I finally, finally, in the longest time I’ve ever taken, got my traditional Christmas cards finished. And I’m afraid to say it just might be the last year I do this. My Christmas card list has gotten too big, and online printing options have gotten too good. I’m not sure I can justify the weeks of work to myself anymore.
But anyhoo, here in March I’ve finally finished my work from January.
I got this gorgeous flocked paper from SEI, the two stamps came from Inkadinkado and the ribbon was left over from another project.
Start by making all your different elements.
Cut a piece of 12 x 12 cardstock down the middle so you have a piece measuring 6″ x 12″. Use a scoring blade or bone folder to score one side 4″ from the end, and the other side 3 1/2″ from the end.
Out of a coordinating color of cardstock, cut a frame large enough for your image. I traced a chipboard frame I bought at a scrapbook store, but you can also find good stuff online.
Cut a white piece of cardstock large enough to fit behind the frame and stamp your image. I colored mine with markers so I could get the two different colors.
For the tab, get another piece of coordinating cardstock and cut it to 3″ x 2 1/2″. Score it down the middle, and stamp your greeting on one side.
Fold your tab piece down the middle, and staple it to the front flap of the card.
Cut a piece of ribbon 5″ long, and cut the end to make a pretty swallow tail. Glue it with liquid glue, lined up with one edge and down the center of the card.
While that’s drying, I added a little sparkle to my main image with some glitter glue. I also used an iridescent glitter glue to embellish the frame.
When all the pieces are embellished and dry, adhere them to the front of the card. After a little experimentation, I used a white liquid glue. I normally wouldn’t do that because you do risk the paper warping, but between the flock on the paper and the ribbon, tape was just not getting the job done. I just did my best to work really neat, and then stacked them up and put a heavy book on top as they dried.
I don’t know, I’m probably just grumpy because my lack of crafting mojo made this project a little less joyful than usual. I love sending out a little piece of handmade love so much, I’m not sure I can ever really give it up.
You know making the transition a couple of years ago was one of the most freeing things ever. I couldn't totally give up all the creativity, so rather than use a template, I made my own. The photo cards have been just as well received as the handmade cards, and I'm still pushed to come up with new ideas but with 1/100th of the work.