Art

63 DIY Christmas Card Ideas That Will Outshine the Gifts in 2024

Published on Dec 3rd 2024
DIY Christmas Cards

Make DIY Christmas cards that amaze and delight. Wondering how to make Christmas cards more special and how to make handmade Christmas cards step by step? This guide offers the DIY Christmas decoration ideas you need.

Make the best Christmas crafts and create cards that your loved ones will adore. Check out these DIY holiday cards and get crafty. 

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Beautiful Christmas Card Ideas

1. Card Making Art Classes

Card making class DIY Christmas Cards
Card making class (via Canva)

Discover the joy of creating DIY Christmas cards through art classes. Learn techniques from watercolor washes to embossing and make unique holiday greetings. Many classes cover diverse styles and are beginner-friendly, letting you explore creativity with guidance. You can also give one of these classes as an experience gift. Check out art classes in Columbus, art classes in Houston and art classes in Seattle.

2. Paper Wreath Christmas Card

Craft a festive paper wreath to adorn your DIY Christmas cards. Create tiny leaves, berries and ribbons from colored paper, and assemble them in a wreath shape on the card front. This adds dimension and texture, offering a handmade touch that captures the holiday spirit and makes your cards truly memorable.

3. Ribbon Bow Christmas Card

Elevate your DIY Christmas cards with elegant ribbon bows. Select satin, grosgrain or glittered ribbon and tie or glue bows onto cardstock for a polished, festive look. Choose holiday colors like red, green or gold. Personalize each card by adding a small tag with a name or message for a beautiful finish.

4. Glittered Holly Card

For a sparkly touch, make a glitter holly card. Start with a basic holly leaf and berry design, then add glitter accents to the leaves for shimmer. Great for DIY Christmas cards that stand out, this card design lets you play with textures while capturing the festive beauty of Christmas foliage.

5. Embossed Snowflake Card

Embossed snowflake card
Embossed snowflake card (via Etsy)

Create textured beauty with an embossed snowflake card. Use an embossing folder or heat embossing powder to make raised snowflakes on the card’s front. For DIY Christmas cards that feel special, try silver or white embossing on deep blue cardstock. The delicate, frosty design adds sophistication and celebrates winter’s elegance.

6. Washi Tape Tree Card

Craft quick and stylish DIY Christmas cards using washi tape trees. Stack strips of green washi tape in decreasing lengths to mimic a tree, finishing with a star at the top. This card is not only easy but also playful, perfect for adding a touch of color and holiday spirit to your cards.

7. Die-Cut Ornament Card

Enhance your DIY Christmas cards with die-cut ornament shapes. Use metallic paper or festive colors for the ornaments, and glue them onto the card front. Add tiny bows or hangers for an extra festive feel. This approach brings dimension and style, making your cards feel unique and gift-worthy.

8. Gold Foil Star Card

Add a touch of luxury with gold foil stars on your DIY Christmas cards. Arrange stars in a constellation or as a single, shining focal point on dark cardstock. This elegant design is easy to make and delivers a striking result, perfect for celebrating the sparkle of the Christmas season.

9. Winter Village Scene Card

Winter village scene paper cut outs
Winter village paper cut out (via Etsy)

Create a cozy winter village scene with layered paper cutouts on your DIY Christmas cards. Use various paper textures to build houses, trees and snow. Include details like tiny windows or a snow-covered rooftop. This charming design captures the essence of a peaceful holiday town, inviting warmth and nostalgia.

10. Quilled Snowman Card

Make a delightful quilled snowman card. Form coils of white paper strips into snowballs and add details like eyes, a carrot nose and a scarf. These DIY Christmas cards are a charming way to share a holiday smile and show off intricate paper-quilling skills with a playful snowman theme.

11. Light-Up LED Christmas Tree Card

Bring light to your DIY Christmas cards with a mini LED. Create a Christmas tree cutout and place a small LED behind it for a festive glow. Simple circuitry can make your card light up, adding a magical touch. A wonderful, interactive card that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

12. Metallic Brush Stroke Card

A sophisticated yet simple design, a metallic brush stroke card adds elegance to DIY Christmas cards. Use metallic paint, like gold or silver, to make sweeping brush strokes on colored cardstock. Perfect for minimalist styles, this design shines without additional embellishments, making it versatile for both traditional and modern tastes.

13. Christmas Coloring Card

Coloring In DIY Christmas Card Idea
Coloring Christmas card (via @mum_themadhouse)

DIY Christmas cards that double as a fun activity, coloring cards are ideal for kids or creative friends. Draw simple holiday designs like snowflakes, trees or Santa hats in black outline. Include colored pencils or markers with each card, letting recipients enjoy the coloring experience and bring the design to life.

14. Hand-Painted Christmas Ornament Card

What is the cheapest way to make Christmas cards? Probably creating hand-painted ornament designs on your DIY Christmas cards. Paint baubles in various colors, add strings and perhaps a touch of glitter for sparkle.

15. Painted Poinsettias Card

Paint poinsettias in vibrant reds and greens for a festive floral theme. The bold blooms are easy to paint and add a touch of elegance. This card idea is great for anyone who enjoys painting and is an excellent Christmas card idea for school.

16. Abstract Colorful Christmas Card

Create an abstract colorful Christmas card with splashes of reds, greens and golds. Perfect for those who love a modern twist on traditional themes, this DIY Christmas card is all about freedom and creativity. Add geometric shapes, dashes or even metallic dots for a festive yet artsy effect.

Handmade Christmas Cards Ideas

17. Watercolor Christmas Card

Watercolor Christmas cards
Watercolor Christmas cards (via Canva)

Watercolor effects bring a soft, dreamlike quality to DIY Christmas cards. Experiment with gentle winter scenes, snowflakes or Christmas trees. This painting technique is forgiving, allowing for beautiful blending and natural-looking designs. Watercolor cards have a timeless feel and make thoughtful, handmade additions to any holiday greeting.

18. Felt Tree Christmas Card

Incorporate felt for a textured touch. Cut tree shapes from green felt and glue them onto cardstock to create cozy DIY Christmas cards. Add mini ornaments or stars if desired.

19. Felt Sweater Christmas Card

Give your DIY Christmas cards a cozy look with felt sweater designs. Use pieces of patterned felt or fabric to mimic holiday sweaters and glue them onto your card. Add small embellishments like pom-poms for extra charm. These warm, inviting cards are ideal for friends who appreciate quirky holiday styles.

20. Hand Lettered Holiday Card

Master the art of hand lettering for beautiful DIY Christmas cards. Write festive messages in calligraphy or cursive, adding swirls and flourishes. Use metallic markers or ink for added flair, and pair with minimal decorations to let the lettering shine. This card is perfect for those who love elegant, personal touches.

21. Pop-Up Christmas Tree Card

Pop Up Tree DIY Christmas Card
Pop-up Christmas tree card (via @rudihofmannnl)

Add a surprise with a pop-up tree inside your DIY Christmas cards. Create layers that fold out when opened, featuring a festive tree decorated with mini baubles or stars. This interactive card is a joyful twist, making it memorable and fun for recipients to open and display during the holidays. It can also be used in your DIY Christmas village.

22. Embroidered Felt Snowflake Card

Stitch delicate snowflakes onto felt for a charming handmade card. Simply embroider snowflakes with white thread on colored felt and attach it to your cardstock. This DIY Christmas card idea is ideal for those who enjoy needlework and doubles as a great Christmas tree decorating idea.

23. Rustic Burlap and Twine Card

Use burlap and twine on your DIY Christmas cards. Glue a small piece of burlap as a background and tie twine in a bow on the card front. Add a simple message in cursive. This design’s natural feel is warm and charming, perfect for farmhouse-inspired styles.

24. Painted Wooden Button Card

Paint small wooden buttons as ornaments or snowflakes, then glue them onto your DIY Christmas cards. Arrange them into festive shapes like trees or wreaths, adding a handmade, tactile quality. The buttons add dimension, making each card feel unique and personal while showcasing a mix of paint and craft techniques.

25. Layered Paper Ornament Card

Paper ornaments
Paper Christmas ornaments (via Canva)

Layer various paper shapes to create a 3D ornament design on your DIY Christmas cards. Use festive colors and textures, and stack the shapes to build depth. This layered approach adds a rich look and is a creative way to use paper scraps while capturing the beauty of Christmas ornaments.

26. Handmade Lace Trim Card

Bring elegance with a lace trim for your DIY Christmas cards. Use lace ribbon or doily pieces to frame the card edges or form snowflake patterns. Add a stamped holiday greeting for sophistication. The lace creates a soft, vintage look, perfect for anyone who loves traditional and delicate holiday designs.

27. Beaded Tree Christmas Card

Create a tiny beaded Christmas tree on your card front. Choose green beads to shape the tree and add colorful ones as “ornaments.” This DIY Christmas card idea uses simple materials for a delicate, textured effect and the beads add shimmer.

28. Nature-Inspired Pinecone Card

Add a touch of nature with pinecone pieces on your DIY Christmas cards. Gather small pinecone scales and glue them onto the card to form a tree or wreath shape. This nature-inspired idea brings rustic charm, and the organic texture gives your cards a unique, outdoorsy feel for the holiday season.

29. Cotton Ball Snowman Card

Cotton ball snowman DIY Christmas Card
Cotton ball snowman card (via @friendsartlab)

Use cotton balls to make a fluffy snowman on your DIY Christmas cards. Simply glue cotton balls in circles for the body, and add paper details like a hat, nose and eyes. Perfect for kids or beginner crafters, this fun, tactile card design brings a lighthearted, cozy feel to holiday greetings.

30. Chalkboard Style Christmas Card

Create a chalkboard effect on black cardstock for your DIY Christmas cards. Use white gel pens to mimic chalk and draw festive designs or write a holiday message. Add tiny embellishments like stars or snowflakes for extra charm. This style is simple and trendy. Plus, the technique can be used as a front porch Christmas decorating idea, too. 

31. Paper Cut Out Holiday Card

Create intricate paper cutouts of snowflakes, trees or stars for DIY Christmas cards with a delicate look. Arrange them over a contrasting color background to make the designs pop. This approach is beautiful and gives your cards a sophisticated feel, showing off your precision and crafting skills for a memorable result.

32. Themed Shaker Card

A shaker card adds movement and sparkle. Cut out a shape, like a tree or star and fill the space with sequins or tiny beads before sealing it with a transparent cover. These DIY Christmas cards have a playful quality, and the interactive design is bound to delight anyone who receives it.

Elegant Homemade Christmas Card Ideas

33. Joy Bunting Christmas Card

Joy Bunting Christmas Card
"JOY" bunting card (via @deliacreates)

Create a festive "JOY" bunting on your DIY Christmas cards with mini triangle flags. Use red, green or gold cardstock and attach the letters "J," "O," and "Y" to each flag. Hang the bunting across the card with string for a whimsical, holiday-inspired look that’s sure to spread cheer.

34. Snow Globe Card

Capture winter wonder with a snow globe card. Draw or cut out a snow globe shape and decorate it with tiny scenes like trees or snowmen. Add glitter or white paint for “snow” effects. These DIY Christmas cards are easy to personalize and bring a touch of magic to your holiday greetings.

35. Cardstock Christmas Card

Use high-quality cardstock for elegant homemade Christmas cards. Choose from various colors or patterns and add a festive message or simple holiday design. Cardstock provides a polished base, making it easy to add embellishments like ribbon or washi tape. This design is versatile for any holiday theme.

36. Holly Jolly Christmas Card

Celebrate the season with a holly jolly card featuring holly leaves and berries. Paint or cut out leaves, add red berry dots and finish with a cheerful message. These DIY Christmas cards capture a classic holiday vibe, spreading joy through simple, festive details that are easy to create and personalize.

37. Stitched Christmas Card

Stitched DIY Christmas Card
Stitched Christmas card (via Etsy)

Add stitched details for a crafty touch. Use embroidery thread to create holiday shapes like stars or trees on your DIY Christmas cards. Simply poke holes in the cardstock and sew your design. The stitching adds texture, and this unique method will make your cards stand out as thoughtful, handmade gifts.

38. Embossed Metallic Wreath Card

Use metallic embossing powder to create a luxurious wreath design on your DIY Christmas cards. Embossing adds texture and shimmer, perfect for an elegant holiday card. Choose silver, gold or bronze for a festive touch and pair it with a handwritten message. These cards bring a touch of glamor to Christmas.

39. Gold and White Candle Card

Create a serene holiday scene with a gold and white candle card. Draw or cut out candle shapes, using gold paper for the flame and white for the wax. Add simple greenery around the candles. These DIY Christmas cards embody peace and simplicity, capturing the warmth and light of the season.

40. Vintage Santa Card

Go retro with a vintage Santa design. Print or draw an old-fashioned Santa, and glue it to your DIY Christmas cards for a nostalgic feel. Add touches like gold trim or antique-style paper. This card design celebrates Christmases of the past and makes a charming, thoughtful gift for anyone who loves tradition.

41. Pearl Bead Embellished Card

Pearl bead DIY Christmas Card
Pearl bead Christmas card (via @corneliaulick)

Add pearl beads as accents on your DIY Christmas cards for a delicate touch. Use them to create a tree shape, add to snowflakes or line the edges. The beads bring elegance, and their shine enhances any card design. Ideal for those who appreciate understated glamor, these cards feel beautifully refined.

42. Victorian Scrollwork Card

Bring old-world class to your elegant homemade Christmas cards with Victorian scrollwork. Use a fine-tip pen or embossing powder to create intricate scroll designs, framing a holiday message or emblem. The detailed artistry of this style is perfect for classic and sophisticated cards, adding a regal feel to your Christmas greetings.

43. Gold Leaf Holly and Berry Card

Enhance your cards with gold leaf, holly leaves and berries. Apply gold leaf to the holly for a dazzling effect and pair it with red paint or dots for berries. These DIY Christmas cards are luxurious and eye-catching, ideal for anyone who appreciates high-end touches in holiday greetings.

44. Frosted Snowflake Cutout Card

Use a snowflake cutout and frosted effects to create a wintery look on your DIY Christmas cards. Cut intricate snowflakes from white paper and add a frosted spray or shimmer. Layer on dark cardstock to highlight the contrast. This card design is perfect for a frosty, elegant Christmas theme.

45. Wax-Sealed Holiday Letter Card

Wax-Sealed Christmas Cards
Wax-Sealed cards (via @JenniferKotas)

Add a classic wax seal to give your DIY Christmas cards a vintage touch. Write a holiday message and fold it into a letter format. Seal it with wax and a holiday stamp for an old-fashioned flair. This method makes your card feel special, like an intimate holiday keepsake.

46. Silver Script Monogram Card

Personalize your DIY Christmas cards with silver-script monograms. Use silver paint or gel pens to draw initials or names in an elegant font on the front of each card. These customized monogram cards add a refined touch and are perfect for friends or family members.

47. Watercolor Winter Night Card

Paint a serene winter night scene with watercolors for beautiful DIY Christmas cards. Deep blues and purples evoke a starry sky, and you can add tiny dots of white for snow. This atmospheric design is great for capturing the peaceful side of winter and gives a handmade, artistic feel to your cards.

48. 3D Christmas Tree Card

Create a 3D Christmas tree on your DIY Christmas cards using folded layers of green paper or cardstock. Attach them in layers, fanning out to create a tree shape. This pop-up effect brings your card to life, giving it depth and making it a fun, interactive greeting for the season. 

Easy DIY Christmas Cards

49. Glitter Glue Snowflake Card

Glitter Glue Snowflake DIY Christmas Card
Glitter glue snowflake card (via @Craftbits_official)

Create shimmering snowflakes with glitter glue on your DIY Christmas cards. Simply draw snowflake designs with glitter glue pens, allowing them to dry for a raised, sparkly effect. This approach is great for kids or anyone wanting a playful, eye-catching design, adding instant sparkle to brighten up any holiday greeting.

50. Washi Tape Present Card

Make a festive washi tape present card by arranging strips of tape to form a gift box shape on your DIY Christmas cards. Add a bow at the top with ribbon or another strip of tape. This cheerful design is quick and easy, making it perfect for anyone who loves colorful holiday aesthetics.

51. Handprint Reindeer Card

Use a handprint to make a cute reindeer face on your DIY Christmas cards. Trace your hand, and add details like antlers, eyes and a red nose for a fun design. Perfect for families with young children, this card captures the spirit of handmade holiday creativity with a personal touch.

52. Twine Wrapped Tree Card

Wrap green twine in a triangular shape to create a simple Christmas tree on your DIY Christmas cards. Add tiny beads as “ornaments” or a gold star at the top. This rustic design is easy to make and adds a cozy, handmade feel, perfect for anyone who loves earthy, natural decor.

53. Button Tree Christmas Card

Button Tree Christmas Card
Button Christmas tree (via Canva)

Form a tree using buttons of various sizes and shades of green. Glue them onto your DIY Christmas cards to create a charming, three-dimensional design. This craft is a lovely way to use extra buttons and gives your card a textured, unique look that’s simple yet delightfully festive.

54. Stamped Holiday Icon Card

Use holiday-themed stamps like snowflakes, trees or stars to create a quick design on your DIY Christmas cards. Arrange stamped icons in patterns or frames, and finish with a holiday greeting. This method is great for anyone looking for an easy, polished look and allows for endless customization with different colors.

55. Mason Jar Lid Card

Repurpose a mason jar lid as a frame for a Christmas scene on your DIY Christmas cards. Place a winter image or holiday cutout inside the lid and glue it to the card front. This adds an unexpected touch and a bit of rustic charm, making the card feel like a small holiday keepsake.

56. Coffee Filter Snowflake Card

Transform coffee filters into delicate snowflakes for a soft, airy look on your DIY Christmas cards. Cut out snowflake patterns and attach them to colored cardstock, allowing the white filter to stand out. This approach is inexpensive and easy, making it ideal for crafters of all ages and skill levels.

57. Fabric Scrap Tree Card

Fabric Tree DIY Christmas Card
Fabric tree Christmas card (via Helen Round)

Create a textured Christmas tree using fabric scraps cut into small triangles. Arrange the pieces in layers on your DIY Christmas cards to form a tree shape. This eco-friendly option is perfect for fabric lovers and adds warmth and personality, especially when using holiday colors or cozy flannel patterns.

58. Folded Paper Tree Card

Use origami or simple folding techniques to create a 3D tree from green paper for your DIY Christmas cards. Attach it to the card so that the tree “pops out,” adding dimension. This design is both interactive and visually interesting, great for those who enjoy creative paper-folding techniques in their crafts.

59. Floral Photo Christmas Card

Combine family photos with floral embellishments for a unique twist on DIY Christmas cards. Add cut-out flower designs around the photo, creating a wreath effect. This design is perfect for a personalized greeting card, allowing you to share holiday cheer while showcasing a favorite memory with loved ones.

60. Minimalist Christmas Card

Opt for simplicity with a minimalist Christmas card design. Use clean lines and subtle colors, like a single tree or star in the center, paired with a simple holiday greeting. These DIY Christmas cards are perfect for modern aesthetics, offering understated beauty that speaks to elegance and sophistication in the holiday season.

61. Polka Dot Christmas Card

Polka dot DIY Christmas Card
Polka dot Christmas card (via @vitakosta)

Create a cheerful, polka-dotted design on your DIY Christmas cards. Use paint or colorful paper dots to cover the card front, forming a festive pattern or shaping them into a tree. This bright, simple design is playful and easy to make, perfect for anyone wanting a card that feels joyful and fun.

62. 'Elf' Quote Card

Celebrate holiday humor with an ‘Elf’ movie quote on your DIY Christmas cards. Choose a memorable line, like “The best way to spread Christmas cheer…” and handwrite or print it onto the card. This playful design is ideal for fans of the classic movie and adds a fun, lighthearted touch.

63. Paper Doll Family Christmas Card

Craft paper doll cutouts of family members for a whimsical and personalized DIY Christmas card. Decorate each “doll” with holiday outfits and glue them to the card. This idea is great for families, adding a personal and creative touch that celebrates togetherness in a charming, memorable way.

 

These DIY Christmas cards for adults and kids add a heartfelt touch to your holiday greetings. These cards capture the spirit of the season and allow you to share it in a way that feels truly special. 

For even more fun Christmas craft ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!