How to Make Christmas Cards

• by Tracy C.

Introduction

• The holiday season is a time to connect with friends and family. One of the easiest and most popular ways to reach out is by sending holiday cards—over 2.6 billion cards are sent every year. When you choose to make your cards, you're making it clear that you care enough to send holiday wishes from the heart.

Step 1: Make a List

(Creative commons photo by Vitali Kolesnik)

• Before you do anything, you'll need to know how many cards to make this year.

1. Using Excel or another spreadsheet program will keep your list organized and easy to update year after year.
2. Otherwise, hand writing a list of card recipients is a perfectly good option—just remember to file it away somewhere safe!
3. Add a cushion to your list for people you have forgotten or who might present themselves at the last minute—a new co-worker or the guy who just became your sister's fiance.
4. An additional 5 to 10 cards should give you enough to work with should you make a mistake or add someone to your list.
5. "Draw the line at 50," suggests Julie Morgenstern, author of Time Management From the Inside Out. If you start getting into the 85-to-100 range, the project is too intimidating.

Step 2: Decide on a Type of Card

• What kind of card you choose to make will depend on budget, time, and skill level.

1. Consider your budget. Once you have come up with a number, divide it by the number of cards you will make. Now you have a per card cost to work with when you go to purchase supplies.
2. And don't forget to factor in postage: a heavy or odd-sized card may require additional stamps to mail.
3. Consider your skill level. That card with all the sparkles and grommets and ribbons may look impressive, but if your version is going to resemble a second grader's, simplify, simplify, simplify.
4. Consider how much time you have. Involved craft-heavy cards take time. Think about how much free time, especially at an already busy time of year, you truly have to devote to this project. Morgenstern recommends starting Thanksgiving weekend: "Do a batch each Saturday for three weeks and you will have them all out by December 15."

Photo Card

Photo cards capture important moments from the past year. (Creative commons photo by Corey Doyle)

1. There are varying types of photo cards, ranging from a simple one-sided glossy finish card with a little text, to cards that require you to paste photos on the front, to those that provide a frame for you to insert photos.
2. When choosing a photo card, cost is the primary factor. A photo frame card can be anywhere from $1 to $4 each, whereas single-side photo cards can be as little as $0.50 each.
3. Also consider the labor involved. If you work with a local stationer, he or she may simply add a fee to attach photos to cards, but if you're doing it yourself it will take more time.
4. When ordering cards, be sure to find out what the turnaround time is. Some cards can be generated in a couple of days, but others take longer. Your best bet is to order early.
5. Multiple online sites exist to help you craft a unique photo card. They include:

• • Shutterfly
  • Tiny Prints
  • Polka Dot Design
  • Kodak
  • Hallmark
  • Walmart
  • Card Store

Hand Crafted Card

(Creative commons photo by Desi Zavatta Musolino)

1. There are plenty of resources online to guide your craft process. Family Fun posts plenty of ideas for how to make your own cards and photo cards, too.
2. You might try Family Fun's Handprint Santa card if you have kid card-crafters. They'll use paint to stamp upside-down handprints that will look like Santa's beard. A couple of googly eyes later, and this card really comes to life.
3. Paper Source is another place to find DIY inspiration, and they have several in-person locations around the country, too.
4. Martha Stewart also supplies templates for holiday cards.
5. Your local craft store is also worth a visit as you're deciding on a type of card. Simple cards are often the best, and you could make a Christmas card with a stamp, inkpad, and a set of blank cards.
6. Additional online sources for homemade cards (some of which only require you to write some text or fill in some bubbles) include:

• • Paper Cup Design
  • Knock Knock
  • Ess & Jae
  • Crane

E-card

1. E-cards can be photo cards, too. See Smilebox or Hallmark for options.
2. Other popular e-card sites are Blue Mountain, American Greetings, and Someecards.
3. E-cards are the eco-conscious choice this year!

Step 3: Procure Supplies

• Give yourself plenty of time to hunt down your supplies so you won't be rushing to finish your cards in time for the holiday deadline.

1. Make a list before you shop.
2. Remember to include items like rubber cement, scissors, tape, and pens that will complement card design.
3. And don't forget coordinating envelopes!
4. Decide whether or not you'll shop locally or online.

Step 4: Make Your Card

• Depending on the type of card you've chosen, the steps will differ.

1. Whatever your choice, set out a day or evening on your calendar to start the project and be sure you'll have at least a few hours of uninterrupted time.
2. Divide your card-making into a few sessions so you don't become overwhelmed.
3. Try to recruit family members to help. A child's touch will add to the uniqueness of your card.

Photo Card

Set up your composition with care. (Creative commons photo by Dan)

1. Organize your photo shoot and set up your composition to best portray your family.
2. Don't drag out the process so the kids stay focused.
3. Choose the best photo of the bunch. Consult your family members if it's a group shot.
4. Go to an online card-making source, local Walmart or Kodak affiliate, or stationer with photo card choices.
5. Order your card with plenty of lead time if it will require assembly.
6. Make sure you have appropriate double-stick tape or photo-safe glue.
7. If you've ordered a card that will require you to insert a photo, be sure you have ordered enough copies of your chosen picture from your local photo shop.
8. If your photo card is backed with photo paper, make sure you have chosen a pen that won't smudge on that particular surface.

Hand Crafted Card

1. Make sure you have chosen a card you feel confident you can make.
2. Create plenty of space to lay out finished cards that may need time to dry.
3. Set out newspaper or old magazines to work on so you don't ruin table surfaces.
4. Re-read your directions to make sure you have all the supplies you'll need before you begin.
5. Set up an assembly line for creating your card and follow the steps laid out for your chosen card.

eCard

Ecards are easy to send. (Image by Someecards)

1. If you've decided to do a photo e-card, take or choose your digital photo and make sure it meets the required specifications.
2. You will likely be able to import your address list from your email account.
3. You can send more e-cards because they are less expensive and less formal.
4. You might consider sending e-cards to co-workers or friends you aren't as close to, and save the homemade cards for a select group of family and friends.

Step 5: If Disaster Strikes

• If you run out of time, your crafts go up in flames, or you simply can't bear to glue on another snowman, here are some options:

1. Buy cards someone else made by hand at Rock, Paper, Scissors.
2. Choose vintage holiday cards to differentiate your greetings this holiday season.
3. Switch to e-card mode. You can upload a photo quickly, create an e-card, and click send. Pride yourself on saving paper.
4. Turn your Christmas card into a Happy New Year greeting.

Step 6: Get Mailing

Time to hit the post office! (Creative commons photo by Jaci Gresham)

• Addressing and stamping your cards will take time, as well.

1. Buy an envelope moistener to avoid licking envelopes.
2. Design an assembly line for maximum efficiency. It's usually faster to stick with the same task for a chunk of time, so seal envelopes first, then address them, and finally stamp them.
3. Make a separate pile for any international cards that will require separate postage.
4. You might even create your own stamps for a final creative touch.
5. If possible, recruit a friend or family member to help. Now that stamps are self-adhesive, it's not too much to ask.
6. Deposit finished cards into a bag or box for easy transport to the post office.
7. Once you've deposited all your lovely cards into the mailbox, it's finally time to rejoice! Store your supplies in a safe place for next year.

Resources for How to Make Christmas Cards

• Real Simple: Fast, Easy Holiday Cards
• Paper Source: How to Holiday Cards
• BBC: Make Your Own Christmas Cards
• The New York Times: "When a Greeting Card Becomes a Photo Album" (October 14, 2007)
• Real Simple: How to Take Great Holiday Card Photos
• Family Fun: Christmas Cards
• Good Housekeeping: Craft Your Own Holiday Cards
• About.com: Making Christmas Cards  
• WikiHow: How to Make a Christmas Tree Pop up Card
• eHow: Holiday Cards and Giftwrap
• Boston.com: Celebrate Your Creativity with Homemade Holiday Cards
• WikiHow: How to Make Online Greeting Card for Christmas

Where to Buy or Make Cards Online

• Card Cow: Vintage Cards
• Crane
• Ess & Jae
• Hello Lucky
• Knock Knock
• Paper Source
• Soolip
• Kodak Gallery
• Shutterfly
• Paper Cup Design
• Tiny Prints
• Polka Dot Design
• Hallmark
• Walmart
• Card Store