Tis the Christmas Cards Creations Time at Pumpjack & Piddlewick

With the advent of November, my thoughts start to turn towards Christmas. Not in a commercial sense, though yes sales are picking up in My Shop. Rather, with the changing of the clocks. The colder weather creeping in. For me, shorter days and increased darker hours gain a warmer purpose. My heart turns to making Christmas cards, decorations and handmade holiday season gifts.

Re-cycling

When it comes to repurposing and reusing, I am not one for wasting the opportunity that Christmas brings. As I love writing letters, this time of year presents a wonderful excuse to put pen to paper, or a card, or even better a Christmas junk journal card.

I can’t remember the last time I purchased a box of Christmas cards. Instead, it’s all about reusing cards received. (So please keep them coming.) Also recycling other bits of paper and ephemera I have to hand. If you are familiar with junk journals, these cards are along those lines. You re-use ‘junk’ paper bits, old envelopes, stamps, stickers, really any paper or other scraps of stuff, but to make cards instead of journals.

How To?

But how does one make a Scrapbook style Christmas Card? (In case you have no clue.) First, you need a base. You can use an old card received. It doesn’t even have to be a Christmas Card, but if you like a particular cards image, then go ahead and use it. Sometimes I use a whole card, as it makes an easier, more solid base, but you can also use pieces of cards.

Then it is a matter of building up on that base. If there is writing, cover this by gluing down scrap bits such as other seasonal images (maybe cut from other cards), or even a plain piece of paper or card that you can write your own message on. The trick is to cover up anything you don’t like with bits and bobs you do like. Add some embellishments, such as stickers or ribbons, or even a tag. And Voila, you have a completely unique card to send to someone. So even if you don’t wish to write much of a message, you have still made something special for that special someone.

Christmas Beyond Christmas

As these take time, both in the making and writing, I generally find myself sending cards well into the New Year. Consequently I don’t necessarily think on them as Christmas cards. That’s really just an excuse. And there is something pleasing about sending cards after the seasons flurry.

It’s also very French, I discovered. It’s not about Christmas cards here. It’s about wishing a happy New Year. Maybe subconsciously I am going native when my cards go out after Christmas. Well, when in France… Still, it rather makes sense, too.

Religions, and depth of or lack there of, varies amongst friends. As well, many go away for the holidays. So sending a card to celebrate a new year is quite a lovely concept. Still, I do love that the holiday season gives me the impetus to make them, no matter when they get sent.