Christmas Printer

So this year you have decided to do something a bit different and make your Christmas cards up
yourself. You will need to decide how many you are going to need before venturing to a good craft
store to stock up on materials.

There are lots of techniques that you could use when you are crafting. A very popular technique is
stamping. This is less of the potato sort you used to do at school (although still great for childrens
cards) but of the more refined rubber and wood sort. Stamps come in many different sizes, designs
and qualities. Some have wooden backs and others adhere to plastic blocks. Either way, the better
the quality the better the image and the longer they will last.

There are many different inks on the market too. Permanent inks will give a vibrant effect and dry
quickly, much like the traditional inks. There are however slow drying inks available. These come in
colours or in clear and they can be used for embossing.

Embossing requires a slow drying ink and an embossing powder. Once you have stamped your
image onto the card you can sprinkle it with embossing powder before heating it through with a
heat tool. The powder will solidify and give a raised effect. This technique is attractive and can look
good on a minimalist card.

You can also buy stickers. These can be the outlines of images in pretty colours or patterns and can
be used with glitter pens and glues to add effects.

Ribbon is a favourite as it can make any card look professional. However minimalist your design (the
more so the better if you have lots to make) ribbon can lift it from the page.

You might want to use decoupage. This is the process of cutting out aspects of the image and
layering them to make it 3D. You can buy the images and instructions as well as sticky pads.

Don’t let your ideas be fenced in by these ideas though. Take yourself to craft fairs and scour the
internet for inspiration as there are so many great ideas and techniques to be had.

You want to say ‘I love you’ and ‘thank-you for being such a wonderful person’ and ‘you’re
absolutely fantastic and I want to be with you forever’ but you do not know how to say it without
sounding horribly insincere and a little crazy.

Let the card do the talking. If you are happy for a card to say it for you in long winded cheesy prose,
let it. Many card shops have a great choice of cards which boast long poems and soppy tales which
are sure to make any loved one blush this Christmas.

If you prefer to say it your own way however, think about buying (or making) a blank card and
writing what you want to say in it. You can search the internet for quotes and sayings to go inside
the card to help you out a little bit. Sometimes though, less is more and where those three little
words will do, don’t beef them out with gush if you do not need to and certainly do not feel like it is
expected.

If you are feeling adventurous write a poem yourself. Your partner or loved one will love this. It
might not be Lord Byron but it will be special and personal. It will mean a lot to the person who
receives it however much the pentameter is off and the rhyming is left to be desired.

Cards can be very personal too. Some of the commercial ones bought in the shops have it all laid out
making it an easy message to send. Sometimes it comes more from the heart if the message comes
from you and is hand written in a real pen.

Importantly, do not buy the cheapest card you can find and make sure you begin the search early so
that you can choose the one which best suits you and your relationship. Too gushy and she’ll run a
mile or too plain and she’ll run a mile too. Judge it right and she’ll be beside you forever.

Being green at Christmas is very difficult especially as each household seems to utilize enough
papers to kill the habitats of a fair few monkeys in one fowl swoop.

This Christmas, be green and as much as you don’t like recycling in the cold and wet, think of those
monkeys. Think about buying cards which are made from recycled card. Many cards are now made
from recycled paper even if they cannot be recycled themselves.

In turn these cards could be utilized again. Don’t throw them away but cut out the images on the
front of the card for your craft box. If you don’t own such a thing, maybe try it out and see how
making your own greeting cards take your fancy. If this is still not your cup of tea, compile your bag
of cards and send them with the kids to the art department at school. I am sure the art teacher will
be more than happy to utilize them in projects even if it has to wait until next year.

Recycle cards where you can. Take them to a recycling bank or into a charity that is running a
campaign to collect used cards. Many charities will do this and take all sorts of Christmas waste
from you during the festive season.

Of course you could send cards by email and online so as to save the paper. This is very friendly but
not very fun or personal. I do not feel the world is ready for going paperless just yet; we still like the
idea of the cards dropping on the doormat or on our desks at Christmastime. Emails take very little
effort and so many people are not convinced by them in that they are a cheap and easy cop-out. If
you must send such cards make sure they are individual (mail shots will cause the fat lady to sing).

Cards are a tradition that will eventually go online I am sure but for now we need to be aware of the
paper we use in sending them and simply be sensible about it.

There are so many materials you can use to be creative this year. There are hundreds of different
ideas and techniques to go with it too.

If you fancy dabbling more with your needle than you do a pencil or glue, head to some material
shops. You can find fabulous ideas in sewing pattern books for decorations of all kinds. You could
create small gifts to send to distant friends and relatives with their cards, create advent calendars or
card holders, stockings, the opportunities are endless. You can buy felt from any good craft stores
too along with buttons, sequins, fabric, material glue and of course needles and cotton. If you are
more experienced then there are many projects which you can have a go at using your machine too.

If you are more of a paper fan than a fabric one, look towards crafting magazines and websites.
Some magazines will come with free gifts and websites will offer you step by step ideas for creating
Christmas cards, decorations and more. For your paper crafting supplies look towards the shopping
channels. As twee as they appear, they have some great demonstrations by professional crafters.
This way you can learn about different techniques and know exactly what to buy too; the shopping
channels often have good deals on too. Similarly, find out where and when your local craft show is.
There will be demonstration stands galore, perfect for the amateur and expert crafters alike.

Crafting has taken off in a big way in the last few years. This means that now you can find a whole
array of materials on the market. You can head to your local art and craft store for supplies although
now many large department stores have begun to stock various paper crafting tools.

Have a look around and price up your tools. Remember that while these are cheap on the internet,
you cannot always see them or have ago yourself. Also, if you are new to crafting, pick a project
like Christmas cards and buy supplies enough to make this year’s cards; it is very easy to get carried
away.

Christmas cards come in so many different forms. Many are made from folded card which is either
portrait or landscape and which show an attractive or humorous image and contain a Christmas
message.

With so many advances being made through internet technology, cards have been required to
become ever more extravagant.

You can buy cards which sing to you. Inside there is a device that is triggered to play a tune when
the card is opened. Some play tunes like ‘Jingle Bells’ while others will let out the noise of a Santa
roaring ‘Merry Christmas’. Recently ranges of such cards have donned celebrities as a theme.
Recorded and personalized Christmas messages are blurted out when the unsuspecting recipient of
the card opens it to read the greeting.

These cards are usually a little more expensive than your run of the mill folded card. They can bring
a whole new life to the Christmas card greeting though and are sure to be opened at least a few
more times than its silent counterparts. Display it in a prominent place this Christmas so that your
guests can appreciate it too.

Another trend at the present is card confetti. This confetti is dropped into the card before it is
folded up. When the recipient of the card opens it up to read their greeting they are surprised by
the sequin shower that greets them. Choose your audience with this trick though. Children will
love it but some adults might be more concerned with picking them up! You can buy other goodies
to put inside your cards too. Some companies do wind up butterflies for example although these
maybe more suited for birthday greetings.

Some cards now come in gigantic sizes. These are great fun when you want a big card to reflect big
love! It puts those smaller ones to shame and stands out towering over them. Many people love big
cards for this reason plus it shows you are not ashamed to be confident about your love.

I have heard many people suggest that Christmas cards are a waste of time. It is also an argument that is quite
successfully backed up by the notion that it wastes trees and harms the environment needlessly.

This is a sad state of affairs. In fact it is a lazy excuse – Christmas cards will live on as long as people
subscribe to the tradition and here’s why…

Christmas cards aren’t just bits of folded cards with pretty pictures; they are so much more than
that. Not only do they keep the postal service busy at Christmas, they are a way for people to
express love to those around them. People lead very busy lives these days and so to take a little bit
of time to think about someone, write them a Christmas wish and send it through the post makes it
meaningful.

Even if you don’t fancy the thought of homeless monkeys thanks to the deforestation caused by the
demand for paper; there are alternatives. How about sending someone a card which is affiliated to
a charity? Many charities offer cards for sale and buying them means that you are contributing to a
good cause whilst keeping up the Victorian tradition of sending a card. You could also look around
for cards made out of recycled paper. This is certainly a help to the environment and those poor
monkeys.

If you insist, you can send greetings by email. Although this may be the way forward for younger
generations the Christmas card tradition is still strong. If you are considering sending greetings by
email without a proper excuse (i.e. you’re in Australia) be careful. In some places of work as well
as among some family members clicking send on an email might be seen as the cheap and lazy way
out. If you must take this route this year, put some effort into the email or online card and make the
body of your greeting longer than a mere ‘Merry Christmas’. How about attaching some photos or
attractive graphics? Take a tip though and stick a card in the post for your Grandma.

Everyone has had Christmas card mishaps in their time. Whether its at school, work or between
friends there are some mistakes that are best avoided.

Firstly, if you are not sure of how to spell someone’s name, don’t guess. With Facebook and Twitter
there is little excuse to get the name of friends and colleagues wrong. Similarly at work there are
emails, letterheads, mail shots and memos all of which display the names of colleagues. Spelling
someone’s name wrong on the card only makes you look like you went through the motions a little
carelessly and without thought. It is something that you are unlikely to get away with because
people are strangely territorial over the spelling of their name. If you are unsure look it up or ask
someone.

Another mistake is missing the post room woman out of your Christmas card list at work. Face it,
there is always someone who you forget to write a card for and guaranteed that they will send you
one. You might not see your colleagues every day or they may work behind the scenes somewhat
but don’t make them feel left out. Offer everyone thanks this Christmas and take some blank cards
to work with you in case you forget a couple and realize once you see them walking towards you
with an envelope in hand.

Remember to post your cards. Buying (or making) the card is one thing, writing them is another
but having them sliding around on the back seat of your car all Christmas is another. So you may
convince yourself that you meant well but your prospective recipients don’t know that. Make sure
you are ready with addresses and correct surnames as well as the correct postage and get them
posted – and, no, you won’t use them next year.

Another point about postage. Make sure you put the right stamp on the envelope.
How embarrassing if your recipient has to pay to have it delivered from the post office.

The trick to avoiding card embarrassment is simply to be organized with lists, address book and
enough cards so that you have spares.

Advent can be a stressful time particularly if you are a parent. This year think about making it a little
less crazy and a little more creative. It is very easy to let December pass you by in a whirlwind of
dollar signs, wrapping paper and sticky tape. This year try not to let that happen and let the spirit of
Christmas take you over.

Why not get your friends over for an evening in and see what festive creations you can muster up.
You can fill your calendar – literally with lots of fun activities to do. Why not set aside a day for
making tea light holders from jars, another for making your Christmas card garlands, maybe a day
in November to perfect your homemade advent calendar and a day for baking. That is a lot of ‘you’
time listed there. You can be creative and relax all at the same time.

One tip is to be organized with the Christmas chores. Get your cards sent early, order your pressies
online before the rush, buy your Christmas party dress before the shops get crowded then sit back
with your mulled wine safe with the knowledge that others are battling the Christmas crowds.

This advent don’t just treat yourself to chocolate (although this is a very good idea) treat yourself to
you time too.

In order to arrange this fun filled advent, designate your calendar month of December to the cause
or even better print off a blank calendar month of December from your computer, decorate it
then pin it up for all to see and gradually insert your Christmas activities. Stick to it too, after all
you always keep up with your chocolate habit. Decorate it so that it in itself becomes a Christmas
decoration and if you like spontaneity, add doors so your daily activity is as much of a surprise as the
picture in a calendar door.

This is a great way to ensure you enjoy advent with children too. Set aside activities that your little
ones can enjoy such as making a ginger bread house or cookies to go on the tree. They may even
enjoy making cards or decorations too.

Christmas cards were established in the 1800s and ever since the tradition has become ever more ingrained into the Western celebration of Christmas.   Given that so many people send and receive cards, it does not come as too much of a surprise that there is a craze in collecting vintage samples.  These not only represent a little bit of history, but they are somewhat delicate and beautifully produced.

If you want to look into researching vintage cards, the first place to look would be in books or on the internet.  Knowing what you are looking for is the key to success in collecting anything.  Find out which cards are valuable and what names should be on the back.

Once you know what you are looking for you can search online for cards which are for sale.  There may be cards available on market or antique websites.   In addition you might find links to these sorts of websites if you look on museum web pages.  These might also offer you more information on the topic.

Flea markets and car boot sales are great places to look for vintage cards.  It might seem that it is like searching for a needle in a hay stack but once you make the find you will find a sense of pride and satisfaction that your hunting has been paid off.  You can often negotiate prices at events such as a market.  Furthermore, you might find some bargains as not everyone is an expert on vintage Christmas cards.

Antique stores might offer a range of vintage greetings cards.  Be aware of the price though and do not be afraid to haggle.  Cards can be expensive but antique stores will often be even more so.  Try not to pay more for any item than what it is worth.

Christmas cards have varied in shape, size and design ever since the tradition began.  Some are very delicate with decoupage and pop up characters while others are humorous or delicately printed.  Whichever you fancy, it is important to like the cards you find.  This way the collection will become more enjoyable to you.

This year you have decided to send out a holiday photo card.  Not only will it keep the aunties and uncles happy but it will sit well on the mantle in the houses of your friends and family.  These are particularly popular if you are sending them to those you have not caught up with in a while; seeing the new baby, or how much the children have grown will bring more than your normal Christmas cheer upon the recipient.

You have a camera, check; a family, check; a token Christmas prop; check.  Now how to create the perfect snap… firstly, try not to panic., if you start early enough there will be time to shoot and reshoot as many times as you wish.

Decide where you want to take your picture.  It might be that you take your camera on a day out or walk in fresh outdoors and the shot just forms itself.  On the other hand you may wish to pose your subjects and try to get some festive theme incorporated by using a prop (a Christmas hat) or simply using a wintery setting.  If the outdoors is a little adventurous, you might want to get your family to pose in front of this year’s Christmas tree.

Your picture might look nice in black and white or a sepia hue to add to the sentimental Christmas theme.  You can change the look of your photo quite easily using software (such programs usually come with the camera) alternatively some cameras have a setting for such arty effects.  Similarly, take time to figure out the settings on your camera before you take it out and about.  It might be that it works best on a certain setting.

There are no rules about what you should take a holiday photo of or what it should look like.  Choose a subject that will be of interest to the recipient, it might be that you prefer to take a picture of a Christmas city scape or the family dog – whatever takes your fancy. Just be sure to print it on good quality paper!