DIY Holiday Cards
Get creative this holiday season with DIY holiday cards!
This activity offers you a chance to craft a unique and memorable gift, and spend time with the people you care about.
Here are fun and festive DIY holiday card ideas the whole family can make together.
1. Handprint & Fingerprint Cards
This activity is perfect for younger children!
How it works:
- Use washable paint to create handprint trees, wreaths, reindeer antlers, or Santa beards.
- Add fingerprint ornaments, lights, or snowflakes.
- Outline with markers once dried for extra detail.
2. Collage Cards Using Recycled Materials
This is a fun and eco-friendly craft that uses material you already have lying around the house.
Possible materials:
- Scraps of wrapping paper
- Old holiday cards
- Ribbon pieces
- Tissue paper
- Magazine cutouts
How it works:
Create patterned trees, patchwork ornaments, or snowy winter scenes by layering different textures and colors.
3. Watercolor Winter Wonderlands
This is a relaxing, and more artistically advanced activity, for all ages.
Ideas for scenes to paint:
- Snowy forests
- Snow-covered mountains
- Frozen ponds
- Holiday scenes of towns or home
4. Pop-Up Holiday Cards
Make your cards 3D with an easy stand-up Christmas tree!
What you’ll need:
Cardstock, green paper, scissors, glue stick (and markers/stickers if you want).
Instructions:
- Fold your card. Fold cardstock in half to make your card base.
- Cut two slits. Along the folded edge, cut two small parallel slits (about 1 inch long, ½ inch apart).
- Pop the tab in. Gently push that cut section inward, crease it, then open/close once so it “pops” neatly.
- Make your tree. Cut a simple green triangle (or stack 2–3 triangles for a layered look).
- Glue it on. Put glue only on the pop-out tab, close the card, press the tree onto the tab, then open to reveal the pop-up!
- Decorate + write your message. Add ornaments, a star, and your message.
5. Family Photo Cards
Add something special to family photos by decorating frames around printed photographs or turning it into an “ornament” that detaches from the card. Another fun idea is to add speech bubbles, borders, or hand-drawn doodles to accentuate scenes.
Want More Art Activities?
Our expert art instructor is available to teach all ages and skill levels. If you’re interested in building your art skills or taking up a new hobby, call us at (626) 227-1149 or submit a contact form.
