Every year I make a batch of handmade cards to give to family and friends during the holidays. There is one design, in particular, that I use over and over again. It’s so simple and only takes 10 minutes to make. Let’s get into it!

Materials

1. Blank Cards/Envelopes

2. Paint Chip Color Samples and/or Decorative paper

3. Decorative Washi Tape (optional)

4. Glue Stick

5. Scissors

6. Fine-tipped pen

Instructions

The idea is simple: A Christmas tree with presents underneath it.  I’ll show you how to achieve the basic design. You can get as creative as you wish with the details. I like to stray away from the typical red/green color palette and mix things up for a more unique look. Keep reading for step by step instructions.

First, gather your paint chips (these are found in home improvement stores in the paint section, they are FREE and come in every color you could imagine!). You can also use decorative paper for the front layer of the tree and a solid color for the back. Either way, choose two colors/prints you want to work with.

Next, cut out a triangle for the first layer of your tree. Using the same paper, cut out a small square. This will be the “base” of the tree.

Then, choose a color to be the background layer of your tree, cut out another (slightly larger) triangle. I like to hold the first triangle on top to get the right sizing.

Good job! Next, glue down the back layer of your tree first. Tip* Use a paperweight to keep your card from popping up off of the table. I’m using a crystal here. 🙂

Now, glue the front layer of your tree on top, centering it on the background triangle. Stick the square on the bottom so that it looks like the base of your tree, like so:

Your card is already looking so cute! Let’s add some gifts underneath the tree now. Grab some different colored/patterned paper. The gifts look best if they are different than the tree. You can also use decorative washi tape to make the gifts.

Cut out one rectangle, one square (washi tape is great for this), and one bottle shape, just to mix it up! While you’re at it, cut out a star for the top of your tree. Use a fine tipped pen to draw the shapes on the underside of your paper before cutting, if you’d like.

Glue the gifts and bottle under the tree, and glue the star on top. I like to make the star look like it’s floating. Leave a little bit of space above the gifts so that you can add some details.

Almost done! Let’s add some details. Grab your fine-tipped pen for this part. Add bows on top of your gifts, and “sparks” around the star.

…And 10 minutes later, you’re done!

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I can’t wait to see your designs. Send me a pic of your cards here. Or tag me on Instagram with #whatjoiknows to be featured on my page! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂

Until next time, Happy Holidays!

Photographer: Melanie Page, to see more of her work visit pagethedirector.com