Project Pointers: Holiday Cards
The winter holidays (and accompanying snow fall) are fast approaching, which means it’s that time of year again – time to start thinking about your holiday cards, especially if you’re sending them via snail mail.
With the kids off school, a plethora of parties, and the dreaded post-holiday credit card bill, the holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about creating awe-inspiring holiday missives!
Handmade cards can be simple and easy and don’t need to be a cause of stress – all you need is paper, a few simple decorations, and an envelope and you’re good to go! We’ve put together a list of our favorite holiday card papers to help get you started.
Play Your Cards Right
Handmade cards are the perfect way to showcase your personality and add a special touch to your holiday greetings.
Whether you’re a novice card-maker or an experienced crafter, here are a few tips to help get you started this season.
- Less can be more. A simple design on a plain white base creates a striking card that is quick and easy to make. Try creating a simple embellishment using stamps or Washi tape, or even hand-drawing your own designs.
- Add some pop with a pop-up card. Pop-up cards are surprisingly easy to make, and they offer a unique twist on the average holiday card. Find out how to make your own pop-up cards here.
- Hand-letter the address. Imagine how exciting it would be to receive a hand-lettered envelope amidst a pile of boring bills and flyers! Hand-lettering the address makes your card stand out before its even opened. Nervous about hand-lettering your envelopes? Here’s a tutorial.
For more amazing calligraphy and lettering inspiration, Check out Ladyfingers Letterpress!
- Embrace every holiday. Stores may be decked out in Christmas decorations and carols may be following you everywhere, but it’s important to remember that the winter holidays are about more than just Christmas. Cultural diversity is a beautiful thing – embrace it! If you know someone who celebrates Hannukah, the Winter Solstice, or Kwanzaa, send them a holiday card that recognizes what they celebrate, not what you celebrate!
- Mail early! It’s called “snail mail” for a reason. The earlier you get your cards done and ready to mail, the more likely it is that your loved ones will receive them on time.
Check out this tutorial by Diana Poirier for some handmade holiday card inspiration!
What Kind of Paper Should You Use?
No matter what color palette you choose for this year’s cards, The Paper Mill Store carries a wide array of papers that are perfect for card making. We even carry pre-folded cards to make your busy holiday season a little simpler! Here are our suggestions:
White
White Card Stock
White is a classic holiday paper choice. Try using a textured paper for added dimension.
White Folded Cards
Save time with pre-folded cards – they’re perfect if you’re making a bunch!
Red
Cardinal Red Card Stock
This red cardstock is perfect for a card base or handmade embellishment.
Chili Flat Square Cards
Square cards often require extra postage, but they’re perfect for hand-delivered notes like thank you cards or hostess gifts!
Green
Kiwi Translucent Vellum
Translucent vellum adds a unique texture to any homemade card.
Spring Green Card Stock
Smooth cardstock adds a bright pop of color and is perfect for hand-lettering.
Blue
Sapphire Metallic Card Stock
Blue paper is perfect for any winter holiday! Add some shine with metallic cardstock.
Navy Twill Card Stock
If metallic paper isn’t your style, a textured blue cardstock is a great alternative.
Silver
Pearlescent White Card Stock
A swirly texture adds a whimsical touch to this silver cardstock.
Silver Ore Card Stock
If swirls don’t suit your tastes, try a smooth silver cardstock.
Gold
Shiny Gold Card Stock
This uniquely textured gold cardstock will make you shout with cheer!
Matte Gold Card Stock
If you prefer something more understated, try a smooth gold cardstock.
If you don’t see something you like, make sure you check out our full range of holiday card paper!
Envelopes
No handmade holiday card is complete without a great envelope! The Paper Mill Store has an envelope to accompany any card, no matter what size or color scheme you use.
White
Red
Green
Ivory
Silver
Gold
Check out The Paper Mill Store’s range of translucent, metallic, pearl-lined, foil-lined, and square envelopes!
How Do I Display My Holiday Cards?
Does this sound familiar? Your mantle or hall table is full of cards, yet they keep arriving in what feels like an explosion of holiday cheer. Instead of displaying your cards on a shelf, try one of these unique ideas.
- Washi Tape Tree – if you have a spare wall, create a tree using Washi tape, string, and tinsel. You can hang your cards from the string, and the Washi tape won’t peel the paint off your wall! Find out how to make your own Washi tape tree here.
- Recycled Frames – If you don’t have spare empty frames lying around your house, try your local thrift store! They’re cheap, and if they’re in rough shape they can easily be painted over to suit any color scheme. Get more details on how to make your own recycled holiday card frames here.
- Ribbon Hangers – Chances are you have tons of spare ribbon hanging around your craft room or holiday wrapping paper stash. Ribbon is a perfect for displaying your holiday cards – just hang some strips, and pin your cards to the ribbon! Find out how here.
- Kitchen Cupboards – if you don’t have a free wall or flat surface on which to display your cards, take advantage of the blank canvas provided by your kitchen cupboards! Check out this tutorial to learn how to make your own kitchen cupboard holiday card display.
Spreading the Cheer
Handmade holiday cards are the perfect way to show your loved ones that you’re thinking of them this holiday season. Making your own cards allows you to customize your design and your message for each person, and there’s no chance that you’ll send your best friend same card as their frustrating mother-in-law.
If you don’t have time to make your own cards from scratch, try using a pre-folded card base. And if handmade cards aren’t your style, check out The Paper Mill Store’s holiday card collection!
Happy crafting! I mean, happy holidays!
