Make It Personal

Handmade items at Christmas are always extra special, and cards are no exception. Two years ago I decided to try my hand at making my own Christmas cards and found I thoroughly enjoyed it. I admit I didn't have time to make them for everyone on my list, so I concentrated on family members and my closest friends. I had so much fun that I did it again last year.

I love to paint, so I did original paintings, took a picture and made the necessary adjustments. Then I simply ordered the number of prints I needed online using Walmart's Photo Section. It was quick, easy, and best of all...it didn't cost much.

                                                 Painting

Craft stores have an abundant supply of cards and envelopes in every color, size, and quantity you could want. I used white because it just seemed to look better, and attached the photographs to the front of the card with double sticky tape. This enables the recipient to keep the picture if they wish. Because I used original artwork, I did sign, title, and date the back of the picture, and also made a note inside.

I then wrote a Christmas wish and printed out the number I needed on white copy paper using the computer, cut them to size, and glued them to the inside of the card. I then signed each one personally, of course. No shortcuts on that.

                                                                                            Seeded Paper

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Stamp

If drawing and painting isn't your thing, you can use pictures of your family, stamps, Christmas decorations, a child's drawing, and even something different like attaching another little flat card with seeds that can be planted. If you like to sew or do needlework, make a little ornament and attach it to the front. Have fun with it, the possibilities are endless!

pepper