Handmade Christmas cards are a wonderful way for children to create meaningful holiday greetings for family and friends.
I hold fond memories of making tissue paper Christmas tree art at school, when I was growing up in Dublin, Ireland.
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Homemade and Handmade Christmas Cards
This week I got to thinking about handmade and homemade crafts from my Irish childhood.
Making DIY Christmas cards was always part of my early years during the festive season.
Being a nostalgic Irish woman, I thought why not recreate the artwork of my early years with a simple, easy to make Christmas card craft for kids.
And so today, we'll add an Irish style Christmas card craft to our collection of seasonal kids' activities.
Today's card craft was a favorite with Irish teachers in the 1960's and 1970's. I suppose that makes this idea a vintage craft. Well, with each and every passing year I too am aging, and recording these vintage crafts is, for me, an important part of my Irish cultural heritage.
I hope you'll enjoy this simple Christmas card activity from years gone by.
Homemade Christmas Creations To Share A Little Love
One thing I love about these homemade cards is that they only require a few inexpensive materials.
When children make their own Christmas cards, and put a little love and energy into their creation, they're thoughts turn to the person to whom they plan to send their card. Focusing on the recipient, they can even write their own personalized message inside the card.
Handmade with love - they're the best kind of Christmas cards. I know my mother loves to receive homemade birthday and Christmas cards from her grandkids.
Taking time to create something special for those we love is what gift giving is all about, and this year I think this sentiment is more important than ever.
Supplies For Handmade Tissue Paper Christmas Tree Cards
Here's a quick list of what you'll need to make your own handmade tissue paper Christmas tree card. Nothing complicated or expensive on this list.
- Tissue paper - green, red, blue
- Cardstock - brown, yellow
- Brown marker
- Glue
- Scissors
In Ireland we call tissue paper by the name crepe paper - I always like to point out these little naming difference between Ireland and America.
Instructions For Homemade Christmas Tree Greeting Cards
Here' you'll find step-by-step photographic instructions to help you create your own Christmas card.
At the end of the post you'll find free printable instruction sheets, with step-by-step photos, in a PDF file for easy printing.
But first, let's take a look at how to assemble this cute card.
Begin by folding a sheet of brown cardstock in half.
Then, create the trunk of your Christmas Tree.
Use the brown marker to draw a simple rectangle towards the bottom center of the card.
Completely color in the tree trunk rectangle.
Next, you need to create a tree shape for attaching the tissue paper.
Use regular school glue to make a triangle, with the bottom resting right at the top of the brown tree trunk rectangle.
Leave room at the top of the glue triangle for the star.
Take pieces of red and blue tissue paper. Scrunch them up by rolling them between your fingertips.
Place a few throughout the glue. Space them apart slightly, since these will be the colorful ornaments or decorations on your tree.
Now, scrunch up the green tissue paper into multiple small pieces.
Fill in the rest of the space on the glue triangle with the green tissue paper pieces.
Draw and cut a star from the yellow cardstock.
Glue the star in place on top of your tissue paper tree.
Add your messages and good wishes inside the greeting card.
Check out my collection of Irish Christmas Blessings if you need some inspiration.
Plus you'll find some printable blessings with Celtic patterns and designs there, that you can print and glue inside your card if you wish.
Printable Instructions
If you'd like to print out these instructions simply link to the template through this button or the images below.
Here's what the PDF looks like.
Each image below is also linked to the printable PDF file.
If you like this craft and free printable, don't forget to sign up for my email list. I'll send you updates about my recipes, ramblings and resources for school and home crafts.
Plus you'll receive a free blessing printable if you choose to join our Irish American Community.
Happy crafting this holiday season. I hope you and your families have a little fun creating memories together as you make your own handmade and personalized greeting cards.
If you enjoy crafts and baking, especially festive holiday projects, then you might like to check out these other tutorials and recipes.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...
A Dip In The Forty Foot - A Dublin Christmas Tradition
How To Steam A Christmas Pudding In A Crockpot
- Easy And Delicious Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Spiced Red Cabbage
- White Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
- Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
- Chocolate Dipped Holiday Strawberries
- Mixed Spice - A Traditional Festive Baking Ingredient in Ireland
- Perfect Mini Cheesecakes For Any Party
- Christmas Pinwheel Sandwiches For The Festive Season
Bobbi
Fantastic simple craft. I love it and it reminds me of my childhood.
Irish American Mom
Hi Bobbi - I'm so glad you like this vintage card craft. Thanks for stopping by to check it out.
All the best,
Mairéad