Skip the Store: How to DIY Your Holiday Cards in 5 Minutes
'Tis the season to reconnect with friends and family. Spread a little holiday cheer the old fashioned way (through the mail!) by sending an analog greeting to your far-flung pals. These 6 materials are all you need to make a bunch of crafty cards in minutes flat.
Buttons
Ransack your junk drawer for some stray buttons, then transform ‘em into “ornaments” by gluing them to a card and using a black marker to draw a little bow and hook. So sweet, and a great way to use up your spares.
Image via Michelle Philippi
If you’ve got a bunch of brown buttons, turn them into a reindeer with the help of some drawn-on antlers and legs. Don’t forget to add a red nose!
Image via Beth Woolsey
Washi Tape
Create your own forest of evergreens by arranging strips of washi tape to form a tree shape.
Image via Etsy
Felt
Conjure coziness with a card topped with a felt decoration. Start by sketching a shape (like an ornament) on paper; cut it out to make a template. Trace the template on a piece of felt, and cut out with fabric scissors. Adhere to card with fabric glue, then add embellishments like yarn to complete the picture.
Image via LAX to YVR
Paper
Snip a triangle out of graphic scrapbook paper and affix to a kraft paper card. To add a tactile punch, fold the sides in towards the center so that the shapes stick out a bit from the card. This offers a 3-D effect. Top with a star sticker. Voila! Instant, mod-inspired Christmas tree.
Image via Studio Calico
Embroidery Floss
Use a needle and thread to stitch snowflakes or star shapes onto a thick piece of cardstock. (Hint: sketch out the design beforehand.)
Image via Hochzeitswahn
Glitter
For a dazzling greeting, cover a cut-out shape, such as a tree or ornament with craft glue (apply it with a small brush for a thin, even coat). Sprinkle on a generous amount of glitter, and attach to folded scrapbook paper in a contrasting hue or pattern.
Image via Rambling Brooke
