Homemade Christmas Cards
Making homemade holiday cards can be a simple and fun way to create personalized gifts and save money at the same time. Here is a guide describing the different methods you can use to make a creative and fun card.
Printable cards
One of the easiest ways to create a Christmas card is to design it first on the computer, and then print it out. The benefit of this technique is that you can add personalized pictures or photographs, and take advantage of the vast resources on the internet. You can choose to design the card on your own using a basic computer program (Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator), but you will first need to download a template to begin from:
http://familycrafts.about.com /library/projects/bltemplcard.htm
Another possibility is to download a program specifically designed to create cards. An easy online program is available at:
This program lets you to import images from your own personal photo gallery and offers several different types of card layouts. With the internet by your side, your own photo gallery, and the endless number of fonts available, your computer-generated card will be sure to be unique and special.
Artistic cards
For those of you who are talented at painting or calligraphy, you can opt to create simple works of art as cards. Purchase sheets of paper (there are many types of paper that can allow for additional uniqueness, of different thicknesses and colors), and cut them to desired size using a paper cutter. Fold in half, and then let your creative mind go to work on the front flap of the card. Be sure to sign your name on the back flap of the card!
Craft cards
The final way to make a greeting card is to do so by hand. Here you can be really creative. Again you will purchase paper and cut and fold to the desired shape and size. From here, there are many different directions to go to make your card really striking and special. You can purchase rubber stamps to add character to your card, or you can attach ribbon or buttons to the paper. You can also create a layered effect by combining multiple sheets of paper of different colors or styles. Vellum paper can be a really nice touch , as it is translucent. You can try adding a pressed flower or leaf, or gluing on glitter or pearl beads. The possibilities are limitless!
Your family and friends will just love your homemade holiday cards!
