Want to give original Christmas cards this year? Christmas card patterns are easy to come by, and can be easy to make. All it takes are some scrapbooking supplies and imagination. A thoughtful, handmade Christmas card can be given as a special keepsake for the recipient. So get out the scrapbook paper and start making Christmas cards; ideas are as close by as card making books and crafting websites.
Christmas Card Craft Projects are Easy
The basic supplies for making Christmas cards are:
- cardstock, available at crafting or scrapbook stores
- scissors or a craft knife
- "bone folder" or flat, smooth object to make smooth creases
- scrapbooking embellishments and stamps
Of course, these are just the most basic supplies; there's an infinite number of variations when making Christmas cards. A quick trip to the crafting or scrapbooking store will yield infinite paper choices and embellishment ideas. Ideas for original patterns and embellishments can easily be found in card making books and online.
Use Books to Create Original Christmas Card Patterns
Any basic card making book can be used to create original Christmas cards. Simply use the book patterns and customize with a holiday or Christmas theme. A few handmade card books to consider:
- The Big Book of Handmade Cards and Giftwrap: Over 50 Step-by-Step Projects by Vivienne Bolton. From beginning to advanced projects, this book includes instructions on how to make and embellish cards using wire, beads, stamps and other materials.
- Simply Cards: Over 100 Stylish Cards You Can Make in Minutes by Sally Traidman. There truly are 100 card designs in this book, including tips and alternate designs to expand on ideas.
- Cards that Pop Up, Flip & Slide by Michael Jacobs. Choose from 16 card patterns with unusual pop up and moveable parts. These techniques are a little more advanced than traditional cards.
Christmas Card Idea Websites
There are so many online resources for handmade card patterns that entire online directories are dedicated to card making designs and tips. Scrapbooking websites are particularly helpful for finding tips on using embellishments like stamps and cut-outs. Online craft community Craftster has holiday card pattern ideas. So does Craftzine, the online community for Craft Magazine.
Scrapbook and paper goods stores like Archiver's and Paper Source have Christmas card craft ideas listed on their websites. Many paper and craft stores also offer in-store workshops during the holidays, in addition to online project ideas.
Making Christmas Card Ideas
There are several places to find original Christmas card ideas, but the best idea is to come up with a one-of-a-kind Christmas card pattern just for the recipient. Scrapbook supplies are essential, and there are so many types of paper and embellishments the possibilities are endless. A custom card is more than just a greeting or an inexpensive gift idea, it's also a keepsake. Use ideas from books and websites as a starting point for creating Christmas card crafts to be cherished.
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