Christmas cards

The trend of Christmas cards is slowly fading. We used to write almost everyone we knew in the past, wishing them merry holidays and luck in the following year that was about to come. We went to post with big stack of envelopes. 

These days people write short messages, use Facebook or similar ways to do so. The times are changing. I do that too, it is easier right? But sometimes I like making cards as well and sending them to few people. Sure I don't make them every year either. This year felt special and I decided I'll do them for real. It consumes a lot of time but it is worth it when you imagine a smile on reciever's end. That is my goal. 

Below is tutorial how I make my cards like the ones shown above.

Basic supplies you'll need: 

- colorful paper 300g 

- colorful paper 80-100g

- beautiful pictures that go with the Christmas or winter theme

- scissors, knife or scalpel

- glue for paper

- ruler

- pencil

Additional supplies:

- perforator in shape of four leaf clover

- stamps in shape of snowflakes

- stickers in shape of stars 

Step 1

I start with preparing sizes of the cards. I usually buy A1 colorful papers weighing 300g and cut them in A4 sizes. A4 is usually just right size for two cards. 

So once you have A4 paper cut in half, take one part and bend it in half like on the picture below. 

Check if that is right size for the card to fit into your envelope. If it is too big, cut the extra off. 

Step 2

In this tutorial, the cards have windows through which beautiful pictures are visible. To do so, you need to make yourself a template of the shape and size of your window. Once you have it, put the template on the front side of the card and trace the shape with the pencil. Cut the window out.

Step 3

Take your beautiful pictures and measure how big they have to be so that the picture is nicely visible through the window. 

Step 4

Apply glue to the edge of your window on the inner side. Press your picture to the window and be sure you turned it right. Also be careful of the amount of glue you use. You don't want the glue to pour on your picture when you press it on. Put the cards inside a press (or between two books but be careful if you used too much glue). 

Step 5

Take the 80-100g colorful papers. You will need them for the inside of your cards, for your message. Similar as before, A4 paper should be enough for two cards. Cut it little bit smaller than the cards so it isn't visible on the outside. 

Step 6

Double check the size of your inner papers with your cards. The size should also cover the back side of your beautiful picture that is already glued. Apply glue to one side of your inner paper (again don't use too much because this paper is thinner and can easily bend). Position inner paper so that the glue part faces the back of your picture and cover it up. Make sure there are no bubbles. Leave the other side of the inner paper unglued. Put the card back in press and let it dry. 

You are done! Open them and write personal messages. 

Additional step 7

This additional step is because of additional supplies I wrote at the beginning. Cards already look pretty without it but if you wish you can decorate them. I used stamps to decorate the inside papers. I used stickers in shape of stars for outside. The perforator in shape of four leaf clover cut them out nicely and all I needed was to glue the clovers on the front side as well. 

Was it helpful? I wish you have a lot of fun making your own cards as well.  

-Anny-