Beautiful DIY Christmas Cards You Can Easily Make at Home
Beautiful DIY Christmas Cards You Can Easily Make at Home
You finally captured the perfect photo of you and your squirmy baby in matching holiday pajamas for your annual Christmas card, but it's going to cost more than $100 to print enough for your friends and family. And to make matters worse: The bundle might not get there in time, if you didn't plan far enough ahead. You could just close your eyes, hit purchase, and cross your fingers—or you could make the cards yourself.
DIY Christmas cards aren't as hard—or time-consuming—as they sound. It's a fun holiday activity, and with a little guidance, even the most elegant ideas are pretty easy to make at home. You can choose from free printable photo templates and card ideas that only require a printer loaded with ink and paper (use cardstock paper for the best results!). Or you can opt for a more unique method—like using a Cricut machine or a finger paints to make a baby handprint "tree" that's complete with button ornaments.
Whichever route you go, one thing is for sure: Your beautiful DIY Christmas card is sure to do just what it's meant to, and that's bring a smile to your loved one's face.
Pop Up Christmas Card
The outside of this card is pretty enough, but the inside is what makes it really unique. When your recipient opens the card, they'll uncover a stunning pop up poinsettia.
Get the tutorial at A Piece of Rainbow.
Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal Card
Take a more humorous approach to holiday cards with this printable watercolor card inspired by a classic Christmas movie (Home Alone!).
Get the printable at Fox and Hazel.
Rustic Christmas Card Making Kit
EEJamesStationery
etsy.com
$18.49
Get the custom feel of homemade Christmas cards without all the effort of gathering the right supplies. This kit includes all of the paper supplies you need to assemble mix-and-match holiday cards.
3D Christmas Tree Cards
A free template guides you through the folding process. And when you're done, the eye-catching design folds completely flat, so you can stick it in an envelope.
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
Happy Holidays Poinsettia Card
You don't need any painting skills to create artful DIY Christmas cards—just a printer and a pair of scissors.
Get the printable at Fox and Hazel.
Paint Chip Christmas Card
Paint chips are a unique and simple way to design gradient Christmas trees for homemade cards. Just cut them into triangles of varying sizes and decorate with sequins or glitter.
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
Graphic Printable Card
Instead of splurging on Christmas stationery, print these graphic cards at home—for free.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Paper Cut Card
For a cool paper cut design, you'll need a cutting machine—but the result is well worth the investment, especially if you are someone who likes to craft all year round. Plus, it couldn't be easier: You simply download the free file and print.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
DIY Coloring Page Card
Print these holiday-inspired coloring pages, fold into a card, and then let the recipient reap the therapeutic benefits. (A real gift in itself!)
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
Watercolor Cards
Believe it or not, you don't need any artistic skills to DIY these elegant Christmas cards. Simply paint around letter stickers, then peel them up to reveal a nice, crisp message.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
Modern Handlettered Card
Don't have the best handwriting? Don't worry! Simply download a free PDF to trace or decoupage onto seasonal paper for a festive, professional-looking Christmas card.
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
Santa Claus Card
A cutting machine, like the Cricut, makes it even easier to assemble this cheerful Santa. However, with a steady hand, you could achieve a very similar result.
Get the tutorial at White House Crafts.
Christmas Tree Shadow Box Card
All you need is spray adhesive and colorful paper to create this beautiful multi-dimensional card that is sure to wow any recipient.
Get the tutorial at Jennifer Maker.
Family Bunting Christmas Card
Family cut-outs strung on a piece of baker's twine is a funny and unique twist on the traditional Christmas card.
Get the tutorial at Delia Creates.
Watercolor Christmas Socks Card
Dig out your watercolors, and use this elegant card as a reference to create your own seasonal greetings.
Get the tutorial at Life-athon.
Coloring Page Card
Print free holiday-inspired coloring pages, then attach them to greeting cards using foam squares to make the beautiful design really pop.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
Wooden Decals
You can easily create an array of unique cards using mini laser cut wooden shapes and a little bit of craft paint.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch Blog.
Gift Card Holder
For an A+ in presentation, download this printable gift card template. After that, the only thing you need to do is use a craft knife to cut a spot for the card.
Get the tutorial at Printable Crush.
Paper Nutcracker
This is another unique handmade card that's possible to free-hand, but made much easier with a cutting machine.
Get the tutorial at Love the Day.
The Grinch Handprint Card
Memorialize your baby or toddler's handprint with a card that's sure to make anyone's heart grow at least two sizes.
Get the tutorial at I Hearts Arts n Crafts.
DIY Holiday Photo Card
Make your own beautiful photo cards using a trio of free printable designs, a simple paper trimmer, and a little bit of glitter glue.
Get the tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully.
DIY Black and Gold Watercolor Ornament Cards
For an elegant card, try this DIY. It doesn't hinge on the traditional green and red hues, but it's just as festive.
Get the tutorial at Fox + Hazel.
Paper Wreath Card
Use a circle-shaped punch cutter to swiftly make enough shapes to craft dozens of paper wreaths that are perfect for adorning greeting cards.
Get the tutorial at White House Crafts.
Doily Card
Even if you don't have the energy to go all-out on handmade cards, you can still easily make the envelopes feel a little more special with the addition of festive green doilies and red and white baker's twine.
Get the tutorial at Love the Day.
Scrapbook Paper Card
Repurpose any traditional scrapbook making materials you might have lying around to create festive shabby chic DIY Christmas cards.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch Blog.
Fabric Card
Though making dozens of these fabric cards would get tiresome—and expensive—it is a very unique option for a handful of really special loved ones. Plus, it can double as a tree ornament.
Get the tutorial at Delineate Your Dwelling.
Snow Globe Card
You only need a few simple craft supplies—namely, sequins and transparent plastic sheets, to mimic the look of a working snow globe starring any photo you choose.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids.
Modern Printable Cards
If easy as can be is your signature style, you'll love these one-step printable cards.
Get the tutorial at Tidbits.
Punny Reindeers
You don't need any special stamps to create these funny reindeer—just a potato, believe it or not. Embellish the design with whatever you have on hand (buttons, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, etc.).
Get the tutorial at Kids Craft Room.
Cutout Card
If you don't have a cutting machine, you can make a similarly elegant card using holiday-themed punch cutters or stamps.
Get the tutorial at Printable Crush.
Retro Car
Recreate one of the more iconic holiday illustrations—a woody with a Christmas tree tied to the roof—using Christmas scrapbook paper and a cutting machine.
Get the tutorial at Delineate Your Dwelling.
Tissue Paper Shapes
Though kid-friendly, this handmade holiday card manages to look rather elegant. For best results, use a stencil to cut out the shapes, then let kids apply the tissue paper.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids.
Handwritten Photo Card
Follow this simple, easy tutorial to personalize photo cards with your own handwriting. Or, for a sentimental touch, you can ask your kids to pen the message.
Get the tutorial at Almost Makes Perfect.
Handprint Tree
Who would ever guess that your child's handprint makes the perfect evergreen. To "decorate" the tree, let them have a little fun with finger paints.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids.
Watercolor Wreath
This design proves you don't have to get too intricate with watercolors to create an impressive Christmas card. (Though you will get bonus points for crafting matching envelope liners.)
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Nativity Card
If you're teaching kids about the "reason for the season," this is a fun and easy DIY project—especially if you cut out all of the shapes ahead of time.
Get the tutorial at Kids Craft Room.
Footprint Card
Looking for a fun project to do with a baby? This DIY holiday card doubles as a special keepsake for any lucky recipient.
Get the tutorial at Eighteen25.
Stamped Cards
For more flexibility than a traditional stamp set can offer, make your own holiday stamps out of foam sheets.
Get the tutorial at Oh Oh Deco.
Polaroid Card
Tap into that holiday nostalgia by opting for Polaroid snapshots rather than printed photo cards.
Get the tutorial at Colors + Craft.
Christmas Buttons
These impressive handmade cards show that something as humble as a button can serve as a worthy craft supply.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids.
Stitched Cards
Though these festive appliqués are made of fabric, there's no need for sewing—some fusible webbing will do just the trick.
Get the tutorial at A Spoonful of Sugar Designs.
Washi Tape Cards
In a major time crunch? Use washi tape to create simple designs on blank cardstock, then stamp on the seasonal greeting of your choice.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.
Photoshop Card
To create a professional-looking photo card in a flash, simply download these free Photoshop files.
Get the tutorial at Printable Crush.
Puppet Elf Card
Though they won't fit in a standard envelope, these silly elves make a great gift topper or card for teachers.
Get the tutorial at Kids Craft Room.
Traditional Printable Cards
Sometimes the simpler the better—especially when you have to pen dozens upon dozens of holiday greetings. These free printables fit the bill.
Get the tutorial at Squirrelly Minds.
The simplest way to spread holiday cheer.