Personalize Your Holiday Cards

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to see a homemade, from-the-heart, kind of card in your mailbox this holiday season?  Maybe you could start a new trend by making your own thoughtful holiday cards for your friends and family.  Rally up your entourage of best gal pals for a Holiday Card Craft Night.  Your creativity may surprise you, especially with a little help from your girlfriends - and this easy-to-use, step-by-step guide.

1. Keep it simple
   1.  Use 1-2 basic colors and you can opt to use a patterned paper for border design or accents. 
   2. Most craft stores have pre-cut paper in geometric shapes and fun designs – for those, like myself, that can’t seem to cut along straight line.
2. Layer it
   1. Adding layers gives your project more depth and makes it look a little more advanced – no one has to know how easy this is!
   2. When layering, you may want to try to use different textures or add patterns.  If you’re not comfortable – remember less is more.
3. Personalize it
   1. Try using a letter stamp or precut letters for family or personal monogramming. 
   2. Add photos – everyone loves getting pictures in the mail.  For cards you are sending to your girlfriends, include a photo from a previous outing.  For a family, include photos of any new additions – i.e., baby, dog, cat, fish, boyfriend/husband, etc.… You can even put a photo on a sticker – go to Kodak Gallery.
4. Accessorize it
   1. Upgrade your card with the addition of bows, buttons, charms and other embellishments.  To give your card a sense of humor don it with wiggle eyes.
5. Sign it
   1. Don’t know what to write?  Try using a quote… check out Poet Passion.  Or check out one of these sites:  HP.com or Ehow.com.
6. Seal it
   1. Don’t forget about the envelope!  Photo.Stamps.com offers custom stamps of your favorite photos.
   2. Stamp a holiday address label from FineStationery.com.

If you’re not looking to get into a new project for the holidays, but still want to be crafty and create something fabulous, then The Card Co. has what you’re looking for.  They have everything you need to design a gorgeous holiday card all in one box.  Perfect for beginners or those with limited time.  This company also offers a nice selection of card making supplies.