* Before you do anything, you'll need to know how many cards to make this year.
1. Using Excel or another spreadsheet program will keep your list organized and easy to update year after year.
2. Otherwise, hand writing a list of card recipients is a perfectly good option—just remember to file it away somewhere safe!
3. Add a cushion to your list for people you have forgotten or who might present themselves at the last minute—a new co-worker or the guy who just became your sister's fiance.
4. An additional 5 to 10 cards should give you enough to work with should you make a mistake or add someone to your list.
5. "Draw the line at 50," suggests Julie Morgenstern, author of Time Management From the Inside Out. If you start getting into the 85-to-100 range, the project is too intimidating
* What kind of card you choose to make will depend on budget, time, and skill level.
1. Consider your budget. Once you have come up with a number, divide it by the number of cards you will make. Now you have a per card cost to work with when you go to purchase supplies.
2. And don't forget to factor in postage: a heavy or odd-sized card may require additional stamps to mail.
3. Consider your skill level. That card with all the sparkles and grommets and ribbons may look impressive, but if your version is going to resemble a second grader's, simplify, simplify, simplify.
4. Consider how much time you have. Involved craft-heavy cards take time. Think about how much free time, especially at an already busy time of year, you truly have to devote to this project. Morgenstern recommends starting Thanksgiving weekend: "Do a batch each Saturday for three weeks and you will have them all out by December 15."
1. There are varying types of photo cards, ranging from a simple one-sided glossy finish card with a little text, to cards that require you to paste photos on the front, to those that provide a frame for you to insert photos.
2. When choosing a photo card, cost is the primary factor. A photo frame card can be anywhere from $1 to $4 each, whereas single-side photo cards can be as little as $0.50 each.
3. Also consider the labor involved. If you work with a local stationer, he or she may simply add a fee to attach photos to cards, but if you're doing it yourself it will take more time.
4. When ordering cards, be sure to find out what the turnaround time is. Some cards can be generated in a couple of days, but others take longer. Your best bet is to order early.
5. Multiple online sites exist to help you craft a unique photo card. They include:
1. Shutterfly
2. Tiny Prints
3. Polka Dot Design
4. Kodak
5. Hallmark
6. Walmart
7. Card Store
1. There are plenty of resources online to guide your craft process. Family Fun posts plenty of ideas for how to make your own cards and photo cards, too.
2. You might try Family Fun's Handprint Santa card if you have kid card-crafters. They'll use paint to stamp upside-down handprints that will look like Santa's beard. A couple of googly eyes later, and this card really comes to life.
3. Paper Source is another place to find DIY inspiration, and they have several in-person locations around the country, too.
4. Martha Stewart also supplies templates for holiday cards.
5. Your local craft store is also worth a visit as you're deciding on a type of card. Simple cards are often the best, and you could make a Christmas card with a stamp, inkpad, and a set of blank cards.
6. Additional online sources for homemade cards (some of which only require you to write some text or fill in some bubbles) include:
1. Paper Cup Design
2. Knock Knock
3. Ess & Jae
4. Crane
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