere. Because of this one has a wide array of options available that will suit any number of friends and relatives no matter their personal tastes.

 

A personal favorite (as of last week) is the use of vintage paper dolls (in particular Betsy McCall paper dolls from the 1950’s), which can be easily found online, printed, and cut out. Not only does this option provide a classic look, but frequently provides you with a way to set up small “scenes” as various things such as dogs, trees, and ornaments among other things accompany the dolls in each set.

 

A collage card also allows one to make use of various odds and ends that might be in their craft supplies, such as ribbons, buttons, colored paper, and fabric scraps.

 

ªUse Stenciling

While one may have the tendency to associate stenciling with early childhood and the decorating of woodwork or walls, it presents a wide range of options for Christmas cards as well. One might simply trace the design onto the paper to use it as an outline. Or one might be inclined to daub paint or chalk around the stencil to give it a look that isn’t quite as sharp.

 

Stenciling can also be used in tracing a shape to cut out of the actual card, which can then be backed with another contrasting color. Or it can be used to cut out a shape you want to put on a card.

 

ª Make a Postcard

It’s customary to receive photo cards this time of year, but how many postcards usually grace the place where Christmas cards are displayed?  All one needs is a piece of cardstock cut to the right size and a ruler and pen/marker to draw the line on the back. Then decorate the front as you would a regular card.

 

As a reminder, if one doesn’t want to mail it as a postcard (or have gone overboard on decorating it) it can always be mailed in an envelope. And make sure if you do mail it as a postcard that you put the right amount of postage!

 

ªGlue and Glitter

Just like when you were little, drizzle the glue in the shape or outline you want and pour the glitter on. Gently shake the glitter off by lightly tapping the paper and one will find themselves with a very pretty and delicate looking card. This method works especially well for snowflake cards!

 

ª Make Use of Those Doilies, Tissue Paper, Etc.

Somewhat along the same lines as the collage card, most crafters have a variety of things in their supplies that have been collected with no specific purpose in mind or are leftover from another project. And, if one plans to give their card to someone in person or is willing to pay a bit more in postage, this presents the option to make a card with a bit more dimension. Here are just a few suggestions:

▪ Doilies can be cut out into snowflakes or make a nice background on their own.

▪ A festive poinsettia can be made by crunching little squares on the end of a pencil and then gluing them to paper.

 

▪ Chipboard letters and raised stickers add a nice touch.

▪ Attach an ornament (a flat one, that is, such as one made of paper or felt) or pin to the front of the card. Not only does this provide a card for the recipient, but an unexpected gift as well.

 

These are only a few favored ideas, but as can be seen the possibilities are endless and really there is no limit to what one can create! Happy card making and receiving! ♥