The advent of the holiday season means it's time to write and send your seasonal cards. This year, create shimmering cards that can double as tree ornaments by affixing glitter-coated leaves to card stock, then writing your greeting on the back. Alternately, you can create cards by using the leaves to enhance other festive images, such as the clip-art Santa picture that Martha and her guest Melissa Neufeld embellish.

Tools and Materials
Pressed leaf
Craft glue
Small paintbrush
Flat black spray paint
Silver or other color glitter
Card stock
Floral spray such as glossy wood tone (optional)
Hole punch
Length of ribbon

Making a Glittered Holiday Card How-To
1. Paint the leaf on both sides; apply glitter to one side only. Allow to dry.

2. Cut one piece of card stock so it measures 3 1/2 by 4 3/4 inches and another measuring 2 1/2 by 4 inches. Glue the smaller rectangle onto the larger one.

3. To give the silver glitter a tarnished, antique look, spray it with the floral spray. Once it's dry, affix it to the small card-stock rectangle.

4. To use the card as an ornament, punch one hole at the center top of the card and another 1/4 inch below it. Thread a ribbon, back to front, through both holes. Tie a bow at the front of the card, over the bottom hole. You can also fold a length of ribbon in half lengthwise and thread the folded end, front to back, through the bottom hole. Slip the cut ends through the loop, and pull taut.

5. To create Martha and Melissa's Santa card: After affixing the picture to the card stock, use a utility knife to make slits on the top and bottom of Santa's arm. Then, slide the glittered leaf through the slits, and secure in place with glue.

Special Thanks
Special thanks to Melissa Neufeld for showing us this great holiday craft. To contact Melissa, email her at neufeldm@earthlink.net.

Resources
To purchase the "Decorative Christmas Illustrations" CD and book, visit doverpublications.com.