Combine pretty papers and trimmings to create memorable cards that resemble wrapped gifts, festive ornaments (as shown here), as well as wrapped gifts, graphic trees, and delicate snowflakes -- or even cheerful delicate snowflakes -- or even cheerful snowmen. Look for paper in an appealing mix of colors, textures, and patterns. Then check your sewing box for embellishments: Ribbons, buttons, and twine all make distinctive decorations. Handmade cards deserve special packaging too: To both display and protect them, slip the cards into glassine envelopes.

Ornament Cards
These impressive cards are easy to make. You'll need stiff patterned paper (available at art-supply stores), scissors, store-bought cards or folded card stock, a hole punch, waxed twine, and glassine envelopes. Print out our ornament templates (or make your own), and trace one onto a piece of cardboard; cut it out, and place it on the patterned paper. Trace around the template with a pencil, then cut out the ornament. Punch holes at the top of the ornament and the card, and tie them together with waxed twine. Write your message inside the card, and place it in a glassine envelope.

Do You Know?
More Christmas cards are sent every year in the United States than any other kind of holiday card -- 2.7 billion of them (along with eleven million Hanukkah cards). Valentine's Day comes in second with one billion cards, and easter, with 160 million cards, is third.