Making Your Own Christmas Cards

Today, in this world of electronic media we already have digital cards, e-cards and social networking sites. It is so quick and easy to select one from the innumerable cards available online, and send to our loved ones and friends. It hardly takes any time, it costs little, and before you know it, it has reached its destination. So, who needs to make Christmas Cards?

There is a world of difference in receiving an e-mail and a hand written letter. Most of us treasure these letters, and read them in our leisure hours. These contain the personal touch, they have been written by someone, and bear that person's own individual touch. They are unique; none of them can have a second copy, even if the author wanted it.

Compared to this, the digital card is designed by an unknown person. Someone else has put the words inside, and thousands are choosing it to send to their friends and families. Several times, we receive the same card, sent by two or more of our acquaintances. The whole idea of this mass produced, mass organized affair feels downright unimaginative.

There are, in fact, two major advantages to be gained from making such greetings. On one hand, it enhances the feelings of resourcefulness and creativity. On the other, if the family can be enticed into doing this collectively, the family bond deepens. In the nuclear families that we live in nowadays, occasions of this nature should be embraced with enthusiasm; the occasion comes but once a year.

This card is not at all difficult to make. What is needed is some amount of stiff paper, and some color pens or crayons. Throw in lots and lots of imagination, and you are almost done. Maybe, the first few trials will not come out right. However, do not give up. Sooner or later, your latent talents will take over, and a masterpiece may be produced.

First, decide if the card is to be delivered in an envelope; if it is, is a standard envelope available, or it has to be made. If it is a standard envelop, measure it for its length and width; the card shall be little lower in its dimensions. Next you will have to decide how many folds your card will have. Most handmade cards are of three basic types and their variations.

It could be a simple paper folded down the middle that opens like the pages of a book. Another type is a twofold version, with a single paper divided into three equal parts by two folds. This will have a central portion, with two flaps on either side. A third type is one paper, folded in half, then again, folded in half. This is mainly for more elaborate and decorative type, the type in which a castle or a flower pops up when you open the card.

People with knowledge of Origami will be at an advantage when making Christmas cards. What colors you put on the card, or what you write in it, is totally up to your imagination. However, whatever you do, it carries your personal signature, and this is what makes it so priceless.