How to Make Christmas Cards: 15 Steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Greeting cards for Christmas are one of the oldest traditions of the holidays; by customizing them in your own way, you can use them to express your wishes in an original and special way. If that weren't enough, it's also a useful activity to keep the kids busy and even save money. Whatever your motivation, a Christmas card prepared with your own hands will undoubtedly make the recipient happy, who will keep it for a long time.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Making Christmas Cards by Hand

Step 1. Get started early

It takes a long time to make Christmas cards by hand, so start making them ahead of time so they get to your recipients in time for the holidays.

Step 2. Choose a format

If you want to make the cards by hand, there are a few different formats you can use. From handwritten and decorated cards to postcards, you can personalize them according to the recipient, or choose a general design to send to everyone.

You can get an idea of the various card formats in magazines and websites. In publications like Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, and Real Simple, you'll find examples that you can draw inspiration from, including decorated and handwritten cards. On Shutterfly instead you can find suggestions for postcards

Step 3. Create an outline of the basic design

If you have a pretty good idea of what you want your cards to look like, it becomes easier to find the right materials and make the cards themselves. Take into consideration all aspects of the design, from the color, to the theme to the message, and make sure that all the elements go well with each other.

There are many Christmas themes to choose from. For example, for children you can use Santa Claus or Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer. For adults, you can use a Christmas tree, decorations hanging from branches or even a simple message, such as "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas".
You can also write many different messages in the card. You can choose a traditional and simple phrase like "Happy Christmas" or maybe write a personalized message on each card. Alternatively, you can be inspired by the theme you have adopted. For example, if you have chosen stocking-style decorations hanging from the fireplace, you can write "The stockings were hanging …".

Step 4. Choose and purchase the paper and envelopes for your tickets

Once you've developed an idea for your card, including the format and a basic design outline, decide what kind of paper to use. There are many color and type options, from strong cardstock to scrapbook paper.

Don't forget to buy the envelopes too, because you'll need something to send the tickets to!
Cardstock is heavyweight, premium quality paper, available in various colors, including those most commonly used during the holidays, such as red, green, silver and gold.
If you are sending postcards, use cardstock that can support the weight of the image.
Scrapbook paper is also of high quality, but weighs less than cardstock. It is also suitable for Christmas cards, although this is not its main use.
You may notice that card stock and - in some cases - scrapbook paper are available folded. At this stage, you can also decide whether your card should be oriented vertically or horizontally.
Buy ticket paper in a hypermarket or specialty stores. You can also find it on the internet from many retailers. Local printers usually offer many different types of paper.

Step 5. Purchase materials and decorations

To make the cards you need various tools, such as glue and scissors, as well as decorations such as glitter, ribbons and stickers. It is helpful to have a well-stocked supply on hand, so that you can correct any errors or change the design if necessary.

You can buy the materials and decorations in specialized shops or on the internet.
You will need the following materials to create your cards: glue, tape, scissors, pens and ruler. For best results use clear glue and tape.
You can use many different decorations, including ribbons, Christmas themed stickers, sticky letters and glitter.
For your decorations you can take inspiration from the models you find online. Sites like Martha Stewart Living offer simple templates to download and print on your cards.

Step 6. Give it a try

Create a card following the basic design you developed. This way you can check that all the elements respect the theme you have chosen, what the size of the text should be and what is the best arrangement of the decorations.

Step 7. Write your messages on the card

You can do this by hand or print the phrases you have chosen for the inside and cover of the card.

Use a ruler to make sure you write neatly.
If you've thought of a message for the card cover, or if the design is only one page, write it down and make sure you leave enough room for decorations. For example, if you decided to write "The stockings were hanging …" and add some Christmas stocking stickers, you need to make sure you have enough space. Similarly, if you have decided to put a photograph on the card cover and want to include a message, make sure there is enough space for both elements, or change the size of the text according to the space available.
If your handwriting is not very nice or neat, print the message using a template you find on the internet you like or one created by you on a computer word processor.
Write your message inside the card once the cover is finished. Be sure to sign with your name and those of your family members if you wish.
Wait for the ink and glue to dry before you start decorating the card.

Step 8. Decorate the card

Now comes the fun part! Once you have written the messages on the cover and those inside the card, it is time to embellish it with drawings.

Keep decorations close at hand while you work. You may also need cotton swabs and swabs to correct mistakes.
If you run out of decorations, improvise with other materials, including the paper itself if necessary.

Step 9. Let the card dry

Before putting your handmade Christmas card in the envelope you will use to mail it, let it dry overnight to make sure the stickers don't shift.

Method 2 of 2: Making Christmas Cards Using an Online Service

Step 1. Choose a format

If you want to create personalized Christmas cards, but don't have the time or money to make them by hand, you can rely on online services such as Pixum or Photobox. You can choose from many formats, from original designs to postcards.

You can browse the various formats offered by websites on the pages of Pixum, Photobox and others

Step 2. Choose a model and an online service

Once you have considered the formats available to you on the internet, decide which one is best suited to your needs and desires.

Almost all online services, including Pixum and Photobox, allow you to customize messages and designs as you wish, starting from simple templates.
Be sure to check the ticket prices. The more elaborate the ticket you want, the more expensive it will be. In general, the more units you buy, the cheaper your order will cost per ticket.

Step 3. Design the card cover

Browse the various themes available to you, then choose one and enter it in the online interface.

Write a message on the card if it isn't already there. You may have the option to include a custom phrase to the text that is part of the design.
If you are making a postcard on a service like Pixum, your card will probably only consist of one side. In that case, add the message to the cover and remember not to write too much, as space is limited.

Step 4. Design the inside of the card

You could include other decorative themes or a personalized message inside each card.

If there is a predefined message inside the card, you may be able to change it to your liking

Step 5. Check the finished product

Before completing your purchase, check all parts of the ticket to make sure there are no mistakes. If you see any imperfections, correct them and modify the card until it is exactly how you want it.