I used a template to make the Santa Claus head for this handmade Christmas card idea. When you make your own Christmas cards you may be more artistic and be able to draw the picture yourself.  If not there are plenty of stencil style templates available on the internet.

I began by tracing various parts of the Father Christmas. I used a very soft pencil so that I could rub out any remaining lines once the images had been cut out.

I cut the different pieces in different colors depending on what they were. For example, the hat piece was red, the face a flesh color and the moustache white.

I used a piece of sponge to gently ink around the edges as this softens the image slightly and adds some grey to Santa’s beard. I used stazon ink as this dries really quickly so is perfect for a quick job. If you do not have any stazon in your craft supplies any ink will do although you may have to wait for it to dry before placing the pieces together.

Next, I used a roller glue to adhere the pieces together. You could also use double sided tape or sticky dots. I would avoid using liquid glues as this could squirt out the side when you press down to attach the pieces.

Once all the pieces have carefully been put together allow the glue time to dry before mat and layering your embellishment.

Cover a piece of A4 card that has been folded in half with Christmas themed scrapbook paper. I decided to use a very plain piece of scrapbook paper so that the embellishment would stand out.

I used some of the left over card that was used to make Father Christmas’s face and cut a rectangle large enough for the Santa Claus embellishment to fit onto.  I added three eyelets to jazz it up a little

I then placed the Santa Claus embellishment onto the flesh colored card.

I then found a piece of black and white scrapbook paper and placed the pink card on to the black and white paper, cutting it so that a border could be seen.

I then did exactly the same with the left over card that was used to make the Santa Clauses hat for a further border.

I placed the final mat and layered embellishment onto the front of the card using really strong double sided tape

Because the card was looking a little bare I also added some black and white ribbon and a jewel. You could also tie a bow or add a prima flower if that is what you have any in your craft supplies.

I find it much more rewarding to make your own Christmas cards as not only do you get a unique card to give to someone, it also shows that you have taken the time and consideration to make something especially for them.

Tags: craft ideas, card designs, rubber stamping, Craft