Category: Christmas cards

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Make Holiday Cards – Holiday Postcards | Day 13 of 60 for Health Storey Holiday Prep

Holiday Cards: DIY vs. Ordering – What You Need to Know

The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about sending out holiday cards! Whether you prefer the personal touch of DIY cards or the convenience of ordering personalized ones, there are plenty of options to suit your style and budget. In this blog post, we’ll explore both avenues, providing easy instructions for making your own cards and a breakdown of costs for ordering personalized cards and postcards.

DIY Holiday Cards: Easy Instructions

Creating your own holiday cards can be a fun and rewarding project. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Materials Needed:

  • Blank cardstock or pre-folded blank cards
  • Colored markers, pens, or watercolors
  • Stamps or stickers for decoration
  • Glue or double-sided tape
  • Scissors
  • Envelopes (if not included with the cards)
  • Optional: Ribbon, glitter, or other embellishments

Instructions:

  1. Choose Your Design: Decide on a theme for your cards. It could be a winter wonderland, a cozy holiday scene, or a simple “Happy Holidays” message. Sketch out your design on a piece of paper first if you’d like.
  2. Cut the Cardstock: If you’re using cardstock, cut it to your desired size. A standard size is 5” x 7” when folded.
  3. Decorate the Front: Use your markers, pens, or watercolors to create your design on the front of the card. You can also add stamps or stickers for extra flair.
  4. Write a Message: Inside the card, write a heartfelt message. This could be a simple holiday greeting or a personal note to the recipient.
  5. Add Finishing Touches: If you want to get creative, add embellishments like ribbon or glitter to make your cards stand out.
  6. Address and Send: Once your cards are complete, place them in envelopes, address them, and send them off to your loved ones!

Estimated Budget for DIY Cards:

  • Blank cardstock (pack of 50): $10.00
  • Colored markers or pens: $5.00
  • Stamps or stickers: $5.00
  • Glue or tape: $2.00
  • Envelopes (if not included): $5.00
  • Total Estimated Cost: $27.00 (for 50 cards)

Ordering Personalized Holiday Cards

If you prefer the convenience of ordering personalized holiday cards, there are many online services that offer a variety of designs and customization options. Here’s a breakdown of costs:

  1. Personalized Holiday Cards:
  • Average cost for a set of 25 personalized cards: $30.00 to $60.00, depending on the design and printing quality.
  • This typically includes envelopes and the option to add a personal message or photo.
  1. Postcards:
  • Average cost for a set of 25 personalized postcards: $20.00 to $40.00.
  • Postcards are a great option if you want a simpler design and don’t need envelopes.
  1. Shipping Costs:
  • Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs, which can range from $5.00 to $15.00, depending on the service and delivery speed.

Total Estimated Cost for Ordering Cards:

  • Personalized holiday cards (25): $30.00 to $60.00
  • Postcards (25): $20.00 to $40.00
  • Shipping: $5.00 to $15.00
  • Total Estimated Cost: $55.00 to $115.00 (for 25 cards or postcards)

Whether you choose to make your own holiday cards or order personalized ones, both options have their unique benefits. DIY cards allow for creativity and a personal touch, while ordered cards offer convenience and professional quality. Consider your budget, time, and the message you want to convey when making your decision. Whichever route you take, sending holiday cards is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones and spread joy during the festive season! Happy card-making (or ordering)!

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Make Your Holiday Card List | Day 6 of 60 | Holiday Prep for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Holiday Card Lists and Sending Fun Recipes to Family and Friends

The holiday season is a wonderful time to connect with loved ones, and what better way to do that than by sending holiday cards? This year, consider making your cards virtual e-cards and including a fun recipe that everyone can enjoy. Let’s dive into how to create your holiday card list, design your e-card, and share a delightful recipe!

Creating Your Holiday Card List

Start by making a list of everyone you want to send holiday greetings to. This can include:

  • Family members: Parents, siblings, cousins, and extended family.
  • Friends: Close friends, acquaintances, and neighbors.
  • Colleagues: Work friends and professional contacts.

To How Many People Should You Send Cards?

There’s no set number, but a good rule of thumb is to send cards to anyone you want to keep in touch with during the holidays. If you’re sending out physical cards, consider your budget and how many people you can realistically manage. For e-cards, the sky’s the limit!

Designing Your Virtual E-Card

Creating a virtual e-card is a fun and eco-friendly way to spread holiday cheer. Here are some great online platforms where you can design your e-card:

  • Canva: Offers a wide range of customizable templates for e-cards.
  • Paperless Post: Known for stylish designs and easy-to-use features.
  • Smilebox: Allows you to create animated e-cards with music and photos.

These platforms make it easy to personalize your e-card with festive graphics, your favorite colors, and a heartfelt message.

Include a Fun Recipe

To make your e-card even more special, include a fun recipe that your family and friends can try during the holidays. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Holiday Sugar Cookies that everyone will love!

Holiday Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons of colored sugar or sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
  4. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle with colored sugar.
  5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.

Feel free to personalize the recipe with your own notes or tips!

Do you have a Side Business? Sending Cards as a Business Owner

If you’re a business owner, sending holiday cards can be a great way to connect with your customers and suppliers. Here’s how to approach it:

  • Customer List: Send cards to loyal customers to show appreciation. A good number is around 10-20% of your customer base, depending on your budget.
  • Supplier List: Sending cards to suppliers can strengthen your business relationships. Consider sending to key contacts.
  • Marketing List: If you have a marketing list, sending e-cards can be a cost-effective way to reach out during the holidays.

Sending holiday e-cards is a fun and meaningful way to connect with family, friends, and business contacts. By including a delightful recipe, you can spread joy and encourage others to create special memories in the kitchen. So, gather your card list, design your e-card, and get ready to share the holiday spirit! Happy holidays!