It’s Almost Christmas

Greeting cards are a cherished part of the Christmas season. This year, instead of buying a box of Christmas cards to give your loved ones, consider making them with your kids. Your children will enjoy spending time with you to make original homemade cards and you will get a kick out of watching them add their special touch to each card.

Brainstorm first: Gather the kids together to decide what the card will look like. You want to come up with a theme that you can use on your template. Do you want to go with traditional Christmas colors, like red and green, or do you want to try something different? Decide and then make quick sketch of what your card will look like. Be sure to include the text on the front and inside the card.

Shop for supplies: Make a list of what you need and go to your local craft or discount store to get everything you need. Be sure to include glitter, glue sticks, colored paper, card stock, and anything else you think you need your cards. Don’t forget envelopes and stamps!

Create a template: You can use your computer to print the message you intend to use for the card good paper and use this as your “base card “. Choose the font and color for the text and make sure the message is in the right location. Will the card look okay when you fold the paper? If not, revise your template and try again. Once you are sure that the final card will look okay, print a fresh copy of the template for reference and begin printing the template on your card stock paper. Make some extra cards in case a few of the finished cards need to be replaced.

Print and decorate: Show the kids how to fold the cards so they will fit in the envelopes you bought. If you’re are adding letters or bits of colored paper to the cards, it’s time to cut them out so the will be  ready to glue to the card. Have the kids make enough bits and pieces to use on all your cards. Once you have enough shapes or letters in the paper style and color you need, get out the glue and start pasting them on to the cards. Different members of the family will add a bit of originality when they finish the design.  Make sure everything is secure and dry before starting the next step.

Personal each card: Now the fun begins. Remember anything goes! Don’t worry about perfection. If you require perfection, you should have stuck to store bought cards.

Now each family member will add their own design elements to a few cards. Some will go for glitter, others for adding drawings or photos.  But this way, each card will be unique and will bring a smile to the recipients.

By using a bit of creativity your family will have the most unique Christmas cards ever. Let making handmade Christmas  cards become a family tradition, and each year try to come up with new ideas to make cards special.