Here are 2012's cards, 2013's cards, and 2015's. I wasn't in charge of family Christmas cards for 2014 because we were in China that year.
The thought procedure that goes into planning our card design involves just a few criteria:
1) No Santa or anything related to him. I'm not a fan, although I think The Santa Clause is hilarious. I just can't take Santa seriously.
2) No designs that are impossible to replicate at the required quantities. I've seen utterly gorgeous handmade Christmas cards--we will never attain to that level of beauty just because...we make 220 Christmas cards every year.
3) Choose some symbol to pattern the design around and make sure the symbol is very different between my mom's cards and mine so that no one confuses the two. For example, we can't both have Christmas tree cards the same year. That's too boring.
Now I'm unveiling this year's designs (here me out y'all, I'm just trying to make this sound awesome and super professional, okay?)
This line from this hymn seemed especially apt this year, and that's why I chose it for our card. Angel wants it to be noted that he highly disapproved of the wreath made of individual leaves because it was too complicated. What can I say? He's no artist.
My parents' card was a lot less time-consuming regarding lettering, and it only required three cut pieces, although cutting the fabric for the 'table' required more technical skill than some of our card-making crew possessed. Also, sticking the candle on straight was surprisingly difficult for some who shall remain nameless. And...Angel was caught purposely sticking the candle flame on upside down, claiming that he thought it looked better with an upside-down flame. Their card also features glitter, which, whenever my mom is involved, is always a bonus.
Do you send out Christmas cards? DIY, store-bought, or photo cards? Approximately how long is your list?
They're lovely cards! I particularly like the line of the hymn you chose. I used to make my own cards, but I can't do any sort of lettering or fanciness so I used a lot of punch out shapes and abstract images... I didn't send any cards last year (oops) but I might try again this year. Maybe. Although I fear it's already getting too late to start making them...
These are beautiful! This is my first year sending out a real Christmas card since I just got married. We are just sending photo cards.
I did handmade cards one year and it was so much fun! But usually I buy them from Minted because I looooove their cards. Sending out cards is one of my favorite things. I love your wreath but, I have to side with Angel on this one. When I saw all those individual leaves I was like, ambitious! haha. It looks fantastic, though. Definitely a card I would want to get in the mail! :)
Aw, this is so cool! You're really talented! I've never done Christmas cards, but with a baby due in April, I think we'll definitely be showing off our family pictures next year! ;)
These look great! I sent out a mix of cards...I make cards for about 5 of my closest friends and then send another 10 or so store-bought (or an easier handmade design). Nowhere close to 200! I'm not sure I could come up with that many people I know to send cards too!
Love those cards. So cute!
The quote on your card is an all time favorite. Perfect for this year.
I love that you do this. And I love the line you chose for your card.
I ordered 25 cards this year. I usually go with a color or pattern I like or that jumps out at me from the (web)page. It can't look like everyone else's. My requirement is that is says "Merry Christmas" and not "Happy Holidays". Because it's a Christmas card.
"more techinical skill than some of my card-making crew possessed" LOL
What great and unique cards! I have no creativeness to me at all lol but I bet my mom could do this.
I love these! We did Christmas cards the first year we were married but not this past year. Still haven't decided if we will do them this year or not!
Those are so beautiful! We just started doing photo cards. With a little one I feel like people like to get pictures of her so we go the picture card route. These are truly beautiful!
What a great idea! Making Christmas cards are so fun do DIY. Getting everyone involved and making memories!
What neat ideas! I usually do photo cards and didn't get them done this year, I was trying to decide if I just send simple cards or not. These are awesome!
Aw I love the designs and quotes. So neat that you personalize the cards yourself - makes receiving them more special!
These look amazing! I really love the card you designed for you and Angel-and I think the wreath looks really cool :) I'm terrible at sending out Christmas cards, and when I manage to get around to it, I usually wind up mailing out the free cards that random Christian organizations mail to me.
Whoa, 200 cards is so impressive! But then again, so is 20--I barely get to sending a handful of commercial cards each year haha. I love the concept of Christmas cards though--it's a way to keep in contact with/update old connections. So even if you're no longer a direct part of someone's life, at least you get to share a little moment together. My parents still exchange Christmas cards with their college professor's family--and they were in college well over 20 years ago!
Anyways, the lettering here is lovely (btw, I loved your insta post today!) and the design is simple and sleek. Whoever received them I'm sure will smile!
Wishing you a lovely start to this holiday season :)
imperfect idealist
Wow. Actually, Angel's comment was my first thought: she's going to redo HOW MANY leaves? I love the design, though.
Pretty!
Super cute! My MIL makes her own cards too and I always look forward to getting them in the mail.
Sounds like a great tradition to make all your Christmas cards! You did a nice job on the designs! I think I like your card better, but all those leaves would be some work--glad you only had 20 of those to do!
I don't send Christmas cards, but I do love cards. And I always look through the selection at the thrift store to collect new ones, which I send out for birthdays, illnesses, and anniversaries.
Those cards are super cute! I love handmade cards and that's awesome that you do that every year! :] I've been meaning to send out Christmas cards but...have not gotten around to it, unfortunately. :[ The intent was definitely there though!?
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