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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Handmade Holidays. . .Christmas Cards 2010

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My Christmas cards are done and were sent last week.  For the last 10 years or so I have made my own Christmas cards.  Usually I use scrapbook paper & rubber stamps, but this year I decided to do it all on my computer.  I used a program called GIMP.  I use Photoshop at work but don't have a licence to use it on my home computer.  My IT guy at work recommended GIMP.  I find it pretty easy to use, but that might be because I have some experience with Photoshop.  If you are looking for a free photo editing software, it's worth a try.
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Sources:
- The green chevron paper came from Tracy Ann Digital Art on Etsy
- The frame set came from Gingerworld on Etsy
- The fonts were all downloaded for free from dafont
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I printed out the cards side by side on 8-1/2" x 11" card stock paper and then cut out using a paper cutter.
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I also designed this envelope wrapper with a space on the front to write in the delivery address and my address already printed out on the back.
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I printed these out on 8-1/2" x 11" adhesive backed label.  The ones I used are made by Avery.  I've used these sheets for lots of other things too.  They are great because you can print out lots of different shapes and cut to size and then peel off the back sheet and stick.
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The front of the envelope looks like this with the envelope wrapper attached:
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The back looks like this:
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{Looks a little ridiculous with my address blurred out...}
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Anyone else loving the new Holiday forever stamps?  Seriously, I am going to stock up on these...
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So, to all the blog readers out there, I wish I could send each and every one of you a card to thank you for following along and for all your sweet comments.   
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Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year to You!
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Merry Christmas!
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{ see my 2009 Christmas card right here }
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23 comments:

  1. You may have just inspired me to make my own cards next year. Great job!

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  2. These are so great, Alissa! We do photo cards since having the boys, but these are totally something that I would love to send.

    Sure hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

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  3. Love your cards! And I was thinking the same thing about those stamps! So cute!

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  4. Beautiful card, Alissa. Thanks for the Etsy links... I've never purchased any digital art on Etsy. I'll have to give it a try. I love the envelope wrapper idea. I'm so glad the post office came up with the new forever stamps, too. I just bought four books the other day.

    Have a great holiday!

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  5. So pretty, Alissa, and Merry Christmas to you!

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  6. I love this years AND last years cards!
    Merry Christmas!
    Michelle

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  7. I love the cards Alissa! I just got the new holiday forever stamps too and think they're so pretty! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  8. Your cards are so pretty. You are so talented! I love your blog, you have such wonderful inspirations. Happy Holidays!

    Amy R.

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  9. Beautiful cards and I love the envelope wraps!

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  10. Love these!! Hey just to let you know I linked your blog in my newest post. I just made a berry centerpiece. Its not as pretty as yours, but it will do, lol!

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  11. Great cards! I thought you must have bought them! So you wanna do my cards next year??? Just kidding! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

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  12. Your talent never ceases to amaze me. I would love some digital art software to make cards like that on my own. I had no idea you could buy digital art! Wow!

    Love the cards:)

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  13. Wow what great comments.I am so lucky to have such a talented daughter!
    Mom

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  14. I seriously wish I could do these sorta things, LOVE them! You did an awesome job...love the chevron, the fonts, all of it. Have a wonderful Christmas Alissa!

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  15. Fun! I love that green chevron print... and the envelope wrap sets the whole thing off :)

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  16. Those are so pretty! I love that you created them yourself. Gonna file this away for next year. :)

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  17. Sooooo much goodness in your last few posts that I can hardly stand it! I'm so impressed..thanks for all the great inspiration!

    Blessings to you during this holiday time. Hope you enjoyed your Christmas and have a fun New Year's! Think I'm going to cozy up with my man and our son and just have a fun, low key evening at home. The best!

    Thanks again for the inspiration!
    Holly
    http://hallelujahsbyholly.blogspot.com

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  18. Beautiful cards! I hope you had a wonderful Holiday!

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  19. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!

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  20. Simply beautiful!!! I'm a new follower. Hope you'll stop bye if you're free and visit :)

    xoxo
    Kate http://loveiseverywhere.blogspot.com/

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  21. These are so beautiful Alissa. Your recipients are very lucky people.
    Have a wonderful New Year. So glad to have "met you" in 2010. Here's to many more years of sitting at eachother's windows looking in : )
    Dana

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  22. Alissa ~ Just found your blog and I think it's wonderful. The cards are adorable and I think I just may make my own next year.
    Happy New Year
    Marianne

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