Card tricks: Turn plain paper into superb salutations

Send heartfelt holiday greetings made by hand

By Tara Nolan

Do you have holiday cards that you’ve kept for years? Perhaps a painted-pasta greeting from your daughter or a watercolour from your aunt?

A handmade card is always more meaningful than the store-bought variety because someone has taken the time to design it especially for you.

With a few craft materials, you can whip up your own creations. Take your holiday cards from wallflowers to conversation pieces by accessorizing them with the help of your computer. We’ve provided three eye-catching options that range from easy to ambitious. These cards can be made in no time — especially if you enlist some little elves looking for something to do on a blustery afternoon.

Stick it

This cartoon fireplace may not be fit for Santa, but it does demand to be decorated. Equip your kids with a sheet of cheerful stickers so they can jazz up the hearth — while you tend to the rest of your holiday list. We used Pop Dots to add dimension to this animated scene.

Step 1

Click here to download the mantel greeting card template.
Open the template in Word.
Take note of the instructions before printing onto cardstock.

Step 2

Click here to download the holiday stickers to decorate the mantel.
Open the template in Word.
Follow the instructions to print the stickers on full-sheet sticker paper or onto cardstock if you want to add Pop Dots.
Decorate the mantel with the stickers.

Stamp it

Carve your own joyful imprint out of linoblock, an easy-to-use material found at local art supply stores. All you need is a high-contrast image and some carbon paper to transfer it over. Roll on your favourite festive colour and stamp your way through a pile of blank cards. Finish with a personal note and your signature.

Click here to download the template for the linoblock image shown here.
Open the template in Word.
Follow the included instructions to create your stamp.

Surround it

Enfold a delicate paper card in a custom vellum cover. Search online for ornate Clip Art images — or use your own digital snaps. Printing a design on both card and vellum will add a layered effect. Repeat the image on gift tags and wrap for a matching set.