Homemade Christmas Cards

Though some might protest, the time for sending Christmas cards is quickly approaching. Homemade cards are a great alternative to those mass-produced Christmas greetings, with which you might end up sending the same card as others. Homemade Christmas cards allow you to use your creativity and express your own personal style. The extra effort is especially touching.

For any card project, you need to purchase plain card stock. You can also purchase card stock in colors, such as red or green for Christmas, and even metallics. From many online sources, you can also purchase matching envelopes. Here are a few:

• The Paper Mill Store
• Paper and More
• Discount Card Stock

Personally, I like to keep things simple with white card stock and plain white envelopes. You can purchase any envelope you like. Measure your envelope carefully, fold your card stock in half and cut out your card stock to fit the envelope (give yourself a little bit of wiggle room!). You can make the fold on the side or on top. Again, you can save time here by purchasing blank greeting cards with matching envelopes, especially if you have many recipients.

That’s enough of the boring stuff. Now let’s talk about decorating the cards.

Stamps- Of course you could purchase any number of stamps, but why not make your own and save money? Homemade stamps come in handy for a number of craft projects. You can make a stamp by cutting not-too-complex shapes, such as a Christmas tree, into sponge or even a potato. For more complex shapes, cut a shape into a large rubber eraser. Use metallic ink with Christmas stamps for an elegant touch on plain white cards.

Buttons- This is one of my favorites. Glue small buttons in shapes such as stars or make an ornament complete with ribbon hanger. You can also spell out Noel or Joy with the tiny buttons.  

Felt- Cut out Christmas shapes, such as trees, snowmen, presents, or stockings, with the help of cookie cutters. Glue to the front of the card and decorate with sequins, glitter, or ribbon.

Fabric- Machine sew fabric shapes onto the front of the card with festive thread.

Dried Flowers or Leaves- Dried poinsettia leaves, cedar tips, delicate greenery, and other dried plant life can add to Christmas designs (and some still give a wonderful smell!).

Holes- Use a hole punch to punch out holes from the white card stock in a Christmas shape. Glue a square of colored paper behind the front of the card. For a cleaner look, match up this paper closely to the size of the front. Now you have colored dots decorating your card. You can also cut out small snowflakes or stars and use the same method.

Fingerprints? Kaboose has a wonderful card idea with Reindeer Fingerprints.

For inspiration, here’s a wonderful Homemade Christmas Card Gallery.