Christmas is a season of joy, celebration, and, of course, sharing love and cheer with friends and family. One of the best ways to spread that holiday spirit is through handmade Christmas cards. However, the hustle and bustle of the season can leave little time for elaborate crafting. This is where the beauty of clean and simple Christmas cards comes into play. With just a few supplies, a bit of creativity, and a streamlined process, you can create beautiful, personalized cards that convey heartfelt wishes without the stress of complicated techniques.
In this article, we’ll take you through an easy step-by-step process for creating clean and simple Christmas cards that are both elegant and efficient to make. Drawing inspiration from Amador’s Crafts & Kits, we’ll explore how to create stunning holiday cards using minimal supplies and simple techniques that anyone, even beginners, can master. So, if you’re ready to craft your own easy Christmas cards this holiday season, keep reading!
Clean and Simple Christmas Cards: A Stress-Free Solution
The concept of “clean and simple” (CAS) cards is all about stripping down the design to its most essential elements. This approach not only saves time but also results in sophisticated, polished cards that feel fresh and modern. Clean and Simple Christmas Cards are perfect for mass production when you need to create multiple cards in a short amount of time without compromising on quality or style.
Amador’s easy card-making technique is designed specifically for this purpose. With just a few key tools and materials, you can craft beautiful cards that feel both professional and personal.
Materials You’ll Need:
To create the easy Christmas cards featured in Amador’s Crafts & Kits, you will need the following materials:
- Cardstock: Heavyweight cream cardstock for the base, plus additional patterned paper for the layering.
- Plaid Paper: Seasonal plaid paper (any plaid design will work, but Amador used one from Hobby Lobby’s seasonal pad).
- Die Cuts:
- Stitched rectangle dies (Amador used the larger two from the Lil’ Inker Stitched Frames die set).
- Deer die (from the Maggie Holmes “Open Book” die collection).
- Snowflake dies (a trio of dies from Diemond Dies).
- Merry Christmas die (from Pretty Pink Posh, cut from gold foil cardstock).
- Adhesives:
- 3M mounting foam for dimension.
- Scotch Tacky glue for the sentiment die cut.
- Scraperfect precision tip for fine application of glue.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Clean and Simple Christmas Cards
Let’s break down the process for creating these clean and simple Christmas cards. The goal is to keep things easy yet visually striking, ensuring that each card has a refined, professional appearance.
1. Prepare Your Card Base
Begin by cutting your card base from heavyweight cream cardstock. The A2 size (4.25” x 5.5”) is perfect for most card designs. For a consistent and polished look, ensure that all your card bases are the same size.
To create the layers, cut your plaid patterned paper into pieces that are 2/8” smaller than the base. This will give a slim border around the edge of the card, providing a subtle visual frame. In Amador’s example, the plaid paper was from a seasonal collection at Hobby Lobby, but you can use any plaid or patterned paper you have on hand. The key is to select something that complements your theme while keeping the focus on the overall clean aesthetic.
2. Create the Layered Design
The first layer of each card consists of a piece of plaid paper adhered to the base. For a neat and symmetrical look, use the larger of the two stitched rectangle dies from the Lil’ Inker Stitched Frames set. This die will create a perfectly stitched edge that adds texture and interest to the card. Cut the plaid paper to the size you need for each layer, ensuring that there’s a uniform border all around the card.
Once you have the pieces cut, adhere the plaid layer to the card base using your preferred adhesive. Amador used a basic tape runner, but you can also use liquid adhesive or double-sided tape. The key is to get the layers secure without excess glue showing through.
3. Add Dimension with Foam Tape
For the second layer of the card, Amador used 3M mounting foam to elevate the top layer and add a sense of depth. This technique is one of the easiest ways to give your card a more professional look while keeping the design simple. You can use mounting tape or foam squares for this step. Be sure to apply the foam to the back of the top layer evenly to avoid sagging or warping.
4. Die-Cut the Sentiment
A key element of clean and simple Christmas card design is the “Merry Christmas” sentiment, which is cut from gold foil cardstock using a die from Pretty Pink Posh. Gold foil adds an element of luxury and shine to the card without making it too flashy.
To create the sentiment, carefully die-cut the words from the gold foil cardstock. This can be done with a die-cutting machine (like a Big Shot or Cricut). Once cut, use a precision-tip glue bottle (like Scraperfect) to apply glue to the back of the die-cut sentiment. Be cautious to only use a small amount of glue to avoid it seeping out from the edges.
5. Add a Focal Point: The Deer and Snowflakes
For a final touch,a deer die from the Maggie Holmes “Open Book” collection, which provides a festive, nature-inspired focal point for the card. Simply die-cut the deer shape from a coordinating cardstock color (or a metallic shade for extra shine) and adhere it to the card using foam squares for added dimension.
To further enhance the festive look, you can also add a few snowflake die-cuts. used a trio of snowflake dies from Diemond Dies, which complement the holiday theme beautifully. Position the snowflakes around the sentiment and deer to create a balanced design. You can adhere them flat or use foam dots to add dimension.
6. Final Touches: Glue and Embellishments
After all the elements are placed and adhered to the card, give it a moment to dry. This ensures that your die-cuts won’t shift or move as you handle the card.cards are clean and simple, so minimal embellishment is necessary. However, you can always add a small touch of glitter or sequins to elevate the design if you wish.
Once everything is dry, check the card one final time for any loose edges or excess glue. Trim any uneven areas, and your card will be ready to send.
Why Clean and Simple Christmas Cards Are Perfect for the Holidays
https://www.instagram.com/p/DA6EvCLg1J6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
As much as we love the joy of creating, the holiday season can be a whirlwind. Between gift shopping, cooking, and attending parties, there’s little time left for complex crafting. That’s where clean and simple cards shine. By using minimal supplies and focusing on key elements—like die-cuts, patterned paper, and dimension—you can create beautiful Christmas cards without the stress of overcomplicated designs.
design process highlights how easy Christmas cards can still pack a punch. With just a few supplies and some thoughtful design choices, you can make dozens of cards in an afternoon, perfect for sending to friends, family, and coworkers.
Conclusion
Clean and simple Christmas cards are a perfect solution for those looking to send personalized holiday greetings without spending too much time in the craft room. Amador’s approach shows that a streamlined design can still be stunning, with minimal supplies and a bit of creativity. Whether you are mass-producing cards or just making a few for close friends and family, this easy card-making process can help you create memorable, heartfelt Christmas cards in no time.
So, grab your supplies, get crafty, and make this holiday season even more special with your own handmade creations.
