by Hannah Curtis

Created on: January 15, 2009

Everyone has the ability to make Christmas cards; you can decide how long the project will take you and the expense budget. Card making involves creative ability and your cards will be an expression of your personality, they will be completely unique. For example they may have bold, bright colours, have a simple or ornate design, have a religious theme or secular, the choice is up to the individual. It is an enjoyable activity for people of all ages.

Anyone can make basic cards; the equipment includes card, stencils, coloured paper, drawing implements, glitter and glue. Simple designs can be the most effective at times, for example a plain black silhouette design of a nativity scene against white or cream card, or a snowflake cut out and stuck on the card. These cards are easy to make and are cost and time effective, and appreciated by their recipients. A stage further then this involves more thought, time and expense. These are cards may be made from special embossed card, and be designed with two pages in the middle, decorated with ribbon or sequins. They can be 3D, or have windows cut out with designs behind.

Cards could also be designed on the computer and printed off. This does not necessarily infer you need to be a graphic designer; anyone can use the program Paint, especially if you prefer random, abstract colourful designs, just experiment and have fun. That is key; you must choose a method of making cards which is right for you. Do not make it a chore, keep it fun and light-hearted. If you see it as a chore then you might as well go and buy store-brought cards and spend mindless hours filling out names and addresses. It should be a fun activity.

Those of you who are interested in graphic design, here is an opportunity to experiment with the programs such as Photo-shop and In-Design. Create designs using the various techniques, learning more about the programs whilst unleashing your skills, imagination and creative talent, creating really memorable card designs. If they are professional then a sample could be added to your portfolio.

Note I have spoken of creative talent, rather than artistic talent. Christmas cards are not only centred on design, but also on the thoughtful words which accompany them. Thus if your line of creativity lies within writing, here is your chance to explore and flex your talent. Poems and lengthy pieces of verse are often appreciated on cards. They could either be printed by computer or by hand if you are blessed with attractive handwriting. If you are talented within the area of embroidery and cross-stitch, then this talent too can be used to create beautiful home-crafted cards, which are much appreciated by relatives. Here you could either follow a festive pattern/design or create your own Christmas design. These may take longer to make, however once set within card they make beautiful and memorable tokens.

A homemade card is far more appreciated and valued then a shop-brought one, just as a homemade cake, jam and Christmas pudding is. It may take varying amounts of time and expense; however it is a satisfying project and gives you a real sense of achievement, as well as a pleasant surprise for the recipient. There are countless ways in how you can make your Christmas cards; each design will be chosen for a specific reason, unique to each person's personality and creative ability.

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