Create Handmade Christmas Cards with Unique Materials

Handmade Christmas cards show our loved ones that we care by demonstrating time and thoughtfulness. If Christmas cards have become a repetitious family newsletter and are formulaic, try using unusual materials to make the experience fun again. Involving the entire family can create a fun evening and get multiple cards done at once.

Ransom Note

Using letters, numbers, and words from all sorts of print magazines or newspapers can create a fun look for Christmas cards. For added fun write a silly message such as, "We have your presents. They will be returned to you safe and sound if you pay the ransom of your presence at our house on Christmas Eve at 6:00 p.m." You can include pictures of your family with their best tough guy looks and sinister sneers.

Used Card Mosaic

The vibrant colors and thicker material of most cards provides an excellent medium for re-use. Cut up old cards and create a mosaic for new recipients. Not only does it this reuse old materials, but the touching sentiments inside the card can be saved by only removing the fronts. In this way, household clutter can be removed, memories saved, and new art created.

T-Shirt snowflakes

Children have loved cutting paper snowflakes as Christmas crafts for generations. Incorporating this engaging and highly enjoyable activity into Christmas cards can add new life and gain happy participation. Use old white T shirts and cut them into 6 inch by 6 inch squares. Fold and cut the fabric just as though it was paper. Be sure to save all the cutout bits. Fold the T-shirt snowflake around a warm message or winter poem and place it into an envelope with all the cut outs and some glitter.  When the envelope is opened, the recipients get the snowflake and added cut out snow to brighten their day.

Cereal Box Pop Ups

Cereal box cardboard is a great thickness and very durable. It can be used to make amazing pop up Christmas cards. Take a family photo and lay it down onto the cereal box cardboard. Trace around the edges and then move the photo directly below the tracing and trace again to create twice the size. Cut the cardboard out along the outer edge of the tracing and fold along the center line. Fold the card up and cut slits 1 inch apart to create risers on the inside. Using an X-acto knife, cut each family member out of the photo and glue them to their own riser. Glue the rest of the photo to the background of the card. When opened, the family will pop-up and out of the card to wish Christmas greetings.

Comic Strip

Comic strips are touching and funny because people can relate to their messages with some form of personal experience. Around Christmas time begin looking through the comic strips for any which remind you of family or friends. When one is found, cut it out and glue it to the inside of a blank card. Cross out and change names or captions as necessary to personalize the comic.