8 handmade Christmas card ideas

Homemade Christmas cards are a simple but special way to send personalised greetings to loved ones. They can be as quick and easy or as arty as you like and are often more eco-friendly, as well as more budget-friendly, than shop-bought cards. Check out our best ideas that both adults and kids can make.

1. Finger paint robins 

You will need: card, paints and/or pens.

Dip your thumb in brown paint and press on the card to make the robins’ bodies. When it’s dry, use the tip of your little finger and red paint to print the chests, then add eyes, beaks and feet with different coloured paints or pens.

2. Button snowman 

You will need: card, two white buttons, coloured ribbon, black fabric and glue.

Go for a minimalist look with two white buttons on top of each other to create a simple snowman. Stick them down so that the holes on the top one look like eyes, and like buttons on the lower one. Glue a small strip of ribbon between the buttons to make a scarf, and a scrap of black fabric to add the hat.

3. Oak leaf reindeer 

You will need: card, oak leaves, red button, glue, black and white paints or pens.

Start by adding eyes to the middle of the card by finger painting or brushing two blobs of white paint. Add smaller black circles when the paint is dry. You can use pens or pencils to make the eyes if you prefer. Then arrange the leaves and button to find the best position for the antlers and nose and when you find the right spot, stick them in place.

4. Watercolours 

You will need: card and your favourite art/craft tools.

If you’re the creative type, showcase your talent with unique wintry artwork in your favourite medium. Visit a wood near you to let nature inspire you and then draw, paint or stitch your own beautiful designs to give thoughtful cards that loved ones will treasure.

5. Paper tape present

You will need: card, paper tape, ribbon and glue.

Paper tape designs look impressive and they’re so easy! Using patterned or coloured paper tape, cut four or five pieces to the same length and stick to the card in strips to make a square. Cut and stick a piece of ribbon down the middle of the square and add a bow to the top to make it look like a gift-wrapped box.

6. Leaf wreath 

You will need: card, leaves, glue, ribbon and coloured pens or paints.

Collect a handful of small leaves and overlap them in a circle in the centre of the card, sticking them down with glue when you’re happy with the position. Add a small ribbon bow to make it look like a wreath, then draw or paint in the letters J and Y to form the word ‘joy’.

7. Stick Christmas tree

You will need: card, sticks and glue, optional decorations.

Go on a stick hunt in your nearest wood or green space and find several small, straight twigs. At home, cut them in different lengths and arrange by size in the shape of a Christmas tree, then secure with glue. Use your imagination and whatever you have to hand to add decoration, from coloured papers or blobs of paint to tiny berries or fruit peel.

8. Button baubles

You will need: card, buttons, glue, ruler and pen.

Simple but effective, glue some coloured buttons to your piece of card at different heights. Using the ruler and pen, draw a straight line from the top of the card to meet each button, and embellish with a little bow on each one.