I was just reminiscing this weekend about Christmases past when I spent hours making our cards by hand. I was especially marveling at the process I went through the first couple of years before we had kids. Stamp, clear embossing pad, gold embossing powder, heat gun, ribbon, hot glue... I even made my own envelopes one year! It exhausts me just thinking about it.
I did continue to make my own cards even after the kiddos came along, but I kept trying to simplify the process. At one point, I ended up asking myself what I most looked forward to when getting other people's cards in the mail. I truly enjoy a pretty handmade card, and I really love reading the yearly newsletters, but my very favorite thing is the pictures!
So I rejected the pressure and went digital.
It used to be that the only choices were those offered by the photo processors, but the sky is the limit now. You can use templates or even design your own if you're so inclined.
Since this week is all about simplifying and saving money, this post is going to be all about the free templates. I tried to include a nice variety of styles so that each person can find one that suits her family. And so we don't all end up making the same cards this year, heehee.
Note: If you would like to use a template but feel a little lost as far as how to plug your picture in there, please refer to Ann Costen's instructions for using clipping masks. It sounds scarier than it is. I promise.
{via The Crafting Chicks}
*this link will lead you to all five templates*
{via Manda Girl}
{via Summertime Designs}
*four templates which can all be accessed here*
{via Becky Higgins}
If you want to be really clever and efficient and fit lots of photos on your card, you could do as Elizabeth Dillow did last year. She used the mosaic maker at Big Huge Labs and then uploaded it to Shutterfly as a 4x6 to have it printed. Simplest card she's ever made, most photos she's ever featured, best feedback she's ever received!
Perhaps you don't own photo editing software (or else own it but haven't yet learned how to use it!). The HP Creative Studio site does the work for you when you upload the photo(s) you want to use. You can even print at home! Here's a small sampling of their templates.
Or perhaps you prefer a more traditional paper card. If so, here are a couple of free downloads in that category.
{via Creativity Prompt}
{via Greetings Island}
Customizable!
And even some thank you notes for later.
{via Monika Wright}
(By the way--if you happen to use a freebie that you find online, please leave the designer a note on his/her site. That simple courtesy means so much!)
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving full of gratitude and time with those you love. Take a moment away from the pie to enter tomorrow's giveaway, and I'll see you back here on Friday. (No, I will not be out shopping the Black Friday sales. Remember? Frantic is a joy-killer. ;)
