The holiday season can bring so much joy, but it also comes with its fair share of stress, especially when it comes to preparing for Christmas. Between shopping for gifts, decorating the house, and planning festive meals, there is always something to do. One of the most enjoyable, yet time-consuming tasks, is making Christmas cards. But what if you could take some of the pressure off yourself and have all your Christmas cards ready long before the holiday rush begins?
That’s where the idea of making Christmas cards in July comes in. By starting early, you can spread the work out over several months, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed as the holiday season approaches. In this article, we’ll discuss how making your cards in July can lead to a stress-free holiday season, and we’ll show you an easy, go-to card layout that will help you create beautiful Christmas cards quickly and efficiently.
The Benefits of Christmas Cards in July
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1. Avoid the Holiday Rush
One of the biggest advantages of starting Christmas cards in July is that you can avoid the typical holiday scramble. As Christmas approaches, the days tend to fly by, and before you know it, you’re trying to squeeze in card-making between holiday parties and gift-wrapping sessions. By getting a head start, you can leisurely work on your cards throughout the summer, giving yourself ample time to get everything done without rushing.
2. Stay Organized
Making Christmas cards ahead of time allows you to stay organized and tackle other holiday preparations without the stress of looming card deadlines. You can organize your supplies early, plan your designs, and even set aside time for crafting during summer weekends. This gives you the opportunity to be mindful about your choices and make cards you’re proud of, rather than hastily throwing something together at the last minute.
3. Enjoy the Crafting Process
Crafting Christmas cards can be a fun and therapeutic activity, especially when it’s not rushed. Starting early means you can enjoy the creative process without feeling pressed for time. You can experiment with different designs, stamps, colors, and embellishments, and really make each card special.
4. Spread the Joy of Handmade Cards
Handmade cards are often much more meaningful than store-bought ones. By creating them yourself, you can personalize each card with a special message, a favorite photo, or a custom design. It’s a wonderful way to show your friends and family that you took the time and care to send something unique and heartfelt.
Easy Card Layout for Quick and Beautiful Christmas Cards
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Now that you know why starting early is a great idea, let’s talk about how to make the card-making process easy and stress-free. The secret is using a simple and versatile card layout that works for a variety of designs. This layout will allow you to make beautiful Christmas cards quickly, even if you don’t have a lot of experience or time.
One of the best ways to keep things easy is to use designer or scrapbook paper as the foundation of your card. Many craft brands offer paper packs designed specifically for Christmas cards, such as Stampin’ Up’s ‘Tidings & Trimmings’ Bundle, which includes beautiful patterns and colors that all coordinate perfectly together. If you don’t have access to a specific bundle, don’t worry—you can easily use any paper that you already have in your stash. Here’s how to make this process as easy as possible:
1. Basic Materials
Before you start, gather the following materials:
- Cardstock for the base of the card (typically 8.5” x 5.5” for a folded A2-sized card)
- Designer paper or scrapbook paper (choose two coordinating patterns)
- Stamps and ink pads (Christmas-themed stamps such as Christmas trees, snowflakes, or holly)
- Embellishments (optional—rhinestones, ribbon, buttons, or glitter)
- Adhesive (liquid glue or double-sided tape)
- Bone folder (to create crisp folds)
2. Step-by-Step Guide for Easy Card Layout
This simple layout is designed to help you quickly make multiple cards, but still give each one a personal touch.
Step 1: Prepare Your Card Base
Start by cutting your cardstock to the desired size. For a standard A2 card, cut the cardstock to 8.5″ x 5.5″, then fold it in half to create a 4.25” x 5.5” card base. Use a bone folder to press down the fold for a clean, crisp edge.
Step 2: Cut the Designer Paper
Choose two coordinating sheets of designer paper. The key here is to pick papers that have a good color balance and complement each other. Cut the first piece of designer paper to 4” x 5.25”. This will be the background layer that covers the front of your card.
For the second piece of paper, cut it into smaller pieces to create a mat layer or a strip of pattern. A great option is to cut a 2” x 5.25” strip that will go across the middle of the card, but feel free to adjust the dimensions based on your preferred design.
Step 3: Stamp the Main Image
Now it’s time to add your Christmas-themed stamp. You can go for a simple image like a Christmas tree, Santa, or holly or a phrase like “Merry Christmas” or “Season’s Greetings.” Use an ink pad that contrasts nicely with your paper colors. For instance, use a darker color like cherry red or pine green for a bold design, or a lighter ink like gold or silver for a festive metallic look.
Position your stamped image in the center of the card or in the bottom right-hand corner to leave room for embellishments.
Step 4: Layer the Papers
Adhere your background layer (the larger piece of designer paper) to the front of the folded cardstock using your adhesive. Next, add the second layer—either the smaller mat or strip—over the background, ensuring the patterns line up well.
3. Add Embellishments
Here comes the fun part! Embellishments can turn an already lovely card into something extra special. Use things like:
- Die-cut shapes (like small Christmas trees, stars, or holly)
- Pearls or rhinestones to add a touch of sparkle
- Ribbon or twine for texture
- Glitter or sequins for a festive shine
- Small red berries or buttons to enhance greenery designs
For example, you can create a small holly branch from green cardstock, and add tiny red berries by cutting small circles from scrap paper and adhering them with a glue dot.
Step 5: Personalize the Card
Write a special message inside your card. A simple “Merry Christmas” or “Wishing you peace and joy” is a lovely way to finish your design. If you’re using these cards for someone special, you can add a heartfelt note or a family update.
Pro Tips for Stress-Free Card Making
- Batch Your Work: When making Christmas cards in July, consider doing one step at a time for multiple cards. For example, cut all the card bases in one sitting, then cut the designer paper for each card, stamp your images all at once, and finally assemble the cards in stages.
- Use Leftover Scraps: If you have leftover paper from previous projects, use it up to create unique cards. For example, you can use scrap paper from other projects to create borders, backgrounds, or embellishments for your Christmas cards.
- Embrace Simplicity: Keep your designs simple—cards don’t need to be overly complicated to be beautiful. The easy card layout outlined here can be used over and over, saving you time while still creating a stunning final product.
Make Christmas Cards in July and Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Season
Making Christmas cards in July is a clever way to beat the holiday rush. With a simple layout, some beautiful designer paper, and a few creative embellishments, you can have your cards ready long before December rolls around. Not only will this give you time to focus on other parts of the holiday season, but it will also allow you to enjoy the process of crafting without the stress. So, grab your supplies, start crafting, and get ahead of the holiday rush. When Christmas finally arrives, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your cards are all ready to go—leaving you more time for the festivities!
