20 Handmade Holiday Cards
Get crafting to create a holiday card friends and family are sure to remember. From cards the kids can make to three-dimensional greetings that combine multiple techniques, we've got you covered.
First, Brush Up on Etiquette
Like so many things in life, there are do's and don'ts when it comes to when and how to send holiday cards. Our handy guide breaks down the accepted timeline (surprise: you should have them ready to send earlier than you may have thought!), plus provides guidance if you, like so many of us, are postage procrastinators.
Or, Make It Mod
Surprise friends and family with this cute, three-dimensional card. Graphic chevron, trellis and polka-dot patterns + traditional Christmas colors = a hip card that really pops. Our easy tutorial, below, and printable templates will make assembling this card a breeze.
Craft a Family Photo Card
Embellish our free printable template with a favorite family photo surrounded by a glitzy, glittered frame to create a holiday greeting they'll treasure for many years to come.
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Kids' Craft: Santa Holiday Card
Our free printable template and tutorial, below, make crafting this cute card a snap, even for the littlest crafters. Just print out the design, then let the kids go to town embellishing it however they'd like.
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Send 'Em a Smile
Who can resist this adorable llama decked out in pearls and a Santa hat? Certainly not your pun-loving pals. Just print our oh-so-trendy design onto card stock, sign and send. Make it extra special by adding a bit of glitter to the llama's hat for seasonal sparkle.
DIY the Envelope, Too
Dollar store poster board or leftover card stock can be used to create a custom envelope for your crafty card. To create a template, just unfold a standard envelope and trace onto your paper of choice, then cut out. Bring the four corners together, securing the edges with a glue stick. For a festive finishing touch, add a bit of colorful ribbon.
Go 3-D
This graphic three-dimensional card is sure to impress — but it's much easier to make than you may think. Our free printable templates and tips, below, make crafting one a snap.
Or, a Flock of Flamingos
In some tropical regions, we hear Santa's sleigh is pulled by a team of flamingos. No word if the lead bird has a glowing red beak, tho. For an easy last-minute card, just print our free, punny design, then customize with a personal sentiment and let these flamingos take flight.
Craft a Classic
Forget store-bought, mass-produced Christmas cards. Show friends and family how special they are with this vintage-inspired handmade holiday card. Break out the old sheet music and get crafting with our tutorial, below.
Kids' Craft: Add Cozy Embellishments
This easy-to-craft card is the perfect way for kids to let grandparents or distant relatives or friends know that they're thinking of them. Just print our free template, then embellish with a bit of yarn or twine.
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Have Fun With Felt
These easy felt cards come together in a snap and their soft texture and bright colors ensure they'll stand out from the pack. To create, use pinking shears to cut a 5" x 7" dark-gray felt rectangle for each card. Next, cut colorful felt into assorted holiday-themed shapes and glue onto the felt base. Finish by stitching on holiday greetings which have been printed onto paper. Image courtesy of Melanie Blodgett.
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Or, Repurpose a Pine Cone
Go scavenging in your backyard to source a pine cone to lend a rustic, textural touch to this charming handmade card. Get all the details, below.