Holiday Greeting Cards

Sending holiday greeting cards or e-cards is easier to do online than in real stores. Instead of standing in line, you just have to click a few links and your card will be ready. Here are some tips for those using e-cards for the first time.

Web Based Cards

Go to a search engine and enter “Christmas cards”, “Mother’s Day cards”, or whatever it is you are looking for. This will give you more accurate hits. If you are at the website, search for the cards in the categories links. All greeting card websites have cards for all the major occasions and holidays.

How to Customize an E-Card

When you find the card you like, you can send or edit it first. To edit, you just choose the artwork provided on the site. Or you can upload your own picture or artwork.

Next, type the message you want. Choose the font and color. Follow the instructions on how to email the card. Some sites will also let you print the card.

The customization level will vary per site. Some sites may also charge a small fee for printing the card, but others do not. You should look at different websites so you can compare the degree of customization they allow.

Make Your Own Holiday Greeting Cards

You just need a computer, printer, paper and card designer software. There are many card designer applications available. These programs operate in different ways but usually you start by choosing a category (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc). Next, choose from one of the templates available. Templates are ready made cards. You just have to insert your own picture and text.

Elements in template cards may be changed. For those who want to make their own cards, these programs have blank cards available. After you design the card, you can attach it to your email and send it. Or you may print it.

How to Hand Paint Holiday Cards

You’ll need blank greeting cards (you can buy these in stores) and drawing tools. You can use markers, crayons, colored pens, calligraphy pens, brushes, acrylic paints or pencils.

Step 1

Draw on the blank card. Use a pencil so you can erase it easily. Draw lightly so erasing will not leave smudges. Make it as detailed as you want. Do not add color until the drawing is finished.

Step 2

Trace over the drawing with a pen or marker. Let the marker dry before proceeding.

Step 3

Paint the card. You can use acrylic, watercolors, crayons, colored pencils or any other drawing tool you like. Remember the card paper type will affect the look of the drawing.

Step 4

You can add some glitter to the card if you want. Write your message with a calligraphy pen. Put the card in an envelope and send it.

Computers and the Internet have made it easier than ever to make and send holiday greeting cards. Whatever the holiday may be, there is a card out there just right for it.