Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

When I was new to scrapbooking and just a little more zealous, I decided to make handmade Christmas cards.  I did what any novice would do, and inquired of the more experienced scrappers in the Scrapjazz forum.  The common reply was to select a simple pattern or two and then just set about production.   That advice has sustained me through the years as I make Christmas cards.

I browsed through the Scrapjazz gallery and at once was inspired by a card designed by former Blue Crew member Lynn McCorry (Dreamweaver). The card was simple and elegant enough to make in the large quantity that I needed, and I was off to make my first handmade Christmas cards.   Here is my Christmas Tree card of 2005 which is still a priceless design. Thanks, Lynn! 

When making a large number of cards, start as early as possible to avoid stress.  I try to start making Christmas cards in October or early November, so that I will have 125 cards to mail out by mid-December.  Create several card sketches and then make the cards to determine how much time they take to assemble.  I may make five or six cards before actually getting a design or two that I can mass-produce with ease, and then I typically create variations of a single sketch.   

Once I decide on the card design, I make 10 to 12 cards a night until they are all completed.  Because I keep it simple, I can finish 10 to 12 cards in about two hours.   Remember, avoid complicated designs when you're making a number of cards so that your card making will not become a dreaded chore.

I also get great ideas from Stampin' Up card classes hosted by my Stampin' Up distributor.   The Stampin' Up stamps and inks are incredible, and I usually find a way to incorporate the stamps in my cards.

Here are some designs that have worked for me in previous years.

Noel 2006

Holiday Cheer 2006

Joy 2007

For gift giving, I make a few gift card holders as well as cards for cash gifts. 

Gift Card Holder 2007

Another way to make cards is by stamping and coloring.  Use some fun stamps to stamp the images and later color them while listening to music or watching TV.  I used Bella stamps and Sakura glitter pens to create the cards below.

One of my favorite things to do is browse the Scrapjazz gallery.  I am always motivated by the creativity of the artists. This card by Jacqueline Roark (Jac) really caught my eye.  Jacqueline used a QuicKutz snowman diecut and border punches to create this magnificent card.  I love the way the snowflake theme is mimicked on the ribbon, brad and paper. A touch of Stickles adds glitz, and this is definitely a card worth sharing!

Jacqueline Roark - 2009

My 2009 card design combines a holiday-themed paper, punches and Christmas stickers.  Stamps can be used instead of the stickers if desired. 

Christmas  2009

Happy Holidays 2009

Look through the Scrapjazz gallery for more ideas on making hand-designed cards for your friends and loved ones this holiday season.  But let me caution you, once you start giving hand-designed cards, your friends and family will settle for nothing else in the future!  Have yourself a merry little Christmas and send hand-crafted cards!