by Sadie Grey

Created on: December 11, 2010   Last Updated: December 15, 2010

Embellishing store bought Christmas cards is a great project for you, you and your family or you and your friends. What’s more, the cost is minimal. A box of thirty two Christmas cards can be purchased at most dollar stores for a dollar and at most, two dollars.

You can also get the supplies you need at the same store, if you don’t already have them. For those who are avid crafters or have children you may well have most of the supplies you need.

Supplies you will need are a clear drying glue stick, glitter, multi-color or your special color, sponge tip brush, Christmas shaped confetti, Christmas stickers such as Christmas trees, colored pencils, ornaments or brightly wrapped gifts.

Address the envelope as usual. You can now embellish the envelope with Christmas stickers. Your embellishment should be on the left side of the envelope or across the bottom. Try to stay away from the area where the postal stamp goes. Once this is done set it aside.

Next is the Christmas card. As an example, your Christmas card has a Christmas tree on the front. Do the inside first.

Open the card and lay it flat. The left side is usually blank. Many people will write quick notes here and if you are one of those people, go ahead. When you are done, simply embellish your note with stickers. Don’t over do this however. Two or three well placed stickers or tiny dye cuts will enhance your handwriting.

On the right side of the card where the pre-printed sentiment usually is, add the recipient’s name at the top of the sentiment and sign it as usual. In the bottom left corner, add one pretty sticker.

If the pre-printed sentiment is dull looking, use colored pencils to liven the writing up a bit. The easiest way to do this is simply trace the words with the pencils. Doing this makes a subtle but eye catching difference.

For the front of the card, lay it on a sheet of paper. On the fold side of the card, starting at the top, glide your glue stick down to the bottom. This line of glue can be thin or wide. It’s up to you. Quickly sprinkle your glitter then remove the excess.

Now, take your sponge tip brush and brush it across the glue stick top. Brush the glue on three or four of the tree’s outside branches. Sprinkle the glitter then remove excess. Continue until you have completed all outside branches of the tree. Most photos of Christmas trees have a star or angel on top, so make sure you add glitter to this also.

Lay your card aside, next to the envelope you have completed and let it dry completely. No matter how many cards you are embellishing, let them dry overnight if you use glue.

When your card is dry, insert it into the envelope and toss in a tiny bit of Christmas confetti. Secure the flap with a large Christmas sticker. No need to moisten the envelope unless you are sending photos or money along with the card.

One thing to remember as you prepare your Christmas cards; they will be going through the mail. A little glitter and a few stickers will not add weight but dye cuts and heavier dimensional stickers will. Even so, you can take them to the post office and have them weighed to be sure.

What a great way to show off your creativity with your embellished, store bought Christmas cards. Have fun with this and absolutely, use your imagination.

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