How to Make Christmas Greeting Cards

Sending Christmas cards is a tradition cherished since the 1840s, and for good reason—there’s something special about both giving and receiving those little notes of holiday cheer. But what if your Christmas card could do more than spread seasonal sentiment? What if it could double as a piece of art? You can easily make your own Christmas greeting cards through printmaking.

Creating your own artistic greeting cards adds a deeply personal touch and turns a simple card into a lasting gift. Your design doesn’t have to scream “Christmas.” Instead, let it reflect your personality and style. A beautiful watercolor, a striking sketch, or even a festive mixed-media creation can become something frame-worthy. Recipients can display your art during the holidays—or year-round, depending on your theme. The key? Design with the intent to inspire.

Fun Facts About Christmas Cards

• Americans send 1.5 billion Christmas cards annually.
• 85% of those cards are purchased by women. 
• 91% of people over 55 continue this cherished tradition.
• Nearly 45% of all cards sent during the year are holiday cards.

Create Your Own Cards with Cheap Joe’s

One of our favorite ways to craft custom cards is with Cheap Joe's Goof-Proof Greeting Card Set - Deckled Edge, Box of 25. This all-in-one kit includes cards, envelopes, adhesive strips, and 4x6 watercolor paper blanks—everything you need to bring your holiday vision to life. Whether you prefer painting, drawing, or printing, this kit is a time-saver for any DIY card enthusiast. However, you can use any type of printmaking papers you’d like.

Make It Memorable: Art That Multiplies

Looking for some inspiration? Check out this “Winter Horses” project. Here’s how we did it:

Transfer the pattern to the Ampersand Aquaboard. These boards have a unique clay surface that is textured and absorbent. They make lifting a breeze for watercolor so it’s difficult to make a mistake. They’re available in flat or cradled panels in various sizes.

Completely saturate the surface with clean water.

The first wash.

The second wash.

Adding detail.

Refining detail.

Completing the painting detail.

Finished painting photographed and cropped for printing.

This painting yielded a three-fer! Take separate photos of each horse and create an individual card from each.

You end up with three unique cards from one painting!

Pair your custom cards with affordable frames like the Nielsen Bainbridge Gallery Airfloat Wood Frame or Miller’s Traditions Gallery Wood Frames for a polished gift your loved ones will cherish.

A Gift That Lasts Beyond the Season

When you take the time to create something unique, your friends and family will look forward to your cards every year. And for those far away, a gift like this can be delivered for the price of a stamp!

So, when is a Christmas card more than just a card? When it becomes a heartfelt work of art—a gift that keeps giving long after the holidays. Happy Christmas Card Day, and as always, Paint On!