DIY Christmas Card Ideas to Show You Care

Is there anyone who doesn’t love getting Christmas cards? They are little reminders that someone is thinking of you and wants to stay in touch. And as great as it is to get a classic Christmas card from the store, the feeling of receiving a homemade Christmas card is even better.

Making and sending handmade Christmas cards is easier than you think, and the sentiment is unbeatable. If you’d like to create your own Christmas cards but aren’t sure where to start, or if you just need a little extra inspiration, we’ve put together some Christmas card ideas to get you started. You’re sure to love the experience of Christmas crafting, and your loved ones will appreciate the extra effort you put into your DIY Christmas cards.

Simple and Easy Christmas Card Ideas

As with Christmas gifts, the best Christmas card ideas are the ones that come from the heart. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because it’s homemade, it has to be elaborate and super time-consuming—even simple holiday papercrafts offer a little more of the heart along with them! We love a holiday DIY that is quick to pull together, still feels personal, and doesn’t add to the stress of the season. So, from quick handmade Christmas cards and easy festive card designs to ones that might benefit from a bit more crafting experience, here are a few of our favorite homemade Christmas card ideas to help you tap into your imagination. Each of these cards can be kept super simple, or you can use more complex tools and add additional elements to make them more ornate, depending on your skill level and time available this Christmas.

Pictured here is a DIY Christmas card made from stamps from the Joyful Days Memories & More Card Pack. — Pictured here: Joyful Days Memories & More Card Pack

Repeating Pattern

The repeating stamp pattern in this DIY Christmas card utilizes only a few stamps and tools, like the Naughty & Nice stamp set (retired), but using the same stamp on a different colored piece of paper and adhering it to the card allows the design to stand out…literally. This is a technique that beginners can easily master. Bonus Tip! Our 1-¾” Circle Punch will perfectly cut out these stamped candy cane circles on the sample below!

The repeating stamp pattern in this DIY Christmas card utilizes only a few stamps and tools, like the Naughty & Nice stamp set, but using the same stamp on a different colored piece of paper and adhering it to the card allows the design to stand out…literally. — Pictured here: Retired products, find other festive dies here.

Layered Textures

ways to achieve this technique, too! As seen in the image below, three trees were cut using different styles of embossed paper, a die like this one, and the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. They’re then layered in an offset way, creating a festive foundation for the stamped sentiment on the prettily-trimmed die cut circle. You’ll also notice that the background of the card is textured using an embossing folder (similar to this one). This creates such a dynamic effect that every part of the card feels interesting without fighting for attention.

The trees and circle shape are cut using the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, the Decorative Trees Dies Set (for the trees) and the Spotlight on Nature Dies Set (for the circle). This gives the design texture and depth. If you want to simplify it, you could use the Peaceful Evergreens Stamp Set to create a similar design. — Pictured here: Retired products, find a similar background stamp here.

But the cool thing is that layering doesn’t actually require much more than a few different papers! Using just your fingers, you can simply tear your paper into a variety of easy rectangular shapes, and the magic comes from a rustic yet interesting arrangement. You can also add a few bits of ephemera, ribbon, or adhesive-backed embellishments to keep things easy but strategically stacked for that professional-level, layered look.

Using just your fingers, you can simply tear your paper into a variety of easy rectangular shapes, and the magic comes from a rustic yet interesting arrangement. — Pictured here: A Child is Born Stamp Set

Matching Cards and Tags

A Christmas card doesn’t have to be a standard size or shape. You can repurpose some of your supplies and best ideas to make homemade gift tags that also serve as cards.

We love how this set uses the same Humble Home Bundle (retired) to create a festive and cohesive look while still allowing each one to be distinct in its own way. Love that cozy little cabin? Find a similar stamp here!

Ready Made Elements

These ready-made elements are a great way to jumpstart your Christmas crafting creativity. Designed especially for beginner crafters or those without a lot of time, these cards use the Christmas Greetings Specialty Cards and Envelopes and the Christmas Tags and More Designer Series Paper. With all of these supplies on hand, you can combine them in a way that you like best, and the only thing you’ll need is glue!

Designer Paper and Dies

Rely on a festive stamp and die bundle to help create an intricate and dazzling holiday card. The Christmas ornaments on the front of this card can be created with surprising ease with the use of the two-step stamps and the corresponding dies, with the blend of colored cardstock and designer series paper.

The Christmas ornaments on the front of this card can be created with surprising ease with the use of the two-step stamps and the corresponding dies, with the blend of colored cardstock and designer series paper. — Pictured here: Bauble Blooms Bundle

Progress Creatively

Collections like our Reindeer Days Suite (retired; find similar reindeer fun here!) provide endless possibilities for novice and experienced crafters alike. Beginners can utilize the patterned paper and add a simple sentiment like the one on our “Christmas is Better Together” card and the cute reindeer tag at the bottom of the photo below. As you get a little more daring, you can add simple layers like the card on the top left. Experts can incorporate many layers, textures, die cuts, and more to make intricate designs. The result is a sweet Christmas card that your recipient will treasure.

Collections like our Reindeer Days Suite provide endless possibilities for novice and experienced crafters alike. Beginners can utilize the patterned paper and add a simple sentiment like the one on our “Christmas is Better Together” card and the cute reindeer tag at the bottom of the photo below. — Pictured here: Retired; find similar here.

Tips for Creating Your Own Christmas Cards

So, you decided to create your own Christmas cards? How exciting! Here are a few of our favorite tips to help you make your handmade Christmas cards a beautiful success.

Plan the Design

You know what they say about failing to plan…In this case, not planning your design won’t necessarily lead to failure, but it WILL lead you to spend a lot of extra time on your creations. Come up with a plan for how you want your design(s) to look and what materials you’ll need. Pick your color scheme, think of your theme, decide what papers you want to use, and choose a sentiment or two. Then you can take inventory of what you have, place an order for the things you don’t have, and begin your project with a vision and all the tools you need.

Come up with a plan for how you want your design(s) to look and what materials you’ll need. — Made with: Filled with Cheer Stamp Set (Retired Product)

Pick your color scheme, think of your theme, decide what papers you want to use, and choose a sentiment or two. — Made with: Iconic Imagery Bundle (Retired Product)

Use High-Quality Materials

You can only perform to the level of your equipment. That’s why we recommend using high quality materials. Photopolymer and cling stamps make it easy to see where you’re placing your stamp image. High quality adhesives make sure your design stays together. And archival quality paper ensures your keepsake stands the test of time.

Add Personal Touches

The best part of DIY Christmas cards is that they come from YOU. Don’t be afraid to add small personal touches, like a photo or handwritten note, to give your classic Christmas card an extra dash of your sentiment.

Experiment with Techniques

Try using an embossing folder as seen in the card here, adding layers, using a die cut machine, using embellishments, or testing out a new stamp technique. — Pictured here: Holly Jolly Bundle

Don’t be afraid to try new things. We promise your audience will be forgiving and will appreciate the effort and thought you put into your Christmas cards. Try using an embossing folder as seen in the card above, adding layers, using a die cut machine, using embellishments, or testing out a new stamp technique. The best way to learn is by doing, and Christmas cards are the perfect way to experiment.

Try adding layers, using a die cut machine, using embellishments, or testing out a new stamp technique. The best way to learn is by doing, and Christmas cards are the perfect way to experiment. — Made with: Seasons of Elegance Suite Collection

Batch Craft

In paper crafting, we like to say, “Design once and make multiples.” This is known as batch crafting, and you can think of it as a crafting assembly line. When you batch craft, you come up with one or two Christmas card ideas and then make multiples of each. This method saves time and brainpower and lets you get creative and share your handmade Christmas cards with your family and friends. (Hint: If you want each card to be unique, you can still add slight variations while keeping the main concept the same, like switching up the sentiment message, using different patterned papers, or using different colors and color combinations.)

When you batch craft, you come up with one or two Christmas card ideas and then make multiples of each. This method saves time and brainpower and lets you get creative and share your handmade Christmas cards with your family and friends. — Made with: Dear Santa Cling Stamp Set (Retired Product)

Use a Kit

Whether you’re new to Christmas crafting, short on time, or just want to utilize a simpler approach, a kit is a simple way to create DIY Christmas cards. Our Stam p in’ Up! Christmas card kits come with a variety of supplies, depending on the project, some with stamps, paper, adhesive, embellishments, and everything else you need to create your own Christmas cards. You can choose to make the cards exactly as shown, or you can add your own flair and personality to each one. Either way, you’ll end up with a set of handmade Christmas cards you’ll be proud to send.

Sentiment Ideas For Handmade Christmas Cards

Sometimes writing in a Christmas card can feel a bit intimidating, or maybe you’re just not sure how to express your feelings this holiday season. For those who feel unsure of what to write in a handmade Christmas card, check out these sentiment ideas—from silly to sweet!—that will help you get started on the right foot and really bring your heartfelt message to life.

Lighthearted Sentiments

Peace, Love, & Extra Cookies
Dear Santa, Define nice…
‘Tis the season to sparkle!
Merry Everything and Happy Always
Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas!
Snow Much Joy!
Fa La La Fabulous

More Personal Sentiments

Grateful for you this Christmas and always…
You’re my favorite gift this year!
Home is wherever we celebrate together.
Here’s to more love, laughter, and cocoa with you!
Your family fills our world with WONDER
May the magic of Christmas fill your home and heart

General Holiday Sentiments

Pictured here is a Christmas card made from stamps from the Merry Christmas Stamp Set — Pictured here: Merry Christmas Stamp Set

Happy Holidays!
Happy Christmas!
Seasons Greetings
Merry Christmas
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
‘Tis the Season
O Christmas Tree

Once you’ve got one of these holiday sentiments stamped or adhered to the front of your card, the words on the inside often seem to flow a little easier. And when in doubt, share a memory, tell them why you’re grateful for them, and wish them the best for the upcoming year!

Christmas Crafting with Stampin’ Up!

No matter what techniques you use, or what your abilities are, Stampin’ Up! has products to help you bring your Christmas card ideas to life. Christmas crafting is better when you have the right tools at your fingertips, so contact a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator in your area today to find the supplies you need to make homemade Christmas cards that will show those you love just how much you care.