Pretty and Elegant Handmade Christmas Card

Today I want to share a pretty and elegant handmade Christmas card idea with you – and tell you how this card came to be.

For the last four years, like clockwork, I get a phone call from a sweet lady in Wisconsin the week after Thanksgiving.  I could set my watch for it.  It's a phone call that I look forward to.  Even though the phone only rings once a year, I know the name on the caller ID.  This lady calls to order gift cards for her sister.  What I love about this call is just the joy this lady exudes – even through the phone.  She is just happy, kind, easy to talk to, the kind of person you enjoy talking to.

Over the past week, I guessed this call would come.  And it did.  She buys two gift certificates and so I make up two different styles of cards to include with the gift cards.  It's always fun for me to create two completely different styles of cards.  I usually do one with bright colors and one with more elegant tones to it.  Handmade cards are the best way to take an impersonal gift of a gift certificate and make it personal.

Many don't know that I offer gift certificates, but indeed I do.  So if you have someone you want to gift one to, OR if you want to be the recipient of the gift certificate – simply email me or share my email address:  meg@iteachstamping.com.

As I said before, I am always excited to create for this lady, and today I want to share the elegant one with you.

This cards uses one of my favorite die sets and one of my least favorite colors – but it totally works!  Before we dive into the making, let me share with you the supplies you will need to recreate this yourself.

The Supplies

The stamps, punches, and patterned paper are available in a bundle with a 10% savings – I don't know about you, but I love a great bundle!  To order any of these supplies, simply click on an image below.  When you are going to check out, just make sure that my name is on your ordering page, Megan Daves.

The Card

Here is the pretty and elegant handmade Christmas card we are making today.  What I love about this one is that the patterned paper does all the “heavy lifting”.  There aren't any fancy techniques, no complicated folds, simply layers, stunning paper, and a perfect sentiment to go with it.

The Making

We are using the Brightly Gleaming paper for this card.  We are using four different patterns from one package.  You can mix and match which pattern goes with which layer to ensure you are using up all your scraps and getting a lot out of this paper.  We are using the patterns for both the layers and for the ornaments.

This paper uses one of my least favorite colors, Very Vanilla.  While it's one of my favorite flavors of ice cream, it's not my go to color in my card making or my world.  But for this project, it's not only needed to match, but it adds to the elegance of the overall project – so a double win in my book.

There is a design element that we talk about in Stamping Family all the time – angles love curves and curves love angles.  This card really pops thanks to one of my most favorite die sets ever.  In the set it has the scalloped rectangles that have the stitching on them as well.  That's just a scrumptious die right there.  This is the one that measures 2″ x 3-1/4″ and I use this one more than any other size.  It's a go-to die for me.  It softens up the harsh lines of the layers on this card and adds to the elegance again.

The only thing you really need to know are the measurements, as all you need to do is cut, punch, die cut, stamp a sentiment, and tie a bow – well, two bows.

Measurements:

• Very Vanilla:  4″ x 5-1/4″ (2); 2″ x 3-1/4″ (finished die cut size); 3/8″ x 3-1/4″
• Pretty Peacock:  4-1/4″ x 11″
• Brightly Gleaming paper:  2-1/2″ x 4″; 2″ x 2-1/2″; pieces for punching

Your Turn

Now it's your turn to make this card.  There is still plenty of time to make your holiday cards for this year – or if that seems like too much of a stretch, get your supplies ordered now and be super set for 2021.  This paper, stamp set, and punch will most likely retire.  We have had them for two years now and that's a good run for these types of items.  I was shocked when the paper returned as it rarely does!  You will surprise and delight your friends with your card making skills – and that feels pretty gosh darn good too 🙂

Looking for other Christmas cards you can make?  Try this one here or this fun one also.

Thank You

It's a treat to create and share with you!  Your orders of supplies that support my small business and my family are so appreciated.  To order through me doesn't cost you anymore and it lets me know that you are liking what I share with you and are inspired to craft.  I hope you enjoyed today's pretty and elegant handmade Christmas card!  More soon!  XOXO, Meg