Christmas Cards: Miniature Present

Published July 20, 2012

This year turn over a new leaf and make your own Christmas cards. I know, we all say we are much too busy to do this but, believe it or not, it only takes a couple of hours and you’re done! I think we all agree that the best Christmas cards are the home made ones. There’s something really special about a simple card that is hand made. They don’t have to be fancy, and they don’t have to be expensive. The best ideas are the simple ones. Look through magazines and find ideas that appeal to you and your family. Plan on making a reasonable number…not a thousand. It’s not easy to put the time aside to design and make your own cards but if you do find the time to make them this year…here is an idea that you may want to try.

Materials

• Colored card stock (available at Michael’s) *look for large pieces
• Felt pieces
• Craft Glue
• Coloured String
• Polyester Stuffing
• Large pin

These cards are great in a variety of shapes and sizes. Just remember to purchase envelopes that will fit the size you desire. Your local stationary store will carry an assortment of envelopes in various sizes and shapes.

To make a finished card of a 9cm x 22cm rectangle and a 12cm x 12cm square you will need to cut the piece of card stock into large pieces. For the first one, you should cut the card stock into a 44cm x 9cm piece and the square a 24cm x 12cm piece. These will fit a standard 24cm x 10.5cm envelope and 13cm x 18cm envelope respectively. The longer piece will be folded in half to make the card.

Next, cut a smaller complimentary coloured piece of paper to fit on top of the card and inside.

To make the miniature present, cut two pieces of felt into any desired size so that it fits nicely in the center of the card. Glue three of the edges together and fill with the stuffing. Glue the remaining edge together. Repeat for the other cards.

Glue the present to the card. Using the large pin, make 3 holes around the outside edges of the present. Cut a piece of coloured string long enough to wrap around the present and tie a bow. Insert the string through the three holes and tie off.

Write your personal message inside the card.

Be sure to make your cards in a variety of sizes and colours with complementary strings. If you plan on mailing the cards, it may be a good idea to check with your local post office to see if any additional postage is required for the size and weight of the card.