22 DIY Christmas card ideas that are incredibly easy and fun to make

Christmas is the time of year that inspires us to go the extra mile for those closest to us. Whether it’s cooking a delicious and unforgettable Christmas Eve dinner, giving perfect gifts that require lots of thought or carefully planning a special date your partner will adore, you’ll gladly oblige to make things magical for the ones you love.

This level of care and detail can also apply to the Christmas cards you send out to family and friends. While making a photo card online certainly has its charm and pre-made holiday cards can show off your personality, there’s something about a DIY Christmas card that can’t be beat. Everyone will notice the thought and care you put into these card ideas — and a handwritten Christmas wish inside is the perfect finishing touch.

Crafted cards are just another way to bring festive flair to the season. Just like the personalized ornaments or gifts you give, your loved ones will treasure these homemade Christmas cards forever.

Ornament cutout cards

ornament cutout card (All Things Paper/Kristen Desrosier of LCI Paper)
ornament cutout card (All Things Paper/Kristen Desrosier of LCI Paper)

Thanks to some printable magic and crafting tools, you’ll be able to make this peek-a-boo ornament card that looks like it was made by a pro.

Get the tutorial at All Things Paper.

'Joy' Christmas card

glittery joy christmas card  (Amy Latta Creations)
glittery joy christmas card (Amy Latta Creations)

Joy is a pretty big part of the holiday season, and you can celebrate all those jubilant vibes with a card that features the word along with plenty of sparkle.

Get the tutorial at Amy Latta Creations.

Watercolor card

watercolor plaid card (Smiling Colors)
watercolor plaid card (Smiling Colors)

If you’ve never considered yourself to be an artist, you might be surprised to learn that you can actually watercolor your own holiday cards. It’s so much easier than you think, especially if you follow this tutorial.

Get the tutorial at Smiling Colors.

Printable holiday cards

print your own christmas cards (A Beautiful Mess)
print your own christmas cards (A Beautiful Mess)

Instead of waiting and waiting for your photo cards to arrive in the mail, make your own using this retro-inspired template.

Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.

Triangle tree cards

triangle Christmas tree cards (Non-Toy Gifts)
triangle Christmas tree cards (Non-Toy Gifts)

Making handmade cards is the perfect craft to do with your kids, and they’ll get a thrill out of turning green triangles into Christmas trees.

Get the tutorial at Non-Toy Gifts.

Washi tape card

washi tape Christmas tree card (The Full Nester)
washi tape Christmas tree card (The Full Nester)

Is there anything that washi tape can’t do? This card proves our point, all while adding glitz and glamour to metallic cards.

Get the tutorial at The Full Nester.

Gnome pop-up card

gnome pop-up christmas card (OGCrafts)
gnome pop-up christmas card (OGCrafts)

‘Tis the season for Christmas gnomes! Trade Santa Claus for these pint-sized creatures this time around.

Get the tutorial at OGCrafts.

Paint chip Christmas card

christmas card with trees made out of paint chips (One Little Project)
christmas card with trees made out of paint chips (One Little Project)

All those paint chips you’ve collected over the years? Now they’ll finally serve a purpose other than sitting in your junk drawer.

Get the tutorial at One Little Project.

Painted Christmas cards

painted christmas cards with holiday messages (Fox + Hazel)
painted christmas cards with holiday messages (Fox + Hazel)

Get out your paintbrush and test your creativity with these artistic cards.

Get the tutorial at Fox + Hazel.

Christmas card ornament

christmas card ornament  (Abbotts At Home)
christmas card ornament (Abbotts At Home)

Instead of sending standard Christmas cards, why not whip up some DIY Christmas card ornaments instead? Your friends and family will be delighted at this card that doubles as a gift.

Get the tutorial at Abbotts At Home.

Fork painted cards

christmas cards painted with forks (Projects with Kids)
christmas cards painted with forks (Projects with Kids)

Who knew that something as simple as a fork could create such pretty holiday card designs? Enlist your kiddos for this fun Christmas craft.

Get the tutorial at Projects with Kids.

Beaded Christmas card

christmas card with beaded wreath on front (Craft Me Happy)
christmas card with beaded wreath on front (Craft Me Happy)

Those little beads you couldn’t get enough of when you were little? As it turns out, they can do a lot beyond bracelets, like creating a beaded wreath on front of a holiday card.

Get the tutorial at Craft Me Happy.

Snowman Christmas card

card with snowman and 'happy holidays' message (The Kingston Home)
card with snowman and 'happy holidays' message (The Kingston Home)

Frosty would certainly be proud of this DIY card, featuring a cheery snowman with a glittery details.

Get the tutorial at The Kingston Home.

Stamped Christmas card

stamped christmas card (Ohoh Deco)
stamped christmas card (Ohoh Deco)

For Christmas cards that look as if they were crafted by a real artist, look to these stamped creations that are a cinch to make.

Get the tutorial at Ohoh Deco.

'Merry & Bright' card

merry and bright christmas card (Sprinkled with Glitter)
merry and bright christmas card (Sprinkled with Glitter)

Featuring two of our favorite words to describe the season, this “Merry & Bright” card features a bit of faux wood veneer, a berry-festooned wreath and other festive accents.

Get the tutorial at Sprinkled with Glitter.

Snow globe photo card

snow globe photo card (A Beautiful Mess)
snow globe photo card (A Beautiful Mess)

Everyone always enjoys receiving photo cards, but level yours up by showcasing a snapshot in a snow globe, complete with loose sequins.

Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.

String art Christmas card

string art christmas cards (Hello Wonderful)
string art christmas cards (Hello Wonderful)

While string art was undoubtedly a beloved pastime in the 1960s era, it’s making a comeback — just in time for Christmas.

Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful.

Watercolor ornament card

watercolor ornament christmas card (Fox + Hazel)
watercolor ornament christmas card (Fox + Hazel)

Transform your holiday cards into mini watercolor masterpieces with these steps.

Get the tutorial at Fox + Hazel.

Felt holly Christmas card

felt holly christmas card with 'be merry' message (I Heart Maggie)
felt holly christmas card with 'be merry' message (I Heart Maggie)

Although this card looks like it took forever to make, it only requires a few minutes of your time. Stick with a standard greeting or pick something tailored to the recipient.

Get the tutorial at I Heart Maggie.

'Let it snow' card

let it snow card (Tangled Threads and Things)
let it snow card (Tangled Threads and Things)

Short on time? Grab a white paint pen and draw a few snowflakes on a piece of card stock.

Get the tutorial at Tangled Threads and Things.

3D Christmas card

3d christmas tree card (I Heart Maggie)
3d christmas tree card (I Heart Maggie)

Make a Christmas card that will jump off the page — literally —thanks to some 3D touches.

Get the tutorial at I Heart Maggie.

Pop-up Christmas card

merry christmas pop-up card (Sweet Teal)
merry christmas pop-up card (Sweet Teal)

It’s always fun when a card reveals a surprise inside like a pop-up snowman or Christmas tree.

Get the tutorial at Sweet Teal.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com

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