As the holiday season creeps closer, I can’t help but feel that familiar tingle of excitement—who doesn’t love that warm, fuzzy feeling when you see a heartfelt card in the mailbox? You know, the ones that someone actually took the time to make? I've been daydreaming about making my own DIY holiday cards this year. Wouldn’t it be so special to craft something unique to share with friends and family? Last year, I just bought the generic ones, and honestly, they didn’t capture my feelings at all. I remember getting a card that had a handwritten note, and it made me tear up. So, wouldn’t it be awesome to give that same joy to someone else? I can almost smell the cinnamon and pine as I think about it!
Items You’ll Need
- Cardstock
- Envelopes
- Scissors
- Glue or Double-Sided Tape
- Markers or Colored Pencils
- Stickers
- Stamp set
- Ink pad
- Embellishments (ribbons, glitter, etc.)
- Photo Paper
- Cutting Mat
- Craft Knife
- Ruler
- Bone Folder
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather My Materials
I start by gathering all my supplies. I lay out the cardstock, envelopes, scissors, glue, markers, stickers, stamp set, ink pad, and embellishments on my craft mat. Everything is in one place to keep it organized and easy to access.
Step 2: Choose My Card Design
I take a moment to think about the design of my holiday cards. Today, I’m feeling inspired by winter themes like snowflakes and holly. I’ll sketch a few ideas on a scrap piece of paper before starting.
Step 3: Cut the Cardstock
With my chosen design in mind, I take the cardstock and use my ruler and craft knife to cut it to size. I like to make my cards a bit larger than standard size, so I cut them to 5x7 inches. I make sure to create a clean cut on my cutting mat.
Step 4: Fold the Card
Now, I fold the cardstock in half using my bone folder to make a nice, sharp crease. This will be the base of my card and it feels good to see it take shape.
Step 5: Decorate the Front
I grab my markers and start decorating the front of my card. I blend colors to create a beautiful snowy scene, adding some fun doodles and patterns. I also use stickers to add some dimension and sparkle.
Step 6: Creating the Inside Message
Next, I flip the card over to write my holiday message. I use my markers again, choosing a complementary color to match the front. I make sure the message is heartfelt and personal.
Step 7: Add Stamps and Embellishments
To embellish my card further, I take some of the stamps from my stamp set. I ink them up with my ink pad and carefully place them around the edges. I also add some glitter and a ribbon to really make it pop.
Step 8: Prepare the Envelope
I take the envelope and decorate it as well, so it matches my card. A little drawing or a sticker goes a long way here. It’s all about that first impression when someone sees the envelope.
Step 9: Final Touches
Finally, I take a moment to step back and admire my work. I might add a few more stickers or a sprinkle of glitter. Each card is unique and bursting with holiday cheer.
Step 10: Pack and Send
I carefully place each card into the envelopes, seal them, and write the recipients' names on the front. I’m excited to send them out and spread some festive joy!